Review: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

Matt Cooper
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Review: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

Mario Kart has long reigned supreme in the kart racing world but now a challenger appears in the form of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. Can this Sonic spin off make some waves in this genre? Or does it come crashing off the track?

Chaotic Addictive, CrossWorld Racing

The Sonic franchise has tried multiple times to get into the racing genre, with All Stars Racing being the most recent attempt to break Nintendo’s stranglehold on the genre. These attempts have been mixed, to say the least, but now, as Sega try to break the mould with Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, they have decided imitation is the best form of flattery. This game takes a lot of what Mario Kart does best but brings it back to the roots of kart racing, with superb results. The newest trailer for the game doesn’t even try to hide the fact they are aiming to recreate Mario Kart’s success and boy, have they ever! Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a fantastic fun thrill ride of a racing game with a vast amount of content at launch.

With the release of Mario Kart World, CrossWorlds acts as the perfect alternative option if you are seeking a pure kart racing experience. The game launches with a grand prix mode, a race park mode and time trial mode alongside online and private multiplayer modes. The grand prix mode serves as your main campaign, so to speak, although there is absolutely no story there whatsoever. However, you’re not here for that, you’re here to race. With over 24 four tracks spread across the eight grand prix there is more than enough to tickle your fancy. The main selling point of this game is the implementation of multiple tracks in the same race and this is achieved to perfection. It is an absolute joy at the finish line to see the portal illuminate the screen, transporting you into another world.

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The time trial mode serves as a personal test, as you try to master each track. This is as addictive as it is frustrating, as you desperately try to eke out as much speed from your vehicle as you can. The racing park mode is also a great addition, allowing you to play against any of the 23 racers that are available at launch. These park modes range from team based coin collecting games to extreme rules modes where all the worst power ups are available and then some. What makes these modes so unique is the ability to select a rival and challenge them. Whether you want to challenge Sonic, Shadow or Dr Eggman himself, this adds a new layer of personal challenge with players, which I found totally and utterly addictive. At the time of this review, I had only managed to find a few online games but these were an absolute blast and I suspect upon launch, the online modes will be vastly populated. It’s also wonderful to see that crossplay is available across all platforms immediately upon launch.

Overall, whilst there is no story on offer here, most players aren’t playing this game for that; they’re playing for the tracks, the tournaments and the races themselves and I am so happy to say that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has delivered. It comes with a huge amount of content at launch, with even more promised in the from of post launch content and crossover characters like SpongeBob and Joker from Persona.

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Imitation yet Innovation

If you have ever played a kart racing game, you’ll feel right at home here. There are all the usual gimmicks here on display: drift around corners to accumulate boost, collect power ups to attack enemies and all the usual boost pads and jump sections are also here. Collecting coins and gaining a hundred of them gives you a speed boost. You’re probably reading this thinking this is exactly like your bog standard kart game and it is, but it feels so fluid and wonderful. Racing around the tracks feels so immersive and exhilarating. Performing tricks during massive jumps is so addictive. Punching through the portal into a brand new world for a new lap feels truly breath taking.

This is all taken to another level with the difficulty options included at launch. Driving the difficulty up to Super Sonic Speed is a true challenge and made me end up with some true white knuckle moments. Throwing projectiles and using abilities feels as satisfying as ever. There are some great visual indicators regarding boost, speed and incoming threats as well. The one complaint I have towards the base gameplay loop is the unforgiving nature of the coin system. Ever so slightly bumping a tight bend or corner, or even grazing the paint of another racer results in coins lost and whilst the coins are handed out a plenty, it’s still vastly frustrating. The lack of a true tutorial and too few accessibility options is a big disappointment but hopefully the latter can be addressed in post launch content.

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Suprising Developments

I expected a lot of the same when it came to Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds but there were some additions that blew me away. The kart customisation is the best on offer in kart racing games. Period. The system is so much deeper and more complex than I anticipated. There are literally hundreds of different machine parts which affect speed, boosting, power and handling on offer. Some are specific to each category, which makes picking the right kart a thought provoking challenge. Thankfully, unlike previous Sonic racing titles, characters are not locked to one specific type of kart. I have spent hours trying to craft and create the ultimate racing machine – never did I expect this game to have such a wonderful customisation system!

Similarly, the gadget system is simply phenomenal. When first playing the game you start with only a few gadget spots available but by completing tournaments and winning races, you can upgrade your gadget plate to allow up to six different gadgets. These gadgets range from attribute boosts, to specific power increases or coin boost upgrades. There are a vast amount of gadgets for you to choose from and it’s so much fun experimenting with different upgrades to see how they help or hinder you on the track. For what most people may view as a basic kart racing game, the surprising amount of depth on display is great to see.

Gorgeous But At A Cost

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a gorgeous looking game but it hurts the gameplay to some extent. Every world is vibrant and colourful and drop dead beautiful, from a dinosaur inhabited world to a pirate themed world. The different areas exploding onto your screen when you punch through a portal are something to behold and I could watch them all day. The lighting and the colour pallets in each world are wonderfully varied and mixed. It would also be remiss of me to not mention the water effects on some of the tracks which look stunning. The problem with some of the visuals, however, lies in the tracks themselves. As some tracks are so chaotic with colour and detail, it actively harms the racing experience. It can be far too distracting, resulting in a power up hitting you that you had no idea was coming. It’s a minor gripe but one that can sour the experience on some tracks. That being said, this is still a beautiful looking game, with every character looking phenomenal and dripping in detail. The Halloween track needs to be experienced with as little as knowledge about it as possible; it’s just mesmerizing.

Unfortunately, the sound design and soundtrack end up being a real mixed bag. The sound design is solid enough without ever standing out above the crowd. It’s robust and does its job, with power ups booming in and out of ear shot, engines roaring and boosts igniting. The real problem lies with the soundtrack. The main theme, ‘Cross The Worlds’ composed by Takahiro Kai is good enough as the main theme but it never really hit the heights I wanted. It sounds and feels relatively generic, whilst some of the track music is so monotonous it’s hard to remember much of it. It’s a disappointing effort that hopefully can be remedied with further tracks and songs being added to the game.

Verdict

When Mario Kart World decided to go in the direction it chose, Sega must have been rubbing their hands together. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is your quintessential kart racing game with great content and a unique and interesting gimmick in the form of the CrossWorlds. What appears to be a very simple kart racing game has far more depth and difficulty than meets the eye, with a plethora of modes, tracks, racers and upgrades. Granted, there are some minor gripes with the tracks sometimes feeling overwhelming, and some punishingly unfair moments. Still, if you are looking for a classic kart racing game with fun mechanics and great online and local co-op gameplay, then this is for you! Sonic is back and with a bang!

Review: Fallout Vault 33 glasses

Daniel Waite
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Review: Fallout Vault 33 glasses

I love a franchise-specific product. For example, I’ve recently looked at the Borderlands 4, Ripper glasses. The Signature level glasses were comfortable, stylish, and oozed franchise-inspired elements. Today, I’m focusing my attention on the Epic performance level Fallout Vault 33 glasses.

A stylish option that won’t appeal to everyone. However, if you love steampunk and aggressive angular design, these will be right up your street! The gunmetal finish and slim frame are attractive. Moreover, the patented lens technology delivers game-changing benefits. 

Improved reactions, reduced fatigue, and increased productivity are some of the benefits. On top of this, you’ll enjoy fewer technology-related headaches as dry and itchy eyes become yesterday’s problem.

What’s in the box of the Fallout Vault 33 glasses?

  • The packaging is understated but recyclable. 
  • The Fallout Vault 33 glasses will drive franchise fans crazy. Easter eggs and a striking style await investors. 
  • The hard metal case is secure and the perfect tool for Fallout lovers.
  • A soft case and microfiber cloth are provided. 

Technical aspects. 

GUNNAR has 3 performance levels: Signature, Epic, and Legendary. The Fallout Vault 33 glasses sit smack bang in the middle. The result is improved building materials and a smudge-resistant layer for your amber, clear, or sunglass lens. If you opt for the amber choice, you’ll have 100% UV and 65% blue light protection: the sunglasses deliver 90% blue light and the clear version 35%.

Alongside this, you can order prescription lenses at checkout. -5 to +5 can be ordered as standard. No matter which one you select, you’ll enjoy an oleophobic coating. This helps reduce glare and unwanted smudge marks.

Health benefits. 

Though I adore the unusual style and the incredible accessories, it is the health benefits that appeal to me most. Reducing fatigue headaches when slogging away at my computer appeals. No matter if you are stuck to your phone, TV, monitor, or tablet, the Fallout Vault 33 glasses will improve your work and gaming lifestyle. 

The patented lenses prevent your eyes from drying out. Additionally, every blocked blue light ray improves your fatigue levels. The outcome is a refreshed worker who can comfortably work for longer. Alternatively, you’ll feel sharper as you tackle global players in your favourite FPS. 

Build quality. 

Durable hinges, advanced polycarbonate lenses, and integrated hybrid frame materials make this product stand out. Moreover, the interesting design, pleasant colourway, and amazing accessories will impress. The hard and soft cases capture the image of the game perfectly. Additionally, the microfiber cloth is a collector’s piece in its own right.

The retro-futuristic square frames may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, lovers of this style will rock the look with ease. Everything about this pair of glasses is impressive! The accessories are colourful and fun, and the glasses are strong, comfortable, and perfect if you have a distinct style.

Are the Fallout Vault 33 glasses worth it?

GUNNAR creates eye-catching and memorable products every year. However, this is one of my favourites. I love the retro design and the gunmetal finish. Additionally, the accessories are amazing. If you then consider the impressive health and performance benefits, you’d be silly not to invest!

(More information on GUNNAR can be found here!)

The Fallout Vault 33 glasses have been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: DUCK: Dangerous Ultimate Cartridge Kidnapper

Daniel Waite
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Review: DUCK: Dangerous Ultimate Cartridge Kidnapper

DUCK: Dangerous Ultimate Cartridge Kidnapper has a glorious retro edge. Furthermore, it is devilishly naughty as each game is designed to test and trick you. However, it is badly flawed as you cannot surpass the second chapter. Sadly, this leaves you frustrated and missing around 80% of the games.

This mini-game title was developed by Duck Team and published by Valkyrie Interactive LLP. It is both a single-player and a couch cooperative title. I didn’t test the latter option, but I imagine it would be fantastic if the game weren’t broken.

DUCK: Dangerous Ultimate Cartridge Kidnapper tells a silly story. 

Discovering a mystery game will entice any hardcore gamer to become giddy. This is exactly what happens when a duck finds a 100-in-1 gaming cartridge. Unfortunately, it is a trick by an evil spirit, and the duck must complete every game to escape the curse.

Sadly, my duck never found freedom as the game continually crashed. A 3D maze where keys must be found caused the action to hang and crash to the dashboard. This was infuriating as I lost my progress, cool, and desire to keep playing. 

It was great when it worked. 

When it works, DUCK: Dangerous Ultimate Cartridge Kidnapper is fantastic. The mini-games are silly and enjoyable. Moreover, they are challenging and will make you bite your lip in rage. You’ll test your reactions and button-bashing ways. Moreover, games of luck and memory will push you all the way. 

The approach is delightfully basic, lending it an old-school edge. Though it won’t win awards for depth, I liked the NES-style action. 

DUCK: Dangerous Ultimate Cartridge Kidnapper is rough around the edges. 

Retro games have vibrant colours and ugly graphics. DUCK: Dangerous Ultimate Cartridge Kidnapper delivers this and much more. The cutscenes are amusing, and the handheld console framing gives off nostalgic vibes. Although it is dated by design, the animation is smooth, and it was great to watch. 

The audio is loud, uncomfortable, and brilliantly synth. It captures every retro element, and I applaud the developer for their soundtrack and sound effects. However, it is a shame that they didn’t focus on getting the game right in the first place. 

Clear controls. 

Every mini-game requires a different control setup. Luckily, a clear tutorial and the option to practice are available. This helps you master each silly game.

Due to bugs and crashing, replay value and longevity are nonexistent. If they iron out the problems, this game could reach cult status. Sadly, that won’t happen!

DUCK: Dangerous Ultimate Cartridge Kidnapper should be avoided. 

The odd bug can be forgiven, but game-breaking issues can not. Crashing to the dashboard is unforgivable, and this should never have made it to market. Accordingly, it should be avoided at all costs. However, if you want more information, it can be found here! 

Review: Indiana Jones And The Great Circle: The Order Of Giants

Matt Cooper
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Review: Indiana Jones And The Great Circle: The Order Of Giants

After the resounding success of Indiana Jones And The Great Circle, Indy returns in a new adventure entitled The Order Of Giants. Does this DLC deliver another classic Indy story? Or are you left wanting to play the main game all over again?

Gotta Get Those Giants

If you are familiar with my review for Indiana Jones And The Great Circle, you’ll know that I am a huge fan of the series and a huge fan of the game. I truly believe the base game is one of the greatest games ever made. So when Bethesda and Machine Games announced a story expansion pack, my excitement could not be contained. Thankfully, my faith in the developers, to continue the success of the game, has been rewarded. The Order Of Giants is absolutely phenomenal. This downloadable content brings everything that made The Great Circle so memorable, whilst innovating and making some refreshingly new cinematic moments.

The Order Of Giants takes place in the Vatican City portion of the game, which if you’ve played, you will know is towards the start of the game. Now, with the DLC, Indy can encounter Father Orlando Ricci, a young scholar who is searching for a legendary figure known as The Nameless Crusader. Ricci has been barred from entering the palace built by Pope Paul IV, due to his obsession with the legend and believing a secret chamber lies beneath the palace. If you know Indiana Jones, this is more than enough to tickle his fancy and interest. But Indy isn’t the only one searching for this legendary figure, as a secret organisation seeks to keep Indy and others from discovering the truth.

From here, this story takes you through hidden chambers, sewers, crypts and the main location of the DLC – Rome. The final climactic area, which I won’t reveal, is a breath-taking arena which is something truly to behold. If you are looking for more of a classic Indiana Jones tale, this is your game. The Order Of Giants packs mystery, action and some real thought provoking puzzles. My one and only gripe about this story content is that there’s not enough! It can take a player around four hours or less to complete. I just hope this isn’t the end of Machine Games telling Indy stories!

Why Change Perfection?

If you have played The Great Circle (You will have to have completed up to a certain point to access this content) then this once again is more of the same when it comes to gameplay and combat. From a first person perspective, The Order Of Giants blends action, stealth, platforming and puzzles to complete and utter perfection. Indy will punch, whip and shoot his way through enemies, whether it’s bursting straight into a fight or sneaking and eliminating enemies methodically. The level of freedom you are given in both the base game and this content is staggering and really makes you feel like you are in control. And yes, you can still pick up and quite literally smash an enemy over the head with anything Indy can get his hands on!

Whilst gameplay and combat have remained their perfect same, the puzzles have managed to achieve something I thought impossible – they’re even better! There are a total of six major puzzles that players will have to solve in this additional content and they are real mind benders. The puzzles are so intrinsically tied to the overarching plot of this tale that it really makes every move you make feel so impactful. Some of these puzzles will take some players a long time to solve, so this is a real step up in difficulty from the base game, which for me, is fantastic. My personal favourite revolves around a ball on fire that you have to navigate through a maze! The platforming remains as strong as ever and has been woven into more of the puzzles, making for even more jaw dropping moments! And of course, there are many notes to find and photos to capture. Gameplay and combat in The Order Of Giants have been crafted to perfection.

Rome, In All Its Glory

Once again, Machine Games have made one hell of a gorgeous game. The new added locations drip head to toe in stunning realistic detail, with of course Rome the true highlight. Even though most of the story takes place underneath Rome, every location feels as iconic as the next. I waxed lyrical about the lighting in the base game and once again I am here to tell you that it’s the best lighting in the industry. Clicking Indy’s lighter in a darkened crypt, hidden chamber or corridor to illuminate the area is something truly to behold. Magical at times. The new characters added look as good as Indy himself and the facial animations are once again industry leading. The snake puzzle is a true highlight of visual fidelity, detail and depth. Machine Games are firmly at the forefront of visual presentation.

Similarly, the sound design and score are back with a bang. Every punch, whip crack and shot fired sound exactly like they do in the films, making you genuinely feel like Indiana. Everything sounds fantastic, from the puzzle doors unlocking, to the climactic fight at the end of the story. All of the characters are once again voiced to perfection, with the new additions perfectly complementing Troy Baker’s performance as Indy. Finally, the soundtrack, composed by Gordy Haab, returns with all its glory, whilst also providing some great new additions. A real tour de force in audio presentation.

Verdict

Simply put, Indiana Jones And The Great Circle: The Order Of Giants continues the original game’s perfection with another brilliant story of mystery, action and comedic moments along the way. New and fantastic thought provoking puzzles, coupled with perfect combat and platforming, make this additional story content a must play. I just wish it wasn’t as short as it ended up being. Indiana Jones has never been this good. Bethesda and Machine Games, I eagerly await/pray for a sequel to this magnificent game! Play it!

Review: God of Weapons

Aidan Cannon
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Review: God of Weapons

It sets an uncomfortable tone when a game’s first screen is dedicated to trophy unlock FAQ because the developers wish to address community feedback. But hey, that’s indie development; not every team is going to have the same resources, and communicating with the audience is appreciated, so you click X to continue anyway.

Only the game doesn’t proceed.

So you hit it again. Same result. You press again, and again, and again. No luck. Fiddling with the sticks? No dice. Other buttons. Nope. Waiting a bit longer? Nothing. All the while there’s an animated loading icon in the bottom right corner, but the game never deigns to let you enter.

Given your limited options, you decide to close the game. Enter again, and you’re met with the same issue. You press buttons, wiggle sticks, but once again, you can’t actually play.

At this point, you’re mildly amused, so you pull out the stopwatch on your phone, wondering if you just have to wait it out. It might be loading? Maybe? A hidden install perhaps?

You stop it after ten minutes. There are limits to your morbid curiosity.

Exit again. Enter again. Voilà! The main menu pops up. Now you can play.

Not the most auspicious of starts for God of Weapons, developed by Archmage, a small outfit from Vietnam. Once inside, you’ll be met with a familiar roguelike gameplay loop; choose from a variety of playable heroes (each with their own stat discrepancies) and ascend the tower of Zhor, massacring enemies on each level.

The titular weapons prove to be the most interesting part of the experience. After clearing a floor of the tower, you’ll be able to spend any money earned on swords, crossbows, magic staffs, and more, adding to your arsenal. The amount you’re able to carry is limited by your inventory space though, forcing you to rearrange items or potentially leave them behind. 

Thankfully, you’re granted additional carrying capacity each time you level up, allowing you more flexibility within your character build. You can also fuse multiple of the same weapon into one stronger version, and the placement of items within your inventory may activate bonus effects. This micromanagement scratches the same itch as Resident Evil 4’s iconic briefcase, taking a beloved mechanic and attaching it with meaningful gameplay effects so as to encourage experimentation. It’s great fun, and I found myself spending way too much time fiddling with the inventory in the hopes of squeezing just a few more items in.

Outside of arsenal tetris, God of Weapons stumbles quite a bit. Much like Achilles: Survivor, your character autoattacks, meaning actual minute-to-minute gameplay involves simply moving around the arena and executing a dodge if need be. It’s not very engaging, and it feels like the developers could have found more ways for players to influence the actual dungeon-crawling. Each tower floor is completed after surviving for a minute or so, meaning you’ll quickly be thrown back into the significantly more stimulating inventory management, though it’s disappointing that I’m so eager to escape direct control of my character.

Resources acquired from runs can be used to buy access to more weapons, adding them to the pool you can purchase during your runs. These enhanced items will allow you to conquer harder difficulties, which come replete with fiercer enemies and bosses. Completing objectives grants you new characters to choose from, which can help tailor your run strategy to a certain playstyle. Archmage should be commended for having such a wealth of unlockables, and it certainly kept me coming back despite my other misgivings.

God of Weapons is a bipolar experience. On one end, you have a fantastic inventory management system that asks you to make tough decisions while building out your character’s kit. On the other, you have lackluster gameplay that’s only exciting if you enjoy watching damage numbers grow larger. These ideas fail to coalesce into a singular vision, ultimately making the project feel like a missed opportunity.

Review: Katanaut

Josh Blackburn
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Review: Katanaut

Katanaut, unintentionally, pulled the rug out from under me. I try not to read game descriptions when reviewing, so when I was dumped into a space station with a Kasa hat and a katana, I assumed we were in for a one-hit-kill die-and-retry sort of experience. But when I did die, I spawned right back at the start of the space station with everything reset. I was struck by an unexpected roguelike. This was tough to swallow as I’m in the midst of what the doctors call ‘Roguelike Saturation’.

So, for a roguelike (or lite in this case) to break through that, it needs a strong enough spice to cut through the repetition and keep me moving forwards. Katanaut‘s spice is undeniably its sense of style. Its world is a mixture of bright, futuristic interiors and horrific, mutated remnants of humanity. Blood and gore twinkling in the neon. Style can only do so much, mind you, but it has some good gameplay notes and interesting designs throughout, even if there’s definite clunkiness in the mechanics.

Katanaut

U.S.S Horrible Monstrosity

Katanaut‘s opening plot is a tale as old as time. Our behatted protagonist, Naut, is sent with a couple of friends to explore a giant space station, and figure out why it’s doing nothing but floating around making snarling noises. Given that they’re bringing multiple swords, guns and psychic powers, Naut & Co. clearly aren’t expecting a friendly reception. Sure enough, the station is full of mutated humanoid monsters, who have become stuffed full of tentacles or have burst outward into aggressive tumours. All around, not a particularly fun place to be.

The first thing that leapt out at me was the general design of things, which is generally great. These ripped apart remnants of human beings come in quite an impressive amount of flavours. By which I mean, enemy variation is good. Each enemy generally has their own attack patterns, and are immediately identifiable. If it’s a space suit held together by long tentacles, it’ll erupt into a little parasite fella, for instance. Map design is nice too. Space stations are quite often just dull, grey shapes. Katanaut works hard to liven things up, like the greenery in the garden level or the neon in the commercial zone.

Combat-wise, you have two main tools in your arsenal: your sword and your gun. Guns use ammo, unsurprisingly, but you get ammo back with katana strikes. This is a great idea as it encourages getting in close and slashing, then dodging back and blasting anything still standing. It keeps the pace nice and high. Weapons can be upgraded as you go, and you get a choice of skills each run to keep things fresh. There are a fair few combinations. I had a weakness for drones, so that I could keep up constant damage while I was dodge-rolling everywhere.

Katanaut

Loop-De-Loop

Unfortunately, I think Katanaut‘s swordplay lets the side down somewhat. It just doesn’t feel great. Enemies barely react to sword strikes, so it feels like we’re just wiping our katana against them. Sometimes the sword just straight up doesn’t hit them, too. Guns feel significantly better, especially the shotguns. When I’m in a throng of melee enemies though, the power of the katana gets lost. What doesn’t help is that one of the basic swords can effortlessly parry most blows just through its standard attack. So the best strategy is to jump straight into an enemy and mash the attack button until everything is dead.

Stamina dints that a little bit, as once that’s out you can’t swing anymore. But that strategy carried me through both my successful runs. It doesn’t help the repetition factor of Katanaut. A factor that’s the Sword of Damocles above roguelites. What also doesn’t help is that Katanaut only has limited changes between runs. Unless I missed something (which is very possible), it was all the same biomes and bosses each run. As most of my deaths were against the bosses, this meant that every run began with some near identical busy work until I could have another crack at the boss.

Still, the bosses carry on the great design. The first boss is a disgusting amalgamation of viscera that howls and swipes at you, while summoning long-ranged portals. Half of them are also weak to parrying, but the designs are nice. It also has lovely dribs and drabs of world-building around the place, and there’s a definite sense that Naut is being consumed by something otherworldly. I do find it frustrating that the resolution of the plot is contained behind different difficulty levels, though. Higher difficulties mostly just add new effects to existing levels. There are new monster designs, which is something, even if the bosses are the same.

Katanaut

Katanaut – Stylish, If Clunky

What I did like about Katanaut was the amount of NPCs you’ll randomly bump into. They all give cryptic little dialogue messages. At one point, Naut would start randomly slaughtering these NPCs. The friends he came here with start talking about him like he’s becoming someone – or something – else. It’s these little titbits that kept me coming back, though the sharp increases in difficulty likely mean I won’t experience them all. Katanaut has a great sense of style, and that spreads to the world that it’s building around its protagonist.

I won’t lie, the body horror helped too. I’ve been on record before saying that I love it. It’s like we’re playing through some alternate universe The Thing where everything looks sort of human but also really, really not. It’s just a shame that the melee combat feels so clunky, and that it falls prey to repetition. On a final note, I found it interesting that Katanaut was published by Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. A publisher that went bust in the early 2000s after a string of weird marketing stunts, now revived.

I guess we should be thankful that they didn’t offer a copy of the game to anyone who’d volunteer to play host to a weird, alien tentacle parasite.

(Katanaut‘s Steam Page)

Review: KiiBOOM switch sets

Daniel Waite
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Review: KiiBOOM switch sets

I’m not a stranger to KiiBOOM products. I love the style, build quality, and impressive game-changing tech. However, something I don’t think about too much is the switches I am sent. Yes, actuation distance, responsiveness, and comfort are key to any review, but I’m usually happy with the preinstalled but hot-swappable options. This review flips my thinking as I was sent not 1, but 2 KiiBOOM switch sets to look at.

Though each set has unique attributes, I am going to look at both in this article . The first set is the Strawberry Jello set. The second set is the Flick switch set. Both are 5-pin pre-lubed products and can be used in any hot-swappable keyboard. Moreover, they are easy to handle and fitting them requires no soldering and little DIY knowledge. Consequently, they are the perfect option if you wish to transform your peripheral with little effort.

Why pick the KiiBOOM switch sets?

The Strawberry Jello set is available for $19.99 and has an impressive 50 million input guarantee. This is unbelievably good and will outlast most gamers needs. On top of this, they are a mechanical switch that is compatible with MX keycaps. This versatility is ideal if you don’t wish to change your familiar typing layout. 

The pre-lubed switches deliver impressive fluidity for a high-end experience. Furthermore, I loved the clean and smooth movement and the polished acoustic control. These mechanical switches have a delightful soundscape that’ll appeal to retro gamers and office workers.

A slender actuation distance and responsive inputs are a must if you are a gamer. Alternatively, if you work for extended periods, you will not want heavy keystrokes affecting your work. Luckily, this KiiBOOM switch set has 40±5gf actuation force and 3.6±0.4mm total travel distance. Therefore, you enjoy high accuracy and pleasant feedback when using these switches.

Flick switch set.

The Flick switch set is available for $14.99. This pre-lubed linear mechanical set is the ideal option if you want to reduce cost without compromising on style and performance. They offer a 50 million input guarantee, and they are built to last. The 5-pin design is compatible with many major brands and can be incorporated with no soldering and little technical know-how.

Typing and gaming are a pleasure thanks to the smooth and consistent actuation distance. 45±15gf of actuation force is slightly higher than the other set, but the difference is minimal. This relatively light keystroke is ideal for marathon gaming sessions and lengthy office days. Moreover, the 3.6±0.2mm total travel distance delivers a deft touch for responsive movement when playing your favourite games.

Build quality.

Durability and high-end products ensure that the KiiBOOM switch sets are built to last. No matter which you select, you will not be disappointed. High-grade materials and a pre-lubed design help to reduce maintenance and wear and tear. The outcome is hassle-free gaming and typing for the life of the product.

Are the KiiBOOM switch sets worth it?

KiiBOOM delivers incredible switches with every product they sell. However, maybe you like the keyboard design but dislike the preinstalled switches. Thankfully, this is where the KiiBOOM switch sets come into play. You can customise your keyboard to your liking without worrying about soldering or technical know-how. This user-friendly approach is great and something that I appreciated. Furthermore, I love the durable design and smooth, responsive nature of each switch. Accordingly, I recommend buying the Strawberry Jello set here, and the Flick switch set here!

(More information on KiiBOOM can be found here!)

The KiiBOOM switch sets have been awarded the MOvies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! Samples were provided for an unbiased and free review!)

Review: Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek

Jordy Matias
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Review: Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek

Based on R.L. Stine’s book series, Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek is a puzzle-horror game where you must find out the mysteries pertaining to the small town of Little Creek. You take the role of Sloane, a curious teenager who goes out her way to solve the town’s mystery with her friends. A perfect setup for a spooky adventure that involves the mischief of monsters and magic.

Premise

As previously mentioned, you investigate the town of Little Creek as Sloane with her friends Harvey, Lydia, and Lizzy. Upon investigating the town, the gang sneaks into their local library. There they learn a group called the Monster Society are involved with the strange occurrences in the town. After Sloane goes to the basement of the library, she finds an ancient spellbook. This spellbook is one of your primary tools for puzzle-solving. As Sloane figures out the spellbook, her friends split up to the museum and theater. These two locations are the one of the most important in the game as they house two of this game’s major monsters. Those being the Masked Phantom from the theater and an ancient Mummy from the museum. As you progress through the game, you’ll find different spell patterns to unlock more areas of the town and defeat the major monsters.

Gameplay

With an introduction to the game out of the way, let’s talk about the gameplay. The gameplay is mostly puzzle-solving and stealth. Early on, you have access to a slingshot with different ammo types. It’s mainly used in puzzle-solving scenarios and dealing with enemies. My problem with the slingshot coincides with the game’s implemented stealth sections. If I had to sneak around an enemy in order to obtain an item, I could simply run past it and easily shoot it down with the slingshot. It felt like there was no threat at all from any of the basic enemies. The only ones that actually provided any semblance of challenge were the major monsters (Note: They are also unkillable, so your only choice is to avoid them). And of the various ammo types, some of them felt like they didn’t work half the time. For example, the noisemaker ammo is meant to draw a monster’s attention to where it was shot at. From the many attempts I’ve made using this ammo, the monsters would usually run towards my character instead of the spot I shot at.

I am aware that some of my criticisms of the game stem from it being too simple, but I am also aware that this game is targeted towards a younger audience. The puzzles weren’t complex, but I can see a kid stopping to think about what they need to do for them. I reached the end of the game at about 4 and half hours and was neither satisfied nor disappointed with my experience. It was exactly what  I expected it to be, so I had no expectations of this game really engaging me. Of the few things I found nice about this game is that it did capture the experience of going through a Goosebumps story. The protagonists are kids to young teens who get caught up in the supernatural occurrences in their hometown. Not to mention that the unsettling nature of these stories is that monsters are in fact real and can be dangers to these kids.

Conclusion

Overall, Goosebumps Terror in Little Creek was pretty lackluster. Looking at the devs and publishers of the game, it kind of checks out that this game turned out this way. The developers PHL Collective and the publisher GameMill Entertainment are known for putting out low quality licensed kids games. Not to mention the pricing for Goosebumps, in my opinion, is not worth $40 USD for how short and barebones the experience was. On top of that, the game also has a $15 USD DLC pack that seems to only provide cosmetics, a 3D model viewer, and a concept art viewer. I can only recommend getting this game on a heavily discounted sale if you’re interested. Otherwise, I wouldn’t recommend this game, even if you wanted to buy it for your kids.

Review: Welcome To Basingstoke

Patrick Sullivan
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Review: Welcome To Basingstoke

Welcome To Basingstoke by developer, Puppy Games, gives us a fun premise in an even more interesting setting. Zombies and aliens in Basingstoke, a small English town that many (including myself, I’m Irish) have never heard of. Brilliant. Most action, apocalyptic games gives us settings in massive cities like New York or Atlanta from The Walking Dead but Welcome To Basingstoke gives us something new. So, is it worth jumping into this roguelike action game to blast some zombies? Well, the answer is yes.

How Did The Interview Go?

Interviews for jobs are probably one of the most nerve wracking experiences in history. But nobody’s could be worse than the main character in Welcome To Basingstoke. In this game, players control a random character which can be randomised and chosen from a list. No named characters here, and every character can be changed throughout. But the plot is the same.

Our nameless protagonist is heading for an interview at what appears to be a scientific business company. You are given your visitor pass and you accidentally stumble upon them conducting secret experiments. And of course, they go wrong. After escaping a locked bathroom, you find that the entire office building and the town of Basingstoke has gone to Hell. Zombies prowl the streets with other alien looking creatures. Lasers are even blasted from the skies in some levels. Even tentacles pop up from the sewers looking to drag you to a watery grave. Like I said, the plot is simple and the game wastes no time in throwing you into it. But the gameplay is where the fun really begins.

Sausage Rolls Are Your Best Friend

Yes, you read that sub-heading right. Sausage rolls are the best tool in Welcome To Basingstoke. Let me explain. Welcome To Basingstoke is a top down game where you control a Minecraft type character as you navigate the zombie-infested streets and buildings of Basingstoke. Each level you must reach the end of the map to progress to the next level. One of the main mechanics of the game is looting. You scavenge supplies like truncheons, coffee and sausage rolls to survive. Truncheons can knock out enemies, coffee gives you speed boosts so you can zoom around the map, and sausage rolls can be used to distract zombies. Throwing sausage rolls can lure them to a certain area. Welcome To Basingstoke encourages many playstyles and stealth was my personal favorites. This is why sausage rolls were my best friend.

Stealth Or Guns Blazing?

The stealth gameplay is satisfying and the most safe. While you can beat up zombies with weapons like truncheons or rakes, they are limited. Even guns are low. Relying on stealth is essential at times to survive. I love when games give you many options. Zombies can hear your movements so you need to be careful when walking around. Levels are pitch dark and you can easily blend in. You do have access to a flashlight but this can attract zombies so you need to be careful when using it. Stealth is the best approach mostly because the zombies can kill you in one hit. Yes, you are one hit the entire game.

This is excellent as it makes the game more challenging and can lead to many tense situations. If you die, back to the beginning. Anything the player collects is stored at your camp after finishing the level. Players can only bring a certain number of items so it is important to choose carefully what you need to survive. Some levels also bring other enemies like the Wasteland levels where meteorites or lasers come crashing down to destroy you. Everything is out to kill you. This is why shops are important. You can purchase items like coffee or sausage rolls here, or the most expensive, the Insurance Policy.

The Insurance Policy allows you to save once during a level. Really handy if you made it far into a level. Can be a lifesaver. The campaign is short. You can pass all the levels in about 2-3 hours, depending on how many times you die. Also, the gameplay, while good and simple overall, can be clunky at times. I had problems with throwing items to distract enemies at times as it wouldn’t work at times. I think it is because of the aiming system. It automatically locks onto near enemies and I can cost you sometimes.

Welcome to Basingstoke PS5

Here Comes The Horde

Aside from the campaign mode, there is also a Horde mode. Here, you can choose different characters that have different items and loadouts. Some have SMGS, others shotguns. Lots of ways to approach the mode. It is really simple. You pick a character and level and just survive as long as you can. The longer you survive, the more difficult it becomes. More zombies and they get faster every time. Just a fun little game mode if you want to blast zombies away and try and break some world records. Not much else to say.

Verdict

Welcome To Basingstoke is a fun, little roguelike action zombie game. The campaign is short but each level offers plenty of replayability and ways to approach. Stealth is great in the game but so is the combat option. Aside from the auto-aim system which can throw you off and lead to a frustrating death, everything is near perfect. Zombies able to kill with one hit leads to a lot of intense, scary moments so the best need to use all their skills to survive. Horde mode is a welcome addition also, especially for those who want to shoot zombies and break records.

Review: Bratz Rhythm and Style

Daniel Waite
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Review: Bratz Rhythm and Style

Bratz Rhythm and Style will appeal to a niche audience. This child-friendly endeavour is colourful, brash, and relatively simple. Furthermore, it has oodles of style as the Bratz Pack show their love of fashion.

This adventure title was developed by RecoTechnology and published by Outright Games. It is a single-player or local multiplayer game. Furthermore, it demands a rhythmic approach as buttons must be bashed in time with the music.

Bratz Rhythm and Style conquers the world one runway at a time. 

Conquering the world can be done in many ways. The Bratz Pack has decided to use their sharp skills and fashion talent to prove their worth. However, things aren’t as easy as they seem, as they must understand the local trends and appease a large audience. 

You control Cloe, Yasmin, Sasha, and Jade as they flaunt their style and help everyone they encounter. The journey takes them from London to Tokyo, and en route, they must invest in fashion and hit the gym if they wish to complete their world tour.

Basic gameplay. 

Exploring each small location isn’t the most thrilling thing I’ve experienced. However, my kids adored the compact spaces and the easy-to-understand quests. Furthermore, changing clothes, adjusting makeup, and getting a new haircut made them giggle. 

As you visit each location, you must talk to the locals to understand the latest trends. The hints help you to buy the right clothes and wear the right ensemble. Once you’ve completed your outfit, you must take to the runway. Here you’ll complete an array of simple rhythm-based games. If you outscore your opponent, you’ll win, and the gameplay loop begins again. 

Adults beware, the action is rudimentary, and the gameplay will not test you. This could lead to annoyance and frustration. Thankfully, this is a game aimed toward 6-10-year-olds. Consequently, this age group will adore the simplicity and the refined ideas. 

Bratz Rhythm and Style is super vibrant. 

Unsurprisingly, Bratz Rhythm and Style is eye-wateringly vibrant. The clothes are unusual, and the range of makeup and haircuts lets your youngsters experiment. Each level has a simple design. Exploring the compact areas is a cinch, and a nice map helps you navigate. Though this isn’t a Next-Gen experience, the visuals are clean and colourful. 

The audio drove me insane. Repetitive music and far too many off-the-cuff remarks made me grimace. However, my kids loved the “fierce” nature of the dialogue. Thankfully, everything was safe, and there were no curse words or inappropriate statements in place. Subsequently, your kids will be 100% safe while playing this title. 

Decent controls. 

Kids’ games need to be easy to play. Luckily, Bratz Rhythm and Style passes this test. On-screen instructions guide you through the necessary steps, and a helpful tutorial provides additional support. My girls mastered it in about 10 minutes, and I could leave them playing it without assistance.

Replay value is somewhat questionable. Though there are plenty of runway tests, gym games, and costumes to try, it won’t keep you hooked. If your kids wish to unlock everything, that will add a few hours to the base game. As such, expect to invest between 3 and 5 hours to complete it. 

Bratz Rhythm and Style does its job admirably. 

This isn’t a game for adults and isn’t being reviewed in that light. Accordingly, I’m looking at this from my kids’ perspective. They adored every moment. The colourful graphics, simple controls, loud audio, and small worlds appealed to them. Furthermore, they loved the mini-games and each city. Therefore, they give it a massive thumbs up, and I recommend buying it here! Can you become the queen of the runway? Explore each city, go shopping, and make sure your look is on point!

Review: UGREEN MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Power Bank

Andrew Edney
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Review: UGREEN MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Power Bank

Here is our review of the UGREEN MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Power Bank.

30W PD Wired Charging with Built-in Cable for Travel & Everyday Use, Real-Time Battery LED Display.

Features

  • 25W Wireless Fast Charge: Next-gen Qi2 wireless power, 50% faster than MagSafe, charges iPhone 16 Pro Max to 33% in 20 minutes. 
  • 30W Built-in Cable: Fast charging for laptop, tablet, or phone, doubles as a handy strap for travel-ready organization. 
  • 17 Powerful Magnets: 1-second snap-on with perfect alignment, ensuring stable charging anywhere.
  • 10,000mAh Power: Compact, airline-safe battery for all-day energy, built tough for travel.
  • 13-Layer Safety: Full protection from overheating, overcharge, and short-circuit with smart power management.

Specifications

What’s in the box?

The box contains the charger, instructions and a charging cable.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

You can never have enough power for your devices – sooner or later you will be in a position where something you have and need to use will be low on power or worse still, out of power! This is where the UGREEN MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Power Bank comes into play. Carry this with you and you will have all the power you will need.

The power bank is a fairly lightweight so it’s easy to carry around in your bag, although maybe not your pocket.

The digital display on the side of the power bank showing how much charge is remaining is really useful. You can easily see just what you have left – this is much better than the usual 4 lights you get on most devices.

The battery in the power pack is really good – it’s 10,000 mAh meaning that depending on what you want to charge you can charge devices multiple times before you need to recharge the actual power bank itself.

You can charge your devices either using the built in cable, which is a really great feature as you won’t ever forget your cable, or you can place your device on the magnetic charging pad. The new Next-gen Qi2 pad charges an iPhone 16 Pro Max to 33% in 20 minutes.

This is a really useful device and I will be taking it around with me whenever I need a power bank!

The UGREEN MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Power Bank is available now priced around $69.99.

You can learn more from the UGREEN website.

Review: UGREEN MagFlow 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger

Andrew Edney
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Review: UGREEN MagFlow 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger

Here we review the UGREEN MagFlow 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger.

Dual Device Wireless Charging Stand with Foldable Design, USB-C Port, and AirPods Compatibility.

Features

  • 25W Wireless Fast Charge: Qi2-certified power charges iPhone 16 Pro Max to 50% in just 30 minutes. 
  • Dual Charging Made Easy: Wirelessly charge iPhone & AirPods, plus a 5W USB-C port for extra devices. 
  • Foldable & Travel-Ready: Slim folding design slips into any bag or pocket for space-saving use anywhere.
  • Strong Magnetic Hold: 16 magnets with 7N grip keep your phone perfectly aligned and secure.
  • Smart Cooling & Safety: NTC sensors track heat 200x/sec to prevent overheating and overcharge.

Specifications

What’s in the box?

The box contains the charger, a cable and some instructions.

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The UGREEN MagFlow 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger is small and lightweight and can easily be carried around in your pocket or bag for use when you are out and about.

Once plugged in you can extend the top part in order to charge your phone leaving enough room below to charge your AirPods. There is even an extra port so that you can charge a 3rd device, although this will charge slower.

Your phone clicks nicely and securely in place and starts charging straight away.

This is a really useful device and I will be taking it around with me whenever I need a charger!

The UGREEN MagFlow 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger is available now priced around $44.99.

You can learn more from the UGREEN website.

Review: Borderlands 4, Ripper glasses

Daniel Waite
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Review: Borderlands 4, Ripper glasses

Borderlands 4 is out in the wild. Accordingly, fans of the franchise are gearing up for a frenzied and exciting adventure. I don’t blame them, as I adore every insane moment. When GUNNAR announced the Borderlands 4, Ripper glasses, I couldn’t resist.

These gaming glasses are the perfect companion if you love to search for loot and kill everything in sight. Alternatively, maybe you love the style and want to improve your eye health. Either way, this is one product that you don’t want to miss.

Dry eyes, fatigue, poor reactions, and headaches are side effects of blue light and eye strain. Thankfully, GUNNAR’s patented technology overcomes many of these issues. On top of this, they are well-built and they look superb. 

What’s in the box of the Borderlands 4, Ripper glasses?

  • The packaging is simple. However, it is durable and can be recycled. 
  • The Borderlands 4, Ripper glasses have a striking style and wonderful Easter Eggs.
  • A colourful soft case and microfiber cloth are provided. Furthermore, they are eye-catching, and I love the nod to the Borderlands franchise. 

Technical aspects. 

GUNNAR offer non-prescription and prescription lenses. The latter is available for -5 to +5 prescriptions and can be arranged at checkout. I’m reviewing the non-prescription amber-tinted lens. This signature option blocks 100% of UV light and 65% of harmful blue light. There is a 90% blue light sunglasses option if that takes your fancy. 

If you’ve never heard of blue light protection lenses, you may be slightly confused. This wonderful technology makes modern living much more comfortable. Mobile phones, tablets, TVs, and monitors emit blue light rays. These harm your eye health. The results are not good, and dry and itchy eyes, fatigue, and headaches usually follow. Luckily, these gaming glasses reduce those symptoms almost immediately.

Build quality. 

You will not be disappointed by the build quality. The patented lens technology has G-Shield protection. Consequently, the advanced polycarbonate material is scratch-resistant. Furthermore, the frames and lenses have a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.

The frames are made from precision-engineered polymer. This durable material withstands heavy handling and the occasional fall. Additionally, the fixed multi-barrel hinges are smooth and robust. The result is a tough pair of glasses that are built to last.

The combination of soft and vibrant colours creates an eye-catching product. The Borderlands 4, Ripper glasses have some nice game-inspired details that’ll look fantastic when streaming to your audience.

Are the Borderlands 4, Ripper glasses worth it?

I’ve tried many great glasses from this company. They are all impressive and appeal to a wide audience. The Borderlands 4, Ripper glasses play it safe with a familiar frame style and interesting colourway. Furthermore, the accessories are attractive and perfect for the fan base. Accordingly, I think these are great and I recommend buying them here!

(More information on GUNNAR can be found here!)

The Borderlands 4, Ripper glasses from GUNNAR have been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: PowerCord from Twelve South

Andrew Edney
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Review: PowerCord from Twelve South

Here is our review of PowerCord from Twelve South.

PowerCord simplifies charging from wall to device, combining a 30W fast charger and a USB-C cable into one cord. Just plug in and power up all USB-C compatible devices—no extra adapters required. PowerCord is simple, portable and ready to go.

  • No need to match cables to adapters.
  • Fast, 30W PD 3.0 charges all your USB-C devices.
  • Compatible with USB-C phones and devices.
  • Flat, durable cable stays tangle-free.
  • Low-profile plug fits easily in tight spaces.
  • Available in 4ft and 10ft length

One seamless solution. PowerCord combines a 30W wall adapter and USB-C cable into a single, streamlined design—no separate blocks, no extra cables. Just plug into the wall and charge. It’s the easiest way to power up without slowing down, whether you’re at home, the office, or on the move.

From the latest iPhones to Google Pixel, USB-C iPads, Android devices, earbuds, and even lightweight laptops like MacBook Air—PowerCord is built to charge them all. With smart PD 3.0 output and a wide input range, it’s your all-in-one charger for today’s most versatile tech.

Thoughtfully engineered to fit into tight spaces, PowerCord’s slim plug and downward cable angle keep your setup clean and clutter-free. Whether tucked behind furniture or carried in your bag, it stays out of the way—and looks right at home wherever you plug in.

Available in two lengths: 1,2 m / 4ft for everyday setups and 3 m / 10ft for extra reach. Choose from two elevated colorways—Slate or Dune. The durable, braided cable stays tangle-free, making it easy to match your setup and move freely wherever you plug in.

PowerCord from Twelve South is available now priced around £39.00 and is a must have if you travel or you just need another charger!

You can learn more from the Twelve South website.

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