We take a closer look at the So Bomb DIY Hand Spa Salon from Canal Toys.
Relax and unwind with the ultimate fizzing hand spa experience! Create 16 scented bath bombs with this So Bomb Hand Spa & Nail Salon kit, then drop them in the hand spa for a tingly, fizzing effect. With mini manicure accessories, create your own DIY nail salon for pampering self-care fun!
Mix, mould and create 16 colourful mini spa bombs, with 4 vibrant colours and 3 soothing scents. With the included mould, creating your custom bath bombs is simple! Drop your bath bombs into the hand spa for a tingly, fizzing effect, with a bubbling waterfall feature for soothing sensations.
Complete your home salon experience with manicure magic! Pamper yourself with a nail file, 2 vibrant nail polishes shades, and nail stickers to finish every look. With easy crafting and stylish results, the So Bomb Hand Spa & Nail Salon includes everything you need for the perfect at home spa experience!
Features
Treat yourself to the ultimate DIY nail salon, and make scented bath bombs for fizzing hand spa fun!
Relax and unwind with 16 bath bombs to mix and mould, in 4 fun colours with 3 soothing scents
Drop your bath bombs into the spa for a tingly, fizzing effect with a bubbling waterfall feature
Complete your experience with manicure magic, using the nail file and 2 nail polish colours
With stylish nail stickers, you can explore salon fun at home for pampering rainy-day play
Dimensions: 34L x 10W x 31H cm
Batteries: 3x AA Batteries, required
Contents
1 Hand spa (electronic)
4 Bags of coloured Baking soda
4 Bags of Citric Acid
1 Spa bomb mould
2 Nail polishes
1 Nail file
1 Nail sticker sheet
1 Manual
1 Pipette
1 Spoon
The So Bomb DIY Hand Spa Salon from Canal Toys is available now priced around £19.99 and is aimed at ages 8 and up and is available from Smyths Toys.
Here we take a closer look at the Canyon Wireless Keyboard KB-W01.
The KB-W01 Wireless Keyboard is your invitation into the world of effortless typing where tangled cables are no longer a reason for worrying. Designed for those who value both functionality and simplicity, this classic full-size keyboard provides a truly seamless typing experience that’s perfect for work, play, and everything in between. With 104 keys, it has all the buttons you need and none of the ones you don’t. Worried about coffee spills during your morning hustle? Don’t sweat it! The spill-resistant design makes sure that your keyboard survives minor accidents; because let’s face it, caffeine and keyboards often go hand in hand. The 2.4G wireless connection provides a reliable, lag-free typing experience, so you can move freely without being attached to your desk. Compatible with both Windows and MacOS, it’s the perfect tool for anyone who can’t decide between a PC or a Mac (or needs both). Built to endure, the KB-W01 hsa an impressive 10 million clicks lifespan. You may be typing out reports, working on your novel, or firing off emails like a pro – this keyboard is built to keep up with your rhythm for years to come. Compact yet spacious, wireless yet dependable, the KB-W01 Wireless Keyboard will definitely elevate your typing game. And it’ll even forgive you for that one embarrassing typo – it’s just that kind of keyboard.
Typing on the KB-W01 feels as smooth as a freshly paved highway. With a classic full-size layout and precise keystrokes, it’s meant to keep up with your pace, whatever your task is. No missed keystrokes, no awkward key spacing, just effortless flow.
Why settle for cramped keys or awkward layouts? The KB-W01’s 104-key design provides a comfortable, familiar setup, where your hands can glide naturally over the keys. From typing lengthy documents to navigating shortcuts, every press will feel satisfying and intuitive. It’s like your hands finally found their home.
Don’t want to be tied down? The 2.4 GHz wireless connection provides a lag-free experience with a stable and speedy connection. Just plug in the USB dongle, and you’re ready to type from your desk, couch, or anywhere inspiration catches you. No tangled cables or interruptions can interfere with pure productivity from up to 10 meters away.
The KB-W01’s spill-resistant design can handle the minor mishaps without breaking a sweat (unlike most of us when it first happens). So go ahead, sip your coffee and type away; this is a keyboard that won’t flinch in the face of a few drops.
Features
Classic Full Size Wireless Keyboard
Spill-Resistant
2.4G Connection
Win/MacOS Compatible
10 Million Clicks
Button Number: 104
Specifications
The Canyon Wireless Keyboard KB-W01 is available now priced around £29.99.
Here we take a closer look at the Canyon Wireless Mouse MW-04.
The MW-04 mouse from Canyon is the universal remedy for all your needs. Thanks to its Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities, it can be effortlessly connected to a wide variety of devices. What else is there to see? A 1200 DPI optical sensor is combined with a smart power saving system. Meaning that just a single AA battery serves as long as it could get.
There are 3 minimalistic buttons that can surely withstand 3 million clicks. Canyon MW-04 is lightweight and compact, so put it in your bag and take it on adventure. If you’re left-handed, worry not: this mouse is ambidextrous and suitable for both left- and right-handed people. In fact, you can buy two of them and use both of your hands! Think about it and get at least one today.
Features
Bluetooth 5.0 connection
Optical sensor, up to 1200 DPI
Smart power saving
Ambidextrous – suits both hands
Three buttons
Lifespan of 3 million clicks
Anti-slip plastic body
Powered with one AA battery
Specifications
The Canyon Wireless Mouse MW-04 is available priced around £5.99 and is available in either White or Black.
Here we take a closer look at Dobble: Quest for the One Ring.
This is the latest magical addition to the already beloved Dobble Family, with names like Dobble Super Mario, Lilo & Stitch, Star Wars Mandolorian, Disney Princess, Pixar, Marvel and many more!
Perfect for Hobbits, Elves, Trolls, and humans alike, this special edition of Dobble takes the universally loved game of speed and observation and combines it with the fantastical world of The Lord of the Rings.
Featuring iconic symbols, objects and characters from Tolkien’s iconic universe, fans will immedietly recognise Wargs, The Tower of Mordor, The One Ring and characters like Gandalf and Aragorn. Each round is a race to find the matching image and claim victory in the blink of an eye.
Like all Dobble games, the rules are simple yet addictive: any two cards share exactly one symbol, and the first player to spot the match wins the round. But in Dobble: Quest for The One Ring, every match is a little piece of fantasy lore – perfect for casual gamers, longtime fans, and epic storytellers looking to test their speed and knowledge.
The handy tin makes it a portable game to keep secret and keep safe! Whether you’re hosting a wholesome game night in The Shire or battling on the slopes of Mount Doom, Dobble: Quest for The One Ring delivers a thrilling experience that travels well and offers hours of fun.
Fast, portable, and packed with magic, Dobble: Quest for The One Ring provides the legendary fun of Dobble with a fantasy twist. Gather The Shire and bring Middle-earth right to your table.
Dobble: Quest for the One Ring is for 2-8 players aged 6 and up and each game lasts around 15 minutes.
Dobble: Quest for the One Ring is available now priced around £16.99.
Here is our review of the WX5+ Wireless RGB Controller Switch 2 Doodle.
Designed for gamers who demand performance and style, the WX5+ delivers next-gen control with customisable RGB lighting and advanced features built for both casual solo play and intense multiplayer action. Fully compatible with the new Switch 2 and the original Nintendo Switch.
Features
Wireless Connectivity: Enjoy lag-free, cable-free gaming with responsive wireless performance for total freedom.
Hall Effect Sticks & Triggers: Magnetic precision for ultra-smooth, drift-free control and consistent trigger responsiveness.
Motion & Vibration Support: Immerse yourself with precise motion control and responsive vibration feedback.
Rechargeable Battery: Stay in the game longer with a built-in rechargeable battery—no disposables required.
3.5mm Audio Jack in Wired Mode: Plug in your gaming headset directly for immersive audio and real-time chat.
Shortcut to GameChat: Instantly connect with your squad— just one press to access the chat menu.
Switch & Switch 2 Compatible: One controller, two generations—built to work seamlessly with both systems.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the controller, a QuickStart guide and a charging cable.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The WX5+ Doodle is a great looking controller, with its unique colourful appearance.
Out of the box the controller had some charge, but it would be worth fully charging it before using. Just plug in using the supplied charging cable.
Pairing the controller was really simple – I tested it with my Switch 2 and it only took a few moments to find and pair it.
Holding the controller is very comfortable, especially if you have smaller hands (like my trusty 8 year old assistant). The thumb sticks , triggers and buttons were really responsive, and the back buttons are programmable too.
The controller also supports motion and vibration so you won’t miss out on those features in gamings
There is also RGB lighting on the controller which is pretty cool (according to my trusty 8 year old assistant).
There is also a 3.5mm jack built into the controller so you can plug in your headphones directly if you want.
The WX5+ Wireless RGB Controller Switch 2 Doodle is available now priced around £24.99 and is a must have if you are looking for a second controller for your Switch 2 (or original Switch).
Here new take a closer look at the Doodle Copy Draw & Print Set from Canal Toys.
Draw, copy, print and colour with this Doodle Copy Draw & Print Set! This is the first creative doodle pad where kids can easily design their own art and watch it print out. Enjoy easy, mess-free fun that’s perfect for screen-free play at home or on the go.
Use the unique drawing board with colourful carbon paper and 50 reusable stencils to bring creative ideas to life. Then press the button to print your creation and give it that finishing touch with the included crayons.
Magically print your art with the Doodle Copy Draw & Print Set!
Draw your design, then press a button to print it out
Bring your ideas to life with colourful carbon paper and 50 reusable stencils
Add your personal touch with the included crayons and stickers
A Dream about Parking Lots is a surreal and unusual experience. Furthermore, very little happens as you float from car to car. This lack of action may concern you, but the interesting dialogue and layers of metaphors balance things out.
This walking simulator was developed and published by Take It Studio!. It is a single-player first-person adventure that is deliberately slow. Furthermore, it is short, and I completed my only run through in less than 90 minutes. Consequently, this is perfect if you love to add to your achievement collection.
A Dream about Parking Lots is trippy.
The plot delivers plenty of broken and isolated subjects. However, the information is connected thanks to each therapy session. As the game unfolds, you hear the protagonist and a therapist talk. Each subject is deliberate, and the imagery complements the dreamy and bizarre script.
Gamers are encouraged to pick an array of answers for each question. Though this doesn’t impact the flow of the story, the responses were interesting. Moreover, they distract you from the repetitive and arduous search for your car.
Paint drying would be quicker.
Though I liked the surreal moments and the settings, the game flows at a snail’s pace. Moving between cars and blipping your key fob was painfully slow. This approach works with the floaty dream-like state, but it is pretty darn tedious.
The lack of goals and objectives will be another sticking point. Though the dialogue is interesting, there is little else to do. Moving from one parking lot to another isn’t the most fascinating deal, and gamers will tire of this approach.
A Dream about Parking Lots looks rough.
I’ve played some rough-looking games, but A Dream about Parking Lots is up there with the worst. The developer has leaned heavily on the surreal edge, and this undermines the textures, finish, and quality. Low render distances, repetitive imagery, and simple stage design add to the complaints. Though it doesn’t affect the action, it is painful to look at.
The music is soft, comfortable, and settling. I liked the classical vibes and the gentle atmosphere. This airy approach matches the theme and works extremely well.
Straightforward controls.
Moving, pressing your key fob, and getting into your car are all that is required. Furthermore, the slow movement makes it easy to navigate each strange parking lot. This approach makes A Dream about Parking Lots an easy game to master.
I completed this in no time. Subsequently, longevity is nonexistent. Furthermore, once you complete the limited levels, you’ll have no reason to return. This isn’t a problem, as I wouldn’t want to play it more than once.
A Dream about Parking Lots isn’t the best.
Indie games have the freedom to play with bizarre subject matter. This occasionally works, but when it doesn’t, it is a mess. Unfortunately, A Dream about Parking Lots sits in the latter camp. Unless you want an easy completion, this game should probably be avoided. However, more information can be found here! Can you get to the bottom of your dreams? Explore the car park, press the button on your key fob, and proceed to your car.
Are you having issues with your computer lately? This happens every now and then, especially as the computer starts to get old or overloaded with files and things that you didn’t even realize were on there. It’s inconvenient to say the least, and sometimes it can even be disruptive to your day, which is the last thing that you want. So, it’s important that you understand what some of the common issues are that you can face, and how you can fix them. Interested in learning more? Feel free to lead on.
Also known as the blue screen of death, this is where a critical system error message appears when the operating system encounters an issue that it is not able to recover from. Sometimes it displays this message, and other times the screen goes completely blank and there’s nothing you can do about it. You may have tried trying to boot it in safe mode with no success, you may have tried restarting it, turning it off completely and giving it some time, but still nothing is working.
The screen of death is not something that you can fix for yourself, and is instead something that you’re going to need to consult a computer expert near you. Be aware though, even they may not be able to fix this issue, but it’s always worth a try.
No Charge
At times, your computer may fight back and not want to charge or stay charged. Like with anything, the battery can get tired and may even need replacing. If your device isn’t staying charged then you could first try another charger. If this doesn’t work then see how much a new battery will cost you. Sometimes it is cheaper to just invest in a new computer, rather than always paying out for new parts.
If you aren’t sure how to change your computer’s battery then you could see if you can find a computer whiz to do this for you. They may even supply the batteries that you need then you can be on your merry way with a computer that now lasts days.
Weird Settings
Finally, it is always worth checking your settings when it comes to your computer. Sometimes, when there is an update your tech will default back to factory settings. There is simply no reason for this mild inconvenience, but the good news is that it is an easy fix. Find out what settings have changed and then change them back. It might be that your brightness isn’t doing what it needs to do, some change automatically depending on the light around the device. If you don’t want this to happen then you can turn it off so you have to adjust it manually each time.
We do hope you found this article helpful and it gave you some ideas on what is going on with your computer and how you can fix this issue. Some problems you encounter won’t be that simple to fix and you may need professional input. Tech guys are wonderful and always worth keeping on speed dial for when you need them the most.
We take a closer look at the So Slime Sensations Street Foodz Crush from Canal Toys.
Create Tasty-Looking Street Food with Sugary Crush!
Get ready for an irresistible ASMR experience with Sugary Crush Streetfood! Choose from three cool options-Pizza, Tacos, or Hamburger-and mix different ingredients to create your very own tasty-looking dishes from scratch.
Decorate with toppings or mould your own decorations for extra fun! Take pictures and share your creations with friends or on social media. Keep your masterpiece… or crush it to make the softest, creamiest slime ever! Play and mix different types of slime for endless ASMR fun!
CREATE: Make amazing looking Tacos, a Burger and a Pizza with the different compounds!
DECORATE: With all the accessories, take a photo and share!
CRUSH IT: And enjoy the sensation of all compunds and decorations mixing.
The So Slime Sensations Street Foodz Crush from Canal Toys is available now priced around £14.99 and is aimed at ages 6 and up, and you can order it from Very.
Here we take a closer look at the Art Lab Fluffy Paint Studio from Canal Toys.
Create amazing 3D textured works of art with this complete easy-to-use Fluffy Paint Studio!
Each pack comes complete with a compact work studio, 4 fluffy paints, 4 watercolour paints, 10 posters, 10 white watercolour sheets, decorations and tools to help you create amazing textured artwork.
Simply choose a poster or design your own from scratch, paint it with watercolour paints, and then add the 3D fluffy paint for a unique, textured finish.
Let your imagination run wild and bring your artwork to life!
Features
CREATE AMAZING 3D ART: Design and decorate up to 10 unique masterpieces with fluffy textures and bold colours.
PACKED FULL OF ACCESSORIES: Comes with 4 fluffy paints, 4 watercolours, tools, 10 posters, and 10 blank sheets.
FUN FINISHING TOUCHES: Use 6 surprise deco bags filled with charms to personalise your artwork.
TIDY & ORGANISED: Studio includes compartments to store your paints, decorations and creations.
PERFECT FOR YOUNG ARTISTS: A fun and creative gift for kids who love to paint, decorate, and design!
What’s in the box?
1 Painting Studio
4 Fluffy Paints
4 Water Paints
10 Printed Posters
10 White Posters
1 Spoon
1 Brush
7 Bags of decorations
The Art Lab Fluffy Paint Studio from Canal Toys is available now priced around £22.99 and is aimed at ages 5 and up and is available from Smyths Toys.
In a significant leap for outdoor gear, innovative tech company MatataLab has unveiled the Solvia ED 8×32 AI Binoculars, a smart device designed to elevate the way we explore.
The Solvia ED 8×32 AI Binoculars combine advanced ED 8×32 professional optics with cutting-edge AI bird recognition technology, while also allowing users to share their discoveries to social media with a single click. Observe + Capture + Identify + Share — this innovative device is redefining the way people experience the outdoors.
Currently live on Kickstarter, the campaign has already surpassed $200,000 in funding within a short period of time, drawing significant global attention and enthusiasm from users worldwide.
Let’s dive into the product itself.
ED 8×32 Glass Optics: Reduces chromatic aberration and glare for clearer, more vivid images.
AI Recognition: Identify birds in 1 second with up to 98% accuracy. Trained on 100GB of data, it recognizes 10,000+ species and covers 90% of common birds.
AI Smart Enhancement: AI deblurring, gyro-based EIS, and low-light enhancement—making your photos and videos more vivid and stunning.
TrueFrame™ Imaging System: Aligns camera and view on the same optical axis, eliminating misalignment and viewfinder errors—what you see is what you capture.
Photo & Video Capture: Instantly record observation: ions with one click.
8× Magnification · 32mm Objective Lens: Perfect balance of zoom and light for birdwatching and outdoor observation.
2.8” HD Touchscreen: Real-time viewing with a responsive interface.
Instant Wi-Fi Streaming: Connect to your smartphone and manage content via the Solvia Smart App.
Lightweight & Portable: Only 516g, easy for travel, hiking, and outdoor use.
IP64 Dust & Water Resistance: Built for tough environments; resists dust and splashes.
Expansion Kit – More Powerful Features: Compass, GPS, Polarizing Filter, Battery Extension, Fill Light—making your binoculars even more capable.
“Our vision is not just to create a binocular, but to deliver a new way of observing, learning, and recording the world,” said Carmen, Marketing Manager at MatataXplore. “The overwhelming support on Kickstarter shows that users are eager for an innovative tool that combines smart technology with outdoor exploration.”
The Solvia ED 8×32 AI Binoculars is now exclusively available for pre-order on Kickstarter, where backers can take advantage of early-bird discounts and exclusive rewards. The first batch of products is expected to ship in October 2025.
About Matatalab
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, Matatalab Co., Ltd. has expanded to over 80 countries with 3.5M+ users, holding 42 patents and winning global design awards including the Red Dot, IDEA, and iF. To advance optical innovation, we created MatataXplore, a brand dedicated to binoculars and outdoor exploration. After two years of R&D, MatataXplore proudly introduces its flagship product—Solvia ED 8×32 AI Binoculars—seamlessly combining observation, capture, AI recognition, and social sharing. Built by the same manufacturer behind top optical brands, Solvia delivers premium quality you can trust.
Getting the right flash drive for the job can be a nightmare. Maybe it lacks capacity, read/write speeds, or has an incompatible connection? Either way, these problems will rear their ugly head at the most inconvenient of times. Thankfully, the PNY Duo Link V3 flash drive overcomes those hurdles.
This compact device comes in an array of storage sizes. Furthermore, it has a USB-C and USB-A connection. Accordingly, you needn’t worry about space or connecting to a suitable device. On top of this, it offers great speeds for lightning-fast data transfer. Therefore, it is the perfect device for office workers and content creators.
Technical aspects of the PNY Duo Link V3.
The PNY Duo Link V3 can be purchased in 4 different sizes. 256 GB, 512 GB, 1TB, and 2TB are on offer. I was sent the 256 GB to test and play with. Though this smaller capacity may not be suitable for intense jobs, it is great if you wish to store office files, presentations, or some special family images or movies.
If you are a content creator, read and write speeds are important! This flash drive offers up to 1000 MB/s read and 800 MB/s write speeds. In testing, I didn’t quite hit the advertised numbers. However, the results were impressive, and I was able to move large 4K GoPro movie files in a matter of minutes. These speeds are comparable to PNY’s market-leading peers.
The PNY Duo Link V3 is compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2-enabled desktops and laptops. Furthermore, it is backwards compatible with most 3.2 Gen 1, 3.0, and 2.0 devices. Consequently, this enhances versatility and reduces the risk of failure when moving important documents or undertaking presentations.
Build quality.
I’ve tested plenty of storage solutions, and plastic cases make me squirm. Luckily, this flash drive has a premium finish and an unusual design. The strong case will resist knocks and bangs to ensure your data stays safe. Furthermore, the black finish is reasonably scratch-resistant.
The unusual design is a metal swivel that allows you access to either USB connection. This may seem the weak point of the design, but the swivel area is strong, robust, and smooth. Subsequently, it will last the test of time. If you are concerned, PNY offers a 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
Is the PNY Duo Link V3 worth it?
If you need a portable and reliable storage solution, PNY should be on your radar. The PNY Duo Link V3 is a versatile option with fast read and write speeds. As such, it is perfect for content creators and office workers, and I recommend buying it here!
Adventure games have always had a special way of blending humor, mystery, and puzzles into experiences that feel both cozy and cerebral. In the 1990s, LucasArts classics like Monkey Island and Day of the Tentacle defined the genre, but in the decades since, only a handful of indie titles have captured that same charm. Lucy Dreaming, the debut full-length adventure from Tall Story Games, is one of those rare efforts. With its witty script, smart puzzles, and a quirky British sense of humor, it feels both like a nostalgic throwback and a refreshing modern take on point-and-click adventuring.
A Nightmarish Beginning
The story follows Lucy, a young girl in a small English town plagued by recurring nightmares. Her dreams are vivid, unsettling, and strangely tied to events in her waking life. Determined to get to the bottom of it, Lucy sets out on an investigation that bounces between reality and dreamscapes, blending the ordinary with the surreal.
The premise sounds heavy, but Lucy Dreaming is anything but dour. The writing walks a fine line between whimsical absurdity and subtle melancholy, managing to be laugh-out-loud funny one moment and unexpectedly poignant the next. Lucy herself is a standout protagonist: witty, sarcastic, and refreshingly self-aware without tipping into annoying cynicism. Her journey becomes as much about growing up and facing her fears as it is about solving puzzles.
Classic Gameplay With a Modern Touch
Lucy Dreaming sticks closely to the traditional point-and-click template. You’ll click through hand-drawn environments, collect oddball items, and figure out how to combine them in unexpected ways to progress. Anyone who played the old LucasArts adventures will feel immediately at home.
What keeps it from feeling stale, though, is the game’s puzzle design. The challenges are consistently clever, and most solutions feel logical once you arrive at them—even if they require some creative leaps. One early example has you tinkering with mundane household objects to build a dream-entering contraption, which feels both ridiculous and entirely sensible in the game’s offbeat world. Importantly, Lucy Dreaming avoids most of the “moon logic” that made older adventure games frustrating. And for players who do get stuck, there’s an optional in-game hint system that gently nudges you in the right direction without spoiling the fun.
The pacing is tight, too. New locations and dream sequences open up regularly, keeping the sense of discovery alive. By the end of its 8–12 hour runtime, the game has thrown enough surprises and twists at you to stay engaging without ever overstaying its welcome.
Presentation and Personality
If Lucy Dreaming excels in one area, it’s personality. Every environment bursts with detail, from Lucy’s cluttered childhood bedroom to the strange, shifting dreamscapes she explores. The art style blends crisp, colorful pixel art with a modern polish that makes it feel both retro and fresh. Characters are expressive, and animations carry a surprising amount of nuance for the pixelated format.
Voice acting is another highlight. Lucy’s performance in particular captures the dry wit of the script perfectly, but the supporting cast is equally strong, each character dripping with eccentricity. The game leans heavily into its British roots, with humor and references that might fly over the heads of some international players but lend an authentic charm for those in the know. The soundtrack complements the tone nicely, switching from whimsical tunes in the real world to eerie, dreamlike melodies when Lucy dozes off.
A Few Rough Edges
For all its polish, Lucy Dreaming isn’t without small frustrations. A handful of puzzles still veer toward the obscure, requiring trial-and-error or liberal use of the hint system. The linearity of the story also means there’s not much incentive to replay once you’ve solved its mysteries, aside from catching a few Easter eggs you may have missed the first time around.
That said, these are relatively minor issues. The overall experience remains consistently engaging, and the occasional stumble is far outweighed by the clever writing and satisfying problem-solving.
Verdict
Lucy Dreaming is a delightful throwback to the golden age of adventure games, but it’s far more than just a nostalgia trip. With witty dialogue, charming characters, and puzzles that strike a smart balance between challenge and accessibility, it manages to feel both familiar and fresh. Its blend of quirky British humor and heartfelt storytelling makes it stand out in a genre that too often leans on clichés.
Whether you’re a veteran of the point-and-click classics or someone looking for an accessible entry point into the genre, Lucy Dreaming is worth your time. It’s funny, clever, and occasionally touching—a dream worth getting lost in.
Nostalgia done right is a rare statement that Bendy: Lone Wolf managed to elicit from me. Harsh to the end, even on lower difficulty, it had me from the very start.
Developed and published by Joey Drew Studios, Bendy: Lone Wolf is an isometric horror action rogue-like hack-and-slash.
Released back in 2017, Bendy and the Ink Machine was a great game. While that might not be old enough to consider nostalgia, fans, me included, have been waiting for something else from Joey Drew Studios to sink our teeth into.
Bendy: Lone Wolf will do, it will certainly do.
Prisoner Wolf
While the original game in the Bendy series was a first-person Survival Horror Puzzle-ish kind of affair, Bendy: Lone Wolf is an Iso Metric game. That does not mean it is not scary.
The original had a creepy design. Morphing Cartoons into an ink-themed version of hell. Bendy: Lone Wolf takes it to the next level.
The basic play of the game is to go down into the deeper depths of the cartoon studio as Wolf, gathering items and bringing them back to your home base. All the while, a giant ink monster, Bendy, is chasing you and will kill you on touch.
After death, you return to home base with all progress of that mission lost. That is where it became ruthlessly difficult. More on that later.
The goal is to gather equipment and bring it back to the home base to unlock more things. While I have yet to finish the game, the unlocks give you more upgrades to help speed up your ventures into enemy areas.
Hard Time Wolf
This is not a souls-like or a card game… Not even some Metroidvania, but it is hard.
The goal is to collect items, occasionally fighting mini ink demons, and running and hiding from Bendy. That is where it gets hard.
You see, it is hard to find items; they are randomly scattered on the map you are playing. Bendy never goes away. He will mercilessly chase you. Your only mode of survival is hiding in boxes and making a run in the opposite direction from him. If he touches you, you die.
There are traps and distractions to help you, but more so, you have dead ends. Many.. Many Dead ends that will laugh at you as Bendy and his haunting face approach from behind to end your round.
What Joey Drew Studios managed here is proof that they understand their world. The grim cartoon aesthetic, the oppressive sound design, and the constant looming threat of Bendy himself give Lone Wolf a presence that is hard to shake off even after you put the controller down. It lingers, and that is exactly what a horror rogue like should do.
At first, it is scary, then it makes you angry…. But at the core, it is fun!
Final Thoughts
Bendy: Lone Wolf is not a game that holds your hand. It does not forgive. It does not let up. That might be the very thing that makes it so compelling.
Each run feels like a gamble, a test of patience and nerves, where you either make it back with treasures that push you forward or you fall, face-first, into the ink once again. It rewards persistence, but it never gives you the illusion of safety.
Is it frustrating? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Yes. Because beneath that frustration lies the satisfaction of surviving even one more run than the last.
For fans of the Bendy universe, this is a welcome return. For newcomers, it is a harsh introduction but one that leaves a mark.
Bendy: Lone Wolf is nostalgia sharpened into something new, and something worth playing.
