Let’s face it, data centers are not exactly a thrilling topic, at least not for most people. However, if you are a business that depends on rock-solid uptime, lightning fast connectivity, as well as responsive support, finding the correct data center is like choosing the foundation for your entire business operation.
That is where TRG Datacenter enters the picture.
It has been recognized as the top-reviewed data center in Houston on Google. TRG Datacenter has built up a reputation for being a colocation provider that truly delivers.
They have a 20+ year track record of giving customers 100% uptime, free cross-connects, as well as impressive remote hands support.
They promise a level of infrastructure that you usually only hear about in those tech giant case studies. But the question remains, does TRG Datacenter really live up to all the hype? We took a closer look to find out the truth.
Who Is TRG Datacenter?
Headquartered in Spring, Texas which is just outside Houston, TRG Datacenter has made a name for themselves by focusing solely on enterprise-grade colocation.
Unlike other providers that also dip into managed services, hosting, or even cloud reselling, TRG sticks to just one thing and does it very well. Their thing is keeping your physical servers connected, secure, and always running with no exceptions.
They operate a single-location data center that serves several companies across Texas and beyond. They have clients in industries that range from healthcare to SaaS to even logistics. TRG constantly markets itself as “built for IT professionals” and this is telling. They are not trying to be flashy. They are trying to be reliable.
And so far, it seems to be working just fine for them.
Pros & Cons of Using TRG Datacenter
Pros
1. Best-in-class uptime record (20+ years, 100% uptime)
TRG’s most brag-worthy metric is the quality of its uptime and this is with good reason. With over two decades of continuous operation and not a single outage, they have demonstrated the kind of engineering excellence that most companies only dream of. If uptime is your first priority, then it definitely doesn’t get better than this.
2. Free cross-connects = real cost savings
Most colocation providers will nickel-and-dime you for just about everything, especially when it comes to network cross-connects. TRG breaks that trend by giving customers free cross-connects.
This often saves businesses thousands of dollars per year, especially those businesses with multi-rack deployments or ones that have high interconnect needs.
3. Fast, responsive remote hands
Not everyone is going to drive out to a data center at 2 a.m. when there is a cable that needs reseating. TRG’s remote hands team is very quick, knowledgeable, and best of all they don’t require a week’s notice to help. For IT teams that are managing infrastructure remotely, this is a big plus.
4. Enterprise infrastructure, small-business feel
Despite their huge technical credibility, TRG is also a relatively small team, and this is a good thing. You will get the feeling when you call that someone actually knows who you are. That is quite rare in the colocation world.
5. Transparent, no-nonsense approach
One thing that really stands out about TRG is their transparency. Pricing, features, as well as limitations are all laid out clearly without their being layers of corporate jargon. This makes onboarding much faster and negotiations less of a headache for businesses.
Cons
1. Single-location footprint
While some colocation providers often operate several facilities across many regions or countries, TRG currently has just one single location in Houston. That is not necessarily a dealbreaker especially if you run a regional business. However, it may not meet the needs of those enterprises that have strict geographic redundancy requirements.
2. No cloud or managed hosting options
TRG is all about colocation and that’s great if you want to have total control of your hardware. If you want hybrid solutions or public cloud integration, then you will need to build that out separately.
3. Less brand recognition than the giants
TRG doesn’t have the name recognition of some big players out there, but that’s kind of the point. They are the best-reviewed in Houston for rock solid reasons. Most of their business often comes from referrals, and not marketing campaigns.
How Does It Compare to Other Data Centers?
The colocation industry is definitely not short on options. There are national brands that have dozens of locations and there are cloud-native solutions that promise you serverless everything, and there are several ways to “host” your data.
TRG is not trying to compete on either flash or branding. Instead, they aim to deliver low-latency connections, as well as physical and digital security. They deliver this along with a record of uptime that puts a lot of bigger names to shame.
If you are looking to get rock-solid colocation, transparent pricing, in addition to responsive support, then TRG Datacenter is a very serious contender.
What Makes TRG Unique in Houston?
Houston’s data center market has began to grow rapidly in the last 10 years. Between major enterprise hubs and startups that are looking for affordable space, the competition has only been increasing. TRG has managed to stand out by simply focusing on three important things:
Reliability- They have 20 years of 100% uptime which is rare.
Simplicity – There ars no confusing tiers or hidden costs to deal with.
Support – They offer fast remote hands
With so many verified Google reviews that praise both their infrastructure along with service, it is clear that customers feel well taken care of.
Final Verdict: Is TRG Datacenter Worth It?
In short: yes, if you are looking to find reliable, transparent, as well as no-fuss colocation in Houston, then TRG Datacenter is one of the best options out there.
They are not a jack-of-all-trades provider, and it is clear they don’t want to be. That singular focus is how they stand out. With free cross-connects, excellent uptime, as well as a team that’s responsive and knowledgeable, you can rest assured that your infrastructure is in good hands.
They are the highest-reviewed data center in Houston for a very reason and after digging deeper into what they actually offer, it is very easy to see why TRG Datacenter is a great choice.
If Stardew Valley and Minecraft adopted a child and later found out they were related, the therapist would be Crashlands 2. This game draws heavily from other projects in the genre and manages to combine the best aspects of most worlds.
Developed and published by Butterscotch Shenanigans, Crashlands 2 is an Isometric open-world RPG Survival Crafter that heavily relies on NPC interactions as its main hook.
You would think that everything that can be done is done in the isometric survival part of the gaming world, and you are probably right, but that does not make it any less of a fun style of game. That is exactly how I view Crashlands 2… It is an entertaining style of game.
A Crashing Start
You play as Flux Dabes, a galactic delivery superstar who’s had enough of the corporate grind. Between fame, tight deadlines, and absolutely no ‘me-time,’ she quits, with her snarky floating companion Juicebox in tow, and sets course for a long-overdue visit to old friends.
But peace is a myth in the world of games. The ship malfunctions. They crash. And just like that, the cosy reunion becomes a journey of rediscovery, crafting, and survival on a familiar planet that feels brand new.
Chop Trees, Build Dreams
The survival-crafting loop here feels like second nature. Chop trees, collect herbs, scavenge scrap, and craft everything from boots to beds. You don’t carry crafting stations; they live in villages, tucked inside homes, giving each area its own utility.
The build mode lets you place structures, remove walls, or sell clutter, all through a Stardew-like interface that keeps things intuitive. You also research objects, either through quests or experimentation, to unlock new blueprints. It’s a gentle drip of progress that makes every resource haul feel meaningful.
Combat That Keeps It Simple
Combat in Crashlands 2 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, and that’s fine.
You equip a weapon, swing, and dodge when the game telegraphs enemy attacks. You start with a default traversal skill that lets you hop over water or barriers, and later unlock gear-based boosts that let you handle more powerful foes.
What matters is how that combat feels in the context of the world. It’s there to punctuate exploration, not dominate it. And in that role, it works perfectly.
Each encounter feels like a test of rhythm and timing rather than brute force, adding tension without ever slowing down the joy of discovery and crafting.
A World That Talks Back
Here’s the surprising part: Crashlands 2 doesn’t waste time animating dramatic character expressions. Instead, it uses small floating icons to show emotion. An elegant, minimal system that somehow feels more expressive than a lot of fully voiced RPGs.
The real hook, though, is the friendship system. Help NPCs, talk to them, and earn their trust. They start to open up, offering more than just quests. Sometimes it’s backstory, sometimes it’s gear, sometimes it’s a recipe for stew you didn’t know you needed. And yes, it matters. This emotional layer turns a casual crafting game into something quietly special.
Cosy Chaos in All the Right Ways
I came into this expecting a light survival game. I left having experienced a carefully layered world full of humour, heart, and personality. Where every interaction felt intentional and every mechanic had soul.
RATING: 8/10
It’s not revolutionary, but it doesn’t have to be. Crashlands 2 understands the assignment. Build, survive, connect, and enjoy the journey. With its snappy writing, warm design, and rich mechanics, it doesn’t just imitate its genre siblings; it earns its seat at the table.
Into the Restless Ruins is a game of luck, judgment, and skill. Furthermore, this fantasy title has a dark edge that haunts and hunts you until you die! Death, failure, and loss are at every turn. Accordingly, you must have a thick skin if you wish to succeed.
This rogue-like deckbuilder was developed by Ant Workshop and published by Wales Interactive. It is a single-player game with a mysterious edge. Each map hides its key elements behind a fog of war. This sneaky move leaves you guessing and praying that every risk has an almighty reward.
Into the Restless Ruins is a cursed game.
The warrior moves through a labyrinthine world. Armed with a torch and a weapon, they must find every seal to remove the magical wall. If they are successful, they will come face to face with a demonic being. This wretched soul wishes to smash you into oblivion. However, skill, cunning, and tactical nuance will keep you ahead of the game.
The warrior isn’t your normal hero. They are armed with a deck of cards that comprises different rooms. Corridors, fires, altars, armouries, shops, and more must be used to create pathways. As you explore, you will find parchment and a resource called Gilmour. This valuable commodity blesses you with new cards and more ways to escape your destiny.
Basic combat.
Unlike other rogue-like titles, Into the Restless Ruins uses automated combat. This basic approach leaves the hero somewhat vulnerable. However, swift movement and understanding your surroundings keep you ahead of the game. As you progress, you must manage a handful of stats. Health, your curse meter, and the all-important flame timer.
As you explore, your torch slowly fades. If it runs out, the darkness harms you, and you must run for your life. Alternatively, if the monsters hunt and catch you, you’ll die and your run will end. As you respawn, a new day begins, and your curse meter is increased. This enhances the difficulty and punishes you further. Consequently, you must balance your time in the dungeon and how courageous you are feeling.
Into the Restless Ruins looks incredibly old-school.
I adore pixelated games. However, I found Into the Restless Ruins to be incredibly old-school. The colour palette was grim, and the earthy tones enhanced the sense of oppression. Moreover, the monsters look similar, and this makes it hard to plan your approach. Yet, once you get used to the dated appearance, you’ll love the sinister setting, simple design, and mind-boggling mazes.
The audio is wonderfully retro. Shrill notes and dramatic tunes dominate proceedings. Alongside this, you enjoy annoying sound effects, rudimentary background noises, and other unnecessary sounds. In short, it is loud and perfect if you are seeking a sense of nostalgia.
Simple controls.
Automated combat makes this an easy game to understand. Furthermore, placing each card to create a crazy and large maze was straightforward. As such, once you know the core mechanics, you will not struggle.
I was surprised by the layers of longevity and replay value. The 1st map is completed in no time at all. Subsequent levels take considerably longer to tackle, and that was fantastic. Though its cruel ways may annoy some gamers, I enjoyed the brutality and the constant feelings of failure.
Into the Restless Ruins was unbelievably harsh.
I lost count of how many times I died and failed. Furthermore, poor planning led to numerous problems. However, once I mastered each mechanic, I could piece together every element with ease. Though Into the Restless Ruins is harsh, I loved its old-school ways. Accordingly, I think it’s great and recommend buying it here! Can you create a dungeon and remove the curse? Gather your cards, activate the seals, and keep your flame alight.
Zombies Overloaded takes the idea of an arcade shooter a little too far. Unfortunately, it is as deep as a zombie’s intellect. Accordingly, I could only enjoy it casually. Thankfully, this doesn’t detract from the gruesome madness and the violence on offer.
This top-down, never-ending horde shooter was developed by Vinterm Games and published by Brainium Games. It is a single-player experience where gore or pacifism is the aim of the game. Although this may appear to be a contradiction, it isn’t. The developer lets you choose peace or violence as you escape or tackle the brain-munching horde.
Zombies Overloaded = death, bones, and no story.
If you want a hearty plot and a reason for living, Zombies Overloaded isn’t the game for you. I can’t say why the hero is fighting the undead. However, I know that they are screwed! A cursed arena with no escape traps the muscle-bound fool. Luckily, they are armed with a pistol and the ability to use it. Yet, as time flies by, the hordes become bigger, faster, and deadlier.
The protagonist must do everything possible to avoid the zombies and kill everything in sight. Furthermore, they must tackle a hulking boss who evolves as the waves progress. This is easier said than done, and failure will be your new best friend.
Different modes, but same result.
No matter if you choose to kill or run, the result will be the same. Death is just around the corner, and you’d better be prepared. The pacifist option was a little lacklustre. Running from waves of zombies with no way to defend yourself was pointless. Accordingly, I spent little time in this game mode.
Where Zombies Overloaded excels is the brutal fighting arena. Grabbing a new weapon or power-up gives you an edge to overcome every problem. Moreover, dodging between the gateways allows you to move the zombies into a killing funnel. Whether it is a laser gun, assault rifle, shotgun, or nuke, you’ll enjoy the carnage.
As the zombies fall, they can drop bones. Alternatively, golden skull coins can be grabbed to invest in upgrades, new maps, or skins. The upgrade system is relatively limited, and this adds little depth. Additionally, there are only 2 extra maps to buy. As such, it is somewhat repetitive.
Zombies Overloaded is gory as hell!
Though the action lacks depth, visually, I adored it. The zombies shift and slide perfectly. Furthermore, the bloody gore is fantastic. Limbs, blood, and bones cover the arena floor. It could be deemed a little excessive, but I don’t care. Arcade gaming is all about the shock factor, and this gets it just right.
Zombies Overloaded is exceptionally loud. The guns echo and crash repeatedly. Moreover, the zombies rarely shut up. If that isn’t enough, the voice of a commentator highlights key moments. This adds excitement and drama to an already hellish experience.
Simple controls.
Thankfully, this is easy to play. Dash, aim your gun, and shoot are all you need to master. A thorough tutorial gets you set up, and the rest is down to your reactions, luck, and a small slice of skill. I wouldn’t suggest that younger gamers should play it, as it is far too violent.
If you enjoy casual arcade-inspired games, then Zombies Overloaded should be on your radar. Each short, sharp round is interesting, challenging, and amusing. However, it soon becomes repetitive, and you may lose interest. Consequently, replay value isn’t at the fore.
Zombies Overloaded is great in small bursts.
I don’t want to be too negative. Though Zombies Overloaded is shallow, I enjoyed it regardless. Mindless action is a nice break from more complex titles, and who doesn’t enjoy killing zombies? Accordingly, it’s great in small bursts, and I highly recommend buying it here! Can you avoid the horde and survive? Grab a gun, keep moving, and pray for some luck.
Contrary to initial impressions of sandbox freedom, Kaizen opens with a strong narrative backbone wrapped around increasingly complex automation puzzles. Each chapter nudges you through a new factory, weaving efficiency-focused challenges into a surprisingly engaging story. Add in minigames, replayability through global leaderboards, and the freedom to revisit any past level, and you’ve got a puzzle-sim with both structure and depth.
A retro puzzle game
Most fans of factory builders expect open-ended sandbox gameplay à la Factorio or Satisfactory, but Kaizen deliberately detours into a chapter-based story set in 1980s Japan. You play as David Sugimoto, a Japanese-American sent to work at Matsuzawa Manufacturing amid the height of Japan’s economic boom. Rather than being a freeform sandbox, each factory-chapter tasks you with designing automated production lines for realistic-era products like calculators, camcorders, toys, and even electric toilet seats.
This structured pacing lets the narrative shine. As you move from one factory to another, the challenges escalate in complexity, forcing you to rethink designs, optimize cost/time/resource usage, and the personal growth of David gradually unfolds. Classic Zachtronics fans will feel right at home, as Kaizen embraces the studio’s trademark puzzle automation style: designing conveyor belts, welding, cutting, drilling, building systems that are not just functional, but clean and elegant. The game introduces a powerful “rewind” mechanic, you can scrub back through a run to identify exactly where layouts fail and make surgical adjustments. This addresses a long-tempered frustration in puzzle games, where one mistake ruins hours of work.
One of my favourite additions is the ability to export animated GIFs of your production. Especially with more complex assemblies, sitting back and admiring the production on a loop was a real treat. With that, at the end of each level, a scoreboard lets you compare your metrics, time, cost, simplicity, with other players, fuelling replay ability as you chase efficiency supremacy.
Calm and relaxing setting and pacing
To break up the rhythm of automating lines, Kaizen introduces Pachi‑Sol, a hybrid of pachinko and solitaire. For whenever you want to step away from the factory floor. It captures the randomness of gambling machines with strategic decision points, offering a light-hearted and nostalgic diversion. It’s quirky, but also thoughtfully designed, it isn’t just filler; it reflects the cultural setting while offering a break from the cognitive intensity of the main puzzles.
Even after the credits roll, the invitation to revisit any chapter remains. Want the cheapest build? The fastest? Tweaked for elegance? Open it any time, look back at what you have created and start to optimize again. You can create new solutions at anytime without losing the original or losing progress. Like its spiritual cousins Opus Magnum and Shenzhen I/O, Kaizen taps into the optimization itch that turns casual puzzle-solving into deep, academic obsession
Visually, Kaizen nails retro-futurism, combining minimalist diagrams and vibrant factory backdrops, invoking the era’s industrial charm. The contextual setting—1980s Japan during its economic boom—is more than aesthetics. Developer Matthew Burns (also the writer) infused personal and historical touch, exploring media perceptions of that era, and challenging myths like the ‘samurai-businessman’ stereotype. The philosophy of “continuous improvement” permeates not just gameplay, but how Japan built a manufacturing empire, a smart foundation for a game about tweaking systems and learning from mistakes.
Final thoughts
If your heart flipped at designing elegant pipe systems in Opus Magnum, or debugging logic in SpaceChem, Kaizen: A Factory Story hits similar notes, punctuated by it’s narrative beats, period authenticity, and spotlighted cultural insight. It’s thoughtful, polished, and refreshing in its blend of story and systems.
If you’re curious, the built-in demo offers a solid taste of the game’s blend of puzzle rigor and historical charm. If you enjoy methodical puzzle games, value story and context as much as gears and belts, and like the idea of returning to perfect your creations, Kaizen delivers a rich, rewarding, and unexpectedly emotional factory-building experience.
The HE80 keyboard from Epomaker is the perfect tool for gamers and office workers. The creamy soundscape creates a pleasant working environment. Moreover, the responsive 8k polling and 32k scan rate reduce latency to enhance your performance.
On top of this, Hall effect switches, programmable RGB backlighting, and a compact design are perfect for your gaming setup. Though I’m not a massive fan of the unique keycaps, they can be swapped for a more understated look. Accordingly, you can use this device in the office without turning heads.
What’s in the box of the HE80 keyboard?
The packaging is simple, attractive, and robust. Furthermore, it can be recycled.
The HE80 keyboard has a black livery. It is a 75% form factor device with 82 keys. Finally, it is a wired-only device.
Power the keyboard with the durable USB-C cable.
Spare keycaps and a pulling tool are provided.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
This gaming peripheral is unbelievably responsive. The Hall effect switches deliver no dead zones, and it has a 0.01mm fast trigger. This gives you that defining edge when playing a FPS. Alternatively, you can keep up with every gear shift and tight corner in your favourite racing sim.
The incredible polling and scan rate help to produce low-latency inputs. Every keystroke is recorded with accuracy. Furthermore, snap key and dynamic keystrokes prioritise every move. The result is buttery smooth controls that never let you down.
Finally, adjustable actuation distance and end travel deliver a customisable experience like no other. This programmable design can be adjusted for different genres. Consequently, you get the perfect keyboard for every situation.
Usability.
The HE80 keyboard can be a plug-and-play option or fully customisable. The magnetic switches can be swapped for other south-facing RGB switches. Moreover, there is no soldering required. As such, newbie gamers can play with this without much tech knowledge.
The RGB can be individually customised for a unique and unusual finish. The free-to-download Epomaker software lets you adjust every core aspect of this keyboard. The result is a personalised peripheral that matches your needs and personality.
Build quality.
This compact 75% form factor keyboard is ideal for tighter spaces. Though it is missing the numpad, it retains full functionality. The plastic case has a smooth, dark finish that is durable and scratch-resistant. This is ideal if you are clumsy or you have younger gamers in your household.
The cherry profile keycaps are robust. The double-shot PBT finish resists oily stains and unpleasant wear marks. Subsequently, they last longer and retain the sharp professional edge. Though the blue keycaps were not my thing, I liked the RGB effect. The south-facing design creates an eye-catching display. Additionally, it can be altered to deliver a truly spectacular look.
If you love the clacky mechanical soundscape, you’ll adore the HE80 keyboard. Its sound-dampening layers absorb the uncomfortable shrill edge. As such, there is a pleasant audio profile that will not annoy or distract other gamers.
Is the HE80 keyboard worth it?
This affordable keyboard packs an almighty punch! Though it is a wired-only device, this matters not. I like the lack of battery and the clean and easy-to-understand setup. Moreover, the FN macros deliver full functionality. Consequently, you enjoy the benefits of a full-size keyboard and the space-saving design of a smaller device. Therefore, this is a great keyboard and I recommend buying it here!
Your setup can make or break your game. Whether you’re pushing for diamond rank or just trying not to die in the next circle, your hardware makes a huge difference. Bad gear ruins good players.
The tech available now blows away what we had even two years ago. Sites that compete with Bovada now offer way more games, bigger bonuses, and payment options that actually work. Check out the best Bovada alternatives if you want to see what real competition looks like in igaming. But for regular gaming, your hardware choices matter more than any software upgrade.
High-Refresh Gaming Monitor
Your monitor is literally your window into every game world. Cheap displays make everything look like garbage and slow you down when things get intense. Modern OLED gaming monitors push way beyond basic 60Hz refresh rates. The MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED and LG Ultragear 27GR93U deliver butter-smooth visuals that make tracking enemies actually possible.
The difference hits you immediately in shooters. Traditional monitors turn fast movement into blurry messes. High refresh displays at 144Hz or higher show every frame clearly so you can actually see what’s happening during chaotic firefights.
Pro-Grade Gaming Mouse
Mouse accuracy determines whether your shots land or miss completely. Cheap mice feel mushy and drift all over the place. The Razer Viper V3 Pro weighs only 54 grams but packs a 35K sensor with 8000 Hz polling rate. Every tiny movement translates perfectly to screen movement.
The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 hits the sweet spot with its HERO 2 sensor and extremely low weight. Pro players use these mice because they respond instantly and don’t tire out your hand during long sessions. Weight matters more than most people realize.
Competitive Mechanical Keyboard
Keyboard response time can decide close matches. Membrane keyboards feel sloppy and slow compared to mechanical switches. The NuPhy Field75HE uses Hall effect switches that let you adjust exactly when each key activates. No more guessing whether your input registered.
Rapid trigger technology resets keys faster than standard mechanical switches. This means you can tap keys repeatedly without waiting for them to fully release. Games with rapid movement combos become way easier when your keyboard keeps up with your fingers.
Immersive Gaming Headset
Sound gives away enemy positions that your eyes miss completely. Footsteps, reloads, ability sounds – all of this tells you where threats are coming from. Cheap headsets muddy these audio cues together into useless noise.
Quality gaming headsets separate different sounds clearly while blocking outside distractions. You need to hear that enemy sneaking up behind you, not your roommate’s TV show bleeding through. Comfort matters too since nobody wants ear pain during marathon sessions.
Ergonomic Gaming Chair
Bad chairs destroy your back and kill your focus. Sitting in discomfort for hours makes you play worse and feel terrible afterward. Gaming chairs with steel frames and proper padding actually support your body where it needs help.
The DXRacer Drifting series uses cold-cure foam and adjustable support for your lower back and neck. Good chairsactually support your spine and neck instead of destroying them. You can adjust the armrests and height to match your desk perfectly.
Controller Charging Station
Dead controllers kill gaming sessions instantly. Scrambling around looking for charging cables while your team waits gets old fast. The Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand works with Xbox controllers and charges them in under three hours.
Dedicated charging stations keep your controllers organized and ready to go. LED indicators show charging status so you know when everything’s powered up. Some stations handle multiple controllers at once, which helps when friends come over for local multiplayer games.
With Superman (2025), James Gunn faces a nearly impossible task. Reinvent one of the most iconic superheroes in history while launching a new cinematic universe under DC Studios. Technically, Creature Commandos and Peacemaker have done this but Superman is the key for a successful DCU. The expectations could not be higher. After years of cinematic missteps, tonal inconsistencies, and brand fatigue, both Superman and the wider DC Universe need a renaissance.
Gunn’s Superman isn’t a gritty deconstruction or a high-octane spectacle built solely on CGI. It’s something much rarer in superhero cinema: sincere, optimistic, and emotionally grounded. While not without its flaws, this is a thoughtful and richly layered reintroduction to the Man of Steel. It’s one that emphasises character over chaos, heart over hype, and clarity over convolution.
David Corenswet as Superman Is An Inspired Casting That Works
At the emotional and thematic core of Superman (2025) is David Corenswet, whose portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman is nothing short of revelatory. Taking on one of the most iconic, and arguably most challenging, roles in pop culture, Corenswet walks a fine line between reverence and reinvention. His performance doesn’t aim to eclipse predecessors like Christopher Reeve or Henry Cavill. It instead carves out a distinctive space that feels modern while deeply respecting Superman’s legacy.
Corenswet radiates authentic warmth that immediately disarms the audience. From the moment he appears on screen, there’s a sense of emotional openness that defines his Superman. He is not a distant alien deity, but a thoughtful, empathetic man seeking the best way to navigate a complex world. He is strong, yes, but what’s more notable is how often his strength is shown through restraint. There is a pause before speaking, a moment of hesitation before acting, a glance that reveals doubt or compassion. These quiet moments are where Corenswet excels.
The Moment You Know David Corenswet Is Superman/Clark Kent
There’s one early scene when Clark sits with Lois Lane for an interview that perfectly captures his mastery of the role. It’s not a grand action sequence or an inspiring speech, but a quiet conversation. Yet within that scene, you can observe the subtle, almost imperceptible shift between Clark Kent and Superman. The way his posture slightly straightens, his voice lowers with calm conviction, his eyes shift purposefully. It’s a brief but powerful transformation that highlights Corenswet’s ability to portray the duality of the character. It’s not just about costume changes and glasses; it’s a profound acting choice rooted in character psychology.
Most importantly, Corenswet avoids portraying Superman as either excessively sanctimonious or too detached. Instead, he finds a middle ground that lends an almost spiritual sincerity to the role. His Superman is aware of the expectations the universe places upon him, but also struggles with how to meet them ethically. This version of Clark Kent is curious, introspective, and emotionally responsive. He listens, doubts and questions. And through this, he becomes more relatable than many of his predecessors in live action.
Gunn’s direction undoubtedly supports this interpretation; this Superman feels more grounded in tone, more engaged with human dilemmas than cosmic ones. But it’s Corenswet’s choices that give the film its emotional depth. In quieter moments, whether comforting someone, wrestling with moral dilemmas, or simply observing the world around him, there’s a sense that Superman is constantly learning and always watching. Always hopeful. These aren’t mere filler moments between the big battles; they are the heart of what makes this version of Superman resonate.
The Physicality of Superman
Physically, Corenswet fits the role effortlessly. His presence on screen is commanding when necessary, but never overpowering. He moves with purpose, never arrogance. Even in action-packed scenes, his Superman doesn’t boast of power; he wields it with measured intent. The costume design, leaning into classic blue and red with a few modern touches, complements this restraint; it feels symbolic rather than showy.
A Superman For The Future
What truly elevates his performance, however, is the emotional accessibility he brings to the role. Corenswet’s Superman feels the burden of the world, not in a melodramatic or tormented manner, but like real people do when they care too much. His interaction with Lex regarding Krypto exemplifies this perfectly. That care, that vulnerability, becomes a superpower. It’s the kind of portrayal that makes you believe Superman can be inspiring without feeling unreachable.
In an era of increasingly cynical heroes, Corenswet’s portrayal is both timely and timeless. It’s a Superman that belongs in our world, not because he’s grim or edgy, but because he reminds us of what idealism rooted in empathy can look like. What hope can look like. He’s not here to rule or rescue from afar. He’s here to walk among us, shoulder to shoulder, quietly reminding us that decency, too, is a form of strength.
Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane Is Intelligent, Capable, and Irreplaceable
Rachel Brosnahan has been a firm favourite since her outstanding performance in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. In Superman (2025), Brosnahan delivers another career-defining performance as Lois Lane, revitalising a character often sidelined in past superhero films.
From her very first scene, Brosnahan’s Lois commands attention. She exudes the tenacity and moral conviction of a genuine investigative journalist. There’s a realism to her performance that makes the character resonate beyond the screen. This is a Lois Lane who feels like she could be reporting from a modern newsroom, uncovering real corruption and navigating genuine ethical grey areas.
What makes Brosnahan’s portrayal so compelling is her ability to balance confidence with vulnerability. There are moments, delivered with subtlety, where her eyes reveal just how heavily the stakes weigh on her, especially when she’s caught between her journalistic instincts and her connection to Clark Kent.
Importantly, Superman (2025) doesn’t reduce her to merely reacting to Superman. She has her own moral arc, her own risks to take, and decisions to make.
Her chemistry with David Corenswet is another highlight. Rather than relying on romantic clichés or overly scripted flirtation, their connection is built on mutual admiration, trust, and shared values. This version of Lois doesn’t fall in love with Superman simply because of who he is or what he can do. She’s attracted to the man, not just the mythology, and even questions that romantic attachment. That distinction adds profound emotional depth to their relationship.
Stylistically, Brosnahan is given space to showcase her comedic timing and quick wit, bringing flashes of humour that lighten the tone without undermining the story’s gravity. She feels like a character who belongs in this world, who can spar with aliens, question billionaires, and still file her story before the deadline.
Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor Is A Chilling, Cerebral Villain
One of the most intriguing, and potentially divisive, elements of Superman (2025) is Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor. Where previous depictions leaned into bombast (Gene Hackman’s sly theatricality or Jesse Eisenberg’s twitchy, manic energy), Hoult opts for a cold, composed approach. This Lex is no megalomaniac in a flamboyant suit. He’s a quietly menacing thinker, always three steps ahead, orchestrating every detail like a conductor, and far more rooted in real-world comparisons than we’ve seen before.
Hoult plays Luthor as a man who genuinely believes in his mission, which makes him all the more unsettling. There’s no moustache-twirling villainy here. Instead, he depicts Luthor as someone whose ambition and intelligence are matched only by a deep, perhaps even justified, suspicion of Superman’s power. He’s less of a “mad scientist” and more of a philosophical adversary, an ideologue who believes that humanity should never bow to a being from another world.
What’s impressive about Hoult’s performance is how much he conveys with so little. His delivery is precise, clipped, and always controlled, reflecting a character who refuses to be emotionally manipulated. He doesn’t dominate scenes through volume or theatrics, but through presence.
Some viewers may feel his Luthor could have benefited from more screen time or explosive moments, but Gunn’s restraint seems deliberate. Hoult is playing the long game, establishing Luthor not just as a threat to Superman but as a moral and ideological foil, one who deserves to loom large over the future of the DCU. He’s a villain who could exist in our everyday life. You can imagine giving a TED Talk, then manipulating global policy behind the scenes the next day.
The Supporting Cast: A Fully Realised World Beyond Superman
While Superman (2025) naturally revolves around Clark Kent’s personal and heroic journey, one of the film’s most impressive achievements lies in its vibrant and purposeful supporting cast.
At the heart of the film’s grounded world is the Daily Planet newsroom, a place that feels refreshingly authentic. It’s more than a background setting, it’s where Clark Kent wrestles with his identity as a reporter and a person, not just as Superman. Here, we meet a cast of characters who reflect the diverse faces of modern journalism. Wendell Pierce anchors the newsroom as Perry White, the Planet’s no-nonsense editor-in-chief. Pierce brings a dry wit and a lived-in authority to the role, portraying a man who has seen it all yet still believes in the power of truth. If anything. Pierce is criminally underused and I hope to see far more of him in the future of the DCU.
One of the film’s most pleasant surprises is Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, a role that has often been relegated to comic relief or sidelined entirely in past adaptations. Here, Gisondo brings a refreshingly modern spin to the iconic photojournalist without losing the earnest charm that defines the character. His Jimmy is quirky but never a caricature, even with the running joke of how he’s found impossibly attractive. What makes Gisondo’s performance resonate is the sense of genuine friendship he builds with both Clark and Lois; he’s not just a tag-along, but an integral part of the Daily Planet’s emotional core. His comedic timing adds levity in just the right places, yet there are moments where Jimmy’s vulnerability and integrity shine through, giving the character surprising depth.
A World of Superheroes
On the other end of the spectrum, Gunn introduces a select group of heroes who offer a glimpse into the larger DCU without overwhelming the central narrative. These aren’t just flashy cameos; they’re characters with philosophical and thematic weight, carefully placed to explore questions of power, responsibility, and identity from angles Superman can’t reach alone.
Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) makes a strong impression with her commanding presence and warrior’s pragmatism. She doesn’t have much screen time, but what she does have is used effectively. She pushes back against Superman’s idealism, offering a necessary edge to their interactions. Her character hints at deeper histories, different codes of justice, and the broader moral complexity that lies ahead for the DCU.
Guy Gardner, brought to life with swagger by Nathan Fillion, is the most overtly comedic of the bunch, but never cartoonish. He brings a Green Lantern’s cosmic perspective and a bruiser’s bravado, delivering one-liners with charm and surprising sincerity. Fillion walks the fine line between parody and poignancy with skill, making Gardner both ridiculous and real.
Perhaps most intriguing is Mister Terrific, played with cerebral precision by Edi Gathegi. Gathegi portrays the character as an enigmatic blend of intellect and strategy, a man who sees the bigger picture and may play a pivotal role in shaping the DCU’s future narrative direction. He feels less like a side character and more like a sleeper chess piece waiting for a future move.
A (Super)Man’s Best Friend
Two more standout additions to Superman’s orbit are Krypto the Superdog and Four, a quirky AI assistant voiced by Alan Tudyk. Krypto, brought to life with impressive VFX and unexpected heart, is far more than comic relief. While his scenes are often crowd-pleasers, they also deepen our understanding of Superman’s loneliness and capacity for connection. The bond between Clark and Krypto is rendered with surprising tenderness, less “super pet” and more loyal companion who shares his burden of being different. Gunn wisely uses Krypto not just as a gimmick, but as a mirror to Clark’s own identity crisis.
Then there’s Four, the advanced A.I. system with a dry wit and oddball charm, voiced perfectly by Alan Tudyk. Tudyk brings his signature blend of voice agility and personality, making Four a surprisingly memorable presence despite limited screen time. Four provides both exposition and levity, but never feels like a convenience tool. Instead, he adds an unexpected flavour to the tone of the film.
James Gunn’s Direction and Tone: A Return to Hope Without Naïveté
Director James Gunn delivers his signature mix of character-driven storytelling, stylised visuals, and tonal finesse to Superman (2025). Gunn’s vision for Superman is a heartfelt homage to comic books. The film balances its tone carefully, remaining earnest but not cheesy, emotional yet avoiding melodrama, funny without undermining its stakes. Gunn also consciously avoids overloading the movie with exposition or extensive world-building. Although there are subtle hints of a broader DC Universe through numerous references and appearances by other metahumans, these elements are integrated naturally, steering clear of the bloated “shared universe” pitfalls that hampered previous franchise attempts.
Gunn’s script is introspective and idea-rich. Rather than focusing solely on action or lore, the narrative explores identity, duality, and moral clarity in the face of immense power. Clark’s internal conflict, how to reconcile his Kryptonian origin with his Earthly upbringing, is at the story’s centre, and it’s handled with admirable nuance.
This is a Superman who saves not because he can, but because he believes he must. The film frequently returns to the theme of restraint: when to act, when to hold back, and when to believe in people instead of dominating them.
That said, the second act does wobble. The script tries to balance character arcs, ethical dilemmas, and thematic weight while setting up future plot threads. A handful of side characters and DCU cameos, while exciting for fans, slightly disrupt the pacing and dilute the narrative focus. Still, it never entirely loses sight of its emotional core.
Visuals and Cinematography
Visually, Superman (2025) exemplifies restraint and precision over excess. While many modern superhero films rely heavily on overwhelming CGI and frantic action scenes, James Gunn’s vision adopts a more carefully curated aesthetic, one that enhances storytelling rather than distracting from it.
Superman’s flight sequences, for instance, are rendered with a fluidity that feels physically plausible. The CGI used in larger-scale action scenes is equally strong, but what stands out most is the emotional realism integrated into the effects. Destruction isn’t depicted as a mindless spectacle; it is contextual, impactful, and often intertwined with character stakes. When Superman employs his powers, it feels purposeful. The special effects team resists the temptation to go “bigger just for the sake of bigger.”
The design of the world itself deserves special mention. Metropolis is presented not merely as a city of towering skyscrapers and glass facades, but as a vibrant, breathing place. Production design leans into a retro-futuristic blend that honours Superman’s Golden Age origins while feeling contemporary and refreshing. The Daily Planet building is crafted with iconic flair, balancing nostalgia with modern detail. Costumes also reflect this ethos. Superman’s suit is bright and timeless yet subtly textured; supporting heroes wear gear that feels tactile and character-driven rather than overly stylised.
In terms of colour grading and lighting, Gunn favours a naturalistic palette with moments of stylised contrast. Daylight scenes are vibrant and clear, befitting Superman’s symbolic association with hope and transparency, while darker moments are never visually muddled or incoherent. There is a real sense of tonal harmony in how the visuals are assembled. This film is unapologetically a comic book adaptation. It’s bright, colourful, filled with unusual characters and settings, and yet, despite everything, it feels more authentic than previous comic book movies.
Pacing Is Mostly Smooth with Minor Hiccups
Superman (2025) runs just over 2 hours and 20 minutes, and for the most part, it justifies that runtime with confident storytelling and an emotionally resonant arc. The structure follows a fairly classic three-act model, but James Gunn’s character-focused sensibilities give each segment a distinctive texture. The opening act is powerful, efficient, and engaging. Gunn wastes no time introducing us to Clark Kent’s and Superman’s worlds. Within the first 20 minutes, the film successfully establishes its tone, moral conflicts, and key players without feeling rushed or overstuffed. It’s a smart, economic setup that gives emotional weight to everything that follows.
The final act delivers a thematically satisfying payoff. Without spoiling plot details, it’s fair to say the climax is more about moral resolution than raw spectacle. While it may not subvert expectations for longtime fans of the character, it lands with emotional clarity. Gunn prioritises character choices and internal transformation over sheer bombast. The action is impactful and a spectacle, but more importantly, it serves the story’s philosophical core. It’s a conclusion that feels earned, grounded in the character arcs developed throughout the film. It does feel like there are two ends to this film, however, with the last scene being shoehorned in to set up another movie in the DCU, I think this would have worked better as a post-credits scene so as not to detract from what many would assume is the final moment.
Middle Act Shortcomings
However, the middle third of Superman (2025) is where the film loses its footing, if only briefly. As the story expands to include broader world-building, the introduction of supporting heroes, glimpses into larger DCU mythology, and a more expansive geopolitical backdrop, some narrative focus is momentarily lost. There’s a subtle but noticeable tug-of-war between competing priorities: deepening character relationships (especially Clark and Lois), setting up future DC instalments, and driving the immediate plot forward. There are also many moments where Superman isn’t the one saving the day, which may be off-putting to some fans. This stretch isn’t without its highlights; there are some rich character moments and welcome comic beats, but the pacing slows and the momentum dips. A few transitions feel choppy, and certain subplots momentarily distract from the emotional throughline.
Still, what prevents the middle act from derailing the film is Gunn’s thematic clarity. Even as narrative threads briefly pull in different directions, the film never loses sight of its central question. What does it mean to be Superman in a complicated world? That constant return to moral exploration, to identity and purpose, anchors even the film’s more meandering moments. And just as the story threatens to sprawl too far, Gunn reins it back in with a renewed focus in the third act. Resolving arcs, tying up motivations, and re-centring Clark Kent’s evolution.
Reassuring Ambition
In the end, while the pacing isn’t seamless, it reflects the ambition of the film. Gunn isn’t making a streamlined, plot-heavy blockbuster; he’s crafting something more reflective, part origin story (which thankfully we only see small snippets of in exposition and conversation and not a full blown Superman origin story which we don’t need again), part philosophical essay, part launchpad for a new DC Universe. That ambition occasionally causes friction in the middle, but it also elevates the material beyond formula. For a film with so many moving parts, Superman (2025) remains impressively cohesive, and its heart never wavers.
Final Thoughts On Superman (2025)?
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Man of Steel or someone burnt out on superhero fare, Superman (2025) offers something we haven’t had in this genre for a while. Optimism, fun and heart. It’s a compelling argument not just for the character of Superman, but for the superhero genre itself. It’s bright, bizarre and yet strangely grounded. It feels like if superheroes existed, this is what life would be like.
Gunn has crafted a film that respects the past without being beholden to it, and one that lays a solid foundation for the future of the DC Universe.
Here is our review of the Edifier M60 Multimedia PC Speakers with Bluetooth.
Upgrade your desktop audio experience with the Edifier M60, a compact yet powerful multimedia speaker system designed for everyday use.
Whether you’re streaming your favourite tracks, watching videos, or playing games, the M60 offers crystal-clear sound and effortless operation, all packed into a sleek design that complements any workspace.
Features
Compact & Stylish Design: Slim and modern, the M60 fits perfectly on any desk or shelf without taking up too much space. Available in a sleek black, white or classic oak finish, the M60 complements any home office or entertainment setup, adding both style and substance.
Clear Sound Quality: With a 3-inch full-range driver and an efficient bass reflex port, the M60 delivers rich, immersive audio for all your multimedia needs.
Wireless Streaming: Stream high resolution audio with the built-in Bluetooth V5.3 audio receiver. It supports the LDAC codec, offering a maximum transmission bitrate of up to 990 kbps. Stream high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz from Android devices running version 8.0 or later.
Plug & Play Setup: No complicated setup required. Simply plug in via the 3.5mm AUX input, USB input or wirelessly using Bluetooth and you’re ready to enjoy enhanced audio from your PC, phone, or tablet.
Volume Control: Adjust volume easily with the integrated capacitive touch buttons on the top of the speaker.
Magnetic Shielding: The M60’s speakers are magnetically shielded to prevent interference with other electronic devices, ensuring consistent, distortion-free sound.
Dual Inputs: Switch between two audio sources effortlessly, whether it’s your PC via USB or an analog audio source without constantly plugging and unplugging cables.
Optimised for Multimedia: Designed to enhance audio for a wide variety of media, from music to podcasts, movies, and gaming.
Specifications
Total Output Power (RMS): Treble 15W x 2, Mid-low 18W x 2
Dimensions (W x H x D): 100 x 168 x 147 mm (per speaker)
Net Weight: 3.07kg
What’s in the box?
The box contains the two speakers, stands, instructions and various cables.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The Edifier M60 Speakers look really good sitting on your computer desk, they really look the part!
There are two speaker stands in the box you can use, or you can just have the speakers sitting on the desk = the choice is yours.
Connecting them to whatever source you want to use is really simple – you can use the supplied cables or you can connect to them using Bluetooth. If you want to wire the speakers to your device, you can use either USB-C or supplied audio cables.
All of the controls for the speakers, including powering on and volume controls are on the top of the speaker using integrated capacitive touch buttons.
The sound quality is excellent, whether you are listening to music or the sound coming from a game, you won’t be disappointed.
You can also download EDIFIER ConneX App to customise your listening experience and control the speakers. The EDlFlER ConneX app provide multiple settings for acoustic room compensation, allowing you to adapt to different room modes and achieve the optimal listening experience.
The Edifier M60 Multimedia PC Speakers with Bluetooth is available now priced around £159.00 and is available in either White, Black or Classic Oak. These really do make a great addition to any desk setup!
When Lies of P launched in 2023, it surprised the gaming community, offering a Soulslike reimagining of Pinocchio with intense combat, stunning gothic visuals, and a uniquely dark narrative. You can read our full review of it here. Now, with the release of Lies of P: Overture, a prequel DLC that is now available, developer NEOWIZ welcomes players back into its blood-soaked, clockwork world to witness the events that shaped the game’s bleak universe.
Overture is a narrative-driven side story that adds around 6–8 hours of gameplay, introduces a few new mechanics, and attempts to fill in key pieces of the lore. But does it succeed as a meaningful expansion, or is it just more of the same with a new coat of rust and grime?
A Prequel Worth Telling?
Lies of P: Overture takes place years before the events of the base game, during the rise of the puppet rebellion and the early days of the Alchemists’ twisted experiments. You step back into the shoes of P who has seemingly been teleported back, and meet the Legendary Stalker in a deepening of Lies of P lore.
The DLC wisely avoids recycling familiar locations. Instead, it introduces new environments such as the Elysian Foundry, a grim, rust-filled industrial sector, and the Orchestra Hall, a decaying, enemy-infested cultural landmark that adds visual flair and lore richness. These areas are dense with environmental storytelling, from abandoned workbenches to notes detailing the moral dilemmas faced by early engineers.
In comparison to the base game’s story, which slowly unfurled its mysteries through ambiguous NPC dialogue and item descriptions, Overture is slightly more direct in its narrative delivery. While it retains that Soulslike opacity, there’s more voice acting, more cutscenes, and a clearer emotional arc. Still, it assumes deep familiarity with the base game, and newcomers may find themselves lost in its cryptic references.
As a prequel, Overture succeeds in expanding the lore and adding emotional weight to the tragedy of Krat, but don’t expect it to dramatically change your understanding of the original. It’s a character study, not a revelation.
Lies of P: Overture Gameplay
If you’ve played Lies of P, you’ll be immediately familiar with how Overture plays. It doesn’t reinvent the formula, but it adds enough new challenges and combat nuances to feel fresh for returning players.
Enemy design in Overture is a highlight. There’s a new class of elite enemies that blend puppet erraticism with Alchemist corruption, leading to unpredictable attack patterns. Boss fights, while fewer in number than in the base game, are well-designed and intense. One standout encounter with Markonia is one of the best boss fights NEOWIZ has delivered to date.
Combat remains as brutal and precise as ever. Parrying, dodging, and stamina management are still king, and while Overture is slightly more forgiving than late-game Lies of P, it’s still not for the faint of heart. Compared to the base game, the DLC feels tighter and more focused, with fewer filler encounters and a better difficulty curve.
Visuals and Performance in Lies of P: Overture
Visually, Lies of P: Overture maintains the high bar set by the base game. It runs smoothly on PS5 (the platform we reviewed it on), with 60fps performance in Performance Mode and richly detailed textures in Quality Mode. NEOWIZ continues to excel at blending mechanical decay with baroque architecture, and the new environments are dripping with atmosphere.
The lighting, in particular, stands out. Dimly lit hallways give way to fire-lit workshops, and broken skylights create sharp contrasts of light and shadow, enhancing the tension around every corner. The haptic feedback on the DualSense controller further immerses players, with subtle resistance added during combat and exploration.
While the DLC doesn’t offer the visual leap of a new engine or next-gen upgrade, it demonstrates how well NEOWIZ understands the aesthetic of its world. It’s polished, cohesive, and artistically bold.
Final Thoughts on Lies of P: Overture
Lies of P: Overture is a carefully crafted DLC that doesn’t overstay its welcome. It offers just enough new content and story to justify a return trip for fans, while laying subtle groundwork for a likely full sequel down the road. With new weapons, haunting boss fights, and a darker look into the origins of the game’s world, it serves as both a bridge and a deepening of Lies of P’s tragic mythology.
If you loved the base game and want more, particularly more lore, more atmosphere, and a few new mechanical wrinkles, Overture is well worth the price. If you struggled with the original’s difficulty or didn’t connect with its story, this DLC won’t change your mind.
With the release of Mario Kart World, Nintendo has once again taken control of its most iconic racing franchise, aiming to redefine what a kart racing game can be. Exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch 2, this long-anticipated title arrives eight years after Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a game many still regard as the gold standard of the series. Expectations have been sky-high, and Mario Kart World makes a bold attempt to evolve the franchise with a global theme, a reworked single-player mode, and significantly improved visuals. While many of its innovations succeed, not every design choice is a winner.
A New Setting with Mixed Results
The most immediately noticeable change in Mario Kart World is its globe-trotting setting. Instead of sticking to the whimsical, Mushroom Kingdom-only environments of previous games, Nintendo has broadened its creative scope to include tracks inspired by real-world locations. You’ll find yourself weaving through the bustling streets of Tokyo, drifting past the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or speeding along the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. This global approach adds an exciting variety to the game’s 32 new courses and features 16 remastered classics, which have been visually updated to match the new game’s vibrant aesthetic.
Compared to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, where even the most imaginative tracks eventually started to blend with their similar art styles, Mario Kart World offers greater geographical and cultural variety. Each course now feels like a mini-vacation, complete with regional music styles and visual details that show how much attention Nintendo has paid to local flavour. However, the ambition occasionally trips over itself. A few tracks, such as the Sydney Sky Ride or the Mumbai Monsoon Circuit, feel more like tourist caricatures than authentic representations, and some of the track layouts prioritise spectacle over solid racing flow. While it’s a delight to sightsee, competitive players might find the turns and item placements less precisely tuned than in MK8 Deluxe.
Visuals and Performance is a Showcase for the Nintendo Switch 2
One area where Mario Kart World clearly outshines its predecessor is in visual presentation. Taking full advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s upgraded GPU and processing power, the game runs in native 4K resolution when docked, with consistent 60 frames per second across all modes. This marks a significant leap over Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which topped out at 1080p and occasionally suffered frame drops during intense split-screen or online play.
Graphically, Mario Kart World is simply stunning. Environmental textures are richer, lighting is more dynamic, and weather effects, like rain slicks on asphalt or swirling sandstorms in desert courses, bring a new layer of immersion. Characters are more expressive than ever, reacting to hits, boosts, and falls with charming animations that make the game feel alive. The addition of haptic feedback via the enhanced Joy-Con controllers is a subtle but welcome touch, especially when skidding through gravel or feeling the thump of landing from a big jump.
That said, the visual fidelity does occasionally cause issues. While it’s rare, a few tracks suffer from noticeable texture pop-in when racing at high speeds, and loading times between circuits are a touch longer than expected for a next-gen console. Still, compared to MK8 Deluxe, this is an undeniable upgrade in almost every visual and technical respect.
Refined Gameplay with New Mechanics in Mario Kart World
Gameplay in Mario Kart World remains true to the series’ formula, with tight handling, fast-paced racing, and item-based chaos. Nintendo has made several notable changes to shake things up. Chief among them is the introduction of World Tour mode, a new single-player campaign structured around an international circuit. Unlike the more linear Grand Prix format of MK8 Deluxe, World Tour introduces branching paths, region-specific challenges, and unlockable content tied to completing goals across different continents. This gives solo players a more engaging progression system and a sense of exploration that MK8 Deluxe never truly delivered.
Another key gameplay addition is the “Air Dash” mechanic, which lets players slightly adjust their trajectory while airborne. This subtle move adds depth to jumps and allows for riskier stunts, a big step forward from the gliding system introduced in MK7 and refined in MK8. Drifting, boosting, and trick mechanics all feel tighter and more responsive, especially thanks to the improved control precision on the new Joy-Cons.
Despite these improvements, one frustrating holdover from previous titles remains: rubber-banding AI. While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was known for its sometimes-infuriating CPU opponents who could recover from behind with suspicious speed, Mario Kart World hasn’t done much to address this. On higher difficulties, races often feel less like a competition of skill and more like a test of luck, with CPU racers launching perfect item combos just as you near the finish line. It’s fun, until it isn’t.
Multiplayer Evolves in Mario Kart World
Multiplayer has always been central to the Mario Kart experience, and Mario Kart World continues that tradition with enhancements both online and offline. Local co-op still supports up to four players on a single console, with reliable performance and an improved UI for split-screen gameplay. This makes the game enjoyable at parties or family gatherings, and the high-resolution visuals remain clear even when multiple racers share the screen.
Online multiplayer receives a major upgrade compared to MK8 Deluxe, particularly with the introduction of cross-region matchmaking. Matches are found more quickly and reliably, and latency issues have been substantially reduced, though not entirely eliminated. Nintendo’s new “Team Rally” mode is a notable addition: players are randomly assigned to global teams (such as Red Shell vs. Blue Shell), and every race contributes to an evolving leaderboard over the course of the month. This creates a sense of continuity and purpose that online play in MK8 Deluxe lacked, encouraging players to return regularly and help improve their team’s standing.
Characters, Customisation, and Progression
One area where Mario Kart World shows real ambition is in its character and kart customisation systems. The game now boasts over 50 characters, the largest roster yet, featuring returning favourites like Yoshi and Bowser, along with creatures found across the universe like Goomba and Penguin. This is a big step up from MK8 Deluxe, which had a large but static roster and relatively shallow customisation options.
Customisation goes far beyond cosmetic changes. Mario Kart World introduces a “Driver Style” system, where your character evolves based on your play habits. If you favour speed over control, for instance, your driver will develop traits that enhance top speed and reduce traction penalties. Combined with new kart parts and region-specific unlockables, the system offers more strategic depth and personalisation than ever before.
However, progression can feel grindy at times. Unlocking certain drivers and parts requires completing specific regional challenges, which means you may have to replay the same tracks multiple times. For casual players, this could feel more like a chore than a rewarding journey.
Final Thoughts on Mario Kart World Worth It?
In the end, Mario Kart World is both a celebration of the franchise’s legacy and a bold step toward its future. The game builds on everything that made Mario Kart 8 Deluxe a success while taking calculated risks that mostly pay off. Its world-spanning tracks, deep customisation, and technical polish showcase what’s possible on the Nintendo Switch 2, offering a richer and more varied experience than its predecessor. Yet it’s not without flaws. The rubber-banding AI, occasional online hiccups, and grind-heavy progression may frustrate some players.
Still, for most fans and newcomers alike, Mario Kart World is a must-play. It’s a visually stunning, mechanically refined, and feature-rich racing game that succeeds more often than it stumbles. Whether you’re racing with friends or climbing the global leaderboards, Mario Kart World delivers hours of fun and solid replay value.
Become the Moon is a quirky and visually striking roguelike deckbuilder that caught my attention for its charming presentation and streamlined gameplay. Developed by solo dev Sean Cellan Jones and released in June 2025, the game challenges players to climb a series of increasingly difficult encounters by drafting minions, casting spells, and managing how effects play out during auto battles. After spending a fair amount of time with it, here’s my in-depth take on what Become the Moon does well, where it stumbles, and what kind of player it’s really for.
A deck building auto battler like you know them, but with its own charm.
One of Become the Moon’s most compelling features is its vibrant, cartoonish art style. The game’s visuals strike a delightful balance: bold, readable designs with a playful whimsy reminiscent of Adventure Time. Whether crafting a deck of minions or spells, each card feels lovingly illustrated and brimming with character. The minions aren’t just visually distinct, they’re expressive, memorable, and imbued with personality in how they’re portrayed.
You’ll immediately notice how much care has been poured into the card art. From unique visuals to the humorous text and effects that some units possess. each design reinforces the game’s charm. In my view, this creative presentation isn’t just cosmetic, it shapes the experience, making drafting a deck feel like curating an art gallery as much as planning a strategic toolkit.
The art is engaging, what about the gameplay?
This loop is satisfying, and the draft picks exciting. after the initial draft the player will ‘tier up’ when exhausting their entire deck, at this point the deck get reshuffled and the player gets to choose 5 more cards to add. Deck-building’s tactile pleasure is enhanced by synergies; flying minions, taunts, shield units, death abilities, battle spells that tweak stats mid-battle, you can cobble together combos that feel powerful and clever.
However, that’s also where the limitations creep in. Despite boasting ~140 cards, player experimentation hits a ceiling. The constrained card pool and procedurally rigid offerings mean a few clearly optimal strategies emerge, flying buff-deck, exhaust-heavy builds, taunt-slayer hybrids. Once you pin one down, runs tend to converge. Players approaches quickly crystallize, diminishing the game’s replay experimentation. A core criticism I found is balancing and randomness issues. With limited card variety and heavy reliance on RNG in drafts, high-skilled experimentation diminishes. You often need to embrace a particular ‘best build’ to reliably complete runs, especially on harder modifiers. Choices become less about crafting crazy combos and more about assembling the checklist of must-haves—e.g., a set of flying units and buffs or a mid‑tier tank line with spell support.
Add to this the auto-battle AI’s randomness, minion targets are random and lack intelligent prioritization, leading to occasional frustration when perfectly arranged line-ups fizzle out due to dice-roll targeting. One moment your decks shines in fully optimized execution; the next, a poorly-timed multi-hit misses and derails your hard-built synergy. While the 10 characters and daily seeded runs add variance, the draft constraints, recurring enemy archetypes, and reliance on few cards means exploring more unusual or off-meta builds seldom pays off. After enough reruns, you’re likely to default into safe archetypes because it’s simply more efficient.
“one more run” We’ve all said it Become the Moon ,Will make you say it again
Become the Moon packs a punch in difficulty and progression. Early runs are forgiving, but it ramps fast, by mid-game, combat shifts from manageable to punishing. The tier system (re-shuffle trigger for new cards) provides pacing, but success still depends on locking in synergies early. The devs smartly added difficulty modifiers, offering a “true ending” for hardcore players . However, because the meta consolidates around top strategies, progression still feels linear: harder runs demand the same deck archetypes, with only minor relic tweaks or class bonuses differentiating them.
The user interface leans into Hearthstone’s clean, functional design, clear displays, intuitive placements, and no fuss visuals. It’s fast, smooth, and supports quick reruns that make sessions punchy and addictive. Speed-up options, fast load times, and casual music ensure you can hit play again without friction.
My Conclusion
Become the Moon is an aesthetically charming and mechanically solid deck-building auto-battler—you can feel the love in its art, animations, and UI. Its core loop is hooky and engaging, packing plenty of tension across its roguelike battles. But the flaws I noted, the constrained card pool, the emergence of a few dominant strategies. On top of that, the randomness of auto-battle targeting, hold it back from becoming a sandbox of creative experimentation.
If you love compelling visuals, enjoy shorter roguelike sessions, and don’t mind leaning into the meta, it’s absolutely worth it. For a affordable price you get a polished, fun package with decent replay-ability that will put a smile on your face with its visuals. But if you’re hoping for endless twisty paths, quirky builds, or runaway experimentation, you’ll eventually bump into it’s walls.
Death end re; Quest: Code Z marks the latest entry in Compile Heart’s niche but distinctive series that blends traditional JRPG mechanics with visual novel storytelling. Known for its dark, narrative twists and genre experimentation, the series has cultivated a loyal following. Unfortunately, Code Z feels less like a bold new step and more like a rehash of past ideas that lack the narrative punch and mechanical refinement expected of a fully fleshed-out sequel.
Set in a disconnected timeline from the previous entries, Code Z introduces a new cast and storyline, attempting to act as both a fresh start and a continuation of the series’ theme. It follows a familiar structure, shifting between lengthy visual novel segments and turn-based combat encounters. While this hybrid approach remains conceptually intriguing, the execution remains uneven.
The Death end re; Quest franchise consistently offers tension, with a combination of disturbing psychological horror wrapped in philosophical undertones. Evidently, Code Z has tried to recapture this, but the pacing is its downfall. The players are burdened with heavy exposition, long internal monologues, and a slow burn narrative that rarely feels justified by the resolution. Dialogue that goes on for days, with scenes that could have been condensed were stretched well beyond their narrative significance.
The characters, while visually distinctive and occasionally endearing, are somewhat mundane. For a series that has previously subverted genre expectations, Code Z plays it surprisingly safe with its cast. Moments of character development are sporadic and rarely resonate, in part due to how much time is spent retelling their past and forgetting to develop their future.
Fans familiar with the franchise’s darker turns, may find themselves waiting for that signature twist or moment of tonal whiplash. Although Code Z doesn’t shy away from grim material, it feels more restrained than its predecessors, less daring, and as a result, less memorable.
The turn-based battle system returns with its familiar knockback mechanics, positioning elements, and turn manipulation features. At a glance, the combat appears deep, but in practice, it rarely demands much thought provoking combat encounters. Enemy encounters quickly fall into predictable patterns, and the lack of significant evolution from previous entries makes battles feel more like an obligation than an opportunity for tactical expression and artistic flair.
That said, there are occasional highlights where certain boss fights introduce interesting conditions or require thoughtful positioning but these moments are far and few between. The levelling system and character customization are functional but uninspired, offering little incentive for experimentation.
What’s perhaps most disappointing is how Code Z misses the opportunity to build on the innovative mechanics seen in prior titles, such as genre-switching or reality-altering battle effects. Instead, it settles into a conservative design that holds little inspiration. Even though the game has been released on PlayStation 5, it struggles to justify its presence on current-gen hardware in 2025. Character designs remain sharp and expressive, thanks to Compile Heart’s distinctive anime aesthetic, but environments are sparse, repetitive, and often devoid of personality. The dungeon layouts lack complexity, and exploration offers little beyond basic item collection and enemy avoidance.
Animations, both in combat and cutscenes, are stiff, and performance issues – including occasional frame rate drops – impedes on immersion. The soundtrack, a mix of haunting ambient tracks and electronic themes, does little to elevate the atmosphere. Voice acting, which limits listeners due to it being in Japanese, deters consumers (like myself) who are reluctant to spend their leisure time reading English subtitles.
Death end re; Quest: Code Z is a game caught between familiarity and franchise fatigue. Although it retains the core elements that define the series’ dark themes (unique combat, and an ambitious narrative structure it fails to evolve meaningfully), the storytelling feels bloated, the gameplay lacks momentum, and the presentation is several steps behind modern standards.
For dedicated fans, there may still be enough intrigue to justify a playthrough, especially for those invested in the franchise’s lore. However, newcomers such as myself will find little here to warrant the commitment, and even returning players may walk away feeling that Code Z is more of a regression than a resurrection.
Overall I’d give this a 6/10 – as there are plenty of flaws with little to no upside to it. Returning fans, I am sure will be able to salvage something from this title but good luck to those like myself who jumped head first into this title with limited pre-knowledge, you might struggle to understand everything going on.
Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo took me by surprise. The Paper Mario aesthetic, heartwarming story, and simple-to-understand mechanics were great. Additionally, it is part of the Game Pass subscription and can be enjoyed if you subscribe. Though there are some dark themes, it is a great game to play with younger gamers.
This puzzle adventure title was developed by Galla Games and published by Fellow Traveller. It is a single-player experience with a vibrant colour palette. Moreover, the characters converse in a strange, nonsensical manner. This adds to the mystery and the magic.
Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo tells a cracking plot.
Limbo is a place where spirits are lost. They wander aimlessly until a kind soul guides them. This guide is Kulebra, a snake who has awoken in Limbo. Confused, dazed, and unsure of what to do, he is helped by a kind old lady and a chirpy bird.
The protagonists push the snake on a journey of discovery. En route, he must help each soul he encounters. Gathering items, passing on messages, or righting wrongs are some of the tasks you undertake. However, be aware that the limbo curse wipes the minds of those lesser beings. Accordingly, every day has a sense of deja vu, and this can be slightly unsettling.
Puzzles and piecing together the clues.
Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo delivers a brilliant blend of puzzles, stealth moments, and verbal clues. Moreover, there is a 3-part day-night cycle that makes the world evolve. Morning, afternoon, and night deliver unique characters and problems to overcome.
As you hit the finale of each chapter, you must help the souls pass. This is no mean feat, as darkness has taken over. A quiz-like battle ensues as your memory is put to the test. Additionally, you must highlight false statements to overcome the darkness. This lack of violence was refreshing, and I loved the pacing, bosses, and simplicity.
Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo looks fantastic!
The lack of ultra realism may annoy some people. However, I love the clean lines and the simple papercraft aesthetic. The vibrant colour palette and unique backdrops are eye-catching. Moreover, each character looks amazing, and the eye for detail makes this stand out from its peers.
The audio is truly stunning. There are heartfelt, sombre moments that embrace the sense of loss and despair. Moreover, there are aggressive songs to ram home the drama and danger. This blend of emotions and perfect timing was captivating. The story ebbs and flows nicely, and I never tired of what I saw.
Exceptional controls.
Kulebra rolls or crawls across every surface. Furthermore, he bumps into walls and other items to dislodge pictures and vases. This adds to the puzzle element and was a fun and simple way to enhance the logical mechanics. Alongside this, the UI is rudimentary and clean. A handy notebook guides you, and responsive inputs help to keep you on track.
Where Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo falls short is replay value and longevity. There are limited reasons to return, and this was disappointing. Thankfully, the first playthrough is great, and it is part of the Game Pass subscription service. As such, you haven’t got anything to lose.
Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo is a great indie game.
Great indie games are hard to come by. Occasionally, a hidden gem is discovered, and this is one of those moments. The story is fantastic, and the gameplay flows nicely. Moreover, each chapter is captivating, and the puzzles are nicely balanced. Accordingly, it is fantastic and I recommend buying it here! Can you guide every soul? Listen to each story, solve the problems, and overcome the darkness.
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