Review: Vultures – Scavengers Of Death

Josh Blackburn-Lane
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Review: Vultures – Scavengers Of Death

Look, protagonists of Vultures – Scavengers of Death, I can’t help but feel like you’re a bit underdressed for the zombie apocalypse. Leopoldo goes in with little more than a vest and a cigarette. As for Amber, skin-tight bodysuits have their place, but their place is not the apocalypse. I’d go the full Mad Max route and start sellotaping saucepans to every available body part. If your enemy’s main technique is to bite you, then wear something that’ll break their teeth. Simple.

Then again, I can’t punch someone hard enough to smash them into a wall, so maybe I’m not suited for the apocalypse. Facetiousness aside though, Vultures is an entertaining foray into the world of zombie apocalypses. It’s not really doing anything new with the setting, but it puts enough twists on the usual formula to keep things fresh. While there are a few issues that keep it from its true potential, it’s great fun for anyone who thinks that the zombie apocalypse needs to slow down a bit.

Vultures - Scavengers Of Death

Occupant Malovolence

Vultures‘ plot involves the city of Salento Valley. A once up-and-coming metropolis, it was brought to its knees by a bio-hazard. The type of bio-hazard that makes people all bitey. In an effort to curb the flow of zombies, a covert ops team – the Vultures – are sent in to investigate. Their operatives are Leopoldo, a gruff fellow with a cigarette, and Amber, a lady with a killer grappling hook. Together they investigate the Eugenysis corporation to try and figure out if there’s a cure. Fairly standard stuff for the genre, but it sets the scene well enough.

The gameplay is what makes it stand out. While it might appear to be Resident Evil on the surface, Vultures is a lot more tactically minded. It’s turn-based, for one. When an enemy spots you, you start a turn with three movement points – self-explanatory – and three action points. AP is primarily used for attacking, using items and reloading. Combat is very much about positioning and using the right skills at the right time. Enemies aren’t too tough, but they can very quickly tear through your health, and won’t stop to let you heal up.

To help with that, each character has their own set of skills. Amber has a grappling hook that can push or pull enemies. Leopoldo can reposition enemies around him, which is significantly more useful than it sounds. Pushing an enemy into a wall will stun them, so a lot of combat was spent getting into the perfect position to stunlock as many enemies as possible. Sounds cheap, but it’s great fun and requires thinking two steps ahead. Combined with environmental damage, Vultures really rewards creative thinking.

Vultures - Scavengers Of Death

Quiet Mound

The byword of Vultures is resource preservation. Health can be recovered somewhat easily, but items are finite. So you need to think creatively to preserve your ammo. Well, some of the time anyway. The difficulty is a bit up and down, thanks to the ease with which you can stun most enemies. It can be a bit easy to blast through at times – especially when you find the stun baton. So I was regularly offloading big batches of ammo. Though the final boss ramps it up immensely, with a three phase fight that ends in multiple waves of enemies. Not quite got through that one yet.

In terms of the ‘Horror’ part of this survival horror, I’d say Vultures is a mixed bag. The gameplay helps it a lot, as you can only see a short way ahead of you. You never know what’s on the other side of a door, and stumbling into a heap of zombies can be harrowing. It creates a constant, uneasy atmosphere. I do think the designs are a bit stock, though. On purpose, perhaps, as a pastiche of survival horror generally. But the plot is played relatively straight, so seeing zombies in straight-jackets with knife arms elicited a bit of eye roll. I did like the little shrimp fellas that could dig into the ground, though.

I have a list of other, smaller, issues. For one, PS1-style graphics are becoming so common in indie horror circles that it almost feels like a detriment. Everything is so muddy and indistinct. Secondly, inventory management is painful. Inventory is understandably limited, but we can’t combine things if the total goes over the max we can carry. So my storage box was filled with ammo that I couldn’t take because it wouldn’t combine. Lastly, Vultures is currently very buggy. Key items will sometimes not spawn, and I keep walking through doors only to spawn on the wrong side of it. Reloads fix it, but it’s an awkward place to be in.

Vultures - Scavengers Of Death

Vultures – Tactical Terror

Still, I found Vultures very difficult to stop playing. I think it’s because every room feels like a mini-puzzle. Zombies will do a lot of damage when they swarm, so you need to isolate and pick them off. Bit tricky when you’re in the middle of an office breakroom. The horror elements feel a bit like they came from the era of House of the Dead at times, but a bit of classic horror can liven things up. I do wish the protagonists got a bit more focus though. Backstory is sprinkled in, but most of the dialogue is just coldly functional.

Still, the meat and potatoes of Vultures is good fun. The difficulty is a bit bananas, but as someone who’s not tremendously tactically minded, I’m kind of glad for that. Everything feels like a desperate struggle. Running out of movement points and knowing that you’re about to take a zombie backhand is enjoyably stressful. My laundry list of minor issues does stop it from truly shining, but Vultures is a fun, classic survival horror.

(Vultures – Scavengers of Death‘s Steam Page)

Review: Skautfold: Moonless Knight

Daniel Waite
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Review: Skautfold: Moonless Knight

Skautfold: Moonless Knight is an on-the-fence experience. I’m not sure if I love it or hate it. The combat system requires skill and almost perfect timing. Accordingly, it is a little frustrating. However, the story is fantastic. It offers rich lore, incredible characters, and a slow, dramatic pace. Although this may not be for everyone, I liked the old-school RPG edge.

This story-driven Metroidvania was published and developed by Red Art Games. It is a single-player title that takes around 15 hours to complete. I felt out of my depth for much of this time, but the captivating story and exceptional art style were enough to keep me hooked. This is the 4th instalment in the franchise, and the 1st that I have tackled. Therefore, my confusion and struggles could simply be down to my lack of familiarity.

Skautfold: Moonless Knight tells a fantastic tale.

Much of my confusion is linked to the Lovecraftian elements. I always find this to be hard to follow. Yet, lovers of this approach will feel right at home with the weirdness and the alternative ideas.

You play the role of Gray, a knight of the Angelic Empire of Britannia. You are sent on a diplomatic mission that almost immediately goes wrong. Rather than creating a peaceful outcome, you must interact with Lunatic cultists to save the Japanese Empire.

The story takes many twists and turns as you tackle an array of bosses in any order you wish. This lack of linear structure was great, but I’d have preferred more focus. Instead, I went from mission to mission, anyway I liked.

More of an RPG than a Metroidvania.

Skautfold: Moonless Knight claims of being a full-blown Metroidvania are slightly OTT. Although there are clear moments where new elements open secrets and pathways, it is distinctly a JRPG. If I were to be picky, I’d say the Metroidvania moments play second fiddle alongside some Souls-lite elements. This may make you frown, but the latter point refers to the challenging combat guard system.

The combat is the most divisive aspect of this title. The near-perfect block and guarding system can be extremely frustrating to master. Moreover, it feels pretty slow, and this makes the story and gameplay flow particularly stodgy. Yet, if you can master this tough mechanic and deal with the snail-like pace, you’ll enjoy some of the most rewarding combat experiences.

Working your way across each semi-open arena was great. The Oda Imperial Palace is a maze of interconnected corridors that are filled with danger and secrets. Furthermore, you can explore them however you wish. This was great, even if it did make things a little more confusing than necessary.

Skautfold: Moonless Knight looks incredible!

Despite my struggles, I adore the incredibly atmospheric world. The blend of Victorian Gothic elements with the Japanese architecture supports the sinister plot. Furthermore, the smooth 60 FPS action was appreciated when tackling this on my Xbox Series X. On top of this, the level design is amazing. The world is filled with secrets, and a keen eye rewards the hardest-working players.

Unlike other RPGs, the soundtrack isn’t that memorable. However, it does a great job of adding authenticity to the Asian feel. The gothic imagery is complemented by a chilling ambience that highlights the sense of isolation and doom. Finally, each boss battle is the culmination of drama and suspense as the audio ramps up the tempo and pressure.

Love it or hate it!

The controls are a divisive element of the action. Skautfold: Moonless Knight has a love it or hate it approach that pushes you over the edge. Once you master the controls, you’ll find the combat to be rewarding. However, until that happens, it could put you off before you get into the flow.

The developer has incorporated multiple endings, relics and tools to focus on stats and sub weapons, and primary weapon consideration. On top of this, you’ll enjoy NG+ for new bosses and Ninja Pugs if you love to find collectables. Therefore, there is plenty of replay value if you can stomach the tough combat learning curve.

Skautfold: Moonless Knight is challenging but fun.

I may sound like I’m moaning, but I’m not. I want to highlight the brutality of the game so you can make an informed decision. In no way is it as challenging as a generic Souls title, but it will push your buttons. Therefore, if you lack patience, this won’t be the game for you. Yet, if you have the time to work through things, there is a lot to enjoy. Accordingly, I think it is good, and I recommend buying it here! Can you bring peace to the empire? Choose your approach, explore the Palace, and save the day.

10 Ways Gamers and Movie Fans Can Save Money on Entertainment in 2026

Christopher John
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10 Ways Gamers and Movie Fans Can Save Money on Entertainment in 2026

Entertainment can get pricey, but savvy gamers and movie fans know how to stretch their pennies without sacrificing enjoyment. Whether you love the latest blockbuster or the newest video game, here are some practical tips for keeping costs down in 2026.

1. Leverage Latest Deals Discount Vouchers

If you’re paying full price for entertainment in 2026, you’re basically tipping the internet.

A simple habit: before you hit “subscribe” or “checkout,” check Latest Deals discount vouchers. These codes can shave money off streaming services, game subscriptions, online stores, and occasional hardware accessories—without changing what you buy, just what you pay.

How to make vouchers actually work (and not waste your time):

  • Check vouchers first, shop second. If you know you need a month of a streaming service or a new game, look for a voucher before you commit. Sometimes the discount is tied to specific plans or minimum spend.
  • Stack savings when possible. A voucher + a sale price is the sweet spot. You won’t always be able to combine offers, but when you can, it’s a quiet victory.
  • Target recurring costs. One-off game deals are nice, but vouchers that reduce monthly subscriptions (even temporarily) add up fast across a year.
  • Watch the fine print. New customers only? App-only redemption? Ends tonight? Vouchers are great, but they come with rules. Quick scan, then move on.
  • Use it for “nice-to-haves,” not just essentials. DLC, rental movies, premium upgrades—these are easiest to justify when they’re discounted.

Bottom line: vouchers are the low-effort, high-reward move. Thirty seconds of checking can save you enough to fund your next month of entertainment.

2. Bundle Your Subscriptions

If you’re paying for three or four services separately, you’re probably leaving money on the table. Bundles are the quiet cheat code of 2026 entertainment: one bill, multiple libraries, less pain.

Start by listing what you actually use in a normal month (not what you aspire to watch/play). Then look for bundles in two places:

  • Streaming bundles (e.g., a main video service paired with a second platform, kids content, sports, or music)
  • Gaming bundles (online multiplayer + a rotating game catalog + cloud saves, sometimes with perks like monthly games)

The trick is to bundle what you already pay for, not add “value” you won’t touch. Bundles look cheap because they include extras—but extras you never open are just better-looking waste.

As Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk (a discount code platform), puts it: “The best bundles are the ones that replace spending you already have—if you’re adding services you won’t use, it’s not a deal.”

A simple tactic: keep one primary bundle year-round, then cycle one add-on month-to-month when a show drops or a game expansion hits. You still get variety, but you’re not funding seven subscriptions out of habit.

3. Take Advantage of Free Trials

Free trials are the entertainment world’s “try before you buy,” and in 2026 there are more of them than most people bother to use properly. Streaming services, premium channels inside other apps, cloud gaming platforms, and even game subscription libraries regularly run 7-day, 14-day, or 30-day trials—sometimes longer during promotions.

Where Free Trials Show Up

You’ll commonly see trials offered by:

  • Streaming services
  • Premium channels inside other apps
  • Cloud gaming platforms
  • Game subscription libraries

How to Use Trials Without Accidental Spending

A few simple rules keep this from turning into unplanned charges:

  • Stack trials around what you actually want to watch/play.
    Don’t start a trial just because it exists. Start it when you have a free weekend, a game you’re ready to binge, or a show season you plan to finish.
  • Set a cancel reminder immediately.
    Add the end date to your calendar the moment you sign up. Even better: set the reminder for 24–48 hours beforerenewal, since some services process payments early.
  • Cancel right after signing up (when allowed).
    Many services let you cancel instantly while still keeping access until the trial ends. This removes the “oops, I forgot” risk completely.
  • Use one “trial email” system.
    Keep subscriptions tied to a single email address so you can quickly search “trial,” “renewal,” or “receipt” and see what’s active.

Treat Trials Like a Test

Free trials are most useful when you treat them like a quick evaluation—not a trap:

  • If you used it and loved it, keep it.
  • If you barely opened the app, cut it loose and move on.

Your budget might not feel one forgotten renewal right away, but over a year, the savings add up fast.

4. Share Accounts

If you’re paying full price for every streaming service and gaming subscription solo, you’re basically tipping the internet.

Most major platforms now support multiple profiles (and in some cases multiple simultaneous streams) under one plan. That means one subscription can cover a couple of people in the same household—or a small group, if the service allows it—without everyone paying separately.

A few practical ways to do it:

  • Streaming services: Create separate profiles so watchlists, recommendations, and “Continue Watching” don’t turn into a shared mess.
  • Game subscriptions: Many console ecosystems let you set a primary/home console, which can allow multiple users in the same home to access the subscription benefits.
  • Family plans: If a service offers an official family tier, use it. It’s usually cheaper than multiple individual plans and less likely to trigger restrictions.

Two rules so it doesn’t get annoying (or get shut down):

  1. Split costs upfront. Pick a simple payment method—one person pays, everyone else sends their share monthly.
  2. Stay within the service’s terms. Platforms have gotten stricter about out-of-household sharing. If the rules say “same household,” treat it like same household.

Done right, account sharing is one of the easiest “set it and forget it” ways to cut entertainment costs in 2026 without watching less or playing fewer games.

5. Buy Pre-owned Games and Movies

New releases are fun, but full price is a choice. Pre-owned is where the value lives—especially a few weeks after launch, when trade-ins start flooding shelves and prices dip fast.

Start with the obvious spots: used sections at local game shops, big retailers’ pre-owned listings, and reputable online marketplaces. Then go a little deeper: community gaming forums, local buy/sell groups, and “bundle” listings where someone’s offloading a whole stack at once. If you’re patient, you can routinely grab last year’s “must-play” titles for a fraction of what you’d pay digitally.

A few quick rules to keep it painless:

  • Check condition like you mean it. For discs, look for scratches; for cartridges, check the contacts; for steelbooks or collector cases, inspect dents and hinges.
  • Ask about codes. Used copies sometimes come with DLC or online-pass codes that are already redeemed. Buy it for the base game/movie, not the extras.
  • Compare against digital sales. Sometimes a deep digital discount beats used prices—especially for older titles—so do a quick price check before you pull the trigger.
  • Use trade-ins strategically. If you finish games quickly, buying used and trading in soon after can make your “net cost” surprisingly low. Not glamorous, but efficient.

Bonus: buying physical pre-owned means you can lend it, resell it, or trade it—options you don’t get with most digital purchases. If your goal is maximum entertainment per pound (or dollar), used physical media is still one of the easiest wins in 2026.

6. Look for Sales and Discounts

If you can wait even a little, you can usually pay way less. Entertainment pricing in 2026 is basically a game of chicken: early buyers pay full price, everyone else cashes in later.

Where the real discounts show up:

  • Seasonal sales: Black Friday/Cyber Monday, New Year promos, spring sales, mid-summer events, and back-to-school deals are still the biggest price drops for games, digital movies, and subscription bundles.
  • Publisher/storefront events: Big platform sales (console stores, PC storefronts, major streaming promo weeks) often stack discounts across entire franchises—perfect if you’re late to a series.
  • “Complete” and “deluxe” editions: A few months after launch, you’ll often see versions that bundle DLC or bonus content for less than the base game cost at release.
  • Price drops on rentals and digital purchases: Movies that were premium-priced shortly after theatrical runs tend to settle into normal pricing—then get discounted again during promo weeks.

How to save without turning it into a second job:

  • Wishlist everything. Most storefronts will email or notify you when something you want drops in price. Set it once and let the discounts come to you.
  • Buy on your schedule, not launch day. Unless you need to be in the first-week conversation, waiting 4–12 weeks can cut prices dramatically.
  • Compare across formats. Sometimes the cheapest option is a rental, sometimes a used physical copy, sometimes a discounted digital bundle. Check all three before you hit “buy.”

Bottom line: patience is the most underrated money-saving “hack.” Let the hype pass; take the discount.

7. Explore Free Entertainment Options

Free doesn’t mean “junk,” especially in 2026. If your entertainment budget is tight (or you’d just rather spend money on the right things), there’s a ton of legit, no-cost stuff worth digging into—you just need to know where to look.

Start with free streaming platforms. Services like Tubi, Pluto TV, Freevee, and Plex regularly rotate in movies and TV shows, including older blockbusters, cult classics, and surprisingly solid documentaries. You won’t always get the newest releases, but you’ll get plenty of “good enough to binge” without paying a monthly fee.

For gamers, the free layer is even better. Epic Games Store still drops free PC games, and Steam is full of free-to-playtitles that can eat up hundreds of hours if you find the right fit. On console, keep an eye on weekly free-to-play weekends, rotating “free” titles with subscriptions you might already have, and publisher giveaways tied to events or anniversaries.

Don’t skip the weird stuff either: indie demos, game jams, and open betas are basically free entertainment samples. Some are short, some are rough, and some are genuinely brilliant. If you like discovering something before it gets popular, this is the lane.

One practical rule: if it’s free but asks for sketchy downloads or permissions, bail. Stick to major storefronts and well-known streaming apps, and free entertainment becomes the easiest savings win on this list.

8. Opt for Ad-supported Versions

If you’re paying for ad-free on every service, you’re probably overspending. In 2026, most major streamers (and a few game-related platforms) have cheaper ad-supported tiers that get you the same library for a lot less.

Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk (a discount code platform), says: “If you’re paying full price for every subscription, you’re leaving easy savings on the table. Pick the plan you actually need, and only upgrade when you’ll genuinely use the extra features.”

Here’s how to use them without hating your life:

  • Put ads on your “background” services. The platform you half-watch while cooking? Make that the ad tier. Save ad-free for the stuff you actually sit down for.
  • Rotate, don’t stack. Keep one “premium” subscription at a time and run the rest on ad-supported (or cancel them). Swap monthly depending on what you’re watching/playing.
  • Use ad tiers for casual rewatching. Comfort shows, old movies, reality TV—ads are easier to tolerate when you’re not laser-focused.
  • Check the fine print on features. Some ad plans limit downloads, 4K, or simultaneous streams. If you travel a lot or share with family, those missing features might matter more than the price.
  • Time your upgrades. Going on a binge or a big release is dropping? Upgrade for one month, then drop back down.

Ads aren’t fun, but paying full price for every subscription is worse. Use ad-supported plans strategically, and you’ll barely notice—except in your bank balance.

9. Attend Local Libraries and Community Events

Your local library is basically a stealth entertainment subscription you already pay for (through taxes), and it’s wildly underused.

Start with the obvious: free loans. Most libraries lend out DVDs, Blu-rays, and sometimes even video games for consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch. The selection varies, but you’ll often find recent-ish releases, award winners, big franchises, and plenty of “I’d watch/play this once” titles—exactly the stuff you don’t need to buy.

Then use the digital perks. Many library systems partner with apps that let you borrow movies, TV, ebooks/audiobooks, and even comics straight to your phone, tablet, or smart TV. If you’re trying to cut back on streaming subscriptions in 2026, this can replace at least one service without feeling like you’re “going without.”

Don’t sleep on holds and interlibrary loans. If your branch doesn’t have what you want, place a hold. Some systems let you borrow from neighboring libraries too, which massively upgrades your catalog.

Community events are the other freebie. Libraries and community centers often host:

  • free movie nights (sometimes with licenses for newer titles)
  • gaming clubs and tournaments
  • board game cafés / drop-in sessions
  • anime nights, film clubs, creator talks

It’s entertainment plus a social thing, and it costs nothing other than showing up.

Quick money-saving move: Make a list of “one-and-done” stuff you were about to rent or buy this month. Check the library first. Even replacing two $5 rentals is a solid win.

10. Stay Updated with Latest Deals

Deals don’t usually last long, and in 2026 the best ones disappear fast—flash sales, “weekend only” discounts, surprise price drops, promo codes that work for 24 hours, that kind of thing. The easiest way to save consistently is to make sure the deals find you, not the other way around.

Here’s a simple setup that works without turning your life into a coupon-hunting hobby:

  • Follow deal hubs and voucher pages that regularly post entertainment discounts (streamers, game stores, hardware, cinema tickets).
  • Subscribe to a couple of newsletters (one gaming-focused, one TV/film-focused). Skim them once a week, unsubscribe from the noisy ones.
  • Turn on price alerts for specific items: wishlists on Steam/PlayStation/Xbox/eShop, browser alerts, or retailer trackers for controllers, headsets, SSDs, and gift cards.
  • Use store wishlists strategically: add games/movies you want and wait. The wishlist email is basically your “buy only when it’s actually cheap” filter.
  • Watch for stacked savings: a sale price + a voucher code + cashback (or discounted gift cards) can turn an “okay deal” into a great one.

The key is speed and timing. If you’re hearing about a discount three days late, you’re not saving money—you’re just reading about other people saving money. Stay plugged in, act when it’s worth it, and your entertainment budget stops getting bullied by full price.

Krafted Launches Edge on Kickstarter: The World’s First Slim Laptop Power Bank with a Replaceable Battery

Andrew Edney
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Krafted Launches Edge on Kickstarter: The World’s First Slim Laptop Power Bank with a Replaceable Battery

Krafted Edge merges ultra-slim engineering with a modular, replaceable battery system, delivering high-capacity laptop charging without the traditional ‘brick’ footprint. A 12mm-thin power bank that lives under your laptop, charges it four times over, and lets you replace only the cells when they wear out.

Krafted, the British consumer-tech brand today announced the Kickstarter launch of Edge. Engineered to disappear under your laptop, Edge is an ultra-slim power bank designed to deliver massive, sustainable power on the go.

Designed as a deliberate response to the e-waste pattern in consumer electronics, Edge tackles the issue of disposable tech. Most standard power banks are sealed units headed for landfill within three to five years, but Edge features a modular battery cassette. When the cells eventually wear out, the user simply replaces the internal cells, keeping the premium hardware in use.

Key Features & Specifications

  • Ultra-Slim Design: Measuring just 8.5 mm at its thinnest point (12.88 mm at its thickest) and 270 by 190 mm overall, Edge slides perfectly under a 13- to 16-inch laptop and slips easily into any standard sleeve or backpack pocket.
  • High Capacity & Fast Charging: The 20,000 mAh capacity (made of four 5,000 mAh cells) delivers four full laptop charges or five full phone charges from a single fill. It recharges completely in roughly two hours.
  • Powerful Output: Delivers up to 65W output via USB-C, which is fast enough to fully power a laptop on the go rather than just trickle-charging it.
  • Multi-Device Charging: Equipped with a second USB-C port and two USB-A ports to support phones, tablets, and accessories simultaneously.
  • Premium & Sustainable Materials: Constructed with an aluminium alloy 7075 body and an OBP-certified ocean-plastic top panel.
  • Smart Cable Integration: Includes a built-in braided fabric cable featuring a magnetic metal connector at one end and a plant-based faux-leather tag at the other.

Kickstarter Campaign & Pricing

The Edge power bank is officially available on Kickstarter

  • Early-Backer Price: £103 / $139
  • Standard Retail Price: £118 / $159

About Krafted

Krafted was founded by Charlie Rudge and Vinal Patel, two British entrepreneurs bringing together 25 years of combined experience in product design and consumer electronics. Krafted operates on the conviction that consumer technology must be more sustainable, durable, and thoughtfully designed than the disposable category leaders currently offer.

Edge joins Krafted’s existing premium product lineup, which includes Connex (a multi-charging hub) and Couch (a MagSafe-compatible wireless charger designed to hang over a sofa arm)

Netflix Has Gone All-In with Generative AI (Here’s How)

Christopher John
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Netflix Has Gone All-In with Generative AI (Here’s How)

Netflix continues to dominate the global streaming industry, maintaining its position as the world’s largest streaming platform. With hundreds of millions of subscribers worldwide, the company hosts some of the biggest entertainment franchises in modern television, including The Witcher, which has become one of the platform’s flagship productions. As competition within streaming intensifies, Netflix is investing heavily in artificial intelligence to strengthen personalization, production efficiency, and audience engagement.

The company has transformed how audiences consume entertainment by making on-demand streaming the preferred viewing experience for millions of households. Netflix’s global reach allows it to produce and distribute content across multiple languages, genres, and regions, helping it attract highly diverse audiences. This scale generates enormous amounts of user data, which Netflix uses to refine its algorithms and improve viewer retention. By integrating advanced AI technologies into nearly every aspect of the platform, Netflix continues to position itself as a leader in the future of digital entertainment and streaming innovation.

What Is Generative AI?

One of the biggest technological shifts influencing Netflix is generative AI. MongoDB outlines how generative AI refers to systems based on foundation models capable of performing tasks such as classification, sentence completion, image generation, voice generation, and the creation of synthetic data. These models are fine-tuned for specific tasks depending on the application. The effectiveness of generative AI depends heavily on the quality and diversity of training data, as well as the speed and efficiency of content generation.

Netflix has embraced generative AI across multiple areas of its business, from content recommendations and production workflows to visual effects and audience personalization. These technologies are helping the platform reshape how streaming entertainment is created and consumed.

Using Generative AI to Personalize Recommendations

One of the most visible ways Netflix uses generative AI is through its recommendation system. Netflix already relies heavily on machine learning to analyze viewing habits, genres, watch time, and user interactions. Generative AI is now helping the company make these systems even more sophisticated.

AI models can analyze behavioral patterns and generate highly personalized recommendations tailored to individual tastes. Instead of relying only on basic categories such as “action” or “comedy,” AI systems can identify deeper preferences related to pacing, emotional tone, storytelling style, and character dynamics.

This allows Netflix to surface content that aligns more closely with what viewers are most likely to enjoy. Personalized recommendations increase engagement by reducing the amount of time users spend searching for something to watch and increasing the likelihood of longer viewing sessions.

Generative AI in Content Production and Visual Effects

Netflix has also started integrating generative AI directly into production workflows. Netflix used generative AI in a show for the first time during the production of El Eternauta. The report explained that AI-generated visual effects and production tools were used to streamline parts of the creative process and improve efficiency.

Generative AI can assist production teams by creating preliminary visual concepts, generating digital environments, and supporting post-production workflows. These systems can reduce the time required for certain visual effects tasks while helping creative teams experiment with new ideas more quickly.

As streaming platforms continue producing large volumes of original content, AI-assisted production tools may become increasingly important for managing costs and accelerating development timelines.

Enhancing Search and Content Discovery

Netflix is using generative AI to improve how users search for and discover content on the platform. Traditional streaming searches rely heavily on exact keywords or predefined genres. Generative AI allows Netflix to create more conversational and context-aware search experiences.

Users may eventually be able to search using natural language prompts such as “dark fantasy shows with political intrigue” or “uplifting comedies similar to romantic dramas.” AI systems can interpret these requests semantically and generate highly relevant recommendations.

This capability improves content discovery while helping viewers navigate Netflix’s enormous library more efficiently. Advanced AI-driven discovery systems also support international content exposure by connecting users with shows and films outside their usual viewing patterns.

AI-Powered Viewer Engagement and Analytics

Generative AI is also helping Netflix better understand audience behavior and engagement trends. AI systems analyze vast amounts of viewing data, including watch completion rates, binge-watching patterns, pause frequency, and search activity.

GeeksforGeeks explains that Netflix uses artificial intelligence extensively to optimize user engagement, personalize experiences, and guide business decisions. AI systems help the platform identify viewing trends and predict what types of content are likely to perform well with different audiences.

These analytics tools allow Netflix to refine marketing strategies, adjust recommendation algorithms, and make more informed decisions about future productions. By understanding audience behavior more deeply, the platform can maintain higher engagement levels and improve subscriber retention.

Exploring AI-Generated Creativity and Interactive Experiences

Generative AI may also influence the future of storytelling and interactive entertainment on Netflix. AI systems are increasingly capable of generating dialogue, visual concepts, voice synthesis, and adaptive content experiences.

The BBC reported on growing industry discussions surrounding the use of AI within entertainment production, particularly as streaming companies explore new ways to integrate generative technologies into creative workflows. These developments highlight how AI could eventually influence script development, dubbing, localization, and personalized viewing experiences.

Netflix may use generative AI to create more dynamic and interactive content formats in the future. Personalized storytelling, adaptive narratives, and AI-generated supporting content could become part of next-generation streaming experiences.

As these technologies evolve, Netflix’s early investment in generative AI positions the company to remain at the forefront of digital entertainment innovation.

The Challenges of Generative AI in Streaming

Despite its advantages, generative AI also introduces major challenges for streaming platforms. Questions surrounding copyright, creative ownership, ethical AI use, data privacy, and employment within the entertainment industry continue to generate debate as companies expand their use of AI-driven systems.

Research published through IEEE highlights how generative AI raises concerns about transparency, bias in AI-generated outputs, intellectual property protection, and the potential misuse of synthetic media. These issues are especially important in streaming, where AI tools may influence scriptwriting, localization, recommendation systems, and visual content generation.

Many writers, actors, and creative professionals have expressed concerns about how AI-generated content could affect traditional creative roles and artistic originality. Streaming companies must balance innovation and operational efficiency with responsible AI governance and respect for creative contributions. Netflix’s growing investment in generative AI places the company at the center of these industry-wide discussions as entertainment platforms continue adapting to rapid technological change.

Conclusion: Netflix’s AI-Driven Entertainment Strategy

Netflix’s investment in generative AI reflects a broader transformation occurring across the entertainment industry. From personalized recommendations and intelligent search systems to AI-assisted production and audience analytics, generative AI is becoming deeply integrated into the platform’s operations.

The company’s willingness to experiment with AI-generated tools and workflows demonstrates how streaming platforms are evolving beyond traditional entertainment models. As generative AI continues to improve, Netflix is likely to expand its use of intelligent systems even further, shaping how content is produced, discovered, and experienced in the future.

By combining advanced AI infrastructure with one of the world’s largest streaming audiences, Netflix is positioning itself at the forefront of the next generation of digital entertainment.

Adult Games Nights: Why Chic Game Nights are Making a Strong Comeback in 2026

Christopher John
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Adult Games Nights: Why Chic Game Nights are Making a Strong Comeback in 2026

As we get older, getting together with pals tends to revolve around the same old set of activities: having a dinner party at home or heading out for a meal. That’s fine for infrequent meetups, because there’s always lots to catch up on, but if you’re in the habit of hanging out with the same group regularly, rehashing well-worn talking points becomes a drag.

Social fatigue is one of the reasons that adult games nights are on the rise right now. There are other factors at play as well, so let’s break down the things that motivate modern movers and shakers to go down this route.

Accessibility

Traditional game nights take a lot of planning, preparation, and legwork on the actual evening. Unless you’re happy to act as a gamesmaster and take charge of setting up the playing boards and explaining the rules, the effort won’t be worth the outcome.

Thankfully, digital gaming is the antidote, and playing party games in groups has never been simpler. Whether you want to try playing blackjack and other casino games, or you want to host a quiz with questions for proper grown-ups, everything can be managed virtually. Even Netflix now has built-in games for couch-based multiplayer, so the barrier to entry is virtually nonexistent.

Cost

Tied into the idea that chic game nights are on the up thanks to being accessible online and on smart devices, there’s the question of cost. While you’d have previously been paying through the nose for individual board games, gambling chips, and other necessary accessories, the shift to the digital sphere eliminates most of these expenses.

As mentioned, Netflix’s support for built-in games means you don’t even need a separate laptop or console to get the action going. A moderately modern smart TV and your existing streaming subscription will cover your needs.

Changing Habits

Game nights are a great idea for more than just entertainment, since they align with the growing movement toward healthy living and wellness, particularly efforts to reduce alcohol consumption or eliminate it altogether.

When drinking is at the center of a social event,  like a dinner party or an evening on the town, the pressure to partake can be palpable. On the other hand, if everyone has got together to play a game, then whether or not you sip a tipple or stick to soft drinks is immaterial. Plus, the social awkwardness of being the only person not drinking in a room of tipsy pals evaporates.

Creating Connections

One important but overlooked reason for chic game nights making a comeback this year is that they’re actually a great way for us to bond with the people in our social circles. Teaming up with friends feels great, and it’s also a way to break down barriers and get to know casual acquaintances better.

In short, adult games nights are a trend that should stick around, and they’re simpler to organize and execute than ever. So if you’re considering hosting your own, nothing is stopping you from making it a success.

Creative Ways to Keep Children Entertained at Parties

Christopher John
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Creative Ways to Keep Children Entertained at Parties

Planning a children’s party can feel like a balancing act. You want enough excitement to keep everyone smiling, but you also need activities that are easy to manage and suitable for different ages. 

The good news is that with a little creativity, you can turn any celebration into a fun-filled event children will remember long after the cake has disappeared. Read on to find out how.

Set Up Activity Zones

One of the easiest ways to keep children entertained is by creating different activity zones around the party space. This helps prevent boredom because there is always a new activity to explore.

You could include:

  • A craft table with coloring sheets, stickers, and simple DIY activities
  • A games corner with classic party games
  • A quiet area with books and puzzles for younger guests
  • An outdoor play section for energetic activities

Rotating between stations keeps the party flowing naturally and gives children the freedom to choose what they enjoy most.

Add Interactive Party Games

Traditional party games are still popular for a reason. They encourage teamwork, laughter, and friendly competition. Instead of sticking to only the classics, try adding a creative twist.

Ideas include:

  • Treasure hunts with clues hidden around the venue
  • Dance competitions with fun challenges
  • Balloon relay races
  • Mystery box guessing games
  • Mini obstacle courses

Interactive games work especially well because they involve everyone rather than leaving children sitting on the sidelines.

Bring in Larger Entertainment Features

Sometimes the best way to create excitement is with a centerpiece attraction that instantly grabs attention. Inflatable play equipment remains one of the most popular options because it suits a wide range of ages and keeps children active for hours.

Choosing services like bouncy castle hire Pembrokeshire can transform an ordinary garden party into one that is much more memorable. Children love having a space where they can jump, play, and burn off energy safely while parents enjoy watching the fun unfold.

Create a Theme Everyone Can Join In

A strong party theme helps tie the entire event together. Whether it is pirates, superheroes, princesses, jungle adventures, or space explorers, themed parties encourage imagination and creative play.

You can build the theme into:

  • Decorations
  • Music playlists
  • Food and snacks
  • Dress-up costumes
  • Games and activities

Children often become far more engaged when they feel part of a themed experience rather than simply attending a standard party.

Include Hands-On Entertainment

Children naturally enjoy activities where they can create something themselves, so hands-on entertainment keeps them focused while also giving them a physical memento to take home afterward.

Popular ideas include:

  • Cupcake decorating stations
  • Build-your-own pizza activities
  • Slime-making tables
  • Friendship bracelet crafting
  • Face painting

These activities work particularly well during quieter moments of the party and help balance out high-energy games.

Don’t Forget Outdoor Fun

If the weather allows, outdoor activities can make a huge difference to the atmosphere of a party. Fresh air and open space give children more freedom to move around comfortably.

Simple outdoor entertainment ideas include:

  • Bubble machines
  • Water balloon games
  • Sack races
  • Giant garden games
  • Sports challenges

Outdoor activities are especially useful for larger groups because they help spread children out and avoid overcrowding indoors.

Use Music to Keep the Energy High

Music can completely change the mood of a party. A lively playlist helps maintain excitement and encourages children to join in with dancing and games.

Consider creating mini entertainment moments throughout the event, such as:

  • Freeze dance competitions
  • Karaoke sessions
  • Limbo contests
  • Musical statues

These quick activities help re-energize the group whenever attention starts to drift.

End the Party With a Big Finale

A memorable ending leaves a lasting impression on guests. Instead of letting the party slowly fade out, plan a final activity everyone can enjoy together.

Great finale ideas include:

  • A surprise piñata
  • A group dance challenge
  • Confetti cannons
  • A special dessert station
  • Party bags filled with small themed treats

Finishing on a high note ensures children leave smiling and talking about the celebration long after it ends.

Final Thoughts

Keeping children entertained at parties does not require complicated planning or expensive ideas. A mix of active games, creative activities, themed fun, and interactive entertainment can create an exciting experience for guests of all ages. 

By combining different types of activities throughout the day, you can keep energy levels high and make the celebration feel special from start to finish.

What is Liquid Restaking? The Evolution of Crypto Yields 

Christopher John
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What is Liquid Restaking? The Evolution of Crypto Yields 

Key Takeaways

  • Multiple Yield Streams: Liquid restaking lets you earn multiple layers of yield from the exact same staked asset.
  • Total Flexibility: Liquid Restaking Tokens (LRTs) keep your assets highly liquid and usable across the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.
  • Superior Returns: Yields vastly outperform traditional staking by leveraging advanced, multi-layered reward structures.
  • Market Dominance: Massive, rapid growth throughout 2025 and 2026 signaled a brand-new era of capital efficiency, which peaked mid-2026 before exploits tempered hype.

The crypto industry is constantly hunting for better ways to put capital to work. We have watched yields evolve from intensive hardware mining to basic staking, and then to liquid staking. By mid-2026, standard Ethereum staking offers a reliable but modest 3-4% APY. For modern crypto investors, that simply is not competitive enough anymore.

The market demands maximum capital efficiency. Users want to optimize their yields without locking up their funds, which is exactly why liquid restaking has become the defining trend of the modern DeFi landscape.

What is Liquid Restaking?

Liquid restaking allows you to reuse your staked Ethereum to secure additional decentralized protocols, granting you tradable Liquid Restaking Tokens (LRTs) to earn multiple yield streams simultaneously.

In simple terms, liquid restaking is the ultimate crypto multitasking tool. It takes your staked assets and puts them to work in multiple places at once.

Here is how it works in practice:

  1. Stake: You deposit ETH or a liquid staking token (like stETH). If you are just starting to build your position, you can easily trade Ethereum to USDT on top platforms to prepare your capital for these high-yield strategies. 
  2. Restake: Your assets are routed through restaking protocols (like the EigenLayer ecosystem) to secure other networks.
  3. Receive LRTs: You are issued a Liquid Restaking Token representing your deposit and its compounding rewards.
  4. Deploy: You take that LRT and use it across DeFi for lending, liquidity pooling, or leverage, multiplying your earning potential.

Liquid Restaking vs Staking vs Liquid Staking

While traditional staking locks assets for a single yield, liquid restaking stacks multiple reward layers, combining base staking, AVS incentives, and DeFi composability into one powerful asset.

To understand the massive leap forward this technology represents, let’s look at the data shaping the 2026 market:

FeatureTraditional StakingLiquid StakingLiquid Restaking
LiquidityLocked up / IlliquidTradableTradable & Highly Composable
Yield PotentialSingle base rewardSingle base rewardStacked rewards (Multiple layers)
Capital EfficiencyLowMediumMaximum
Typical 2026 Yields~3.5–4.2%~4–6%Typically 8-12%, up to 15%+ strategy-dependent; volatile with risks

Why Liquid Restaking Is the Next Evolution of Crypto Yields

Liquid restaking completely changes the math for investors. It combines yield stacking with DeFi composability, turning idle staked assets into hyper-productive capital. Instead of settling for one payout, you get to participate across multiple reward layers:

  • Base staking rewards from the Ethereum network.
  • AVS (Actively Validated Services) incentives for securing new networks.
  • DeFi strategies like providing liquidity (LP) or lending.

The Liquid Restaking Ecosystem (2026 Snapshot)

Driven by EigenLayer’s infrastructure, the market boasts ~$15-16B across the ecosystem, deeply integrating validators, Actively Validated Services, and highly liquid tokens into core DeFi markets.

The infrastructure behind this movement is breathtaking. Core frameworks have created a booming market. The key elements driving this ecosystem include:

  • Operators: The infrastructure providers running the nodes.
  • AVSs: Middleware services (like bridges or data oracles) secured by restaked ETH.
  • LRTs: Powerful tokens like eETH, rsETH, and pufETH that represent your active capital.

This ecosystem has seen rapid adoption, seamlessly integrating into the platforms you already use, driving unparalleled utility.

How Liquid Restaking Yields Are Generated

The magic is in the multi-layered strategy. When you hold an LRT, you are benefiting from a beautifully engineered yield stack:

  1. Layer 1: Standard Ethereum network staking rewards.
  2. Layer 2: Restaking incentives paid out by the AVS networks you are helping secure.
  3. Layer 3: Native protocol points, airdrops, or token rewards from the restaking platform itself.
  4. Layer 4: Additional DeFi yield generated by taking your LRT and deploying it on top-tier decentralized exchanges.

Top Liquid Restaking Protocols to Watch

Leading platforms like Ether.fi, Renzo, Kelp DAO, and Puffer Finance dominate the market, offering optimized APYs and deep liquidity, all easily accessible through top platforms like MEXC.

The market is led by highly innovative protocols building the future of yield.

  • Ether.fi: Dominating the space with massive TVL (approaching $10B) and deep liquidity.
  • Renzo: A powerful hub for EigenLayer ecosystem integration with strong multi-chain presence.
  • Kelp DAO: A notable protocol that was strong pre-2026; a recent exploit impacted TVL, shifting some liquidity to competitors.
  • Puffer Finance: An excellent option offering unique, decentralized reward structures.

Best of all, top LRTs and their governance tokens are heavily supported and actively traded on MEXC, making it incredibly easy to jump into the ecosystem.

Understanding Liquid Restaking Mechanics

To achieve these high returns, liquid restaking relies on brilliant technological architecture.

  • Network Integrity: Protocols use programmatic slashing conditions—a powerful security feature that ensures operators act honestly.
  • Smart Contract Synergy: Seamless, interconnected smart contracts allow your assets to flow efficiently between Ethereum and AVS networks.
  • Ecosystem Composability: This interconnected nature means your capital works harder, driving the high-incentive yields that define the 2026 market.

Is Liquid Restaking Right for Your Strategy?

Perfect for long-term ETH holders and advanced DeFi users, liquid restaking offers the ultimate toolkit for unlocking maximum capital efficiency and stacking optimized yield layers.

If you are aiming to supercharge your portfolio, this is the place to be. It is tailor-made for:

  • Advanced users actively seeking the highest possible yield.
  • Long-term ETH holders who want to optimize their holding period with cutting-edge returns.

It empowers users to trade up from standard APYs and actively participate in the most lucrative sector of modern decentralized finance.

Conclusion

Liquid restaking has officially become a core primitive of modern DeFi, representing a massive leap in capital efficiency and unlocking unprecedented yield generation for the crypto ecosystem.

The shift from standard staking to liquid restaking is one of the most exciting developments in crypto history. By allowing one asset to secure multiple networks and earn stacked rewards, it has redefined what is possible for your capital.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is liquid restaking in simple terms?

It is the process of reusing your staked crypto to secure additional networks and earn extra rewards, all while keeping your assets liquid and tradable.

2. What are Liquid Restaking Tokens (LRTs)?

LRTs are powerful, tokenized versions of your restaked assets. They act as a receipt that you can freely trade, lend, or use across DeFi.

3. How much can you earn from liquid restaking?

Yields are typically 8-12%, up to 15%+ strategy-dependent; volatile with risks, outperforming traditional staking significantly.

4. What makes the infrastructure so robust?

It utilizes advanced smart contracts and programmed security measures to ensure that validators properly secure the networks, creating a highly efficient ecosystem.

5. What makes EigenLayer important?

EigenLayer is the foundational engine. It created the architecture that enables Ethereum stakers to effortlessly secure multiple new services and stack their earning potential.

Review: Dread Neighbor

Cody Monfredi
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Review: Dread Neighbor

Dread Neighbor is a first person psychological horror. Developed by Ghostcase and published by Erabit, Dread Neighbor was released on May 7th, 2026. Players take on the role of multiple characters—or victims—through the course of the game. Each character experiences unsettling events, such as things quickly vanishing or unexplainable occurrences. They are all being stalked by a masked killer, with most of them meeting their end by the blade of the killer’s axe. Being a horror, what is probably most important to ask is if Dread Neighbor is scary—and yes, I believe it is for the first half. With a tone that is…well, dreadful, the scares come mostly in the form of atmosphere. There are a handful of jumpscares, and though they become slightly monotonous later in the game, the horror building up to them creates a sense of anxiety and anticipation.

However, Dread Neighbor is about 95% horror with little else beyond. There are small story elements, but nothing that feels fully fleshed out. The game offers almost no puzzles, no stealth mechanics, a single fleeting “combat” moment, and chase sequences that hardly function as actual chases. In practice, it plays like a walking simulator: move from point A to B, trigger a scare, and do it again. This may appeal to some players, but for me personally, I wish there was a little more depth to the game. Players can expect to spend around two hours maximum in gametime, including seeing the multiple endings. However, by the game’s somewhat humorous true end, I’m left with a rather bland experience. So, grab your red suitcase, because its time to discuss Dread Neighbor!

As usual for horror games, I will try my best to avoid spoilers. However, I will have to have spoil some things as they are relevant to my discussions. Included screengrabs will only be from the first bit of gameplay.

A Killer at Pleasant Harbor Apartments

Having previously released Dread Flats in July 2025, Ghostcase strives to improve their games with each installment. What is new in Dread Neighbor is the use of multiple perspectives. Over the course of the game, players take on the role of five different characters—Lily, Anna, Felix, Sherry, and Sophia. Each character starts in a different location with their own lives, seemingly unconnected from the rest. Lily is at home. Anna is at her fashion design studio late at night. Felix is night fishing. Sherry just wants to celebrate her birthday before being kidnapped. Eventually the game has you take on the role of Sophia who is the most important character of the bunch.

At least three of the characters live at Pleasant Harbor Apartments. I assume they all live there, but only three have the setting of apartment complex with the other two elsewhere. Pleasant Harbor Apartments is actually surrounded by a cemetery, which likely explains why so many characters feel like they’re being watched.. Sophia, gifted with the ability to see ghosts and other paranormal beings, actually experiences this on a more literal sense as eye growths appear in her apartment. Each character is being stalked and toyed with by the killer, but I will discuss them in the next section.

There are a few more common threads that tie the characters together outside of the killer and the apartments. Some of the characters can watch news reports about an escaped inmate who has violent tendencies. Some characters will have or see a stuffed rabbit toy with blinking red eyes. I believe all characters at some point will see a red suitcase. Later, we learn that the killer fills these suitcases with body parts and lets them go in the river. The idea of the killer showing each victim the red suitcase is very chilling.

However, outside of these threads, there really isn’t a deeper story from what I can tell. The killer is just a killer. The only potential reason as to why is because they have an extreme case of antisocial personality, and even this I feel is quite the stretch. The characters’ stories barely intersect, feeling tied together only by the apartment complex they all inhabit. Besides Sophia, it’s hard for me to find any reason to connect with the other four. They’re just kind of branded to be victims for the killer and nothing more.

The last thing I want to briefly discuss in this section are the endings. The game has three different endings, and though this sounds ambitious, it really isn’t a fully fleshed out aspect. The ending you receive comes down to your decision near the end of the game. Only one ending, the true ending, results in a slightly longer gameplay and though I won’t spoil what happens, I found it to be a bit more humorous than scary. Thankfully, the game lets you go back to this moment if you want to see a different ending without having to play the whole game again. However, I would have loved if the multiple ending aspect was a bit more fleshed out. It feels a little uninspired at the moment. I suppose a somewhat lack of story or connection between characters doesn’t help.

Stalked by a Masked Killer

The Killer is a large, hulking being. Though seemingly just a neighbor in the apartment complex who happens to be a serial killer, he is a tad supernatural. He is probably inspired by classic slasher killers such as Jason Voorhees or Michael Myers. They move slow and can seemingly appear and vanish at will. Like them he wears a disturbing mask and stalks his victims. As you wait for the elevator, approaching footsteps echo down the hall, and a figure leans around the corner to watch you while you scramble inside and hit the button.

He also likes to toy with his victims a bit before going in for the kill, though I question if it is actually him. For example, many scares clearly show someone setting them up. An axe scrapes its way under the bed, a stuffed rabbit dangles at the top of the stairs before falling, and a small toy truck winds up and bursts out from beneath the bed. In each moment, players can see a hand doing each action. However, the hand is bare. The killer wears a long jacket and gloves, with no visible skin showing. It makes me wonder if there is indeed more going on outside of the killer. This could connect the scares to the graveyard encircling the apartments, suggesting a ghost might be behind these actions, yet the game never commits to that idea.

The overall tone for the game is of course dread. The developers overall do a great job at building the anxiety and tension leading up to a scare. What comes as a big component to this is how visually realistic the settings look. For a game with a low price point, good graphic quality quite feels like a rare occurrence. Dread Neighbor delivers on this, slightly helping me feel a bit immersed in each of the perspectives (the lack of personal story or connection to the characters is what keeps me not immersed). Outside of the setting itself, small touches—like the axe dragging or the toy truck darting out—do a lot of work to build tension. Though it may just a be going from point A to B, they make sure that the walk between re-builds the tension each time.

Of course the tension build up is for the jumpscares. My biggest gripe with jumpscares are when they feel cheap or unearned. The jumpscares feel genuinely earned. The game shows restraint in how often it uses them, yet the way they’re executed could be sharper. Many of the jumpscares feature a dramatic zoom in. For an example, I’ll expand on the elevator moment I used earlier. After getting in the elevator and trying to go up, the doors will shut and then reopen after a bit. This sequence repeats three times before the hallway lights cut out and the button no longer works. Players need to leave the elevator, only for the killer to be right there.

This alone would make me jump, but instead the camera quickly zooms in on the killer’s mask. A similar zoom occurs during some of the other jumps. This gives me a feeling of ‘cheap’ as many cheap jumpscares like to use in-your-face jumps, an extremely loud noise, or a combination of both. The moments that use the zoom would be just as scary without it.

I must talk about the not so chase ‘chase sequences’. In these moments, the killer walks towards the player, which is fine. Most slasher killers don’t run at their victims, so I am more forgiving. However, though given the ability to “run”, these characters are surely not too keen to actually try and get away. Instead of running away in a panic, it’s more of a hurried pace, like speed walking but maybe a little slower. The tension in these moments isn’t “oh god, I have to get away from this man who is trying to kill me”, it’s “oh god, why am I moving at a snail’s pace?”

Thankfully, like the dramatic zooms on some of the jumpscares, there aren’t too many of these slow chase moments and they tend be short. Overall though, I think the game does a great job at being scary at first. I certainly felt scared through much of my playthrough. The game excels at building tension through dread, which suits its title perfectly. However, as the cycle of moving from point A to B and bracing for the next scare repeats, the fear gradually loses its edge. Without gameplay elements that really take players out of this formula, such as a puzzle or an actual chase sequence, it becomes monotonous. I was tired of the formula about 45 minutes in, and that’s roughly half the game. I hope they improve this in future games.

Be wary of your Neighbors

That’s pretty much it when it comes to reviewing Dread Neighbor. Visually, the game looks great and the settings look realistic. Tension builds effectively, and I definitely felt the dread the title promises. Jumpscares don’t feel cheap or unearned for the most part. I like the idea of playing as the different victims of the killer. I haven’t personally played Dread Flats, Ghostcase‘s previous game, but I hope that there have been improvements.

And I hope future games continue to improve. The story here doesn’t feel fully fleshed out. I don’t need everything explained to me, but I do want to know perhaps a bit more. I would also like them to maybe go a bit beyond just a walking simulator. Introducing puzzles, stealth segments, high paced chase sequences, or even more combat would have been a welcome addition to my experience. Lacking all of these makes the end experience feel bland, like I could have just watched someone else play the game without needing to play myself.

I suppose I’d recommend this one to players who want a one-time scare. Perhaps as something they want to play once on a Saturday night and then never again. I don’t like putting the game in that way, but it’s overall content leaves me not much of a choice. The developers at Ghostcase are probably self-aware in that they aren’t trying to provide a game with replayability or is groundbreaking in the indie horror genre. I think they absolutely knew what they wanted to produce, and they do it well for the most part. As a player though, I can’t help wish for something more with a bit more polish or depth. I leave the experience of Dread Neighbor feeling like it was a just okay time that unfortunately did not have a lasting impression.

Thank you for reading and be careful not to get axed!

Review: MOD 007 V3 HE Year of the Dragon keyboard

Daniel Waite
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Review: MOD 007 V3 HE Year of the Dragon keyboard

The MOD 007 V3 HE Year of the Dragon keyboard from Akko is a bit special! Not only does it look amazing, and trust me, the pictures do not do it justice, but it feels great as well. The magnetic switches are responsive, and the keycaps are durable and comfortable to use. Additionally, the metal case is heavy while offering an upmarket edge.

In short, this keyboard is the ideal option if you want a substantial but compact device for your office or gaming cave. If you are looking for a head turner, this peripheral will not disappoint. The stunning keycaps look amazing, and the RGB makes everything pop. Furthermore, the colours are rich, and the Asian theme will make people gawp in surprise.

I’ve used many Akko products, and I’m always impressed. They offer a fantastic range of entry-level and high-end keyboards. The MOD 007 V3 HE Year of the Dragon keyboard is one of their leading models, and everything about it screams market-leading. The responsive switches, high-quality materials, and stunning livery will make the pickiest of users smile.

What’s in the box of the MOD 007 V3 HE Year of the Dragon keyboard?

  • The packaging is a thing of beauty. Consequently, it demands to be ripped open.
  • The MOD 007 V3 HE Year of the Dragon keyboard is spectacular. The ARGB has an impressive 500Hz refresh rate. Moreover, the magnetic switches deliver 8000 Hz polling.
  • Spare keycaps, switches, and pulling tools are provided.
  • Connect the keyboard with the USB-C cable.
  • Learn the basics with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

The MOD 007 V3 HE Year of the Dragon keyboard is designed with gaming at the fore. With Rapid trigger, Mod tap, Snap key, adjustable actuation, DKS, and TGL, this keyboard offers every modern customisation and performance-enhancing tool available. Subsequently, gamers can adjust this peripheral to match each game or profile they wish. Although I didn’t use this to its fullest, I appreciated each available option.

This is a wired-only device, and this may cause some concerns. I wasn’t bothered as I prefer low-latency inputs and no battery worries. Moreover, the slim USB-C cable is hardly noticeable. Its refined connectivity delivers a streamlined design. Therefore, there are no unnecessary switches and no Bluetooth or wireless connections to worry about.

Rapid inputs with low latency are key elements if you love to game. This keyboard offers up to 8000 Hz polling rates and a 32000 Hz scanning rate. Additionally, you’ll enjoy ultra-precision adjustable actuation thanks to the magnetic switches. Accuracy and processing power are improved because of the ARM Cortex-M4 CPU and the RT Stabiliser. Although these elements are designed with gamers in mind, I loved using this keyboard for everyday office tasks.

Build quality.

The MOD 007 V3 HE Year of the Dragon keyboard will last you a lifetime. The 3 times anodised aluminium case offers deep colours and enhanced durability. Furthermore, the cherry profile PBT keycaps boast exceptional oil resistance. Therefore, you will not experience those horrible oily marks or a loss of font detail.

The stabiliser wiring supports the magnetic switches while improving strike accuracy. Moreover, they are made from a non-magnetic material to reduce interference and increase performance. This may not be something that crosses your mind, but stable switches improve your typing and gaming experience tenfold.

Audio profiling is another essential element that makes or breaks a gaming keyboard. If the keycaps sound hollow or the device is too noisy, it is extremely discouraging and makes for a horrendous experience. Thankfully, this device offers multiple layers of acoustic material to deliver an exceptional soundscape. The keycaps have that delightful mechanical edge without being too sharp or obnoxious.

Is the MOD 007 V3 HE Year of the Dragon keyboard worth it?

I fell in love with this keyboard the moment I saw it. Visually, it is breathtaking. The keycaps, cyan colourway, and exceptional case make it a joy to look at. Moreover, the incredible switches, comfortable keycaps, and easy-to-adjust settings ensure that you never struggle to use it. Accordingly, I think it is fantastic, and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Akko can be found here!)

The MOD 007 V3 HE Year of the Dragon keyboard from Akko has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Soulstone Survivors

Daniel Waite
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Review: Soulstone Survivors

Soulstone Survivors is one of those games that gets under your skin. You either love this type of game or you avoid it like the plague! I’ve tried my hand at practically every subgenre of this expansive game type, and I adore where the developer has gone with this title. It is challenging, loaded with content, and as casual or as hardcore as you like.

This bullet-heaven rogue-like has been developed by Game Smithing and published by Digital Bandidos. It is a single-player title with a dark and sinister fantasy edge. There are temporary and permanent buffs, a huge progression tree, and plenty of other elements to keep you focused. Additionally, there is a nice sense of synergy as you combine skills and other core elements.

Soulstone Survivors is a story-lite experience.

Like many other titles in this genre, Soulstone Survivors is light on its story. Effectively, you play the part of a Void Hunter. This is the resistance group who are defending the Kingdom and protecting the Dawnstone. However, when this isn’t enough, you decide to join a small army to jump through a portal and hunt the Void King. The plan goes wrong, and you are left in the void fighting alone. 

The story works well, but after a few runs, you forget about it and look at the madness that’s unfolding. With hordes of enemies to slay, XP to collect, and the option for a never-ending battle, there is plenty to keep you busy. The core concept is remarkably simple, and that is part of this game’s charm. Although there is plenty to work with, you can keep things easy if you wish.

Choices, choices.

Each playthrough asks you to select your hero and a magical loadout. Before you jump into the action, you can spend your hard-earned resources on permanently upgrading the world’s largest skill tree. This is essential if you wish to tackle the latter stages. However, it takes a bit of effort to unlock even the earliest elements, so some patience and grinding are necessary.

This may not be to everyone’s liking, but I like the methodical approach and the almost repetitive but slow progressive action. As the round unfolds, you’ll kill a range of tiny minions and huge demi-bosses. Once you hit the final rounds, you must kill one of 5 hellish overlords. This is where your skills come to the fore. You must identify their weaknesses as you run wild and try to survive. Sadly, death is all but assured, and only the best will get past every boss.

Once you finish your initial mission, you can choose to retire and upgrade your hero, or take things to the next level. Do you head to the deadly arena and smash everything in sight, or just take on endless waves of monsters? Either way, you’ll grab key resources to upgrade each of your favourite heroes.

How do you want to play?

Soulstone Survivors offers different playstyles throughout. Melee combat, magic, or ranged attacks are standard. Consequently, picking the right hero for your desires is key. I loved flitting between swords and magic, and I felt the ranged weaponry to be a little clunky. However, this is more of a me thing than anything to do with the game.

Once your hero is selected and your mission agreed upon, you’ll have to select some additional skills to help you with your mission. Active and passive skills improve your character in different ways. More health, increased speed or damage, or improved magical abilities are on offer. Whichever ones you pick will help you on your journey, and combining certain elements can create a powerful and match-winning synergy. 

Soulstone Survivors looks amazing.

I’m a huge fan of this genre, and I don’t mind the occasional lack of detail. Luckily, Soulstone Survivors delivers brilliant details as well as smooth animation. No matter how many enemies I faced or the volume of projectiles, this never faltered. The action is flawless, and you can simply enjoy the madness that unfolds.

The audio is brilliant. It is loud, uncomfortable, and exceptionally energetic. Furthermore, it has a dark fantasy edge that is tough to ignore. Aesthetically, this game offers sinister moments that cannot be ignored. However, the combination of never-ending sounds and silence works incredibly well.

Brilliant to play.

It doesn’t matter if you are a veteran or new to this type of game. Soulstone Survivors is easy to pick up, and all the core mechanics are well explained. Additionally, a little bit of trial and error never hurts. Therefore, you can experiment with each character layout and test new abilities without undermining your progress.

Replay value and longevity are core concepts. If you love this genre, you’ll enjoy 100+ hours. With over 22 characters to unlock, a blacksmith to visit, a huge skill tree to invest in, and runes to change your skills, this game offers almost endless replay value.

Soulstone Survivors is phenomenal.

This game was always going to be a winner, but I was blown away by its polished exterior, incredible gameplay loop, and number of characters to unlock. Moreover, it offers a little bit of risk vs reward as you get to the end of each playthrough. I adore the massive skill tree and the different builds that are available. Accordingly, it is a must-play title, and I recommend buying it here! Can you defeat the Void King and save the Kingdom? Pick your hero, select your layout, and prove your worth!

Review: Directive 8020

Matt Cooper
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Review: Directive 8020

It’s been four long years since the horror series The Dark Pictures Anthology released The Devil In Me. Now finally, the series is back with Directive 8020! Can this survival horror story in space elevate the franchise to new heights?

Space, The Final Frontier

I’ve had a love affair with Supermassive Games since the launch of Until Dawn. Since that wonderful game released, I have played and enjoyed every single title they have developed. The developers have created these interactive horror dramas. They are driven by the characters and the choices you make and I love this! Needless to say, you can imagine my frustration and anticipation, waiting for Directive 8020. This is a bold new step in the Dark Pictures franchise. Thankfully, it was worth the wait! Directive 8020 is the best entry in the Anthology to date! That is even with some of the issues that rear their ugly heads.

The story of Directive 8020 takes place in the year 2061, a long way away from earth – 12 light years to be specific. Chosen by eccentric billionaire LaMarcus William, the owner of company Corinth, a crew of astronauts and scientists is tasked with a survey mission. Aboard the space ship Cassiopeia, the team’s mission is to survey Tau Ceti f from space. They must gather information for a ship which is landing on the planet six months later. The mission hopes to find an alternative sustainable living habitat to a dying earth. You control five members of the crew: pilot Brianna Young, commander Nolan Stafford, mission officer Laura Eisele, medical officer Samantha Cooper and engineer Josef Cernan. Of course, inevitably, this mission goes completely awry and becomes deadly.

What Could Possibly Go Wrong?!

In typical Dark Pictures Anthology fashion, the survey missions starts well, but it soon plummets into chaos and horror. Approaching the planet, the ship is hit by an unidentified object which begins to generate a growth on board the ship. This growth can take the form of anything it sees or kills; it’s clear the developers have used The Thing as a source of inspiration. Through the game’s eight episodes, you are on a journey of pure tension and atmospheric horror. The narrative is also told in a non linear format with flash forwards and backwards. I became hooked from start to finish. At its core, the game is propelled by a superb cast of characters. There are major twists and turns later on in the game’s penultimate episode. This had me shocked and pleasantly surprised that I had not discovered the twist.

The core themes of the narrative revolve around mortality, paranoia, friendship and desperation. These are all blended into a wonderful concoction of survival and body horror. Brianna Young takes centre stage; she is a brilliant protagonist as you fight to stay alive. Of course, with this being a Dark Pictures game, your choices matter. Every choice can lead to dramatic consequences. The level of replay ability available in this game is also the best to date in the series. Add in the superb new turning point and destiny systems (more on these later), and you have a recipe for a superb space horror that will have you gripping your seat and biting your nails! It is best experienced with as little knowledge as possible to fully feel the mystery!

A Short Stay

My only gripe with the narrative is that it’s a little on the short side. An average playthrough will take you around 7 hours to complete, which left me wanting so much more. The game does a great job at creating a really great environment and atmosphere but it ends too soon. Thus, I hope more titles in the series can return to this unique setting.

A More Refined Experience

The Dark Pictures games are often described as interactive horrors. That is, light on gameplay with more focus on quick time events and story. However, Directive 8020 has attempted to modernize the gameplay, with superb results. Again, the player controls the characters from a third person perspective. Now, the camera is the best it has been, with a tight over the shoulder angle. Movement and traversal are greatly improved from the early days of Man Of Medan. Wandering around the ship and environments feels fluid and responsive; with the scanner, you can inspect the area to find collectibles and text logs. Quick time events return as expected and they increase the tension during climatic moments. In addition, great new accessibility options have been added to fine tune your experience.

The developers have made a concerted effort to implement stealth into gameplay. This works brilliantly, heightening the horror and the tension. In particular, the sections where you are crawling through vents are chilling and pulsating. New to the series is the option to parry in certain chase and stealth moments. Be warned though, this won’t save you every time! There are more than enough jump scares and tense moments to satisfy the horror lovers of the world.

Death Around Every Corner

As mentioned earlier, the two new additions to the formula are the turning point and destiny systems within the game. Turning point allows you to rewind and choose a different path, saving characters from fatal incidents. As this is a Dark Pictures game, death can happen in many different ways. With up to 44 different unique death cutscenes, turning point acts as a second chance. That is, if you’re playing on explorer mode, which allows turning point. Personally, I prefer the survivor mode. This gives you no second chance and forces you to deal with the effects of your choices. I’d also advise caution using the turning point system on a first playthrough. This is because viewing the turning point screen may reveal some spoilers for upcoming scenes in that episode.

Similarly, destinies improve and polish the previous traits and personalities system. For each character, you can improve traits such as playful or serious. If you continue to choose a specific option, you will unlock the trait as a destiny; this can directly affect these characters’ endings or choices. It’s a fun way of experimenting and seeing how characters evolve but it can also lead to locking you out of certain scenes, leading to some frustration.

Finally, a multiplayer mode returns in the form of Movie Night. This allows you and up to four other people to pass the control and play as each different character. This is a fun games’ night mechanic for friends but I am disappointed that the shared story online mode from previous titles has been removed. Some of my fondest online moments have been playing these Dark Pictures games with a friend and dealing with the horror together. A real shame that the developers opted to remove it.

The Beauty Of Space

Visual presentation inDirective 8020 is some of Supermassive’s finest work to date. Everywhere on the Cassiopeia is dripping in detail and beauty. She is a modern, sleek looking ship and it feels like there is mystery in every room you enter. Character models and animations are once again top notch and if you have played previous entries in the series, you will recognise these models! It is a unique touch to have the same character models from every game but it can be jarring, reminding you of memorable moments of old. Add in superb lighting to a game that is very dark and haunting at times and you have a superb visual pallet. Of course the alien itself is horrifying and there’s more than enough blood and gore to go around!

Similarly, audio design and soundtrack are top notch. The audio design creates as much tension for the player as possible. Bursts of sound cause jump scares! Very often I would be lulled into a false sense of security, then a crashing wave of audio would pierce my headphones to create a delightfully wicked moment. The voice acting is also superb and helps bring the characters to life; it made me really care for the crew. The soundtrack of previous Dark Pictures games does not feature this time but is replaced by a different musical track during the end of each episode. I am surprised at how much I loved these songs; each feels unique and perfectly selected to the episode.

Verdict

To sum up, Directive 8020 is a brilliant new step in the Dark Pictures Anthology. It is a chilling, haunting sci fi horror mystery, with great twist and turns. Refined and polished gameplay and awe inspiring visuals help make this title the best in the series to date. Supermassive are the kings of the interactive horror genre and despite the short length and lack of shared story, this is my favourite entry in the series. I hope the developers continue to innovate and improve their formula for many years to come!

Review: Studio Max 2 headphones

Daniel Waite
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Review: Studio Max 2 headphones

OneOdio offers some of the best professional-grade audio equipment. Furthermore, they make it affordable for you and me to invest without breaking the bank. I looked at the Studio Max 1 headphones, and I was blown away. Consequently, when the offer came to look at the Studio Max 2 headphones, I was never going to turn them down!

These headphones ooze quality from every angle. Whether it is the exceptional case, the low-latency transmitter, the incredible audio cables, or the comfortable, light, and durable design, you will not be disappointed with these studio-quality headphones.

With such a good blueprint to work from, it doesn’t surprise me that this latest iteration is more of an evolution rather than a complete rebuild. Lovers of the first headset will enjoy some nice-to-have elements and some incredible tech advancements.

What’s in the box of the Studio Max 2 headphones?

  • The packaging is unbelievably eye-catching. It screams high class, and I love the muted colours and catchy imagery.
  • The Studio Max 2 headphones have large, comfortable earcups. The buttons are functional and tactile for simplicity.
  • Gold-plated cables ensure you experience the best sound quality.
  • The 2.4 GHz transmitter offers near-zero latency for exceptional live DJing needs.
  • A hard case is provided to keep your headphones safe.
  • Learn the basics with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

The Studio Max 2 headphones use Bluetooth 6.0 for stability and low power draw. This easy-to-use system makes connecting these headphones to any compatible device a breeze. Moreover, the signal is stable for around 11 metres or 32 ft. This may not seem that far, but I had no issues when walking around my living room or gaming area.

The latency tech has been refined with the Rapid Wheel Plus 2.0 tech. This offers <20ms latency via the USB/3.5mm dongle. This is achieved as OneOdio has bypassed the standard Bluetooth stack for the ultimate in almost-zero latency performance.

1,000 mAh battery capacity offers up to 120 hours of playtime via Bluetooth functionality. This reduces considerably when you use other connectivity methods. No matter which you choose, you’ll enjoy the quick charging facility. Around 5 minutes of charging delivers 5 hours of Bluetooth playback. Consequently, you are never out of the game for too long.

Audio quality.

If you are buying headphones, it is the audio quality that is key. Thankfully, the Studio Max 2 headphones offer exceptional sound quality as they are tuned by KSHMR. Additionally, they deliver studio-relevant low-latency performance. The easy-to-handle tactile controls ensure that users can adjust the settings with ease. Moreover, the tactile volume control lets you adjust the audio levels with impressive accuracy.

I never experienced any crackling or poor performance. I turned the volume up, kept it low, and never struggled to hear any of the key components. Furthermore, these headphones don’t crack when the bass is pumping. I never experienced an imbalance in the tones or bass level, and I could easily identify the high, mid, and low points of every track.

I’m not a DJ, but one of my good friends is, and I asked him to test this on an array of entry-level and professional decks. He was impressed by the usability and particularly highlighted the connectivity and clean audio. He was impressed by the low-latency performance and liked the balance of the powerful bass line.

Build quality.

I’m a fan of large earcups that can be worn for hours. I dislike it when they are too hot or too heavy. Either of these issues causes fatigue and makes things horribly uncomfortable. Luckily, the Studio Max 2 headphones deliver a comfortable and light user experience that is perfect for hobbyists and professionals. The padded earcups and headband reduce pressure on your skull and your ears. Moreover, your ears rarely feel too hot.

The black finish is professional and clean, and I like the tactile grouped buttons. Although many aspects of these headphones are made from hardened plastic, they do not feel cheap. There is an overwhelmingly high-end feel to every part, and they look and feel more expensive than the price tag suggests. Lastly, both the cables and the wireless transmitter are durable. DJing can be a little hectic, and mistakes often happen. Therefore, I was impressed by the hard-wearing and clean nature of every part.

Are the Studio Max 2 headphones worth it?

OneOdio have somehow improved on the exceptional design of the Studio Max 1. The latest product keeps every brilliant element while evolving the leading tech. Better connectivity options, improved Bluetooth, a stronger battery, and an impressive hard case make this a must-buy product.

The audio is incredible, and I loved the easy-to-master earcup controls. The professional appearance, clean colourway, and exceptional accessories make this an ideal choice for hobbyists and professionals. Accordingly, I think they are amazing, and I recommend buying them here!

(More information on OneOdio can be found here!)

The Studio Max 2 headphones from OneOdio have been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Let Them Come: Onslaught

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Let Them Come: Onslaught

Let Them Come: Onslaught is the sequel to Let Them Come. I admit I didn’t play the original, but a little research shows that this title focuses on modern mechanics. Instead of 2D side-on defence ideas, we get a shift to 3D arena survival and bullet-hell madness. This approach will appeal to a vast audience as it sits alongside Vampire Survivors.

This bullet hell survival romp was developed by Tuatara and published by Digital Bandidos. It is a single-player game where the grind is real. This wasn’t too much of a surprise, but if you want to make it through the endgame elements, you’d better be prepared to invest plenty of hours.

Let Them Come: Onslaught has a sci-fi edge. 

Like many games in this genre, it doesn’t focus on a narrative. Instead, it maximises its theme and lets the action do the talking. Let Them Come: Onslaught is a sci-fi affair where aliens of all shapes and sizes attempt to rip you limb from limb. You can’t let this happen, so you grab an array of weapons and upgrades to thwart the never-ending hordes of xenomorphs.

You play the role of a human soldier who has crash-landed on an alien planet. Armed with a gun and your wits, you must blow everything to pieces. Thankfully, every killed foe offers the chance to upgrade and develop. New weapons, increased health, otherworldly abilities, and more await those who are brave enough. 

Exploration is key. 

Let Them Come: Onslaught uses many tried and tested mechanics, and this was fantastic. I’m extremely familiar with the genre, and I love the similarities to some of its big-name counterparts. However, the weapons and special abilities are not as balanced as I’d have liked. Additionally, there is a limited roster of characters to choose from. This is splitting hairs, but when others do things exceptionally well, you have high expectations. 

What this title does extremely well is its exploration mechanics. Instead of being rewarded for simply kiting your foes, you find bigger prizes in the surrounding areas. Chests, beacons, and missions demand that you traverse each of the 4 hellish landscapes. This approach takes you out of your comfort zone, and that worked for me. 

Let Them Come: Onslaught is grim and dark. 

If you love grim and dark games, this will be right up your street. Each of the levels has a unique but sinister edge. Furthermore, each alien has a different style that will test your skills and keep you interested. Even when things get hectic, this never falters. The frame rate was fantastic, and there were no obvious bugs or glitches.

The audio uses an original synth soundtrack. This was incredibly aggressive and high-energy. With several tracks to pick from, you made each level match your mood. Alongside this, the sound effects were ridiculous. No matter what you did or where you turned, the noise levels were off the charts. 

Easy to handle. 

Let Them Come: Onslaught utilises automatic aiming and a refined button layout. This was great for a pick-up-and-play design. However, if you wanted more control of the situation, this may leave you frustrated. Despite this possible downside, I enjoyed the straightforward approach.

At its core, this offers a relatively repetitive gameplay loop. However, once you unlock new gear, improve your character, and tackle new bosses, you’ll find plenty of replay value and longevity. Word of warning, the opening levels are a little bit of a grind. Therefore, some patience is needed. 

Let Them Come: Onslaught is a great addition to the genre. 

If you adore this genre, you’ll find plenty to enjoy when tackling this sci-fi experience. It is hectic, aggressive, and it will test your patience. Yet, it is rewarding as well. New weapons, better abilities, and huge bosses await those who are good enough. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here! Can you overcome the odds and get extracted? Grab your gun, pray for some luck, and kick some alien ass. 

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