News: Mother’s Day 2025

Daniel Waite
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News: Mother’s Day 2025

New year, new me is all but done and dusted. Accordingly, it is time to look at the big events coming up in 2025. The first major one I can think of is Mother’s Day 2025. Now, we know it can be stressful to find that perfect gift. As such, I hope to take that edge off with this gift guide.

Flowers, a card, and chocolates are all well and good. However, why not go the extra mile and get something truly special this year? Whether it is a stylish case, a gadget, or some tools for the house, this article will highlight them all. Therefore, sit back, relax, and let me show you some amazing products.

Cosori
VQ
BOOX
Flikeze
OpenRock
HOZO

The Mother’s Day 2025 guide. 

Cosori. 

COSORI TwinFry Dual Blaze 10L – The COSORI TwinFry Dual Blaze 10L Air Fryer boasts a generous 10-litre capacity, making it the perfect addition to any kitchen, especially for those who enjoy hosting or cooking for large families. 

The appliance’s dual-chamber design, featuring a removable separator, allows for simultaneous cooking of main courses and side dishes, ensuring a nutritionally balanced meal every time. Whether it’s crispy chicken paired with roasted vegetables or perfectly air-fried fish accompanied by golden fries, this air fryer delivers versatility and convenience in every use.

Mother’s Day 2025 introductory price £199 from Currys.

VQ. 

Laura Ashley China Rose 3.5L Slow Cooker – Make cooking a stress-free experience with the VQ Laura Ashley stainless steel slow cooker. It has a generous 3.5-litre capacity, perfect for making family stews, soups, and casseroles.

Use the 3-heat settings, including a keep warm function, and you will always have a delicious dinner ready when needed. The tempered glass lid traps the moisture and flavour of your dish, also allowing you to watch the cooking process.

Mother’s Day 2025 price £59.99 from Amazon. 

Cath Kidston designed VQ Skylark Earbuds – The Skylark boasts possibly the loudest sound for TWS earbuds in the market. Deep, rich bass, defined mid-range, and crystal-clear high-end. Whether streaming tunes, enjoying a gripping podcast, or being immersed in the latest audiobook, Skylark’s Hi-Fi stereo sound quality ensures the users hear, feel, and experience the music like never before.

Mother’s Day 2025 price £59.99 from Amazon. 

VQ Cath Kidston Tablet case – A designer Cath Kidston Universal Tablet Case by VQ really is the perfect way to ensure your 7/8 or 9/10 inch tablet stays protected, but also looks stylish and feels personal to you.

Mother’s Day 2025 price £14.99 from Amazon.

BOOX. 

Palma 2 – The Palma 2 has advanced hardware and software and is equipped with dual microphones and speakers, it doubles as a portable audio player for music and podcasts. Its 16MP camera with LED flash serves as a document scanner for on-the-go office needs.

Mother’s Day 2025 price £299.99 from BOOX.

More gifts are on the way. 

Flikeze.

PhotonMask – The PhontonMask is designed with a contoured fit for full facial coverage, Unlike traditional LED lighting, it combines four powerful therapy modes with multiple wavelengths technology into each mode to enhance treatment effectiveness.

After years of testing, Flikeze found that multi-wavelength technology delivers superior results for specific skin concerns. That’s why they’ve combined four powerful therapy modes with multiple wavelengths into each mode to enhance treatment effectiveness.

Mother’s Day 2025 price £338.99 from Flikeze.

SpectraPanel Elite – The SpectraPanel Elite features four modes powered by patented FSE7 Pro Chips, with seven effective wavelengths, and adjustable intensity from 20% to 100%. designed to achieve optimal results. Tailored for everything from pain relief to skin treatments and energy boosting, the SpectraPanel Elite offers a versatile approach to overall wellness.

Mother’s Day 2025 price £390 from Flikeze.

OpenRock. 

OpenRock S – The OpenRock S embraces innovation at its core by harnessing the power of advanced open-air conduction technology. This not only results in a natural and safer auditory encounter but also allows users to stay attuned to their surroundings while indulging in their preferred audio content.

Mother’s Day 2025 price £79.99 from Amazon. 

HOZO. 

Neoruler Smart Ruler – Accurate measurements are crucial in the world of design, where even the smallest details can make a significant impact. NeoRuler boasts a host of features that make it an indispensable tool for architects, engineers, graphic designers, and hobbyists.

Mother’s Day 2025 price £105 from HOZO Design. 

M-Cube – M-Cube is the ultimate modular multi-function laser measure distance meter with an innovative magnetic locking design that makes switching modules and accessories effortless. Versatile and adaptable for surveying, construction, design, DIY Projects and home renovation.

Available for various prices from HOZO Design. 

Plenty of great gifts this year. 

This guide is but the tip of the iceberg. There are plenty of great companies offering amazing products as well. Kokoon, SwitchBot, Dangbei, UREVO, and Enabot are pushing some incredible tech and health and beauty items that will appease the toughest recipients. Accordingly, you can avoid those awkward gifting moments, and shine this Mother’s Day 2025.

Five easy ways to protect your personal data

Andrew Edney
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Five easy ways to protect your personal data

Keeping your personal information safe and secure is more important than ever. With the threat of hackers and other malicious actors always there, it’s easy to feel anxious and overwhelmed. 

The answer? Taking simple, proactive steps can drastically reduce your risk and give you greater peace of mind. Below are practical ways you can protect your data every day.

Use stronger and unique passwords

We’ve all been tempted to use the same password for multiple accounts for sheer convenience. But this is something that gives hackers an easier route to break into your accounts. By using strong and unique passwords for different platforms, you make it much harder for anyone to crack the code and access your personal information. 

A good password should be long (at least 12 characters) and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. It shouldn’t include words or phrases intrinsically linked to you, like your middle name, or something easily found out, like your pet’s name.

Enable two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is basically an extra layer of security for your accounts. By requiring a second form of verification, you add to the security already provided by a password. 

For example, after you enter your password, you might receive a text message with a code to enter. This makes it significantly harder for someone to access your account, even if they manage to guess or find out your password.

Most popular online services, including email and social media platforms, offer 2FA. Setting it up is quick and easy, and it’s one of the most effective steps you can take to protect your accounts.

Learn how to spot phishing attempts

Phishing attacks are one of the most common tactics scammers use to steal your data. They typically involve fraudulent emails, messages, or websites that trick you into giving up your login details or other sensitive data. 

To avoid falling for them, always double-check the sender’s email address or the profile contacting you. Look for the key signs of a scan, such as unusual links, spelling mistakes, or urgent requests for personal information.

If you’re ever unsure about an email or message, don’t click any links or open any attachments. Instead, go directly to the company’s website by typing the URL into your browser or call them to verify the communication.

Protect your privacy with a VPN

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks leave your data vulnerable to attack. A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, making it much harder for hackers or anyone else to access your browsing activity. This is particularly important when using public Wi-Fi in cafes or airports, where your data is more easily intercepted.

You can install a VPN on your devices, router, or browser. For example, installing a VPN for Chrome safeguards your online activity by masking your IP address and location. This makes it harder for advertisers and other onlookers to track you and your data online.

Think twice about what you share online

The more personal information you share online, the more opportunities you give people to misuse it. It’s ultimately your decision, but be mindful of the sort of information you share on public platforms.

Avoid sharing details like your home address, phone number, travel plans, or anything else that can be used to steal your identity or break into your home.

Review: SanDisk Fortnite Portable SSD Peely Edition – 1 TB version

Andrew Edney
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0
Review: SanDisk Fortnite Portable SSD Peely Edition – 1 TB version

Here is our review of the SanDisk Fortnite Portable SSD Peely Edition – 1 TB version.

Features

  • Keep your mind on the match, not on lag or low storage, with high SSD capacities and read speeds up to 800MB/s.
  • Flaunt your Fortnite infatuation with a drive wrapped in a custom-designed Peely skin.
  • Break stuff with a stylish pickaxe, redeemable in-game and included with purchase of this drive.

Specifications

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The SanDisk Fortnite Portable SSD Peely Edition – 1 TB version drive is small and lightweight and can easily fit into your pocket.

The box contains the drive but also a code for a bonus virtual item within the game. There is also a USB-C to USB-A cable in the box. It was a little disappointing that SanDisk didn’t include a USB-C to USB-C cable given the most devices these days have USB-C.

If you are a fan of Fortnight then you will probably want to get this one!

The SanDisk Fortnite Portable SSD Peely Edition – 1 TB version is available now priced around £78.99. There is also a 2TB version as well.

You can learn more from the SanDisk website.

Review: SanDisk Fortnite USB Flash Drive -Peely Edition – 64GB Version

Andrew Edney
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0
Review: SanDisk Fortnite USB Flash Drive -Peely Edition – 64GB Version

Here is our review of the SanDisk Fortnite USB Flash Drive – Peely Edition – 64GB version.

Chase that crown with the new, limited-edition SanDisk Fortnite USB Flash Drive. This Fortnite-themed drive includes an exclusive wrap with purchase to celebrate your victories. Expand your gaming storage with up to 256GB so you can save your favourite gameplay photos and videos. And with read speeds up to 130MB/s, you can quickly transfer large game files or take your favorite game captures on the go. Plus, a special Peely design means your favourite banana can tag along on all your adventures.

Features

  • Impress fellow players and celebrate your Victory Royales with a redeemable wrap only available with purchase.
  • Flaunt your Fortnite fandom with the limited-edition Peely design.
  • Transfer your best game captures fast with read speeds up to 130MB/s to deliver consistently high performance.

Specifications

A Closer Look

Final Thoughts

The SanDisk Fortnite USB Flash Drive Peely Edition – 64GB drive is small and lightweight and can easily fit into your pocket.

The box contains the drive but also a code for a bonus virtual item within the game.

If you are a fan of Fortnight then you will probably want to get this one!

The SanDisk Fortnite USB Flash Drive Peely Edition – 64GB drive is available now priced around £8.99. There is also a 128GB and a 256GB version as well.

You can learn more from the SanDisk website.

Review: Micro Sprite Classic LED: Neochrome Scooter from Micro Scooters

Andrew Edney
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0
Review: Micro Sprite Classic LED: Neochrome Scooter from Micro Scooters

Here is our review of the Micro Sprite Classic LED: Neochrome Scooter from Micro Scooters.

Their classic two-wheel scooter – reinvented in bold neochrome style. The Sprite Neochrome is the first of its kind. Blending the lightweight agility of their best-selling kids’ two-wheeler with the colour pop neochrome finish of their iconic stunt scooters. 

Complete with light-up front and back wheels. Our smart LED tech uses induction energy to turn the power kids create as they scoot into bright white light. No batteries. No fuss. Just a glow to light up the darkest evenings and brighten up the most ordinary days. 

Steers like a bike, and rides like a dream. With adjustable handlebars for years of scooting fun. Lightweight aluminium frame for the ultimate agility. Perfectly sized footplate that’s neither too big nor too small. Simple, secure fold and handy kickstand for on-the-go convenience. They think there is no better first taste of life on two wheels. 

Featuring foam grips that are soft to the touch and incredibly long-lasting. Their smart foam does not age due to exposure to the elements – meaning they can keep going as long as you can. A large, long brake has been specifically designed with a rough surface to provide extra grip for the foot when pressing down. 

Built to last. Built to outlast. Every Micro Sprite undergoes a gauntlet of tests including sub-zero temperature testing, static load, dynamic drop, and impact tests to ensure every part of the Sprite is not only safe but resilient to everything a child can throw at it. A scooter that will last and last. A scooter that is safe. 

Lightweight. Adjustable. Foldable. With some added neochrome magic. For an everyday ride that reaches new heights.

The scooter is fairly lightweight so once folded up (which is a really useful feature) it’s easy to carry around, even for a young person, and it’s really easy to pop it in the back of your car.

The scooter looks very cool and certainly gets attention! The rainbow finish really looks good. The build quality is exceptional and the scooter feels very solid and safe! My 8 year old son loved the light up wheels and said they look really cool!

The handling of the scooter was really good – it’s very easy to steer and very easy to ride it. It’s also a really good scooter to move up to if your child has a three wheeled scooter.

I really liked that this scooter had a kickstand built-in – this meant it didn’t have to left laying on the ground when it wasn’t being using, and it really supported the scooter.

Overall, the look and feel of the Micro Sprite Classic LED: Neochrome Scooter makes it a winner.

The Micro Sprite Classic LED: Neochrome Scooter is available now priced around £139.95.

You can learn more from the Micros Scooters website here.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Interview

Andrew Edney
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0
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Interview

Here is a short interview with Jim Carrey regarding his return to Sonic the Hedgehog.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is available to Buy on Digital February 24th, to rent from March 10th 2025 and to own on 4K UHD™ SteelBook®, 4K UHD, Blu-ray™ and DVD from April 14th 2025.

Review: MACROSS-Shooting Insight

Matt Cooper
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Review: MACROSS-Shooting Insight

Another game from the long running space opera franchise MACROSS is here, with the release of Shooting Insight. Is it a worthy addition to the storied Japanese franchise? Or should it have stayed in outer space?

Space Opera Team-Up

MACROSS is a long-storied franchise in gaming that unfortunately, I knew nothing about. Scarcely released in the west, the franchise is beloved in its homeland of Japan – and for good reason. The franchise has had rich stories backed with superb arcade style shooting mechanics and looks to capture the West’s imagination with Shooting Insight. Whilst it did capture my imagination to a certain extent, there were bumps along the road. For someone like myself, the story is a daunting task to understand, as the developers are clearly hoping you have played previous instalments in the franchise. To try and explain it to someone like myself would be that all the timelines across the MACROSS franchise are banding together to try to stop the destruction of the world from an evil force.

From what I had heard the franchise was known for, I had hoped for a compelling story with a colourful cast of characters making an emotional rollercoaster of a tale. Sadly, I was mistaken. The whole plot of the game feels like a lazy excuse to bring all these different characters from different timelines together. The story is so basic and formulaic I would not condemn people if they were to skip the cutscenes that occur before each mission. The dialogue from the characters is also basic and has no real emotion to it and so, I rarely felt the fate of the universe rested in the team’s hands although the game kept telling me it did. It is a profoundly disappointing story and one that I truly cannot recommend for anyone looking for an emotional, impactful tale. However, thankfully, the gameplay department manages to help soften the blow to a certain extent.

Arcade Shooting Shenanigans

Shooting Insight bills itself as an arcade shooter and for the most part, it delivers. Choosing between five different pilots for missions, you fly and shoot your way through a volley of enemies. What surprised me straight away was the variety on display in each level with their varying gameplay styles. I loaded up the first mission and saw it as a simple side-scrolling shooter, only to be pleasantly surprised when the camera suddenly shifted and moved to a top-down vertical perspective. Then, when I felt comfortable with that perspective, the game would change again, this time having me move like you would in a twin stick shooter. Then again, it morphed into a front-scrolling shooter like something out of Star Fox! It is absolutely fantastic and constantly kept me on my toes throughout each level. Shooting a jammer hidden in the level results in a songstress belting out a song as you shoot and weave your way through chaos, which is whacky, yet charming! I would describe Shooting Insight as a true chameleon of a game and that is a superb way of keeping the player invested and never bored because you don’t know what might happen next.

Unfortunately, the gameplay is not without its flaws. Each of the five pilots has unique abilities and weapons assigned to their individual ship but in reality, they all feel pretty similar. Each pilot’s abilities essentially boil down to a gun with a certain number of shots it can do along side a homing missile or a volley of missiles. I messed around with each pilot and felt nothing really affected my gameplay experience dramatically. Whilst this is not a major issue, Shooting Insight has other flaws in gameplay. For example, the amount of on screen threats at one time for a player is ridiculous. There is far too much going on for you to truly concentrate and avoid getting hit by the absolute barrage of missiles and bullets that are fired at you. This, coupled with attempting to dodge the levels backgrounds, only to realise it was not on the same layer as my ship, led to many frustrated outbursts. If you’re looking for an arcade shooter that isn’t your standard shooter this is absolutely worth your time but be warned, its flaws will frustrate and baffle you.

Graphical Chaos Yet Musical Brilliance

In its presentation, MACROSS Shooting Insight once again falls into the mixed bag category . Visually, the game looks superb in its character models and art style, yet is muddled in its in-game visuals. Some backgrounds and levels look positively beautiful across vast space backgrounds. Then, other levels look ripped straight from a mobile game with blocky backgrounds, bizarrely lifeless and colourless environments and poor draw distance. It is clear developers Kaminari Games focused on key levels and left some behind by the way side. As previously mentioned, the sheer amount of content on the screen at one time can create a real eye sore. As there is no English voice acting dialogue, subtitles appear on screen, furthering the already chaotic display. Perhaps in a future game, English voice acting could help clear some of the erratic display.

Conversely, sound is top notch in Shooting Insight, bar one small issue. The ships whoosh and roar on the opening of levels, whilst explosions sound mightily impactful. Missiles and bullets sound fantastic; I just wish they were slightly louder to warn the player of incoming threats. This is particularly troublesome because when the superb soundtrack is blasting, you can struggle to hear them. Speaking of the soundtrack, this wholeheartedly brilliant track will have you smiling from ear to ear. It is unequivocally Japanese and I mean that in the best sense as the songstress belts out her music when you destroy a signal jammer. It really helps make the game feel that much more cinematic. A brilliant effort across the board in sound design!

Verdict

MACROSS Shooting Insight is a game I wanted to love but too many things just got in the way. A story left by the wayside, chaotic visuals and gameplay decisions lead to frustrating moments. Luckily, it’s not all bad, due to superb sound design and visuals that hold up for the most part. This, coupled with a truly unique ever changing gameplay style, means there is enough for some veterans of the franchise to love. A truly mixed bag. See you around the galaxy!

Review: Kamikaze Lassplanes

Daniel Waite
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Review: Kamikaze Lassplanes

Kamikaze Lassplanes is a bit of an odd hybrid Ecchi experience. However, I think that the combination of visual novel gameplay and Shmup action is a winner! Though it may go down badly with purists, I loved the pace of the plot and the twists and turns. Moreover, the graphics are crisp and the audio is loud and in-your-face. Accordingly, it keeps you hooked from the opening gambit.

This visual novel shmup was developed by Inky Dreams and published by Crunching Koalas. It is a single-player title that takes around 6 to 10 hours to complete. Furthermore, there is an arcade mode if you love to test your shoot-’em-up skills. Though the sexy nature of the Lassplane crew may not be to your taste, this can be overlooked as you focus on the story and the engrossing side-scrolling action.

Kamikaze Lassplanes tells a strange story.

Kamikaze Lassplanes is set in a fantasy land known as Velestia. This safe haven is home to the Sky Fortress and is protected by “The Veil”. This shield protects its citizens from danger. However, like all great plans, things go awry. This is where Walter, Alba, and Hannah come to the fore. Walter is a badass pilot, and the lasses are Lassplanes. The killer combo team make it their mission to prove their worth and save the day.

The plot has a wonderful sense of sci-fi and fantasy. However, some nice emotional aspects make it relatable. Though the core idea is pretty outlandish, I liked how it ebbed and flowed. The playful nature of Walter and Alba was fascinating to witness. Yet, when Hannah is thrown into the mix, the relationships are tested and the trio must work out who is boss and their place in the equation.

Shmup madness.

The plot, writing, emotion, and setting were all amazing. Furthermore, the number of branching elements keeps you focused without ruining the pace of the story. Additionally, I never felt overwhelmed by the decisions that I faced. This was fantastic as it allowed me to relax and enjoy the action that unfolded.

This peace was quickly broken up whenever I had to jump into the cockpit of the Lassplane. The Shmup gameplay has a brilliant old-school mindset with a modern polish. The combination works exceptionally well. With goals to achieve, power-ups to collect, and seamlessly never-ending waves of enemies, you will adore the madness on offer.

Kamikaze Lassplanes looks amazing.

I love Anime/Manga-inspired games. This Western visual novel does not disappoint with its Ecchi touch. The slightly naughty moments will catch your eye and there are moments where you could be seduced by the shape-shifting protagonists. Sexy plane ladies to one side, the backdrops are fascinating and the simple but effective animation works exceptionally well. Finally, the Shmup moments are buttery smooth even when the screen is filled with projectiles.

The audio blends upbeat tunes with some incredibly sombre and melancholy moments. These juxtaposing layers work well while supporting the intense dialogue. Moreover, the sound effects were loud and shrill and perfectly Manga in their design.

Great controls.

Visual novels are usually a relaxed affair. However, the inclusion of fast-paced gaming was a nice break from the norm. Thankfully, the control system is intuitive and there is a thorough tutorial to get you through the basics. Subsequently, you’ll understand and master the fundamentals in no time.

I love a VN with branching dialogue. I’ve recently covered Together We Live and the kinetic approach left me wanting. Kamikaze Lassplanes is different as there are multiple endings and the aforementioned arcade mode to enjoy. As such, there is plenty of replay value and longevity.

Kamikaze Lassplanes is a fantastic indie title.

I didn’t think this hybrid game would work. It seemed like a bit of a punt that would annoy lovers of each genre. Thankfully, each core element works and the game flows perfectly as a result. Visually it will appeal for multiple reasons. Furthermore, the plot is outlandish but great to follow. Therefore, I loved it and I recommend buying it here! Can you master the Lassplanes and save the day? Build your relationship, hone your skills, and become a war hero.

News: Revolution X Unlimited Controller

Daniel Waite
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News: Revolution X Unlimited Controller

NACON has released some incredible gaming peripherals. Consequently, when they announced one called the Revolution X Unlimited Controller, I couldn’t ignore it. I’ve covered the Revolution 5 Pro controller and the Revolution X controller and loved them both. As such, I have high hopes for this latest edition. Shall I stop talking and just lay out the features?

Features of the Revolution X Unlimited Controller.

  • Compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Windows devices and Android-based devices.
  • 3 connection types: radio frequency, wired and/or Bluetooth.
  • Rechargeable battery offering a minimum of ten hours’ autonomy.
  • Hall Effect technology in joysticks and triggers.
  • Integrated LCD screen for easy and intuitive programming and audio source mixing.
  • Trigger blockers, D-pad and action buttons equipped with Omron® micro-switches.
  • 6 programmable shortcut buttons.
  • Ergonomic customization: six additional weights, six joystick heads, two joystick rings and two directional crosses included.
  • PC and Shooter Pro Mode with exclusive features.

More details.

A concentration of technologies to enhance performance. Equipped with instant-response triggers and joysticks featuring Hall Effect technology, the RXU guarantees exceptional precision and durability. Omron® micro-switches on most buttons enhance players’ responsiveness for optimum gaming performance.

A customized gaming experience for optimized gameplay.

NACON innovates again, by integrating an LCD screen into its controller for the first time. Thanks to the available presets, the screen provides quick, intuitive access to game information and configuration of audio and gameplay parameters.

A dedicated app lets you create your own gameplay profiles, for an individualized experience, or choose from those already predefined for ‘Plug & Play’ use.

Unique modes to boost gamers’ skills.

The RXU boosts your skills with many new modes exclusive to the controller:

  • PC Mode, available only on this platform, offers latency reduced to 1 millisecond in wired mode, plus the ability to put keyboard shortcuts on all the controller’s shortcut buttons or activate the gyroscope function.
  • Shooter Pro Mode allows you to completely eliminate the joystick deadzone, for greater reactivity, precision and performance in shooting games.

Exciting times for NACON.

The Revolution X Unlimited Controller is packed with tech and I can’t wait to see one in the flesh. If you are equally excited, you can pre-order yours by clicking this link!

Review: Bao Bao’s Cozy Laundromat

Daniel Waite
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Review: Bao Bao’s Cozy Laundromat

Bao Bao’s Cozy Laundromat is a simple game. Accordingly, this review isn’t going to be as meaty as normal. Instead, I’m going to focus on the cute graphics, the basic mechanics, and the relaxing approach. This idle game will not appeal to a large audience, but I liked how the slow action evolved.

Destroyer Doggo developed and published this indie game. It is a single-player experience that uses an isometric viewpoint. There is no plot, no depth, and no real goals to talk about. However, I enjoyed it nonetheless. It is strangely addictive and I kept it running in the background as I completed other tasks. This allowed my pandas to get to work and earn me some much-needed cash.

Bao Bao’s Cozy Laundromat tells no story.

1 panda, 1 laundromat, and a heck of a lot of cloudy mess to clear. This is the set-up for Bao Bao’s Cozy Laundromat. There is no story to analyse and no characters to interact with. Consequently, you are left to your own devices as the game unfolds.

The panda walks around her business without a care in the world. Dirty laundry piles up and she moves it from a washing machine to a dryer. Once the washing is clean, she takes it to the counter and you are paid. This is Bao Bao’s Cozy Laundromat in a nutshell. No subplots, no complex gameplay, just you, your panda, and loads of dirty underwear.

Simple mechanics.

As the game unfolds, you unlock new machines. These washing machines and dryers cost more money, but they earn you more money as well. As such, you must invest to make your time more efficient. Alongside this, you can hire new pandas to help with the workload.

As the panda crew get to work, you can decorate the laundromat and hire cats to do nothing. It was very strange and unnecessary, but I didn’t care. I was hooked and I wanted to hire more pandas and buy the most expensive machines I could.

Bao Bao’s Cozy Laundromat is relaxing.

The soft colour palette and lack of violence make Bao Bao’s Cozy Laundromat a relaxing experience. Though the pixelated graphics won’t blow you away and it can be difficult to identify the washer from the dryer, it is pleasant enough to look at.

The audio adds to the atmosphere. The upbeat music creates an enjoyable vibe that rarely becomes tiresome. Yet, I turned it down when I ran it in the background as I didn’t like the music that much.

Simple controls.

Idle games are basic by design. Consequently, the control system is simple to master. A couple of clicks of the mouse button is all you need to know in this refined indie experience.

The replay value is questionable. I can’t say that an idle game will keep you coming back indefinitely. I found Bao Bao’s Cozy Laundromat to be addictive, but longevity is not at the fore and I’ll probably return now and then to check in on my panda team.

Bao Bao’s Cozy Laundromat is pleasant but basic.

If you want a relaxing game that is easy to play, then this should be on your radar. It won’t blow you away, but the lack of violence and slow gameplay were a pleasant change from other games. Accordingly, I like it and I recommend buying it here! Can you expand your cleaning business? Hire some pandas, buy new machines, and do little else.

A Guide to Virtual Sports Gaming 

Andrew Edney
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A Guide to Virtual Sports Gaming 

Virtual sports gaming is taking the industry by storm and it’s not surprising when you consider the popularity of games like EA Sports FC and NBA 2K. Virtual sports games are typically based on real sports such as greyhound racing, soccer and basketball. 

One distinct advantage that virtual sports have over real-world sporting events is that, unlike traditional sports betting, virtual sports are never ‘out of season’. You don’t have to wait for the league season to start as it’s always playing!

A Brief History of Virtual Sports Games

Virtual sports have been around since the early 1960s when John Burgeson, an IBM engineer, created a baseball simulation game. Two teams were pitted against each other whilst the outcome was determined through the use of a Random Number Generator (RNG).

Of course, since the launch of Burgeson’s fledgling simulation game, technology has made significant advancements. Modern-day virtual sports games use complex algorithms and incredible 3D graphics with animations that create a fully immersive gaming experience.

Popular Virtual Sports Games

There is currently a rather conservative range of virtual sports games available but as popularity increases, developers are keen to meet demand. Even though virtual sports markets may not be as varied as real-time sporting events, the virtual landscape does continue to change.

Popular virtual sports include soccer, baseball, horse racing, tennis, basketball, greyhound racing, motorsport, cycling, darts, golf, and football. The best thing about virtual games is that you don’t need to be an aficionado to play them. 

As the results for virtual sports games are determined by RNG outcomes, there is no necessity to study ‘form’, past performances, the weather, or injuries to inform your bets.

Where to Play Virtual Sports Games

Many of the top online sports betting sites offer a range of virtual sports games. This helps appease players during the absence of popular ‘live’ sports events. Virtual sports are always available, fast-paced, RNG determined, and packed with variety.

What’s really great is that if you’re new to virtual sports, many of the sportsbooks will enable you to observe virtual events without placing bets so that you can see how it all works. By using this feature you can get a feel for the pace of play and gain a deeper insight into the variety of betting options available.

What is a Good Virtual Sports Betting Site

It’s important that you register with a legit sports betting site that is licensed by a top gaming authority like the UK Gambling Authority or Malta Gaming Authority. Regulated casinos and sportsbooks offer safe and reliable gaming where your money is secure.

Licensed betting sites will offer encrypted transactions, trusted payment methods, helpful customer support, responsible gaming tools, and ensure all games are tested by third party auditors for compliance with fair gaming and legit outcomes.

Betting Options for Virtual Sports Games

If you’re used to betting on regular sporting events, the transition to virtual sports will be a smooth process. But even if you’re a newbie, virtual sports betting is not overly complicated. There are fewer betting options than ‘live’ sports but you will still find point spreads, totals, and straight up bets. Bets like exotic and props are reserved for live sports betting.  

Review: Dance of Cards

Daniel Waite
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Review: Dance of Cards

Dance of Cards proves that luck and chance are a dangerous combination. This bizarre hybrid title combines RPG elements and poker in a hearty battle to the death. As you explore the ship, your talents, patience, and resolve are tested throughout. However, it is the tantalising story and interesting characters that keep you coming back for more.

This weird combo game was developed by GoodMorningMrFrog and published by Pineapple Works. Moreover, it is a single-player game that focuses on poker, personalities, and a heavy slice of luck. If this isn’t your idea of fun, you should probably run for the hills. However, if you think you have what it takes to survive and highlight your special talents, then I suggest reading on.

Dance of Cards tells a doomed tale.

You play the role of Martin the magician. He is heading to the New World to find fresh opportunities and more people to rip off. This entertainment king doesn’t care how he gets his money and this is a good thing. If the hero were to be concerned about where he earns his money, he’d probably turn his nose up at every dicey game of death.

Though the setting is quite harrowing, the characters and interesting dialogue add some lighthearted moments. These elements are fleeting though, as death is the guarantee if you are shite at poker. As such, you better hope that your opponent or team of opponents don’t have more luck, skill, or talent than you can muster.

Complex at first, but simple once you know how.

An understanding of poker will help, but Dance of Cards doesn’t rely on every core poker idea for success. If you’ve ever played Balatro, you’ll know how a familiar game can be twisted for a unique outcome. Each encounter focuses on traditional poker hands. However, each player has talents which use talent points (TP) that can adjust the flow and rules of each round. This can be quite frustrating at first, but once you master each talent, you can manipulate the scenario in your favour.

As you play, you can unlock new talents to increase your chances. I found a handful to my liking and would base my approach around whichever I fancied trying. Yet, I had to remember that failure was deadly, so this kept me frosty throughout. The gameplay is broken down into many minor death games and the odd boss battle. As you progress through the rounds, it is the player with the lowest chips who is eliminated. Subsequently, if you wish to survive, make sure you keep ahead of one player to stay in the game.

The final hoorah.

I’m not going to ruin the finale for you, but needless to say, you need to be prepared. Unlike other encounters, this boss battle is bloody brutal. The one-shot victory design was vicious and I do not admire the developers’ cruel mindset. Though the layers of luck and the fear of restarting the game were at the fore, this didn’t appeal to me. As such, the conclusion of Dance of Cards will appeal to the niche group of sadomasochistic gamers who love to push the limit and revel in the spoils.

Dance of Cards is dark, pixelated, and oddly alluring.

Every aspect of Dance of Cards is dark and sinister. The earthy colour palette and dim lighting are complemented by the claustrophobic nature of the ship. Each random character is easily identifiable and I like how simple it was to move around. Though it won’t win any awards for beauty, I think it creates a wonderfully ominous atmosphere.

The audio juxtaposes the darkness. The upbeat music has a synth simplicity that is shrill but enjoyable. Sadly, it doesn’t have any strong emotional ties and I rarely felt intimidated or overwhelmed as I listened to each song. Subsequently, it works without being memorable.

Straightforward controls.

Dance of Cards should have been horrible to play. If you have never tried poker, it could have been intimidating. Alternatively, poker experts will struggle with small changes and talents. Thankfully, the developers got ahead of the curve as they delivered clear and concise tutorials throughout. 

If you love to fail, die, and repeat everything you have done, then this is the game for you. Sadly, failure is guaranteed and this will grind your gears. But each failure delivers learning opportunities and different approaches to try. Therefore, failure isn’t so bad and replay value and longevity are at the fore.

Dance of Cards is challenging and cruel, but rewarding.

I didn’t expect to enjoy Dance of Cards as much as I did. The setting, gameplay, and “on edge” mechanics push you all the way. Though I wasn’t a fan of the finale, I can see this appealing to more hardcore gamers than me. I like the twists and turns and the interactions with the other guests, and the sense of failure around every turn. Accordingly, it is a challenging, cruel, but rewarding game and I recommend buying it here! Can you make it to your destination? Study your mark, master your skills, and ensure that you have the talent to survive.

Review: Dawnfolk

Josh Blackburn
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Review: Dawnfolk

Dawnfolk is a minimalist city builder, and that got me thinking. ‘Minimalist city builder’ has some obvious moves. Strip it down to the basic resources, and keep acquiring them as efficiently as possible. But what would be the opposite of a ‘minimalist’ city builder? Could there be a game where, for instance, food doesn’t directly translate into work? You also have to provide motivation, competitive salaries and annual leave. If you want to build a house, you must have acquired the appropriate amount of red tape.

Actually, come to think on it, that sounds rather stressful. Let’s stick with minimalism for the moment. Good thing too, as Dawnfolk is rather pleasant. Stripping away the complexity that comes with city builders allows for a relaxed experience. It becomes about overseeing your adorable kingdom and making sure all the little numbers don’t go red. That said, minimalism has its limits and Dawnfolk threatens to strip away a bit too much at times.

Dawnfolk

Itty-Bitty Living Space

So, to start with, I should probably explain what a ‘minimalist city builder’ actually is. After all, you might be looking at the above screenshot – and its big collection of little tiles – and be a bit overwhelmed. It’s actually fairly simple and boils down to managing four central resources: light, workforce, food, and materials. Materials for building, food for supporting workforce, and workforce for doing things. We’ll get to light in a bit. These resources are all dependent on each other to a degree, so you need to expand to keep them in the black.

Dawnfolk‘s world is tile-based, so on each tile you can decide to plonk down a house, for workforce, or a farm, or so on. Buildings largely depend on tile type. It’s straightforward on the surface, but gains depth as you go, due to synchronicity. Taverns, for example, increase workforce from surrounding houses, so you need to plan your structures accordingly. It adds an absorbing layer of complexity over the city building, but isn’t so stressful (on normal at least) to detract from the chilled out vibe that Dawnfolk exudes.

Granted, the ‘darkness’ does damage that vibe a touch. This is where light comes in. When you start, most of the map is covered in darkness, so you need to pay in light to expand. Periodically, this darkness will get upset with you and throw darkness storms at you, which you need to pay to repel. It helps stop the drudgery from setting in and means you can’t rest on your laurels, as the light cost increases as attacks go on. The big, swirling darkness storms make a nice contrast to Dawnfolk‘s bright, adorable art.

Dawnfolk

Trimming The Fat

It’s possible that Dawnfolk trims off a bit too much from the city builder formula though. The joy of a city builder, for me, is building something that feels self-sufficient and, crucially, alive. Dawnfolk feels more like a game of numbers. In fact, it slides towards puzzle game more than city builder at times. You just build what you’re getting low on. Materials? Mine. Food? Farm. And so on. The Sandbox mode, which has no darkness storms, proves that it doesn’t stand up as a city builder alone. It’s a little bit too easy to solve resource issues, I think. I’m the world’s most relaxed city planner.

Then there are the minigames. When you need to perform a direct action, like fighting a golem or cutting down a forest, you have to play a little minigame. It’s usually something like moving a shield in front of projectiles, or shooting at wolves. They’re fine in isolation, but you’ll be doing these actions a lot. After a while, they start to grate on your nerves. The fact that there’s an upgrade to remove them kind of says it all. It may not sound like a big issue, but in a game that’s so minimalist, small issues stick out like a sore thumb.

Still, Dawnfolk seems to know what sort of gameplay it has on its hands, as there are plenty of modes to enjoy. There’s a reasonable story campaign, which sets unique challenges and has a pleasant narrative throughout. Then there are puzzles, which give you unlimited resources and tell you to get a set amount of production from a small area. Coupled with this are curious expeditions, which are levels with certain modifiers, like not being able to control which area gets revealed. I rather like these, as they take the basic mechanics and play around with them in interesting ways.

Dawnfolk

Dawnfolk – Cute But Compact

I think the Endless mode best reflects my feelings towards Dawnfolk. At the beginning, things are engaging. Trying to expand workforce causes food to tank, so you need to place buildings sensibly, while fending off darkness attacks. All too soon, though, your resource needs become trivial. Maybe you’ve got the upgraded farms, or houses that increase workforce but don’t require food. Then it just becomes a waiting game, as the storms increase in light required. Death is inevitable and it dissolves into a slog, as you don’t need to do much but wait for your resources to build.

Dawnfolk is best in the bitesize. That’s probably why the story and Curious Expedition missions shine. It’s a pocket-sized city builder. Once it breaks beyond those bonds, you realise that a lot of the city builder magic is lost. Still, when it keeps things compact, there’s a lot of relaxed fun to be found. Treat it as something of a puzzle game and you’ll be in the right frame of mind. It may shave off a bit too much in the pursuit of minimalism, but Dawnfolk is a chill, entertaining and cute microcosm of a city builder.

(Dawnfolk’s Steam Page)

Meet the Incredible Artists at MCM Comic Con’s Artist Alley

Andrew Edney
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Meet the Incredible Artists at MCM Comic Con’s Artist Alley

ReedPop is excited to welcome a raft of amazing comic book artists and writers to MCM Comic Con’s Artist Alley in May. This year is shaping up to feature an exceptionally strong selection of comic book talent at MCM, with some of the world’s most renowned comic book artists set to attend from 23 – 25 May. 

Artist Alley has been a fan favourite at MCM Comic Con for years. In Artist Alley, fans can meet the incredible artists and writers behind the world’s biggest comic series from Marvel and DC, as well as independent artists showcasing their work. Attendees will also be able to get their comics signed by their favourite artists, purchase original artwork and attend insightful panels delving deep into the comic book industry. 

Some of the most prominent guests featured in Artist Alley this May include:

Artgerm 

One of the world’s leading comic book artists, Stanley “Artgerm” Lau’s work has featured on the covers of many of the most popular Marvel and DC comic series. Artgerm’s work is notable for its unique blend of eastern and western styles, bridging the gap between manga and graphic novels.

Chris Condon 

Chris is the writer of the ongoing Image Comics series That Texas Blood and it’s Wild West spinoff The Enfield Gang Massacre, chosen as one of the best comics of 2023 by multiple comic news outlets. He also recently started writing DC’s Green Arrow, bringing a grounded new approach to the series.

Dennis Menheere

Dennis is a Ringo Nominated Comic Book Artist based in The Netherlands, whose work ranges from superhero comics to video games. These include titles such as Etheres, Little Nightmares and Kaya. His colourful and ethereal art style lends a timeless feeling to the projects he works on.

Eren Angiolini

Best known as the colourist for Critical Role’s Vox Machina comic series, Eren began their career as a colourist with a successful 12 issue run of Warhammer 40,000 with Titan Comics. They then went on to join the Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor creative team before working with DC Comics and designing the official character art for Critical Role.

Kayden Phoenix

As the creator of La Brava, the first Latina superhero team in comic book history, Kayden’s work work celebrates chicana culture and empowerment. In addition to writing comic books, Kayden is also a filmmaker and producer, with her films being showcased across renowned festivals such as Cinequest and Outfest.

Also appearing in Artist Alley at MCM Comic Con this year are: 

  • Andrew Lee Griffith: Transformers, Magic: The Gathering, Star Wars
  • Kyle Starks: Peacemaker: Tries Hard, Rick and Morty, Lobo: Cancellation Special
  • Mark Brooks: X-Men, Batman
  • Mitch Gerads: Mister Miracle, Strange Adventures, Batman
  • Patrick Mulholland: Knife, Power Rangers, World Class
  • Steve Tanner: Major Rakhana, Dick Turpin, Quantum
  • Tom King: Batman, Super Girl, Mister Miracle
  • Tyler Kirkham: Green Lantern Superman Venom, Deathstroke, Final Boss

MCM Comic Con is the ultimate celebration of pop and geek culture, playing host to a packed schedule of celebrity guests, engaging panels and unforgettable experiences. The convention will return to Excel London from Friday 23 May to Sunday 25 May, after welcoming hundreds of thousands of dedicated fans across three shows throughout 2024.

You can learn more from the MCM website.

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