The Clip Pro earbuds from NANK have an unusual design. Unlike other earbuds, these fit around your lower ear. This strange aesthetic is secure, but like nothing I’ve experienced before. Accordingly, it may divide its audience and that’s a shame. This product is packed with exceptional tech and it delivers amazing audio.
The build quality is good, and I like the strong and reliable battery life. Consequently, if you want a sturdy audio device to last your hike, commute, or marathon drive, these will tick many boxes. Furthermore, they are easy to use and can be connected in under 30 seconds.
What’s in the box of the Clip Pro earbuds?
The simple packaging is pleasant to the eye. Moreover, it is robust and recyclable.
The Clip Pro earbuds have a strange style. The long arm design relies on a tiny arched clip. Additionally, there are touchpads for a clean and user-friendly approach.
The charging case is compact and easy to handle. There are LEDs to highlight any charging need.
A USB-C cable charges the carry case.
Learn the basics with the user guide.
Technical aspects.
I’m concerned about audio quality, battery life, comfort, and usability when I look at earbuds. Fortunately, the Clip Pro earbuds focus on each of these elements. They are easy to use and have a good battery life. Moreover, I was impressed by the audio quality. So, let’s break down these categories starting with Bluetooth and battery life.
Bluetooth 5.4 guarantees a stable connection with a strong 10-metre range. Furthermore, you needn’t worry about crackling or interference. During testing, the earbuds were responsive and I noticed no unwanted sounds. What’s more, connecting these earbuds to your compatible device was a cinch.
The battery capacity isn’t as large as its peers. However, the Clip Pro earbuds offer enough juice to keep you going. The earbuds have around 6 hours of battery life when the volume is set to around 60%. Alongside this, the charging case delivers another 24 hours. Consequently, the combined 30 hours was suitable for my needs.
Audio quality.
The audio quality impressed me. NANK uses a feature called Advanced Sound Technology. This delivers impressive audio across the tonal range. Moreover, there is decent bass. The result is a pleasant audio experience that is rarely imbalanced or uncomfortable to listen to. What’s more, it creates a 3D spatial effect that enhances your listening experience further.
On top of this, the built-in microphones were impressive. The use of AI noise cancellation improves every phone call. Though it isn’t perfect, I had no complaints. The Clip Pro earbuds fall short when dealing with extreme volumes. If loud vehicles are passing, you’ll hear the echoed sound during your conversation. This wasn’t a massive issue, but it wasn’t as clear as some other brands.
Usability.
The Clip Pro earbuds are exceptionally easy to use. The touchpad was responsive without being too sensitive. Though it took some trial and error and the use of the user guide, I mastered things in no time. Answering calls, skipping tracks, and pausing your music can be done without removing your phone from your pocket.
Build quality.
The strange design will be a talking point. The hooking point isn’t familiar, and this may put some people off. At first, I was a little unsure, but I liked the secure feeling and how comfortable they were in my ears. Furthermore, the clip applied minimal pressure and this makes them comfortable during extended use.
The case and earbuds can be purchased in 2 colours. I picked the black and was happy with the sleek finish. The charging case is brilliantly simple and the earbuds feel secure. Finally, everything is lightweight and robust. I’ve dropped these earbuds multiple times, and they simply bounce. Though I don’t recommend doing that to yours, they have held up to my clumsy approach.
Are the Clip Pro earbuds worth it?
If you like a classic style, the Clip Pro earbuds won’t appeal. The unusual lower ear support is useful and comfortable, but strange to look at. However, if you are not bothered about looks or you like to try something new, then these earbuds should appeal. The battery life is decent and the charging case enhances that further. Moreover, the audio quality is impressive. Accordingly, I like them and I recommend buying them here!
The relentless pursuit of self-improvement has given birth to one of the most important features in personal and professional development: pushing and testing oneself. This science brings to the forefront the human brain, body, and emotions as very powerful and illustrates that through deliberate effort and self-critique, much great potential is realized. But is pushing yourself always worth it?
What does this inner competition achieve in a world that asks from us much more than we feel capable of giving?
The Science of Pushing Boundaries
On a deeper level, challenging yourself activates neural plasticity -the brain’s ability to adapt and make new connections. Scientists have found that embracing challenges – whether mental, physical, or emotional -actually strengthens the networks in the brain. Activities that require sharp attention, like solving complex puzzles or playing some aggressive sport, fire up the prefrontal cortex to develop better problem-solving, memory, and resilience.
Testing your limits also initiates a cascade of hormonal responses – the release of endorphins, dopamine, and cortisol associated with high-stakes activities contributes to improved performance and motivation at moderate levels. This is the “flow state,” where focus and effort seamlessly merge into what was just impossible now feeling achievable.
Is it Always Good to Push Yourself?
Whereas it’s apparent how much value exists in testing one’s boundaries, it is mainly in the way it’s approached, for without the appropriate amount of rest or reflection amidst the over-pushing, this could result in burnout, physical injuries, and mental fatigue. Growth is best realized with a balance of efforts. Intense effort needs to be balanced by deliberate rest, similar to how muscles are allowed to grow only after stress.
Another important factor is self-awareness. Being your own critic is a two-edged sword: while constructive self-evaluation helps to improve, excessive self-criticism may destroy self-confidence. Cultivating a compassionate yet honest inner voice enables growth without undermining self-worth.
Competing with Yourself: A Strategy for Life
The word competition often conjures up images of rivals, podiums, and trophies. But competing with oneself can be an even more powerful motivator. It reframes the goal from outperforming others to beating your own limitations. This internal rivalry builds resilience, enhances discipline, and fosters a growth mindset -all important tools to help one navigate life’s challenges.
The same can be developed through certain mental exercises. Games like Jumble, scrabble, or puzzles would work great for challenging your cognitive fluidity and word imagination. Examples of such puzzles require critical lateral thinking and attention to detail in the case of missing patterns while sharpening one’s faculties over time. In this regard, testing your skills with challenging activities enhances solving problems and builds one’s mental readiness to struggle longer with more profound life challenges over time. Test your progress and use a jumble word solver if you are stuck; soon, your brain will jump any hurdles.
Becoming Your Best You
Pushing and testing yourself is about more than just achievement—it’s about transformation. By leaning into discomfort, you discover untapped potential and gain confidence in your ability to overcome adversity. The key lies in striking a balance between ambition and self-compassion, ensuring that the journey is as enriching as the destination. It is important to remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Whatever you are trying to master- skills, physical performance, or mindset -the road to going forward is paved through consistency, active reflection, and openness toward challenges. Let your inner critic guide constructive motivation as you push your limits and allow each obstacle to be an opportunity to rise even higher. In a world that often demands resilience and adaptability, competing with oneself may just be the most reliable strategy for success.
Integrating digital technologies into business processes is something that has been underway for at least the last 30 years, and likely longer. However, the bespoke nature of these interventions often requires a custom approach. And that’s where difficulties arise. Systems can often be inflexible and lack interoperability, making them a poor solution in an environment where capabilities are constantly changing.
For this reason, many companies are exploring more effective integrations. The idea is to bring technology into the business, but also ensure that it is upgradeable and continues to serve business purposes for years to come.
But how is this done? What are companies doing to ensure that it happens successfully?
That’s what this guide explores. It asks how to choose the right technology, and what needs to be done to put a successful digitization plan in place.
Choose The Right Technology
Most firms begin this process by choosing the right underlying technologies. Usually, this means opting for cloud computing, IoT installations, and AI, since these tend to work across modalities. Most of these are highly scalable and don’t require reworking at the fundamental level, every time something new comes along.
However, technologies must still be compatible with existing business systems. Adding apps or networks that don’t work in the existing context adds to cost, which is unhelpful at the best of times.
Build A Digital Transformation Process
The next step is to think about a digital transformation process. How should you approach it?
Ideally, you want to set some objectives. Having it clear in your mind (and in the heads of key stakeholders), makes it more likely that the process will come together as a cohesive whole.
Most brands start by holding a meeting with key staff. Discussing what you want to get done and providing everyone with an aim can be helpful.
You also want to set milestones based on these objectives. Digitizing in a series of phases is often the best strategy since it means you can adjust your operations more slowly and reduce risk. It also means you can keep track of where you are right now, and where you want to go.
For example, your first milestone might be to install smart POS equipment at every terminal your business operates. This way, you can benefit customers immediately and take payments more efficiently.
Your next milestone could be something more comprehensive, such as using more AI for business intelligence. Implementing these strategies often takes more time, especially if you plan to include sensors in the field.
Once you have a schedule in place, you need to equip employees for what comes next. They need skills that will let them leverage digital systems and make the best use of them.
You can usually do this with online training or e-learning. These options allow you to break down education into bite-sized chunks spread throughout the week.
You can also call in software developers to train key people in your organization and get them to work with you prudently. These professionals can train your trainers and show them how the systems work so they can develop courses for the rank-and-file on the ground.
Where possible, involve employees in the process. Get them excited about the possibility of digitizing their roles, allowing them to build higher productivity going forward.
Ensure Data Integrity
Of course, while you are integrating these systems and trying to improve your operations, you will also need to focus on data integrity. Getting this right can allow you to leverage any changes you want to make even more.
You also want to involve cyber security in your plans. Adding data security and monitoring tools makes it less likely that hackers will find vulnerabilities in your new integrations, allowing you to continue with the same confidence as with your old, legacy systems.
Start Small
Once you are ready to begin, start small. Trial pilot projects first to discover what works and what requires improvement. Don’t roll solutions out to the entire company if something doesn’t work or colleagues don’t find it useful.
Once you have a project under your belt, measure the impact. Try to find out whether the impact is worth the expense.
Then, expand depending on the results you see. Sometimes you will need to go back to the drawing board, but other times, you will be amazed by what you can achieve.
As humans, we love to label anything and everything – this includes ourselves. Personality type fads come and go, ranging from zodiac signs, to the Myers-Briggs, to something as silly as what Pokémon type are you? Regardless if you genuinely believe in these boxed-in temperaments, it is all in good fun. They may even be a useful tool to some degree.
Finding out one’s personality through a video game however is unique and rather impressive. A game that keeps track of every little thing you do, even as miniscule as how many metal scraps you pick up, what colors you choose to paint a sheep picture, and how long it takes you to move to an undiscovered location.
Developed by Lizardry and published by PLAYISM, Refind Self: The Personality Test Gameis an interactive 2D explorative adventure that will micro-analyze every single choice and action you make. While it is experimenting with you, there is an underlying current of lore that players should piece together, making for an alluring playthrough.
Released on November 13th, 2023, Refind Self can be played on Steam and the Nintendo Switch.
Love, death, and Androids
To my surprise, not only does the short and sweet Refind Self have a story element to it, but a fairly complicated one at that.
Players take control of a wind-up robot named Utsuwa (which can be manually changed), who looks and acts awfully human . . . or at least is trying to by understanding the human heart. Utsuwa was created by the mysterious Dr. Kusunoki by using powerful emotional, self-aware AI that can continue to learn. The Doctor, now deceased, appears to have created tens of hundreds of humanlike androids inhabiting this island the player is on, with no other humans around. Players will not know much at the beginning, but will begin to unravel more depending upon the places you travel to and the choices you make.
Certain actions will trigger flashback cutscenes of Utsuwa and the Doctor, based around their dialogue questioning the nature of humanity and the nature of their own relationship; and as the story progresses, you will discover more about the Doctor’s loneliness, pessimism, and foreboding plans for the future.
It is almost impossible to unveil the full “truth” in a single playthrough. I missed out on a lot of lore during my first attempt, as I was super concerned about picking up and touching everything that I saw, which filled my heart meter up fast. I did not even make it to half of the possible buildings and characters I could have encountered. However, Refind Self is not meant to be played only once. To get the full extent of the story, and to fully complete the game’s analysis of your personality, players must complete the game a full three times. Do not worry – each attempt takes about 60 minutes max, so the work is highly achievable and definitely worth it.
Just follow your heart
Utsuwa has this heart meter at the top left part of the screen that will slowly climb to 100%. Once you hit this percentage, your playthrough will end after one final action. The entire time you are playing, the game is analyzing every little thing that you do. To have a fully enjoyable experience, do not look up walkthroughs; do not worry about what you are doing; simply just play! Refind Self will not be pressuring you to go anywhere or hurry along – you do whatever you want to do. I highly recommend not reading up on the 23 personality types beforehand either, as humans tend to try to morph themselves into what they think they should be. Go in blind!
The player’s heart meter will incrementally increase by doing literally anything. Picking up a flower will increase the percentage by one. Doing a minigame might make it go up by 10%. Control of the main character will be cut off once the gauge hits 100%.
After your first playthrough, the game will reveal your dominant, secondary, and tertiary personalities. The game will unveil your “hidden personality” after the second attempt. If it is the same as your dominant personality, it could mean that these traits are an insanely strong part of your character. If it is different than your dominant result, this personality means that these traits lie dormant within you, and according to the game, serves “like a kind of hidden flavor or spice.” Finally, the last playthrough will show your “most distant” personality. This will be the one you scored the least on, or the qualities you may lack.
Playing subsequent times will not affect your personality results.
Who am I?
For example, my dominant result was “the researcher,” which makes total sense. As I stated, I just had to look at everything, read anything, and ask a whole lot of “what?” questions on my first attempt. This allowed me to gain knowledge but it severely hindered my progress! My “most distant” personality was “the philosopher.” This is kind of funny to me, because this means that I don’t take time to contemplate my decisions . . . which yeah, true, I absolutely did not do this during my playthrough. All of my choices were based on gut reactions because that is typically how I play games (for better or for worse)!
Each action you take will add points or detract points from certain attributes: morals, passion, daring, judgement, and methods. I scored the highest in passion, which resulted in a personality under the passion category (there are four personalities per attribute).
Players are able to see all the major and minor actions you took per playthrough, and how common they are compared to other people’s choices. You are able to directly compare personalities with someone you know that has played Refind Self, or random people over the internet. This mechanic was super fun, and it is almost startling to see the amount of variation in everyone’s experience. I sat on a bench for over 10 seconds, but a stranger may have never sat down at all. I played the cafe game, but a stranger might have gambled at the casino instead.
The world is your oyster
Refind Self is a simple game: players will walk around and interact with people and objects. You can accrue money by trading gold scraps, pull up your inventory to see what items you picked up, and play a surplus of minigames. For example, talking to the robotic barista at the cafe and agreeing to help her will result in a quick minigame, where players complete customer orders while maintaining a profit margin. There is also a sheep painting game, gambling, a 2D shooter, and more, in which some side games are actually relevant to the plot.
Without spoiling anything, after your personality gets analyzed, there is a final ending sequence that transforms into RPG-style combat. The shift is jarring, but works pretty well. Utsuwa’s combat abilities will mostly depend on the personality results you get, which is uniquely fascinating. I failed the fight during my first attempt but subsequently succeeded. You do not have to win, but the ending will slightly alter depending upon this fight and several other small things.
Come along with me
Refind Self works excellently as a short title, because playing through it multiple times is always exciting. The game is much larger than you may expect: I had a very different experience every attempt. As each playthrough occurs, players will gather more memories of Utsuwa and the Doctor, uncovering the latter’s true intentions as well as the complex, questionable nature of her relationship with you. The third playthrough results in a special end segment with the Doctor running tests on Utsuwa, and the way it plays out is subject to change based on your choices. My ending was bittersweet, and that is all I will say.
Overall, the plot is a little confusing at times, but the whole point of Refind Self is to learn more about you!
New age of pixel art
The visual and sound design of Refind Self is very Undertale-esq in my opinion. Refind Self is more anime-like, but includes that simple, 2D pixel art charm that looks great even for the modern era. There is an underlying eeriness with the design, I believe, which gives off an atmosphere of self-questioning and existentialism, which the game is intentionally trying to convey.
The music is soft, melancholic, yet curious, kind of like certain explorative areas in Undertale. It fits in well, but certainly makes me feel a bit somber, knowing that time will run out for my character. The music, paired with the game’s muted color scheme of deep greys and pale yellows and pinks – almost sepia – seems dull but is somehow quite captivating.
A small part of me wishes to customize the physical appearance Utsuwa for a more personable experience. Then again, this female android has already been embedded in the plot. Utsuwa is not necessarily you.
Final thoughts
Refind Self: The Personality Test Game is positively unusual with high re-playability. While having a somewhat confusing plot line that can be difficult to fully make sense of without tens of playthroughs, trying to put the puzzle together is exhilarating enough, with the player being able to define the Doctor’s relations with Utsuwa and your identity as a mortem-focused robot. The sad thing is, nothing can stop Utsuwa from her ultimate death, because this is the one thing you as a player cannot choose to avoid. Utsuwa does not want her clockwork motor wound up. She just . . . doesn’t. She believes that the Doctor is dead, and therefore she wants herself to naturally expire in a human way. Mortality cannot be avoided.
Certain choices have left me satisfied, like being able to refuse to look at your personality results prematurely, or denying/accepting to cheat the system and lessen your heart meter by a giant percentage. Perhaps the results are not accurate for everyone, but it was on point with me.
If you chose to play Refind Self, which I highly recommend, just keep in mind the black sheep. Touch them, do not touch them, destroy them . . . then again, is it up to you or Utsuwa?
FlipCat is a strangely named title that has an old-school aesthetic. This will appeal to a niche audience, but I loved its quirky ways and the simple gameplay. First, I was disappointed by the lack of complexity and challenge. However, when things ramped up, I instantly regretted my thought process. Yet, it was necessary, and the game benefits as a consequence.
This 2D platformer was developed by Fabrizio Abreu and published by Fa Games. Moreover, it is a single-player retro experience that is refined and simple to understand. This may put some gamers off, but I liked the dated aesthetic and the interesting core mechanics. If you follow my reviews, you know I adore this developer. I have covered Pyramid Platformer – The Gem Heist and Fox Legend, and I enjoyed both games. Accordingly, I had high hopes for his third title.
FlipCat has no plot.
Old-school games and no story go hand-in-hand. This was a shame as I like a meaty plot and a chance to build a rapport with the protagonist. Though FlipCat lacks this core element, it matters not. Instead, you focus on the 30 levels of action and the pixelated imagery.
I have no idea why the athletic cat is stuck in this bizarre perspective-flipping world. Yet, those details are irrelevant. Instead, you focus your mind on overcoming traps and avoiding fire, spikes, and projectiles. Additionally, you must explore different avenues as you search for a key to unlock the exit. None of these aspects were impossible to deal with, and this makes it particularly user-friendly.
Simple gameplay.
FlipCat follows in the footsteps of the developer’s other games. Each level evolves with new traps and obstacles added as you progress. There is no vast learning curve and you quickly understand how to overcome hazards and what must be achieved to complete each stage.
Things ramp up when you must hit switches and flip the world on its head. As each switch is activated, the world changes and you face new paths and fresh problems. However, if you can remember each segment and navigate each obstacle, you will find the hidden key and the exit.
FlipCat is gloriously pixelated.
I’m a sucker for retro gaming. Thankfully, FlipCat is gloriously pixelated! The sharp colours and simple backdrops are great to look at. Furthermore, the obstacles are well designed and I liked the clean pathways and obvious solutions. My only complaint is the glitch when pushing barrels. Occasionally, the cat and the barrels become stuck. This can cause problems and this needs ironing out.
The audio blends dramatic tones with jovial moments. This soundtrack is repetitive, but the levels are shortlived and the music rarely outstays its welcome. The sound effects are loud and in your face. Though they could have been more refined, they are suitable for the dated aesthetic.
Straightforward controls.
This can be played on PC or Xbox. Consequently, you can test your skills with a mouse and keyboard or gamepad. I stuck with the latter and found it to be accurate and responsive. Subsequently, it is easy to master and players of all ages will play this with ease.
Replay value and longevity are lacking. There is no speedrun option and once you blast through the 30 levels, there is no reason to return. If a timer or leaderboard is added, this will inspire you to come back for more.
FlipCat is simple but fun.
If you adore the genre and want something casual to pass the time, this is the game for you. The graphics are retro but pleasant. Additionally, the gameplay is simple but fun. There are a few glitches, but I’m sure these can be ironed out. Accordingly, despite these issues, I like it and recommend buying it here! Can you open every door? Explore each level, find the key, and get out quickly.
Sports betting in Africa is on the rise, blending tradition and innovation to enhance fans’ engagement with sports. What once relied on informal wagers and roadside kiosks has now evolved into a thriving industry with millions of fans across the continent. This is thanks to technologies like smartphones, 4G and 5G internet, VR, and AR.
As Africans continue to embrace sports betting, let’s examine how the tech driving the industry has evolved and will continue to evolve in 2025 and beyond.
The history of sports betting in Africa
You may think sports betting is new in Africa, but it dates back centuries. Before Malawians enjoyed online Malawi betting platforms like Betway in 2025, North Africans were betting on horses in the 15th century. Africans, meanwhile, had been betting on sports for over 7 decades. These histories reflect a deep cultural connection to sports and community betting that, alongside technology, is crucial to the growth of sports betting in Africa.
The rise of modern sports betting, bookies, and kiosks
Governments in Africa only started regulating sports betting in the mid-20th century. Since then, this industry has experienced incredible growth. Nearly half of South Africa’s adult population regularly participates in sports betting. The country currently has the biggest betting market in Africa and, coupled with Nigeria and Kenya, made $40 billion in betting revenue in 2018.
At the beginning of the sports betting wave in these three countries, much of the betting took place in betting kiosks run by local bookies. This was a way to offer sports betting services to areas that had very low smartphone and internet penetration at the time.
The kiosks had betting booths and one or two computers, at best, with the bookie recording bets on physical tickets. As sports betting grew more popular, self-service booths replaced these general kiosks.
Mobile and live betting
Around the 2010s, mobile penetration in Africa grew, making it possible for bettors to access betting markets on their phones. Mobile betting through platforms like the Betway app has become popular because of its convenience and affordability. Mobile money services like M-Pesa also make it easy to place your bets online and access your winnings in an instant.
As of 2025, 70 percent of Africans own a smartphone, a number that will keep growing. With 5G internet increasing internet access, all of these smartphone users can stream and bet on live matches. Recent research reveals that 80% of African bettors prefer live, in-play betting to before-he-match betting.
The future of sports betting tech in Africa
Africa is a vibrant market for sportsbooks like Betway. As technology continues to make sports betting more accessible to Africans, the future of the industry will be defined by regional customization, mobile-driven innovation, and innovations such as blockchain and AR/VR. Reputable platforms like Betway must then focus on meeting the specific cultural needs of African bettors while tapping into our love for sports.
The RT65 Keyboard from Epomaker is a perfect combination of retro funk and sci-fi aesthetics. Moreover, it is a small-form-factor device and this makes it perfect for compact workstations. I use its big brother the RT100 Keyboard as my main peripheral. Yet, I loved the shortcut keys, the programable inputs, and the responsive and comfortable keycaps.
Alongside this, the design is a major talking point. You can use the included RT screen or invest in an RT screenbot to add flair to your setup. This incredible addition delivers key CPU stats and a striking image or animation of your choice. If you are creative, you may use the intuitive and free-to-download software to design any animation or image you like. Alternatively, you can download other Epomaker user creations and pass them off as your own.
If this isn’t enough, the device has tri-mode connectivity, a whopping 3,000 mAh battery, quick charging, and customisable south-facing RGB lighting. I stuck with the preinstalled arrangement, but I appreciated the chance to make it match my mountain of RGB accessories. If you are not a fan of bright keyboards, you can turn the lighting down or off if you wish.
What’s in the box of the RT65 Keyboard?
The packaging is small but attractive. I liked the eye-catching design and the robust build quality.
The RT65 Keyboard is impressive to look at. The small 65% form factor has 67 keys. This may seem like it lacks usability, but the programmable inputs ensure that it packs a punch. The device can be connected using Bluetooth, a wireless dongle, or a USB-C cable.
A USB-C cable charges the device.
A keycap puller helps you to access the hot-swappable switches.
Connect with the USB-A dongle.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
The RT65 Keyboard is impressively quick. No matter which connectivity option you select, you will experience no latency issues (under 20 ms). I prefer a wired option as my desk has cable tidies and I do not have to worry about battery life. However, the impressive 3,000 mAh battery keeps you in the game for longer. If you choose to play wirelessly, the helpful switch lets you select your desired mode in no time at all.
My keyboard was fitted with the Epomaker Flamingo switches. I found these to be responsive and comfortable to use. The actuation distance was impressive and the keyboard is suitable for typing and gaming. On top of this, because it is compact, you can use it on the go. If you have spare 3 or 5-pin switches, you can install these with ease. The hot-swappable design allows you to customise this device without the need to solder.
The free-to-download software makes customising the core elements a cinch. Whether you wish to make macros or change the RGB effects, it can be done with little understanding or expertise. Moreover, programming the included screen or RT screenbot was extremely simple. I loved testing out different animations and designs. However, I picked another user’s interpretation of Pac-Man, and it is extremely cool.
Usability.
If you want a plug-and-play peripheral, then the RT65 Keyboard is the device for you. Though it can be customised within an inch of its life, you can simply set it up and get on with your day. I don’t see many gamers doing this though as the screen and colourful RGB make this a pleasure to use.
The tri-mode connectivity makes this a versatile option. I’ve tested it on my mobile phone, laptop, tablet, and PC. The device never stuttered and it was quick and easy to connect it and disconnect it when I was finished. If you don’t like Bluetooth, the 2.4 Ghz dongle is remarkably quick. Plug it in and enjoy low-latency inputs. However, the wired option is always my go-to preference. It keeps the device charged and the simple cable is streamlined and pleasant to look at.
The Epomaker software has an intuitive interface and I mastered it in no time. Selecting RGB profiles was a cinch and programming macros was a pleasure. Though I rarely use macro inputs, I liked the programming element and how straightforward it was to select the required tasks.
Finally, there is a media knob/joystick for quick access to your music or as an alternative to your mouse. Though the mouse idea is novel, I rarely used it. It is a bit niche, but I like the design and the unusual thinking.
Build quality.
This is one tough keyboard! The outer casing has a pleasant rounded finish and layers of internal material for the ultimate audio experience. This mechanical keyboard has a delightful clacky sound that won’t wake up your household or office. The pleasant click, click, click has a retro edge without being obnoxious. The cherry profile keycaps are familiar and comfortable to work with. Accordingly, you won’t feel out of your depth and will not have to adjust to a new profile.
I adore old-school aesthetics. Consequently, the RT65 Keyboard was always going to be a winner. The combination of cream and brown was delightful. Additionally, the sci-fi edge adds a layer of fantasy that works extremely well. Unfortunately, there are no adjustable feet. Subsequently, you’ll have to type using a flat approach. Moreover, the keyboard is relatively heavy and won’t shift when placed on your desktop or a gaming mat.
Is the RT65 Keyboard worth it?
There are plenty of great small-form-factor keyboards. I’ve recently covered the Hack 59 Keyboard and was impressed by every key element. Subsequently, the RT65 Keyboard had a long way to go to impress me. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed! The build quality is phenomenal and the responsive inputs and anti-ghosting make this the perfect gaming device. The mechanical sound is also pleasant, and the customisable options will make you smile. Accordingly, this is a great device and I recommend buying it here!
If you love to cycle, but you hate the poor winter weather, you may be in a bit of a bind. Do you risk getting soaked, blown over, or worse? Alternatively, do you store your bike and allow your fitness and mental health to suffer? You could get the best of both worlds and invest in a turbo trainer. I’ve been contemplating this for months, and Wahoo kindly provided me with a loaner unit for this review. The Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One is the product I will look at, and boy is it an impressive machine from the off!
This weighty beast is easy to construct and even easier to set up. You will need a mobile phone or tablet/laptop capable of Bluetooth connectivity. However, assuming you own those things, you’ll be up and running in no time. Moreover, this trainer is suitable for many modern bikes and as it’s a direct drive trainer, there is some deconstruction of your pushbike required before you can jump into the action.
I don’t claim to be the most mechanically minded individual, but I was up and running in around 10 minutes. I admit I used a stand to remove my rear wheel and to help me keep things balanced. Yet, this isn’t required especially if you are comfortable with removing wheels and playing with your rear derailer.
Unlike other reviews on this product, I’m going to focus on the usability and why I believe it works as a concept. I will touch upon some of the technical elements, but I’m going to keep this light-hearted throughout. So, let’s wait no longer, and get this badass winter training tool unboxed.
What’s in the box of the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One?
The packaging is robust and the brown colour won’t capture your attention. However, it is extremely heavy and you will get a warning from your delivery driver when they hand it over.
The Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One comes in 3 parts. Thankfully, the Zwift cog was preinstalled as this saves you some time.
2 sturdy legs are provided to balance the device.
Screws, quick-release skewers, and adaptors are provided.
Power the device with the included power supply.
Change the gears with the Zwift Click virtual shifter.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.
Setting it up!
If, like me, you use your local bike shop for every element of your bike maintenance, you may feel somewhat nervous about taking apart your pride and joy. I use a modded 2024 TCR and I hate the thought of damaging it. Luckily, Wahoo and Zwift treat you with kid gloves. Every element from measuring your quick release distance to adaptors and set up is well explained. On top of this, YouTube helps you with wheel removal and everything in between.
What I’m trying to say, is you don’t need to worry. Though you may get dirty and slightly frustrated at first, it is pleasant and rewarding once you get everything set up. The Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One requires little to no DIY expertise. The simple-to-follow instructions talk you through which leg goes where and the screws to use. Moreover, setting the adaptor is a cinch and testing the stability feels like you’ve climbed your own “worry mountain”.
Once the trainer is constructed and your bike is suitably placed, you download the relevant apps from Zwift and Wahoo, and you get to work. This trainer is compatible with many different training apps and methods, but I’m focusing my experience on Zwift and how that unfolded. Full compatibility information can be found online if you wish to use an alternative. Furthermore, if you purchase this product, you can pick up a cut-price offer for your Zwift subscription. This is the most cost-effective approach, but feel free to sign up for the monthly payment plan.
Technical aspects.
I know I said I wouldn’t focus on technical aspects, but I have to cover some key elements for a rounded review. First, the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One can be purchased with a standard cassette, bare-bones, or with the impressive Wahoo Zwift Cog. My device came with the latter preinstalled and I was over the moon. This device is compatible with most 8-12 speed bikes/chains. However, check the compatibility of your axle.
The trainer is capable of up to 16% gradient simulation and 1800 watts of resistance. Though this isn’t as high as some of its peers, it shouldn’t cause an issue for most riders. The thought of punishing myself on anything more than 16% inclines turn my stomach, so if you are foolish or brave enough to go for more, best of luck to you. What’s more, 1800 W of power is bloody impressive. Accordingly, if you are smashing out more than this regularly, you probably cycle for a pro team.
Knowing the protocol compatibility is essential. This trainer has ANT+ FE-C, ANT+ Power, Bluetooth Smart Trainer Control, and Bluetooth Smart Power. As such, it covers all bases and is suitable for many applications. Yet, be aware that the virtual shift is only suitable for Zwift. Consequently, if you are exploring this avenue, you need to make the correct cassette choice based on your training and budget needs.
Usability.
If you are lazy and want the simplest set-up possible, then the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One has you covered. The 2 free to download apps talk you through the process and connecting each essential tool is just as easy. Word of warning, though, don’t try to connect everything via Bluetooth to your phone. I was attempting a hearty 4/5 Bluetooth daisy chain and things went wrong very quickly. As such, I recommend keeping the key items such as the trainer and the virtual shift connected for the most seamless experience.
If you need to have more bits connected, you may wish to adapt your arrangement or use the Zwift Companion App. A little trial and error go a long way and you’ll discover what works for you in a few minutes. My OTT set-up of beefy speakers and a large TV may be overkill, but I don’t care. Once I get everything powered up, I lose myself in my session and that’s all that matters.
When you first get going, you must check for firmware updates. If you overlook this step, you will not be happy. You’ll have performance issues and everything will feel off. Consequently, take a few moments to get yourself sorted and feel the benefits immediately.
How is the ride with the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One?
Virtual shifting and direct drive training may not be your cup of tea. After all, you could purchase an exercise bike and get that false experience. However, this wasn’t how the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One felt to me. Though there isn’t that mechanical clunk of your gears moving, and the ERG takes away a lot of your thoughts and skills when tackling workouts, it feels real and alive.
The simplicity of one cog removes maintenance and worry. Additionally, if you accidentally hit your shifters, and you will, it makes no difference. Yes, the near-silent chain movement makes a big racket, but this matters not. Simply tap down or up the gears and get the rear derailer realigned again. This worry and stress-free approach is perfect for those who wish to get on and ride. Moreover, the smooth and instantaneous electric shifting lets you enjoy the social element of each outing.
I don’t think that purists will ever move towards this system. The idea of streamlining your working arrangement will be alien. Furthermore, taking away some key control elements will potentially undermine performance aspects for the most powerful athletes. This is a problem for an elite group of riders who will potentially not consider the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One as a serious alternative to their current trainers. As such, it is a niche concern and one that will not impact the larger community.
Safety and the social side.
Cycling isn’t the safest sport around! I know this as I was involved in a serious RTC around 18 months ago. This incident has caused countless issues including anxiety and injuries. Consequently, the idea of jumping on a bike and commuting to work fills me with dread. This is a shame as cycling is one of the most enthralling and social sports you can tackle. Luckily, this trainer lets you enjoy the fitness and the social aspect whilst filling you with confidence. This design allows anxious or injured riders to rehabilitate and recover in the comfort of their own home and that is a godsend.
Though this was my main reason for wanting a turbo trainer, I love the social side of cycling. Car drivers may hate big groups of riders, but a Sunday session with your friends makes the miles fly by. Thankfully Zwift replicates this with its amazing training sessions and events. Additionally, there is a thumbs-up system to show your support and the chance to join virtual clubs. Each of these aspects inspires you to push yourself further and keeps you in the virtual saddle for longer.
Is the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One worth it?
I’m no fair-weather rider, but I adore this turbo trainer. The ability to use the ERG for set wattage resistance or go it alone with the virtual shifters was amazing. What’s more, the pre-built workouts, events, races, and social aspects of Zwift keep you coming back for more. If you then consider the amazing build quality, the responsive shifter, and the easy-to-set-up approach, this is the perfect tool for newbies and mechanically inept riders.
Purists may hate the idea of the Zwift Cog, but this shouldn’t put them off the trainer. If you don’t want virtual shifting, stick to your cassette and benefit from every other element. Yes, the direct driver design may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I like the reassuring stability and how easy it was to get going. Accordingly, every aspect is a winner and I recommend buying it here!
(More information on Zwift can be found here and more information on Wahoo can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! The unit was loaned to me for 6 months. This timescale allows me to offer an unbiased and free review!)
Petit Island is a wonderfully wholesome game perfect for the whole family. However, this won’t be for you if you love sports games or bloody shooters. Yet, if you fancy a change of pace and a beautifully created story, this should be on your radar.
This narrative adventure game was developed by Xelo Games and published by SOEDESCO. Furthermore, it is open-world and can be enjoyed by one player. Though this may disappoint gaming families, you can take it in turns as you explore the lush and varied island.
Petit Island tells a touching story.
If you are family-focused, you’ll do anything for your loved ones. If you see them fade away or lose their spark, it will tug at your heartstrings. This is exactly what happens in Petit Island. Though it didn’t make me shed a tear, I was emotionally involved in the plot.
You play the role of Lily. She is a young animal with a kind heart. Her Grandpaw is sick and his memory is fading. Yet, his journal of his time at Petit Island makes him smile. Sadly, though, some of the pages are damaged and with it, the memories are slipping. Accordingly, Lily takes it upon herself to visit the island to update the journal and bring a spark to the life of her Grandpaw.
Straightforward action.
Petit Island follows a simple-to-understand gameplay loop. Each page of the journal must be filled and this means exploring the surrounding world. As you move from place to place, there are side quests to complete. Alongside this, there are activities such as bug hunting and fishing. None of these tasks will test you and this makes it perfect for younger children.
The quests follow suit. Each one demands that you move from point A to B while collecting certain items. Alternatively, you may need to use your camera or speak to a local. Either way, you won’t be tested and this makes it relaxing. I enjoyed the use of the local llamas as transport as this made navigating the island less of a chore. This wasn’t an essential tool, but who doesn’t want to ride across a fictional island on a llama?
Petit Island is a vibrant affair.
The graphics are a little basic but I liked them nonetheless. The vibrant colours are eye-catching, and the world has unique biomes to explore. Each of the characters is larger than life and this brings energy to the experience. Alongside this, I loved Lily’s playful animations. She’d skip and hop her way around the world. Though this could drive some gamers mad, my girls giggled as they approached each new area.
The audio blends melancholy moments with fun and jovial tunes. This combination may seem weird, but it reflects the nature of the story perfectly. Additionally, I liked the ambient sounds and the fun and suitable sound effects.
Basic controls.
Petit Island is a cinch to play. There are few inputs to master and the buttons are responsive. This is ideal for kids and people who wish for a lack of complexity. However, I wish the inventory system was more refined. It was a pain to select unique items for different tasks. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it made it slightly more cumbersome than needed.
Replay value will depend on your completionist mindset. If you don’t wish to capture every bug or fish, you will struggle to return for more. But if you love that gaming aspect, there is plenty to see and do. Consequently, there is some longevity for this relatively short game.
Petit Island is a touching experience.
This won’t appeal to everyone. The calm and slow-paced gameplay and wholesome story could be a turn-off. However, if you want a calm and touching experience that is family-friendly and child-safe, then this is for you. I adored the graphics and the mellow soundtrack. Furthermore, the story is fantastic. Subsequently, I recommend buying it here! Can you fill your Grandpaw’s journal? Explore the island, help the locals, and rekindle that spark.
The Hack 59 Keyboard from Epomaker is the perfect tool for competitive and casual gamers. This small factor 59 key keyboard is tiny and ideal for micro desktops. Moreover, if you don’t need a numpad or arrow keys, this keyboard will tick many boxes. Alongside this, it is wonderfully versatile thanks to its wired and wireless approach. Users can use Bluetooth or the supplied dongle for a clean and rapid connection. Alternatively, the USB-C cable allows you to charge the device and game simultaneously.
This striking device has a monochromatic appearance. Additionally, it has programmable RGB lighting and an industrial appearance. Though this won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, I liked the odd futuristic edge and the clean RGB lighting design. Alongside this, it has a delightful clacky sound without being too obnoxious.
What’s in the box of the Hack 59 Keyboard?
The compact packaging is pleasant to look at. The simple stencil design is attractive and it highlights every key selling point.
The Hack 59 keyboard is compact and lightweight. Furthermore, the Cherry profile keycaps are familiar and pleasant to use.
Charge the device with the USB-C cable.
Spare Epomaker Flamingo switches are provided.
Remove the keycaps with the puller tool.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
This responsive gaming keyboard has multipoint connectivity. Accordingly, it is perfect if you work away from home or you wish to connect wirelessly at your desk. A simple switch allows you to flit between each mode with ease. Moreover, the USB dongle is housed within the keyboard body for security. No matter which mode I selected, the Hack 59 Keyboard performed flawlessly. The rapid inputs ensured that I could compete with the best worldwide gamers. What’s more, the battery life was impressive and I rarely stressed about the battery life.
A 3000 mAh battery keeps you in the game for longer. The quick charging feature keeps you juiced up while you play using the wired connection. If you love to customise your peripherals, then this keyboard should be on your radar. The switches are hot-swappable for 3-pin and 5-pin options. Alternatively, you can select between 2 types at the point of sale.
On top of this, you can customise the inputs using VIA programming. This tool is essential to get the best out of this mechanical keyboard. Though many games don’t need macros to maximise your potential, you’ll want to improve your chances. As such, using the built-in function key and simple software ensures that you stay ahead of the game.
Usability.
Every Epomaker product is designed with simplicity in mind. The exceptional keyboards are remarkably easy to use and adjusting your settings, RGB, inputs, and switches is a walk in the park. However, if you simply want a plug-and-play device that is working from the off, then this will be the product for you.
Build quality.
I should say that I was amazed by the build quality, but Epomaker doesn’t surprise me anymore. Their products are exceptional and the price point is even better. The sturdy case is robust and will withstand some knocks and bumps. Moreover, 5 layers of noise-dampening material prevent the clacky mechanical sounds from overpowering your gaming rig. This was great as no one enjoys a shrill and uncomfortable typing experience.
The ergonomic design and small form factor make this an unusual but pleasant device to work and game on. What’s more the south-facing RGB lighting delivers a gentle hue without blinding you. Finally, the Hack 59 Keyboard can be adjusted for 3 unique profiles. Though I stuck with the flat approach, it was easy to use the multipoint feet to adjust the angle.
Is the Hack 59 Keyboard worth it?
I have an unhealthy obsession with keyboards. I love how expressive they are and the difference they make to every workstation. This industrial/sci-fi option is perfect for smaller workstations and hardcore gamers. Furthermore, if you need to work on the move, this compact device can fit in your bag with ease.
If that isn’t enough, the switches are responsive and I love the multipoint connectivity. The battery life and quick charge facility are impressive. Additionally, the ability to program macros and customise the RGB was the cherry on the cake. Accordingly, this is an impressive keyboard and I recommend buying it here!
TheDetective Society deliver some of the best modern mystery games around. The blend of old-school tangible items and modern online/mobile phone elements will please gamers of all ages. Furthermore, the clues, characters, and incredible stories will keep you hooked. I’ve recently looked at Countdown to Chaos and adored this short but thrilling experience. Accordingly, when offered Murder on the Moon, I couldn’t wait to wear my Sherlock Holmes hat and begin this latest adventure.
This 3 part endeavour is designed for 1-4 players no younger than 12. Our group comprised adults only and it was the perfect way to waste some hours during the festive period. Though this jolly season is over, January is long and boring and this game will brighten up the darkest of nights. Consequently, if you love to test your grey matter and wish to solve a tough but fair mystery, then Murder on the Moon is the game for you.
What’s in the box of Murder on the Moon?
Everything about this screams high-end. The packaging looks great and every aspect is chunky, vibrant, and easy to handle.
Murder on the Moon has a 3D game map to build. This is a new approach from The Detective Society and I loved this visual aspect.
There are 3 case files to solve. Each contains essential information, blueprints, and other miscellaneous items.
Time to become a detective.
Each of the episodes/chapters/case files lasts between 1 and 2 hours. My team cracked each one in around 1 hour 30 and we were able to comfortably take breaks in-between. This was perfect as the volume of information and the combination of dated and modern mechanics were all-consuming. On top of this, we had some arguments as we tried to piece together every clue and work through each problem.
If your team can remain calm and not claw each other’s eyes out, you’ll laugh and joke as you interact with the virtual characters. This was phenomenal as each person was wonderfully scripted and I loved the captivating acting. The team won’t win any Oscars for their performances, but we were swept along with the story as each layer unfolded.
Though you are provided with each key portion of your adventure, I would recommend a pen and paper. Information comes at you thick and fast and it was occasionally tough to keep up. This may be a “me” problem, but jotting notes along the way certainly kept things moving nicely.
It’s a modern world.
We adored the old-school case file. The reams of information were great to work through. Additionally, the level of detail was impressive and it is obvious that The Detective Society are passionate about their projects. The tangible items were amazing to look at. Flitting between key items was fun and piecing together each clue gets your juices flowing. However, I was blown away by the modern aspects.
Murder on the Moon has mountains of specially designed web pages to explore on your mobile device or laptop/PC. As you work through every page, you forget that this is part of the game. The interface feels unbelievably real and transitioning from one page to another is seamless. Alongside this, I loved the puzzles and back and forth between core moments. If you wish, you can lose yourself in total nonsense. Alternatively, you can avoid the noise and attempt to push through to each solution. Either way, you’ll have a great time completing each episode.
How tough is it?
An adult team with a methodical mindset will work through every aspect with a minor degree of difficulty. Yet, if you have a younger team or players with less puzzling experience, you may find each chapter challenging. Some hurdles will hold you up, and though the game offers clues when you become stuck, you can get lost in the moment and find yourself confused.
I never felt that Murder on the Moon was imbalanced. Moreover, the exceptional storytelling and timely hints help to keep you on the straight and narrow. Subsequently, though there were some tough areas, we never felt like giving up. If you are new to this type of game, you may wish to test your skills with Countdown to Chaos. Both games follow a similar core pattern and this will set you up nicely for this larger and more hefty detective game.
Is Murder on the Moon worth it?
I’m disappointed that I wasn’t able to review this before the end of 2024. Christmas was the perfect opportunity for would-be detectives to jump into the fun. Despite my tardiness, I believe that this and any other product from The Detective Society can be enjoyed all year round. The incredible combination of mechanics and the brilliant build quality will impress you. What’s more, the online action is seamless and I loved the story and the brilliant characters you encounter.
Including a 3D map adds another dimension to the playing field and I adored the sense of depth it creates. Each case file will make you smile as layers of information and images fall into your lap. When every element combines, you get a spell-bounding game that sucks you in from start to finish. Accordingly, if you want a jaw-dropping game that will impress friends and family alike, I recommend buying it here!
(More information on The Detective Society can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky made me sit and think: what exactly do I consider ‘love’ to be? I’ve been married for almost a year now, after all. Probably should have a definition. Still, one of the first things I remember about my relationship was me drunkenly babbling about Stranger Things. Hardly a scene that’s going to make it into a sweet and heartfelt game about love. Still, I rather liked that SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky made a point of asking the question. Love means different things to different people.
This is a game about dating people, after all. There’re other mysteries wrapped around it, but you’re still going to go into it with a girl in mind. It’s a difficult game for me, being generally a grumpy, old man and not really a fan of visual novels. Still, I went in with as open a mind as possible. SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky does have its share of heartfelt moments, but it falls into some of the worst traps of the genre and is tricky to recommend as a result.
Love Is In The Air
Today’s clueless dope protagonist is Junya, a handyman at a family-run general store, who wouldn’t pick up on romantic hints if Cupid fired an entire quiver into him. Still, we can perhaps forgive him on that count, as it wasn’t long ago that his brother was killed in an accident, which Junya himself just barely survived. This is enough to give our protagonist some interesting notes, as he copes with life without his older brother to lean on, and a good helping of survivor’s guilt. This is the source of some of the more heartfelt moments.
The rest come from the gaggle of girls that surround Junya. Let’s do the SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky waifu run-down, shall we? First up is Chihaya – a rich childhood friend with an indecision problem, Hinata – a princess-obsessed attendant, Azusa – a tiny ball of rage, Yuriko – an idol star trying to get back to her roots, and Chunyu – a Chinese transfer student with a penchant for being brutally honest. The characters can get a tad tropey, such as Junya’s overly energetic sister and her friend who’s creepily obsessed with him, but as the main characters unfold they gain depth.
It is rather insanely, pull-your-hat-over-your-eyes saccharine at times but that’s kind of par for the course for this sort of thing. If you don’t go into a visual novel dating sim expecting to cringe every now and then, you’ve probably not played many. Still, SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky did break through my grumpy shell at times. I went for Chunyu’s route and found myself warming to her bubbly personality, as we worked together to put on a concert in the park. It was a sweet storyline, paired with – at times – quite thoughtful conversations about love. There’s enough here to warm the heart, which is good.
Relationships On Rails
Chunyu’s route does highlight a few of the issues I have with SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky, however. For one, there’s a mystery surrounding Junya’s brother’s death that Chunyu’s route just sort of forgets about. It also ends in a giant anti-climax, which didn’t help. I read around a bit before writing this review, and it seems this and a few other paths are a bit threadbare compared to ‘main’ ones, like Chihaya, which is a shame. It also highlighted the rather strict structure of the whole experience. Rather than gravitating towards characters naturally, we literally have a binary choice between girls at set stages. Feels a tad cheap.
Basically, pick a girl and if you don’t put your foot in your mouth, you’ll end up with the ‘normal’ ending. I do like that there’s a ‘best’ ending if you choose the right dialogue options, but it feels even more hands-off than normal. I know, I know, I bang on about the lack of gameplay every time I review a game like this, but the problem is particularly egregious here. We can go literal hours without making any meaningful choices beyond a couple of similar sounding dialogue lines. It’s maddening at times.
Then there’s the fact that the writing falls down quite often. It’s mostly serviceable in the line-by-line, but a significant number of typos have slipped through, and there’s odd translation issues that make some lines difficult to parse. More important, however, is the fact that the writing often falls deep into tedium. Part of it is the visual novel habit of constantly repeating details. We don’t need a flashback of something that happened five minutes ago. But it also sticks on thoroughly uninteresting scenes. One section is just talking about building permits, for heaven’s sake. Just cut the fluff and get to the interesting scenes.
SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky – Heartfelt But Held Back
The end result is that while SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky did melt some of the ice around my frozen heart, it didn’t really stick with me. You could justifiably write this off as me not being part of the target audience. But even compared to other visual novels I’ve played, it’s on the weaker side. The writing contains a frankly absurd amount of telling over showing. If I have to see another character’s personality explained by some twinkle in their eyes, I may go insane. That, the rigid structure, and complete lack of any gameplay make it hard to stay engaged. Once a long play goes up on YouTube, you no longer have any reason to fork out £34.99.
Which is a shame, because when SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky actually got going, I found myself warming to it. The moments where Chunyu actually starting probing into the question of love, and comparing her and Junya’s definitions, were great. Even if Junya did miss absolutely every hint, regardless of subtlety. The biggest tell, for me, came when I finished Chunyu’s route and was faced with the prospect of pursuing another. It didn’t appeal. I lasted about two hours before closing it. If you’ve got a high tolerance for this sort of game, then you’ll find lots of heart-warming moments here. If you’re a grumpy, thirty-something man then you’ll find the annoyances stacking up.
Softie is a horror Point-and-Click adventure title developed and published by Kristina Springer.
The take on horror from the medium of something child-friendly is the most draining and lazy concept to work with these days, and I cannot even think of something witty to say about it. It gets worse when the product on display feels like it was hashed out on a random Saturday just before soccer practice.
Just Walking Around
The gameplay of Softie has you playing as a little teddy bear walking around a house and talking with random sentient toys. There are puzzles but nothing beyond finding objects to place in other objects.
It gets tedious, especially when you consider the extremely slow pace at which the bear, our titular Softie, walks.
There are also sections where you are chased by this flying robotic head that, upon touch, makes Softie explode. This would be a great break away from the rest of the game if it was not designed so clunky.
This game only has mouse controls, and everything you click has a 1 in 3 chance of actually responding. So when you are running by clicking on the edge of the screen over and over again while also trying to drag obstacles out of the way, it proves to be quite a difficult task. The actions don’t always register as you’d expect, and the delay can leave you feeling frustrated and stuck. It quickly becomes a tedious and repetitive experience rather than an engaging challenge. It’s not a fun kind of difficult task, but more of an annoying and time-consuming one.
A Tale Not Worth the Time.
Without trying to spoil much, I will tell you that the story is just as generic as you’d think.
Softie wakes up in the attic of their house, next to some other toys and a picture of their owner. From there, the search for the owner begins.
Roaming around the house, we find that there is something more sinister going on. From a bloody object on the kitchen floor to what looks like a drugged-up woman in the living room and a tape on the TV that shows a girl crying while receiving gifts.
The atmosphere and animation are beyond excellent. This art style pulls you in and gives you the feeling that you are inside the story with the bear. The world feels alive, with every detail meticulously crafted to immerse you into its dark, unsettling environment. The visual design creates a sense of curiosity, making you want to explore every corner of the house, uncovering the mysteries hidden within
That is until the story goes on a little longer, and the beautiful world can no longer hide the cracks that ruin any chance of enjoyment. The pacing becomes unbearable, the narrative is repetitive, and the once-enchanting art style becomes a distraction from the unoriginal and tedious gameplay. The deeper you go, the more the cracks in both the story and mechanics start to show, leaving you with nothing but frustration. The potential for something great is squandered, as the game falls apart under its weight.
An Un-Cashable cheque
Softie is a forgettable mess. It’s a half-baked idea poorly executed, trapped in the guise of something “charming” but quickly revealed as a chore. The art may be nice, but it doesn’t mask the painfully slow pace, terrible controls, and uninspired story.
The gameplay is nothing more than an exercise in frustration. With tedious puzzles and a clunky chase mechanic that only serves to waste your time. The whole experience feels like it was slapped together in a weekend with no care or effort. If you’re looking for something enjoyable, Softie isn’t it.
The Acefast Acefit Air open-ear headphones from Acefast are perfect for that new year, new year approach. These stylish earphones deliver delightful audio without jeopardising your safety. Furthermore, they are lightweight and extremely comfortable to wear. As such, you’ll love to wear them when walking, working out, or doing the housework.
If you are a technophobe, you’ll want a simple device that is easy to use. Thankfully, this audio product has your back. The plug-and-play design is a cinch to set up. Moreover, the handy charging case ensures your device is safe and you rarely run out of juice. Yet, that isn’t all! The slim design is amazing and the case can fit in your pocket or bag without concern.
What’s in the box of the Acefast Acefit Air open-ear headphones?
The packaging is wonderfully monochromatic. This striking design is eye-catching and everything can be recycled.
The Acefast Acefit Air open-ear headphones are great to look at. The over-ear hook is comfortable and the handy labelling prevents you from making errors.
The charging case is robust and pleasant to hold.
A USB-C to USB-C cable is provided for fast charging.
Learn the fundamentals with the user guide.
Technical aspects.
The Acefast Acefit Air open-ear headphones rely on upmarket technology. Yet, the battery was a little underpowered and this may disappoint. The earphones have a 60 mAh capacity and the charging case has around 500 mAh. In real terms, this gives you of 25 hours playtime at 60% volume. The earphones last around 6 hours per charge and this is suitable for most users. If you run out of juice, the case takes around 2 hours to recharge and the earphones require 1 hour to get back in the game. Though the battery could have been stronger, I wasn’t left wanting.
Connectivity is a key element whenever I consider earbuds, headphones, or earphones. Luckily, this device uses Bluetooth V5.3 and the results are impressive. A 10-metre range delivers a stable platform that doesn’t crackle or falter. Moreover, I experienced no latency issues.
Finally, Acefast offers a generous 18-month warranty. Accordingly, if you have any issues, you can contact their helpful customer support and they will help as best they can.
Audio quality.
The 13mm dynamic drivers combine perfectly with the open-air technology. The sound has a hearty mixture of tones and I was impressed by the moderate bass. Additionally, the lack of connectivity issues ensures a crisp and clean listening experience. Though I restricted my audio levels to the recommended 60% I rarely struggled. The well-positioned speakers deliver pitch-perfect audio.
Potential users may be worried about external sounds washing out the quality of their music. There were moments were extremely loud noises overpowered each track, but these were fleeting. Thankfully, the well-considered design and powerful drivers keep your music flowing.
I don’t like hands-free unless I’m driving. Subsequently, I didn’t use the microphone whilst running or cycling. However, when I tested this device in my car, I had no issues. Each person I spoke to claimed the audio was clear and they heard no unwanted road noises. This makes this the ideal device for people who need a multi-functioning audio solution.
Build quality.
I’ve tested plenty of Acefast products and I’m rarely disappointed. The materials are top quality and they focus on delivering high quality at an affordable price. The Acefast Acefit Air open-ear headphones are no different. The hard-wearing charging case feels pleasant to hold. Moreover, the hinge is strong and I like the smooth black finish.
The earphones are incredibly lightweight and I was impressed with the flexibility and balance. Whenever they were placed over my ears, I didn’t expect them to shift or fall. This is reassuring especially when I undertook high-energy exercise. Finally, the multifunction touchpad was remarkably simple to operate. Some minor trial and error was required to get things right, but that wasn’t a problem. Once I got the gist of things, I could adjust my music or take calls with ease.
Are the Acefast Acefit Air open-ear headphones worth it?
The open-ear market is saturated with exceptional devices.Shokz are the market leader, but they have a price point to match. Luckily, Acefast delivers good products at a great price. Consequently, this budget-friendly option will impress walkers, athletes, and music lovers alike. I adored the excellent audio and build quality. Moreover, the easy-to-use multifunctional button was a pleasant surprise. However, the battery life may be a deal breaker for some. Despite that minor shortcoming, I recommend buying them here!
