News: Akko Black Friday guide.

Daniel Waite
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News: Akko Black Friday guide.

​I have reviewed some amazing Akko products. Accordingly, when I see they have an extended sale, I sit up and take notice. This Akko Black Friday guide highlights some of the incredible keyboards they have on offer.

If the up to 50% off Iso keyboards deals are not enough, Akko is offering 20% off everything else! If you enter the discount code BFCM2024 at the checkout, you’ll enjoy a massive saving. So let’s wait no longer to see what is available in the Akko Black Friday guide.

What’s in the Akko Black Friday guide?

5075B Plus Mechanical Keyboard – The keycaps are hard-wearing and great to look at. Additionally, the media and lighting knob create a user-friendly edge that was appreciated. Alongside this, the NKRO functionality was responsive and a game-changer when typing or playing your favourite FPS. From €71,39.

Black on White 5075B Plus ISO – The AKKO 5075B Plus keyboard is available for under £90. Accordingly, this high-spec keyboard is an affordable option. Furthermore, its 75% form factor is great if you are short on space. What’s more, the ability to customise the switches, and the keycaps was a fantastic addition that I wouldn’t expect to see at this price point. Additionally, the responsive inputs and 3 unique connectivity modes make it an attractive option for newcomers and those who want to improve their setup. From €71,39.

Blue on White 3068B Plus ISO DE/Nordic -The Blue on White 3068B Plus ISO DE/Nordic keyboard is a multimode device that is suitable for Windows or Mac users. Furthermore, it is RGB backlit and has double-shot PBT keycaps. If that isn’t enough, it has macro technology and hot-swappable switches. As such, it is great for creative PC gamers. From €54,72.

Head to Akko for savings.

If you wish to improve your gaming set-up, Akko has you covered! Their excellent products are wonderful to look at. Moreover, they are affordable, easy to use, and brilliantly robust. This guide has highlighted only 3 of the incredible offers available. Consequently, I recommend clicking here to see the other deals. (Offers available until December 3rd.)

Aeno PREMIUM Eco Infrared Smart Heater – Black Friday – SAVE over 20%

Andrew Edney
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Aeno PREMIUM Eco Infrared Smart Heater – Black Friday – SAVE over 20%

This Premium Eco Smart Heater is an eco-friendly infrared heater. It features a unique energy saving heating technology designed to help users save money. 

Designed with infrared technology this Aeno heater is much cheaper to run compared to traditional heating systems. It uses an infrared and convection heating method for even heat distribution.

Download the Aeno App to your smartphone and you can set and control room temperature remotely so you can take the chill off before you arrive home! 

It has an adjustable thermostat with a range from 0 – 40 °C.

Featuring a fall/tilt sensor the appliance will automatically switch off if a child or pet accidentally knocks it over. 

The thin glass body is just 11mm wide creating a stylish look in any modern home or office.

The panel smart heater can be mounted horizontally or vertically to the wall or ceiling. There is also the option to fix legs (supplied) to make it freestanding.

Features:

Infrared + convection heating
Control via Smartphone with Aeno app
Overheat Protection : Auto Shut Off
Heating Range : 30m2
Temp Range: 0-40 °C
Child Lock (via App)
Dimensions(mm): 1000 x 365 x 11

Available from Curry’s RRP £259.00 – https://www.currys.co.uk/products/aeno-premium-eco-agh0003suk-smart-panel-heater-glossy-white-10269839.html?searchTerm=aeno

Review: Demon’s Mirror

Saim Khurshid
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0
Review: Demon’s Mirror

Developed by Be-Rad Entertainment and Published by Good Shepherd Entertainment, Demon’s Mirror is a Rouglike Card battler mixed with tile matching.

Days upon days of intense gaming led to the very moment when I made up my mind, and sadly, through thick and thin, I cannot recommend it. 

On a serious note, despite having had to play about a hundred Roguelikes/lites, I tried to give this one a fair chance. It fared well for the most part, but I cannot in good conscience place it at the top.

Let’s talk about that.

Large Booty of a Demon’s Mirror

Calling the gameplay of Demon’s Mirror simple would be the lie of the century. By glancing at the images on the Steam page, you would think you are stuck inside a casino version of Alice in Wonderland. The number of things from cards, powerups, card points, and enemies, to the tile board, enemy stats and moves…. A lot is going on here and it can get very overwhelming.

I would leave it here and let you go figure this out by yourselves but I claimed this game was average so I am obliged to tell you why. 

The game can be split into 3 parts, each playing an important role in how to win and proceed.

1: The map:

You begin each round, with your chosen character, on a tile board that has many options for traversal. You can choose from any 2 or 3 options at a time. These options can range from enemies, difficult enemies, random encounters, giant stone encounters, campfires and stores.

Enemies lead you to a fight,(more on that later). As for random encounters and the giant stone, these both provide power-ups for you or your already-attained cards. Campfires restore 30 health(you have a total of 60) and shops allow you to buy new cards or upgrades with golden coins that you attain from winning fights.

2: The Demon’s Mirror cards

When you enter a fight, you will have to manage two different yet interlinked games. One is a tile board(more on that later) and the other is a classic card game. 

Your cards allow you to attack, defend, cast spells(buffs or debuffs) or make changes to the tile boards. You have points that dictate the amount of moves you have and each card tells you how many points it needs to be activated. Above the deck of cards, you have your enemies. You can see what moves your enemies will make in the next turn and must act accordingly. 

3: The Tileboard:

The goal of the tile board is to create sets of the same symbol by drawing a line over them. The amount of symbols in the set equals the amount of effect that symbol will have and each set costs two points from the cards section. 

Each type of symbol has a different effect. The swords are for attacking, the shield adds defence, the green orb provides upgrades to some cards and the purple orb when collected enough, allows you to use one of 3 (character-specific special moves.

Enemies can use a move that adds a bomb to the tile board. The bomb can be linked to any card and you must destroy it before it explodes and damages you.

There is more there in all three sections of Demon’s Mirror that is worth noticing but I will leave them for the curious at heart. As for now, I want to go over my reasons for being down on Demon’s Mirror.

What I didn’t like

  • I don’t like that you cannot stack your unused turns through each round unless you have a special power-up.
  • Don’t like that all the special powers have confusing descriptions.
  • Don’t like that the special items pop up in the top left, barely visible on screen.

But all these are tiny niggles…

My real issue with this game is that it is really slow to progress. You can spend 5-10 minutes stuck in a round because the enemy used a defence buff.

It could take hours going through stages and it can all be for nothing. Like every other roguelike or roguelites, when you die you must start from the beginning. 

Apart from the first few rounds, Demon’s Mirror does not give you any legitimate logical and fun changes to gameplay via upgrades. 

While playing the game is fun, after a while you lose motivation to continue. Other roguelikes have a certain type of fun gameplay, it keeps you engaged. Alas, this with this mix-and-match thing going on, it starts to get boring fast.

So ultimately, it’s a fun game but it’s not worth your time as a roguelike.

A mix and match of a game

Demon’s Mirror certainly has its moments of intrigue and challenge, but as time goes on, the game’s repetitive nature and slow progression dampen the excitement. 

While it might appeal to those craving complexity and a bit of a mental workout, for most players, the frustration and lack of meaningful upgrades make it hard to recommend. 

Review: I Am Future: Cozy Apocalypse Survival

Josh Blackburn
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Review: I Am Future: Cozy Apocalypse Survival

Cozy Apocalypse? That sits there in the full title of I Am Future and it just feels like an oxymoron. When I think of apocalypses, I think of ruined buildings, scary mutants and angry people with kitchenware selotaped to their faces. None of that is particularly cozy. That said, maybe there is potential in an apocalypse where you’re just left alone to relax and get on with things. Like that Twilight Zone episode before the bloke’s glasses break. Then again, I could barely handle my internet going down for three days, so it could be me that’s the problem.

Anyway, I bring up that bit in the title because that’s the standard I used to judge I Am Future. It comes down to catharsis; how much it calms me down and makes me feel better about life. It’s a tricky thing to measure, but generally it comes down to the satisfaction of completing tasks and working towards some overall goal. I Am Future has definite pockets of catharsis, and it’s a very pretty experience, but it feels a touch shallow.

I Am Future

The Roof Isn’t On Fire

I Am Future opens with us popping out of a pod on top of a roof and encountering the end of the world. Fortunately, the end of the world looks rather pretty. That’s the first thing that struck me about I Am Future: it looks bright, colourful and happy. A lot of apocalypse games assume that the end of the world is going to paint everything brown. In this case, green is the predominant colour. It makes exploring the rooftop a joy, particularly given that different sections of the roof do feel quite different. Though I can’t say that a rooftop mini-golf course seems like a good idea.

Either way, we are trapped on this rooftop, so we make the most of it. We start by slotting our cybernetic hand into place and then ripping apart everything that was left behind. The main gameplay loop involves hunting for basic materials – scrap metal, plastic, that sort of thing – then pouring them into schematics to make new buildings, which will refine those materials into more complex materials. Then you can upgrade your tools and machines even further. You’ll also need to stop every now and then to munch on a sandwich, as there’s a hunger meter that’ll tick down your health until you faint.

It’s a fairly basic loop for this sort of thing, but there are nice elements. For one, slowly carving your way through the rooftop is definitely cathartic. Progress across the roof is gated by what tools you have, and it’s nice that pouring resources into a new tool allows the map to open up. I also like that hunger isn’t just an extension of the health bar. Being full means you can carry more, giving you an incentive to chow down. Best of all, though, is the disassembling. You pick up a kettle, say, and you have to manually unscrew sections and remove components. It’s like the anti-House Flipper, and I really enjoyed it.

I Am Future

Just Not Clicking Together

I could probably isolate all the different parts of I Am Future and say something positive about them, but my main issue is that things don’t really gel together. Sometimes, a game can be less than the sum of its parts. Take the hunger meter, for instance. It only ran out twice for me and never ended in me fainting, because food is everywhere and can be grown easily. Then there are the ‘enemies’. Little leech-like fellas that eat your crops and turn into weeds. Interesting idea, but they’re just a mild annoyance that you can keep at bay with a cheap spray can. Once you plonk down a UV tower, it’s all over for them.

Digging a bit deeper into this issue, I think the problem is that there’s no sense of working towards something greater. Nearly everything we build is done within minutes, as so many materials are just lying around. Once I’d built the bridge to the second roof (the only one, mind), I had no more big projects. I was doing lots of little projects, wondering when the next big job was coming along. A big draw to this type of construction game is having a big project that you can chip away at. It’s these projects that make the smaller machines necessary, so you can build yourself up. As it was, I just following the set goals without any investment.

The other way that I Am Future could have given me some motivation was through the plot. It’s not a bad set up. We’re an amnesiac in a world where people’s personalities have been transferred into machines. Everyone’s sure that we’re the big CEO of the company that was responsible for the transfer, but we can’t remember a thing. We even meet a handful of these machines. Sadly, it doesn’t really go anywhere. It races through plotpoints and never explores its characters. Then it goes through a random twist at the end that doesn’t really add anything. Actually, it probably detracts from the experience.

I Am Future

I Am Future – Pretty But Shallow

Ultimately, I think my feelings are nicely encapsulated by two elements: exploration and minions. Exploration involves sending a drone off to set locations around the world. One of the first ones has you picking apart a downed plane. It’s interesting and interactive, and had potential. Sadly, most of the rest are just text boxes or shop interfaces. Then there’s minions. A nice idea that could allow some complex automation. Unfortunately, the building schematics are so simple that the only automation I ever needed was a basic sprinkler system.

So, where does that leave us with the catharsis test? Well, the lack of meaningful progress in the mid-game did hurt that. I wasn’t getting up in the morning with a plan of what I wanted to do. I was just sort of drifting across the rooftop, picking up this and that and shoving into whatever blueprint was going. This wasn’t like putting together a beautiful jigsaw. This was like tipping out a beautiful jigsaw onto the table, then putting it back in the box piece-by-piece. Yes, things happened but there was no progess made.

(I Am Future: Cozy Apocalypse Survival‘s Steam Page)

Review: Snow Bros. Wonderland

Daniel Waite
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Review: Snow Bros. Wonderland

Snow Bros Wonderland is back! This 30+-year-old franchise has moved away from its 2D roots and is now available as a 3D isometric platform adventure. This change of approach may annoy fans of its predecessors, but I think it is a great move. The compact levels and array of tasks on hand keep you busy throughout. What’s more, it is loud, vibrant, and easy to pick up and play.

This colourful adventure title was developed by Bitwave Games and published by Clear River Games. Moreover, it is a solo or up to 4-player cooperative title. Accordingly, it is a little hectic and things can get messy extremely quickly. I stuck to single-player action and cherished every moment. However, if you have like-minded friends who love platforming games, then this will be a hit.

Snow Bros Wonderland tells a tale of doom.

The once-peaceful world of Snow Land is now under threat. The snowmen must stay cool and calm as they try to protect the king and his people from the evil King Atchich. This is no easy task as every creature wishes to stand in your way. Additionally, there are plenty of side quests to complete and tough parkour moments to overcome.

This should prevent you from completing your goals, but it doesn’t. As long as you keep a cool head, you can work your way through each of the tiny arenas. As long as you complete each mission, you will open a portal and move closer to the end. Occasionally, you must collect keys to progress or hit waypoints to move on. Either way, it is clearly explained and you shouldn’t struggle throughout.

A blend of new and familiar mechanics.

The game comprises 6 worlds and 36 stages. What’s more, there are 6 boss battles and the Grim Reaper to contend with. Don’t worry too much about death, he only turns up if you are too slow. As you progress through the worlds, you’ll enjoy some familiar platforming mechanics. There are moving platforms, switches, chasms, spikes, fire, and other tried and tested elements. Yet, some unique layers keep things interesting.

Snow Bros Wonderland wouldn’t live up to its name if it didn’t have snow and snowballs at the fore. The heroes can turn every enemy into a giant snowball. This can then be used to activate switches or to bowl your opponents out of the way. Furthermore, you can launch the snowballs to access otherwise out-of-reach foes. If this wasn’t enough, there are golden presents to find to unlock new skills and abilities. Though these don’t change the way the game unfolds, they make it loads easier and finding each ability was fun.

Snow Bros Wonderland looks fantastic.

The move away from 2D to 3D was brave. However, I think Snow Bros Wonderland looks fantastic. The clean lines and vibrant colours are pleasant to the eye. What’s more, the sense of depth and different elements keep things interesting throughout. I liked the varied backdrops and the individual challenges they created. Finally, each character can be customised so that every player has a hero that matches their personality.

The audio has an air of old-school optimism. I loved the upbeat and never-ending soundtrack. Subsequently, the jolly songs give you a spring in your step. Moreover, there were daunting moments with dramatic tunes. This blend of aggression and upbeat hope was a pleasure to listen to.

Tight controls.

The developer recommends using a gamepad. I tested both gamepad and mouse and keyboard and the latter was a little clumsy. As such, if you are happy gaming with a controller, it is the way forward. The excellent tutorial gets you on your way and each new mechanic is thoroughly explained. Consequently, younger gamers can tackle this without concern.

Each world has plenty of collectables and loads of secret missions to complete. Moreover, there is a scoring system where you can return to try and beat your original score. Though this may not interest everyone, I loved the layers of replay value and longevity. 

Snow Bros Wonderland is a great addition to the franchise.

If you haven’t played the original games, fear not. You are not penalised for your lack of knowledge and you can enjoy Snow Bros Wonderland regardless. However, if you are a franchise expert, you’ll adore the new style and the excellent story. Additionally, the ability to play this with up to 4 people keeps things fresh. Accordingly, this is a great game and I recommend buying it here! Can you help Snow Land and become a hero? Master your snowball, kill every foe, and save the day.

Review: DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake

The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake has garnered praise and criticism from both critics and players. Built using Square Enix’s HD-2D aesthetic, similar to Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy, this remake aims to bring a beloved classic to modern audiences with enhanced visuals, a revamped soundtrack, and various quality-of-life updates.

What’s new?

The remake completely reimagines the original 8-bit game, introducing vibrant 2D sprites set against richly detailed 3D environments. The game includes a fully orchestrated soundtrack performed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra, partial voice acting, and significant quality-of-life enhancements such as auto-battle options, combat speed settings, and a memory system for saving NPC hints. New content includes an expanded storyline supervised by Yuji Horii, creator of the Dragon Quest series, as well as additional dungeons and vocations.

What Could have been

The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake succeeds in blending nostalgia with modern enhancements, creating a product that feels both faithful and fresh. The HD-2D aesthetic is undoubtedly the star of the show, providing a stunning visual upgrade that elevates the game’s world while maintaining its charm. From shimmering water effects to dynamic lighting in dungeons, the game’s art direction breathes new life into the original design. Additionally, the orchestral soundtrack beautifully complements the visuals, delivering a powerful auditory experience that enhances both exploration and combat.

The quality-of-life features, such as a mini-map, combat speed settings, and auto-battle, make the gameplay more accessible without compromising its RPG roots. The memory system, which allows you to save lines of NPC dialogue, is a particularly thoughtful addition for players who enjoy solving quests independently but want the option to revisit important hints.

That said, the lack of character animations during combat feels like a missed opportunity. While the first-person perspective is a faithful nod to the original, the static battle sequences feel underwhelming compared to modern RPG standards. Including a toggle between classic and dynamic views could have satisfied purists and new players alike.

The price point, while high, is reflective of the effort put into the visual and audio enhancements. However, players may find the value proposition less compelling compared to other RPGs in the HD-2D line-up.

Final thoughts

The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a stunning tribute to one of the most influential RPGs of all time. While not without its flaws, it successfully captures the heart of the original while offering a polished, modern experience. Fans of the series and newcomers with an appreciation for retro-inspired games will likely find this remake a worthy addition. However, for those seeking a more action-packed or dynamically animated experience, the game may not fully meet expectations. With its rich legacy and careful modernization, this remake strikes a delicate balance between honouring the past and embracing the present.

Review: Neo Harbor Rescue Squad

Daniel Waite
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Review: Neo Harbor Rescue Squad

Neo Harbor Rescue Squad is a frantic hybrid title that will appeal to lovers of medical simulators and visual novels. The funny but short story will make you chuckle. However, it is the seemingly never-ending mini-games that will have you hooked. Every day is a challenge and you must think fast if you wish to succeed.

This action simulation experience was developed and published by BancyCo. Moreover, it is a single-player and colourful game to play. If you have tackled the Trauma franchise, many aspects of this game will be familiar. Yet, it lacks the depth and refinement of those titles and that may disappoint.

Neo Harbor Rescue Squad: a tale of recognition.

Neo Harbor Rescue Squad makes you play the role of a rookie paramedic. As you start at the bottom, you have plenty to learn. Whether it is your bedside manner, cleaning the equipment, or patching up patients, there is plenty to do. However, it is the not-so-friendly competition with the local firefighters that gets you hot under the collar. Sadly, your team does not get the recognition they deserve. Consequently, you must prove your worth and make the city acknowledge everything you do.

This story is presented in short, sharp cinematic. If this doesn’t interest you, you can skip through it without impacting your progression. Yet, I would advise watching the snappy and often amusing interactions. The characters and their funny ways will make you chuckle. Furthermore, the rivalry between each department was fascinating to watch.

So many patients and so many games.

As the story rolls on, you are expected to tackle an array of mini-games. Bandaging cuts, removing glass, cleaning wounds, CPR, and much more are thrown at the rookie paramedic. The hellish list of tasks can feel overwhelming. Moreover, the different inputs and methods of working can be confusing. This was disappointing as it feels as if you are being punished for not understanding the job at hand.

If you can put that issue to one side, you’ll enjoy a fun-filled medical-based gaming experience. The ability to perform little tasks was great. Additionally, the game evolves nicely to keep things fresh. I adored the silly missions and the rather absurd storyline. What’s more, the rapid-fire tasks were nicely varied and this tested plenty of skills.

Neo Harbor Rescue Squad looks fantastic.

This genre of game is always a visual spectacle. The vibrant colours and crisp imagery are a joy to look at. What’s more, I loved the simple but effective depiction of each injury. Though there is gore and uncomfortable elements, the gameplay can be enjoyed by older children. The developer has avoided a gruesome affair and instead has focused on loud Anime/Manga imagery. This was a great decision as it prevented the story and gameplay from becoming too morbid and uncomfortable.

The audio is slightly understated by comparison. The music and sound effects have a dramatic effect, but they weren’t as powerful or overwhelming as I expected. Instead, the developer allowed the sound effects and imagery to enhance the drama. Though this worked, I expected things to be more OTT and in your face.

The controls could have been better.

The UI and control system are easy to understand. Sadly, you get little time to prepare for each mission and this can cause confusion and unnecessary frustration. Yet, once you know what you are doing, this rarely holds you back. However, there are times when you try to execute each command and nothing happens. This was strange and I was left wondering what I had done wrong and how I could rectify the situation. 

Each stage is scored based on your performance. If you save every person and make no mistakes, you will get the highest rank possible. Yet, if people die or you make errors, this will drop like a stone. Consequently, you’ll return to beat your score on each level. This was a simple way to enhance replay value and longevity.

Neo Harbor Rescue Squad is fun but slightly flawed.

If you want a deep and challenging medical simulator, Neo Harbor Rescue Squad isn’t for you. However, if you want a fun story with interesting characters and short, sharp levels, then this will tick those boxes. The gameplay is easy to understand and moving between the levels takes no time at all. Furthermore, the mini-games are enjoyable when they work. Though it didn’t blow me away, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it here! Can you get the recognition you deserve? Grab your gear, head to each mission, and help everyone you see.

News: PowerA Christmas guide

Daniel Waite
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0
News: PowerA Christmas guide

Christmas is just around the corner, and your gaming world may need new peripherals. If this is the case, let PowerA fill that void with its incredible products. Whether you need a docking station or a controller, this company has you covered.

In addition, the designs are incredible, and each item is packed with modern tech. If you want elite gaming features at a fraction of the price, then this PowerA Christmas guide should not be missed!

What’s in the PowerA Christmas guide?

OPS v1 Wireless Controller for Cloud Gaming Fortnite Edition. Feel the win with the PowerA OPS v1 Wireless Controller for Cloud Gaming Fortnite Edition. Furthermore, enjoy the FREE virtual item – The Assault Bomber Epic Glider as a compliment to your Fortnite gaming experience.

(More information can be found here!)

OPS v3 Pro Wireless Controller for PC and Cloud Gaming with Lumectra. Take the lead and dominate your opponent with the OPS v3 Pro Wireless Controller for PC & Cloud Gaming. Additionally, this stunning controller will light up your gaming den!

(More information can be found here!)

FUSION Pro 4 Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S. Step up your game with the officially licensed FUSION Pro 4 Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S. Moreover, it features Hall Effect modules. This wired product offers top-level tech at an affordable price. Therefore, if you want a gamepad that is comfortable to use and ridiculously responsive, this is the accessory for you.

(More information can be found here!)

FUSION Pro Wireless Controller for Xbox Series X|S with Lumectra. Step up your game with the PowerA FUSION Pro Wireless Controller for Xbox Series X|S with Lumectra. What’s more, this market-leading controller features Ghost RGB LED Lighting, Quick-Twist Thumbsticks and Hall Effect Modules. Consequently, you’ll get a matching-winning edge at a fraction of the price.

(More information can be found here!)

Wireless Controller for Xbox Series X|S – Fortnite SE. Designed for Fortnite players, the officially licensed PowerA Wireless Controller for Xbox Series X|S has competition-grade components. Subsequently, users can expect high-performance features to help them score a Victory Royale.

(More information can be found here!)

More items to come.

Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch – Pokémon Blossom. This gamepad is officially licensed by Nintendo. Moreover, the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch features a rechargeable battery, intuitive motion controls, 2 mappable Advanced Gaming Buttons and more.

(More information can be found here!)

Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch – Color Splash Heroes. This controller is officially licensed by Nintendo. What’s more, the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch features a rechargeable battery, intuitive motion controls, 2 mappable Advanced Gaming Buttons and more.

(More information can be found here!)

Protection Case for PlayStation Portal™ Remote Player. A funky and useful accessory for your gaming needs. Additionally, enjoy gaming and keep your PlayStation Portal™ remote player safe wherever you go with the officially licensed PowerA Protection Case for PlayStation Portal Remote Player.

(More information can be found here!)

Twin Charging Station for DualSense Wireless Controllers. Don’t you hate it when you run out of power? Accordingly, you can solve that problem with this incredible peripheral. Furthermore, you’ll never run out of juice for your PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers with this low-profile twin charging station.

(More information can be found here!)

Grab a great peripheral from the PowerA Christmas guide.

The above items are just a snippet of the amazing products that PowerA offers. If you head to their website, you will find some truly amazing controllers to match every taste. Furthermore, PowerA has an amazing customer service team so you’ll have trouble-free gaming for years!

Review: Fae Farm

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Fae Farm

Fae Farm is another life-sim that will either appeal or make you scream. This genre is perfect for casual gaming. However, the addictive gameplay and hard-to-put-down moments ensure you lose your life to another time sink. Think of Harvest Moon or Stardew Valley; you know what I’m talking about. Now, I’m not sure I have room for another game from this ilk in my life. Yet, I’m glad I put the time and effort into seeing things through.

Phoenix Labs published and developed this life-sim experience. Moreover, it can be enjoyed alone or with up to 4 others online. I tackled this as a solo gamer and I didn’t regret my decision. Yet, I do wonder if things would have been easier if I had the help of other farming gamers.

Fae Farm tells a well-trodden tale.

You live in the land of Azoria. This magical place is charming, dangerous, and in need of some sprucing up. In the beginning, you are given a rundown homestead that is yours to do as you wish. Grow plants, care for animals, and expand your house any way you can. Yet, this isn’t the end of the tale. You are expected to explore the vast wilderness looking for monsters, magic, mystery, and treasure. Each completed task helps the locals and increases your reputation. 

The basic gameplay mechanics will be welcomed by lovers of this genre. The ability to grow crops and care for animals is a genre staple. Furthermore, jumping into a mine to break rocks or walking to the local forest with an axe in your hand is a must. But the story-driven quests are the real winner in this title. These endeavours unlock new abilities and gear to help make your life more bearable.

A day but no night cycle?

Time flies when you are having fun. Yet, this genre usually lets you work until you drop. With the bonus of stamina potions, cakes, sandwiches, and other items, you can keep working. Fae Farm has other ideas. Midnight is bedtime no matter what you are doing. Like Cinderella, the minute the clock strikes midnight, you are returned to your home and that is that!

This was an odd choice but something that I quickly became accustomed to. The lack of freedom was strange, but it meant that I planned my days wisely. Furthermore, I became methodical with my everyday tasks of farming and mingling before setting about on my daily walk to the caves and other fun expeditions.

Customise your house.

I love the freedom to customise my virtual world. Fae Farm does a great job with its house expansion tools and the gear you can place within the walls. Moreover, the furniture is more than ornamental. Many of the items can benefit your day-to-day stats. Consequently, you can adapt your house to match your play style. This was great even though I had some trial-and-error moments. What’s more, it was fun to experiment to find the right stat boosts and look for your home.

Magic and classic tools play a key role whether you are farming or fighting monsters. Potions are key resources to keep you going and an array of special abilities can be unlocked to improve your work-life balance. Though things could get out of hand, the developer pushes a slower and more relaxed agenda. Though time isn’t a key factor, you are always aware of the midnight cut-off and the inability to explore dungeons unless you have crafted the necessary gear. This isn’t problematic, it is simply something to keep on top of.

Fae Farm looks nice.

This isn’t a genre that goes all-out graphically. Instead, it uses vibrant colours and interesting backdrops to keep you interested. Fae Farm does a great job even though the character models lack detail or a sense of emotion. This was a strange choice as there is plenty of dialogue and the story and interactions play a key role in progressing the action. Other than this, the animation is good and I liked the smooth fast travelling. 

The audio is as energetic and upbeat as you can imagine. Each day has a pleasant soundtrack to keep you entertained. Moreover, there are some dramatic tracks to accompany the more dangerous elements of the game. Though these songs won’t blow you away, I liked the variety and the energy they added to the action.

Good controls.

The control system keeps you on top of the action. However, the UI can sometimes be clumsy and there are plenty of submenus to deal with. This was sometimes annoying as it caused you to waste time searching for resources and other goods. Apart from this, the controls are easily mastered and there are few surprises on the way.

Unsurprisingly, this oozes replay value and longevity. There is plenty to see and do and this is enhanced with the chance to play with friends. If you are a solo gamer, like me, you’ll still invest hours of your time without realising it.

Fae Farm is a pleasant life-sim.

I loved the magical edge and the excellent story-driven quests. Additionally, the world is fun to explore and keeping on top of your farm and managing your time was a careful balancing act. Though it sticks to tried and tested mechanics, it does a great job with its core concept. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and I recommend buying it here! Can you bring life and love back to Azoria? Plan your days, help the locals, and be in bed by midnight.

BLACK FRIDAY DEALS FOR DAYS: LEGO, JUST EAT AND THREE

Andrew Edney
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BLACK FRIDAY DEALS FOR DAYS: LEGO, JUST EAT AND THREE

Black Friday is almost upon us again, here are some great Black Friday offers from Just Eat, Lego and Three.

JUST EAT’S BLACK FRIDAY FREEBIE BONAZA 

Hunting for a bargain can make for hungry work, but the biggest shopping event of the year isn’t just about tech and toys this year. This Black Friday weekend, Just Eat will return its ‘Freebies For Days’ promotion, where shoppers can enjoy free food from popular restaurants and locally-loved food spots.

Whatever the nation is craving, Brits can get their hands on tasty freebies throughout the day, be it breakfast or lunch, dinner or brunch. Those craving a freebie in the morning can tuck into a free Hash Brown from McDonald’s, any juice from Joe & The Juice or a pastry of choice from Caffè Nero. Meanwhile, throughout the day food-lovers can enjoy a free KFC Regular Popcorn Chicken, Six McNuggets from McDonald’s, or Dough Balls from PizzaExpress.

Just Eat’s famous foodie giveaway means hungry Brits can enjoy a freebie for four days from Friday 29th November to Monday 2nd December, when they order from one of the participating restaurants, and the minimum spend is met. 

As there’s no limit to the amount of orders per day, Brits have multiple chances to enjoy a freebie whenever they want it. Further free items up for grabs include: Tortilla Chips from Tortilla, Burger King® Chilli Cheese Bites, Iro Sushi Special Box, Creams Thickshake, x2 Popeyes® Chicken Tenders, Papa John’s Garlic Cheese Sticks, Pret A Manger Croissant, AND MORE.

The offer will be live over the entire Black Friday weekend, between 29th November and 2nd December – so users have no excuses to miss out on these delicious deals!

THE LEGO GROUP’S BLACK FRIDAY DEALS

The LEGO Group will be revealing its savviest savings on its top products for this year’s Black Friday & Cyber Monday. 

From the stunning interior design of the LEGO Ideas The Botanical Garden to the intricate details of the LEGO Fortnite Peely Bone, and the LEGO Santa’s Post Office for those looking to get into the Christmas spirit, the LEGO Group has you covered for this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

LEGO Insiders also get the chance to bag some amazing deals on products including the LEGO Star Wars R2-D2 and the LEGO Icons Corvette!

This weekend also sees the launch of the brand new LEGO Icons The Endurance, which is available to buy from LEGO stores and lego.com from this Friday 29th November.

More details can be found below on the LEGO Group’s top products that will be available at discounted rates this Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend. Imagery can be found here.

LEGO Insiders Offers: 

SetImageRRPLEGO Insiders PriceKey Features
LEGO Technic  Liebherr Crawler CaneImage£579.99£463.99Recreate one of the world’s most powerful cranes – standing at over 38 inches, adults can enjoy an immersive challenge.
LEGO Nintendo Entertainment SystemImage£229.99£183.99Trigger nostalgic memories as you build this wonderfully detailed LEGO® brick Nintendo Entertainment System™ and interactive, 1980s-style television displaying the classic Super Mario Bros.™ game. The TV features a handle-operated scrolling screen.
LEGO GhostbustersImage£209.99£167.99The ultimate ECTO-1 LEGO® building kit for Ghostbusters™ fans and hobbyists.Features working steering, extending gunner seat, trapdoor and much more.
LEGO Star Wars R2-D2Image£209.99£167.99Build and display this fantastically detailed, brick model of an iconic character from the Star Wars™ saga. With authentic features include a retractable mid-leg, rotating head, opening and extendable front hatches and adjustable periscope, plus a lightsaber hidden in a compartment in the head.
LEGO Icons CorvetteImage£129.99£103.99Build a LEGO® replica of the 1961 Chevrolet Corvette cabriolet sports car. Features include working tie-rod steering and a detailed engine bay and interior.

More deals to come!

SetImageRRPKey Features
LEGO Icons The EnduranceImage£229.99Craft a detailed replica of the historic vessel, celebrated for its pivotal role in Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary Antarctic expedition.
LEGO Ideas The Botanical GardenImage£289.99LEGO® Ideas The Botanical Garden set showcasing over 35 plant species​, 4 cookie stamps and a mug. 12 LEGO® minifigures and an easy-access LEGO® modular glasshouse building including a café​.
LEGO Icons Santa’s Post OfficeImage£89.99LEGO® Icons Santa’s Post Office creative building set for adults and families.Includes a post office, hot-air balloon, Santa minifigure and 4 elf figures.
LEGO Marvel X-Men: The X-MansionImage£289.99This buildable LEGO® Marvel recreation of the X-Mansion is designed for adult fans of Super Hero movies and experienced model-builders.Authentic details, iconic characters – Includes 10 minifigures 
LEGO Star War Jabba’s Sail BargeImage£429.99Create a playful display with this LEGO® Star Wars™ Ultimate Collector Series buildable model of Jabba the Hutt’s sail barge from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi​ with 11 collectible Star Wars™ characters.
LEGO Friends Andrea’s Modern MansionImage£169.99A set for girls, boys and kids ages 14+ with a four-story home with a pool, hot tub, yoga, music spaces and a waterfall.
LEGO Star Wars AT-ATImage£734.99Part of the LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series, including 9 Minifigures to make a beautiful display. Comes along with posable legs, head, and cannons with a realistic recoil action.
LEGO Ideas A-Frame CabinImage£159.99The ultimate ECTO-1 LEGO® building kit for Ghostbusters™ fans and hobbyists.Detailed LEGO® brick model of an A-Frame Cabin.
LEGO DUPLO Disney3in1 Magic CastleImage£89.99The ultimate ECTO-1 LEGO® building kit for Ghostbusters™ fans and hobbyists.3in1 brick-built toddlers’ castle toy for little builders with big imaginations
LEGO Fortnite Peely BoneImage£89.99Bring the adventure off-screen with this LEGO® Fortnite® Peely Bone set.The gaming collectible features movable arms and detailed accessories.
LEGO DC Batman Batmobile TumblerImage£229.99This LEGO® brick Batmobile™ Tumbler model is designed with adults in mind.Includes a display stand and 2 minifigures: The Joker™ and Batman™.
LEGO Loop CoasterImage£344.99A roller-coaster build for adults and a gift idea for amusement park lovers. Power up your coaster, which has accessories that include a park bench with map, balloon cart, pretzel cart, and a hot-dog stand.

TASTY TREATS AND DISCOUNTS WITH THREE UK THIS WINTER 

Black Friday is just around the corner and Christmas is weeks away. With Three UK, customers can get exclusive big discounts and take part in Surprise Spins to win free drinks on Three+, the mobile network’s rewards app.

From winning free coffee for a whole year, to unmissable offers including on 50% off all Wild Products, Beauty Advent calendars, Ring Doorbells, Babyliss hair electronics, to £5 off Mini Christmas Trees with Bloom & Wild and more – Three+ has got you covered this winter. 

And in the run up to Christmas, there are unique offers each week including:

  • 2nd December – a free standard card with Moonpig
  • 9th December – a free barista made drink from Caffè Nero
  • 16th December – a free Cadbury’s Snowballs at WHSmiths
  • 23rd December – customers who are excited to head to the cinema to watch Wicked or Gladiator 2 or Moana 2 over the Christmas period, can take a friend or family member with 2 cinema tickets for just £6. The film choice is up to them.

Feeling lucky? Customers can get the chance to upgrade their £1 Caffè Nero drink to a free one or win a years’ worth of free coffee.  And from 25th November, customers can spin for a chance to win a free Cineworld cinema ticket, free popcorn or a free drink. 

Three+ is the rewards app from Three UK, with exclusive offers from leading brands across food and drink, entertainment, days out, wellbeing and shopping. The Three+ app is free to download for Three customers to enjoy the latest rewards and more.

For more information visit www.three.co.uk/threeplus

Review: BOYA Mini

Daniel Waite
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Review: BOYA Mini

The BOYA Mini is ideal if you want a compact microphone set-up that delivers professional, high-grade recording. Furthermore, it is surprisingly easy to use, and the battery life is phenomenal. Accordingly, this is the perfect option if you are a journalist or vlogger, or you want to record research when you are out and about.

Alongside this, BOYA has supplied a handy travel case and a charging case to keep you on top of your game. This was fantastic as I never worried about running out of power or my new tech getting damaged. Moreover, this product can be used as a plug-and-play device with Android phones or iPhones via a lightning connector. This user-friendly approach was enhanced by the free-to-download software and its wonderful UI.

What’s in the box of the BOYA Mini?

  • The small box is pleasant to the eye. The striking imagery has a professional edge and it can be recycled.
  • The BOYA Mini has 2 tiny microphones that weigh less than 5 grams. Each device has a pop filter and a handy clip to attach to clothing or straps.
  • 2 dongles are provided for your mobile device. A USB-C and a lightning connection ensure all bases are covered.
  • The charging case guarantees up to 30 hours of battery life.
  • Keep the case safe in the soft carry pouch.
  • A USB-C cable is provided.
  • Learn the basics with the user guide.

Technical aspects.

The compact nature of this microphone impressed me. However, it was the high-resolution audio that made this stand out from its peers! The BOYA Mini delivers a 48 kHz sample rate and 16-bit depth for a professional recording standard. Alongside this, it has 3 levels of noise reduction. This simple-to-use tech allows the user to block unwanted noises that may otherwise affect their recording. I tested it near a busy road and wasn’t disappointed. As cars raced by, the highest setting could block out most of the passing sounds. This is confirmed by the 80 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Furthermore, it is capable of handling up to 120 dB SPL.

If this wasn’t enough, there is AI-powered ENC and voice changeover. The latter option wasn’t essential for me, but Vloggers and streamers may have fun with the easy-to-manipulate settings (more on this in a moment). Yet, the AI-powered ENC was a key feature that supports background noise reduction. 3 pre-installed settings allow you to minimise sounds with ease. Consequently, you can flick from a serene recording environment to hectic building site with the flick of a button.

The voice changeover was great fun. Standard recordings can be adjusted so that each user can have their voice altered for comedic effect. Whether you make the voice deeper, higher or keep it the same, the power is in your hands!

The app.

Recording content for your channel or interviews is a great way to keep on top of your work. However, moving audio files and making sure that everything is working can be a nightmare. Luckily, the app allows you to check your recordings and play them back with ease. Additionally, you can move the files and store them safely from your mobile device to the cloud with ease.

This user-friendly approach was ideal especially if time is short and you cannot retake any interviews. The onscreen imagery shows that the microphone is working and this helps to reduce errors. Furthermore, the ability to check the recording quality immediately removes later issues and unwanted embarrassment.

Build quality.

I’m not sure I’ve handled a microphone that is smaller than my thumb. Moreover, I haven’t had a compact mic that is this well built before either. The BOYA Mini blew me away with its tiny design and its robust nature. The pop filters are minute, but they help to prevent unwanted harsh noises when recording. What’s more, the easy-to-use clips can be attached to clothing, jewellery, or other items.

The discreet nature of these microphones was perfect for more natural settings. There is nothing worse than a beautiful location with a stunning sunset and a garish microphone ruining the ambience. Thankfully, the lightweight and tiny design prevents this device from becoming an eyesore and ruining your work.

Are the BOYA Mini microphones worth it?

Clip-on and compact microphones are a niche product. However, if this supports your field of work, you will want the best device available. This new set of microphones stands out from their peers as they are versatile, straightforward to use, and incredibly well-built. Additionally, they have a phenomenal battery life and the app is perfect for technophobes or experts. Finally, the exceptional recording quality and stable connection should be enough to sway you. Accordingly, this is a great product for vloggers, streamers, or researchers, and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on BOYA can be found here!)

The BOYA Mini has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

News: Black Friday

Daniel Waite
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0
News: Black Friday

Though Christmas is just around the corner, we have one major sales event to focus our attention on. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are a great opportunity to pick up some incredible items at a fraction of the cost. 

This guide will highlight some fantastic offers from companies that we have worked with. Alongside this, I’ll present some special items from interesting market-leading brands. Accordingly, sit back, relax, and take in the massive savings you could make.

Movies Games and Tech Black Friday guide.

GUNNAR
BlendJet
Shokz
SK Hynix
NZXT
PNY
PITAKA
IMOU
Cuktech
DOOGEE
NEAKASA
GameSir
Manba
Boulies

GUNNAR.

They are offering a massive up to 30% off their nonprescription orders. You can enjoy their Overwatch range or something a little understated. Some examples are below.

Overwatch Ultimate – Queue up for comp with a pair of Overwatch Ultimate glasses protecting your eyes. These precision-engineered polymer frames offer low-profile temples that fit perfectly under headsets. Sturdy multi-barrel hinges, a rectangle shape and a fixed nose bridge provide long-lasting comfort and durability regardless of your role. 

Overwatch D.Va Tokki edition – Time to save the world? Game on! The limited edition Overwatch D.Va Tokki Edition represents the perfect fusion of GUNNAR technology and Blizzard Entertainment’s Overwatch pro gamer/hero D.Va. These legendary performance glasses feature her classic Tokki spark crystal colours in an acetate cat eye frame. 

Vault 33 Glasses – Please stand by. Equip your Pip-Boy and return to the post-apocalyptic ’40s-flavored world of Fallout with the exclusive Amazon Studios’ Fallout Vault 33 glasses. This retro-futuristic square frame style features a stainless steel and nylon front finished with olive metal temples.

Black Friday sale 25% off RRP. Amazon.

BlendJet.

BlendJet 2 Bundle – BlendJet 2 serves up big blender power on the go. They created the BlendJet 2 portable blender so you can make anything you want, anywhere in the world — from a mountaintop to your kitchen countertop. It’s easy and convenient to use at home, at work, outdoors, at the gym, in the car, at the beach, on vacation or wherever the day takes you.

Black Friday sale price $47.50 – $57.50 BlendJet.

Shokz.

OpenRun Pro – The OpenRun Pro is their most premium headphones ever. Accordingly, they pack enhanced bass, a 10-hour battery life, and a quick-charge feature. They also have the newest 9th-generation bone conduction technology (Shokz TurboPitchTM technology) and a refined design. All this is combined with their signature situational awareness and comfortable fit you know and love. Music is meant to make you move, and OpenRun Pro makes that happen.

Black Friday sale price £109 Shokz.

OpenFit – OpenFit continues the Shokz open-ear concept to let users enjoy all-day comfort and hear their own soundtrack while staying open to the world around them. OpenFit offers an ultra-lightweight, open-ear construction to listen to every sound around you with crystal clarity!

Black Friday sale price £125 Shokz.

OpenSwim Pro – Thanks to OpenSwim Pro’s durable IP68 waterproof rating, submerge your OpenSwim Pro up to 2 meters for 2 hours, seamlessly playing your tunes with perfection. Furthermore, switch between Bluetooth and MP3 mode for uninterrupted music with the button or in the Shokz App. OpenSwim Pro is tailored waterproof, and versatile while fitting safely and securely for your workout routine — in the water or on the land.

Black Friday sale price £135 Shokz.

SK Hynix.

Tube T31 – Though it isn’t as attractive as its counterparts, it performs perfectly. With fast read and write speeds and excellent thermal qualities, this drive is ideal for small and large file transfers. Moreover, its versatility for console and PC tasks is incredible.

Black Friday sale price $49.99 512 GB Newegg. Amazon 1 TB $59.99

Beetle X31 – Though the Beetle X31 SSD is restricted to 1 TB, this shouldn’t put you off. This fashionable SSD is robust, lightweight, and perfect for commuters. Moreover, its read and write speed is impressive and I believe the 3-year warranty is more than adequate.

Black Friday sale price $62.99 Amazon.

P41 SSD – If you wish to have a lightning-fast drive that delivers market-fast speeds, this is the device for you. Furthermore, it has an impressive warranty and its lifetime write capacity is more than sufficient for many uses. Its only shortcoming is the lack of a heat sink. This may be a sticking point for some people, but a small investment in a thin but effective heat sink will reduce the risk of thermal throttling for hardcore gamers.

Black Friday sale price 1 TB $75.99 Amazon. 2 TB $134.99 Amazon.

Haechi H02 – Named after the Mythical Korean beast that safeguards against fire, the Haechi H02 effectively prevents system overheating, especially when paired with the Platinum P41 SSD.

Black Friday sale price $9.99 Amazon.

NZXT.

H6 Flow – The H6 Flow has wraparound glass panels with a seamless edge that provides an unobstructed view of the inside to highlight key components. Moreover, it includes three pre-installed 120mm RGB fans positioned at an ideal angle for optimal out-of-the-box cooling and vibrant RGB lighting.

Black Friday sale price £89.99 Amazon.

H9 Flow – The H9 Flow has seamless glass across the front and side panels giving your build’s components the undivided attention they deserve. Additionally, the spacious interior with intuitive cable management, a dedicated SSD wall panel, and removable top and side mounting brackets enhance usability.

Black Friday sale price £118.69 Amazon.

Kraken Elite 360 RGB – The Kraken Elite 360 RGB lets users display a favourite animated GIF or static image, monitor real-time PC performance metrics, see music that’s currently playing, integrate web content and more with NZXT CAM software.

Black Friday sale price £209.99 Amazon.

Relay Wired Headset – The Relay Wired Headset has an expanded frequency range and heightened detail for gaming and music with Hi-Res Audio—certified by Japan Audio Society for high-quality sound. Moreover, it offers precise 3D spatial audio and a realistic sound experience to locate in-game sound cues like explosions, footsteps, and distant conversations.

Black Friday sale price £37.95 Amazon.

NZXT Function 2 full-size keyboard – The NZXT Function 2 full-size keyboard uses NZXT Swift Optical Switches to have a linear, lightweight feel with a 0.2 ms response time, 100-million key press guarantee, and 1 mm or 1.5 mm adjustable actuation. What’s more, the dual-layer of sound-dampening foam and tape-enhanced PCB improve acoustics by absorbing unwanted pinging noises.

Black Friday sale price £99.00 Amazon.

Capsule Streaming Microphone – The Capsule Streaming Microphone is designed for single sound-source gaming and streaming use, the Capsule delivers high-resolution voice pickup while suppressing unwanted background noise.

Black Friday sale price £39.00 Amazon.

PNY.

PNY 256GB EliteX-PRO60 UHS-II SDXC Memory Card – Extreme performance for professional photographers and videographers. Additionally, this awesome card has read speeds of up to 280MB/s & write speeds of up to 180MB/s for seamless content capture.

Black Friday sale price $36.99 Amazon.

PNY 32GB Elite Class 10 U1 microSDHC Flash Memory Card – Perfect for everyday performance with a read speed of up to 100MB/s. Furthermore, class 10, U1 performance allows for fast and smooth continuous HD video recording and HD photography.

Black Friday sale price $17.99 Amazon.

PITAKA.

PITAKA 600D Black/Grey Ultra-Slim Case for iPhone 16 Series – This case is woven from aramid fibre. Consequently, it’s a strong yet light military-grade material. The iPhone 16 Pro case provides exceptional strength, lightness, and resistance to scratch, corrosion, and discolouration. Unlike carbon fibre, it will not interfere with the signal and it is non-conductive, offering long-lasting protection for your phone.

Black Friday sale price £39.99 Amazon.

PITAKA PinButton for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – This case is made from rare 1500D aramid fibre. It is widely used in aerospace and military applications. Furthermore, unlike carbon fibre, this Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra phone case will not interfere with the signal and it is non-conducting. Subsequently, it offers long-lasting protection for your phone, preventing colour fading and daily scratches.

Black Friday sale price £59.99 Amazon.

IMOU.

IMOU DB60 outdoor battery doorbell – The wireless DB60 doorbell delivers high-quality images thanks to its 5-megapixel resolution. Moreover, it easily captures all details with the wide 164-degree fish eye lens. The DB60 features two-way talk and quick response, ensuring you can see and answer visitors from anywhere at any time in a practical way. The battery can last up to 6 months under normal conditions and it is also IP65 certified to withstand any weather condition.

Black Friday sale price £79.99 Robert Dyas.

IMOU Cue 2 2MP Indoor Smart Wi-Fi Plug-In Security Camera – With 1080P Full HD live monitoring and two-way audio, Cue 2 lets you stay in touch with your family. Human Detection quickly finds human targets in images and immediately sends a notification to your smartphone, allowing you to monitor what matters without receiving annoying false alerts.

Black Friday sale price £19.99 Robert Dyas.

More deals!

CukTech.

CUKTECH 20 Laptop PowerBank 140W, 25,000mAh Power Bank – This marketplace is saturated. Consequently, finding the right device for your needs is easier said than done. However, I think that Cuktech has hit the sweet spot. Not only does this product look amazing, but it offers high-powered charging. Furthermore, you can charge 3 devices at once and the handy display keeps you on top of your stats. Then you must consider the excellent 25k mAh capacity. This whopping battery can charge your iPhone 4 times before it needs charging! This was impressive especially when you consider the rapid charging facility.

Black Friday sale price £80.58 Amazon.

CUKTECH 10 Power Bank, 100W Portable Charger Fast Charging with 2 Ports – The ultimate high-power charging solution! With a single-port output of 100W for laptops, up to 27W for iPhones, and 45W for Samsung Galaxy devices, this power bank ensures maximum charging speed. Charge your iPad Pro up to 55% in 30 minutes with the CUKTECH 10’s 150W Max output.

Black Friday sale price £33.99 Amazon.

DOOGEE.

DOOGEE U9 2024 Newest Android 14 10″ Tablet – the latest version of Android 14 carried by the DOOGEE U9 WiFi tablet has greatly improved privacy and security, and added more sophisticated rights management and data protection functions. The 10-inch tablet is equipped with the most stable quad-core processor, which improves program execution speed and web browsing mobility, allowing you to enjoy stable and ultra-fast network connections anytime and anywhere.

Black Friday sale price £56.98 Amazon.

DOOGEE T40 11 Inch Tablet – The DOOGEE T40 tablet 11 inch uses the latest Android 14 OS and is equipped with a Helio G99, the most powerful chip for 4G tablets, two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores with a clock frequency of up to 2.2GHz, and six Cortex-A55 cores with a frequency of 2.0GHz, ensuring the tablet’s stability and efficiency when processing high-load tasks.

Black Friday sale price £199.99 Amazon.

DOOGEE T10W 4G Tablet with SIM Card Slots, 10.1-inch Tablets – DOOGEE T10W adopts the Android 14 operating system, significantly enhancing privacy protection, including control over app permissions. Additionally, coupled with the octa-core processor, this tablet can smoothly run large games, multitask with multiple apps, engage in split-screen chatting, and watch videos. It supports dual-band 2.4G/5G WIFI, dual Nano-SIM cards or nano sim + TF card, automatic network switching, and smooth connection.

Black Friday sale price £89.99 Amazon.

DOOGEE VMAX PLUS Rugged Phone 5G – DOOGEE VMAX Plus 5G rugged phone features the Dimensity 7050 Octa-core 6nm processor and up to 36GB of RAM (including 20GB of extended RAM), ensuring fast performance and smooth multitasking. It offers up to 512GB of internal storage for high-resolution videos and photos, and you can expand this by adding up to 2TB with a microSD card.

Black Friday sale price £429.99 Amazon.

NEAKASA.

Neakasa M1 Open-Top Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box – Traditional cat litter boxes and side-opening self-cleaning options available in the market often have many common problems. These include overpowering and unpleasant odours and safety concerns. The M1’s open-top design provides a spacious and stress-free area, encouraging natural behaviour and easy adaptation for cats of all sizes. It’s designed with your cat’s instincts and safety in mind, offering an open and welcoming space for their comfort.

Black Friday sale price £449.99 Amazon.

Neakasa P2 Pro Dog Cat Grooming Brush – The Neakasa P2 Pro dog grooming kit is equipped with a unique suction function of 15000 PA. During grooming or cutting, fallen hair is suctioned into a large 2L dustbin. Once grooming is finished, simply open the lid and empty the container in seconds. This prevents the spread of pet hair in your home and keeps your home healthy and hygienic for you and your furry friend.

Black Friday sale price £93.49 Amazon.

More gaming tech!

GameSir.

GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller – This is a versatile controller that has accurate and responsive inputs. Moreover, it can be used on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. This plug-and-play device has 2 rear buttons and a pleasant build quality.

Black Friday sale price £35.99 Amazon.

GameSir Tarantula Pro Wireless Controller –  The Tarantula Pro controller features seamless adaptive switching between Xbox and Switch ABXY button layouts. Additionally, it is accompanied by immersive sound effects, and the lighting dynamically adjusts with each key rotation, creating an exhilarating sense of readiness and power.

Black Friday sale price £63.99 Amazon.

Manba.

FIEHDUW NO DRIFT ManbaOne Interactive Screen Gaming Controller – This versatile controller is perfect for multi-platform gamers. Moreover, it has a magnetic charging station, anti-drift sticks and a handy information screen. Consequently, it is the perfect gaming companion.

Black Friday sale price £60.79 Amazon.

Boulies.

Master Series – Black & Red (Ultraflex PU) & Charcoal Grey (water-repellent fabric). Code ES80 to save £80. Ash Grey (water-repellent fabric) & Blue (Ultraflex PU). Code ES75 to save £75. This series flaunts multiple adjustable features, opulent materials, and a sleek minimalist design. Whether you’re engaged in a demanding work sprint, a focused study regime, or a thrilling gaming journey, this provides unparalleled comfort.

Black Friday sale prices are found on the Boulies website.

Plenty of deals this Black Friday.

The Movies Games and Tech Black Friday guide has highlighted some amazing items and some big savings. There will be more items added before the sales go live so be sure to check back in. An honourary mention to FlexiSpot and Epomaker as these companies offer some amazing savings during Black Friday.

Best Cheap CS:GO and CS2 Gloves

Andrew Edney
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0
Best Cheap CS:GO and CS2 Gloves

Gloves are a highly sought-after cosmetic item in CS:GO and CS2, but their hefty price tags can make them seem out of reach for many players. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that still look great and can elevate your loadout without emptying your wallet. Here’s a guide to some of the cheapest of all CS:GO gloves skins, perfect for players who want style on a budget.

Why Buy Budget Gloves?

While premium gloves like Sport Gloves | Vice or Driver Gloves | King Snake are undoubtedly attractive, budget gloves offer excellent value for players looking to enhance their style without overspending. They’re especially appealing for newer players or those who prefer to allocate their funds toward other in-game items. 

1. Hand Wraps | Duct Tape

A rugged, survivalist-inspired design, the Hand Wraps | Duct Tape stand out for their raw, utilitarian appearance. Crafted from worn fabric and held together by makeshift strips of duct tape, these gloves are perfect for players who embrace a scrappy, post-apocalyptic aesthetic.

  • Best For: Players who enjoy a rough and ready vibe. They pair well with similarly minimalistic or weathered weapon skins like the AK-47 | Safari Mesh or the AWP | Snakebite.
  • Price Range: From $80, making them perfect for budget-conscious players.
  • Why They’re Great: The raw, patched-together design makes these gloves unique in their category and an excellent fit for earthy, grounded loadouts.

2. Driver Gloves | Lunar Weave

The Driver Gloves | Lunar Weave exude understated sophistication with their combination of black fabric and dark stitched leather. The weave pattern provides a textured finish, making them both practical and stylish without being over-the-top.

  • Best For: Players who favor a clean, professional aesthetic. These gloves pair beautifully with sleek weapon skins like the M4A1-S | Decimator or the USP-S | Cyrex.
  • Price Range: From $100. Affordable and versatile, they offer a stylish look for a reasonable price.
  • Why They’re Great: Their neutral tones allow them to fit seamlessly into almost any inventory, making them an excellent entry-level glove for new collectors.

3. Specialist Gloves | Forest DDPAT

Built for the tactician, the Specialist Gloves | Forest DDPAT feature a classic military camo pattern in green and brown tones. Their durable design complements battle-hardened loadouts, and the camouflage makes them ideal for players who like to blend into the environment.

  • Best For: Fans of tactical and combat-ready aesthetics. These gloves look particularly impressive when paired with skins like the AWP | Safari Mesh or the Desert Eagle | Mudder.
  • Price Range: From $95. Slightly higher than some other budget gloves, but still a cost-effective option for tactical enthusiasts.
  • Why They’re Great: Their iconic camo design is timeless and perfect for players seeking a cohesive, military-inspired look.

Where to Buy Affordable Gloves

If you’re looking to add these gloves to your collection, platforms like Skin.Land are the perfect place to shop. This site offer a secure and fast way to buy or sell cheap gloves and skins. Whether you’re upgrading your collection or cashing out, Skin.Land provides:

  • Competitive Prices: Fair market rates for all gloves and skins.
  • Fast Payments: Instant transactions with multiple payment methods, including crypto.
  • Wide Selection: Access to rare and popular items, all at your fingertips.

4. Moto Gloves | Eclipse

The Moto Gloves | Eclipse combine sleek black leather with subtle stitching, offering a premium look without the premium price. Inspired by racing gloves, they bring a polished and refined style to any loadout.

  • Best For: Players who enjoy a modern, minimalist vibe. These gloves work well with high-contrast skins like the AK-47 | Redline or the AWP | Graphite.
  • Price Range: From $100. Affordable within the Moto Gloves category, making them a great value for their design.
  • Why They’re Great: Their versatile black design ensures they pair well with a variety of knives and weapon skins, making them a go-to choice for style-conscious players.

5. Sport Gloves | Arid

The Sport Gloves | Arid feature a tan and brown color scheme, ideal for desert-themed or neutral-toned loadouts. The sporty design balances functionality with a rugged outdoor look, making them appealing to players who prefer subtle but stylish gloves.

  • Best For: Players with a love for natural tones and desert aesthetics. They pair excellently with skins like the Galil AR | Sandstorm or the P90 | Desert Warfare.
  • Price Range: From $200. Among the lower-priced Sport Gloves, offering excellent value for their distinctive design.
  • Why They’re Great: These gloves blend a sporty theme with earthy tones, making them a versatile and affordable choice for many loadouts.

You don’t need a massive budget to rock a stylish pair of gloves in CS:GO or CS2. Options like the Driver Gloves | Lunar Weave and Hand Wraps | Duct Tape prove that affordable gloves can still make a statement. Pair them with your favorite weapon skins for a complete, personalized loadout.

For the best deals on gloves, visit Skin.Land and find the perfect pair to elevate your game without draining your wallet!

Review: Mindcop

Dawid Wisniewski
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Review: Mindcop

Mindcop is a gripping detective game that places players in the shoes of a sleuth investigating a murder at Merrilyn Crater Camp. Developed by Andre Gareis and published by Dear Villagers. The game offers a unique combination of investigative gameplay and time management within a heavy narrative framework.

Necessary contribution to the genre

Set over five in-game days, players must balance their actions as every decision consumes precious time. Whether questioning suspects, exploring locations, or using the game’s standout “Mindsurfing” mechanic to delve into the thoughts of others, every choice is critical. Mindsurfing, a match-3 puzzle minigame, unlocks fragments of truth, lies, or uncertainties about suspects. Not only conceptually intriguing, this mechanic is used often enough to let the player get comfortable with it. Combine that with certain people having higher difficulty mindsurfing and you have a game changing minigame.

The game’s noir-inspired setting is immersive, painting a vivid picture of the camp and its struggling residents. The narrative does not shy away from heavy themes, adding depth to its characters and making the investigation feel personal and engaging. However, Mindcop’s rigid time mechanics can be a double-edged sword. Repeating actions, such as re-entering locations or revisiting conversations, costs as much time as the initial attempt. Which can feel unnecessarily punishing when pursuing overlooked clues.

Time is not on your side

Despite these challenges, the game excels in creating an authentic detective experience. Investigations are detailed, requiring players to gather evidence, use forensic tools, and secure search warrants to uncover the truth. The time pressure and narrative depth make solving the case a rewarding accomplishment. Even if the journey is fraught with missteps and the occasional frustration.

The game’s presentation blends a retro-inspired art style with a heavy atmosphere that aligns well with its serious tone. While some might find the gameplay elements like the Mindsurfing puzzles repetitive or overly simple, the mechanics fit seamlessly into the game’s world and narrative.

Fantastic addition to any crime-solving fans library

Ultimately, Mindcop is a game for players who enjoy cerebral challenges and a compelling story. Its mix of strategic decision-making, narrative depth, and investigative freedom sets it apart from traditional point-and-click adventures. While not without its flaws, the experience of piecing together the mystery is satisfying for those willing to embrace its complexity.

For fans of detective games looking for a fresh twist, Mindcop is a must-try. It does however require patience to fully appreciate. Its compelling storytelling and innovative gameplay make it a standout addition to the genre

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