Here we take a closer look at the Build Your Own Marble Maze.
The Marble Maze isn’t just a puzzle—it’s the ultimate challenge cube. Build the Maze from 100+ interlocking pieces, then guide your marble through a brain-bending 3D labyrinth.
Perfect for logic puzzle lovers and problem-solving enthusiasts, it’s made for minds that love to think, tinker, and triumph. And it’s seriously addictive!
Build Your Own’s Marble Maze is made up of intricately designed slot-together cardboard parts. Whether you’re flying solo or teaming up with a mate, the step-by-step instructions are spread across 3 booklets so that sections can be built independently or collaboratively.
First, construct the 8 separate maze cubes, then interlock them to create your 3D puzzle masterpiece. Assembling the Marble Maze is a creative journey like no other, but the real challenge begins after you’ve built it.
Drop in your sleek ceramic marble and you’re off! The 8 unique challenge zones will put your skills to the test as you carefully manoeuvre the marble through twists, turns, and tricky traps. If your marble falls out, then it’s back to the start and try again.
Once mastered, the Marble Maze makes a stunning display piece resting in its own stand – a brilliant conversation starter that’ll add a touch of playful genius to any shelf or coffee table.
Ready to conquer the cube?
Age 14+ (adult supervision recommended)
Screen-free entertainment
Mess-free, slot together cardboard construction
4 hours build time
108 press-out parts
Contains 3 ceramic marbles
Cube dimensions: 23 cm x 23 cm x 23 cm. (36cm tall when sat in display stand)
Made from high-quality sustainable cardboard; both kit and packaging are fully recyclable
Easy to follow instructions included – 3 booklets
Designed in the UK
The Build Your Own Marble Maze is available now priced around £24.99.
Here we take a closer look at the Build Your Own Pinball Machine.
A planet-friendly take on the traditional arcade game, this super cool tabletop Pinball Machine provides hours of entertainment. Play alone or challenge your friends and family, who will win?
Load your swirly glass marbles into the spring-loaded launcher and let the game begin! Will your marbles whizz along the top ramp or spin around the vortex cone? Use the elastic-band powered flippers to keep your marbles in play for as long as possible and get the highest score! There are five targets to aim for in this fast-paced action-packed game.
Easy to assemble using slot together techniques – there’s no glue, no mess, no fuss. Everything you need is provided in the kit – simply follow the instructions: press out the pre-cut parts, build and you’re ready to go!
A colourful bold and striking design, this innovative Pinball Machine looks smart on display too.
Our Pinball Machine is suitable for children 8 years+ but is best enjoyed as a family experience. You’ll have great fun building your Pinball Machine as a shared activity, then enjoy challenging each other to see who can score the most points.
Made using sustainable cardboard, Build Your Own’s Pinball Machine is not only fun and engaging to play with, but also eco-friendly. Warning – this Pinball Machine is addictive!
Mess-free, slot together cardboard construction
60-minute build
Skill level rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
61 press-out parts (plus 5 x swirly glass marble and 2 x elastic bands)
Challenge friends and family – who is the best Pinball wizard?
Helps develop dexterity and reflex skills
High-quality sustainable cardboard
Full instructions included
Designed in the UK
Fun, educational and supports STEM
Age 8+ (adult supervision recommended)
The Build Your Own Pinball Machine is available now priced around £22.99.
Here we take a closer look at the Build Your Own Plane Launcher.
Get inspired with our Build Your Own Cardboard Plane Launcher. The 47-piece kit contains everything you need to slot together and build this incredible launcher. Follow the detailed instructions, press out the pre-cut parts, attach the elastic bands and you’re ready to fly your planes!
Experiment with the 10 different fold ‘n’ fly paper planes. Follow the simple instructions to create your bespoke planes, then see how their performance can be affected by combining the integrated power scale and changes to the plane’s flight dynamics. Which one will fly the furthest? How can adjusting the wings change how it flies or loops? Who can land the closest to one of the 4 scoring targets?
Made using sustainable cardboards and no plastics, we have tried our best to create a product that is not only fun and engaging to use, but also environmentally responsible.
Slot together mess free construction – No glue needed
Perfect family time activity
47 press-out parts
10 different fold‘n’fly paper planes
4 scoring targets
2 elastic bands (2 spares included)
Fun to construct
Challenge friends and family – Who’s the best pilot?!
Integrated power scale
Pull-back and launch system
Strong and sturdy cardboard construction
Unique launcher design to hold paper planes
High quality sustainable cardboard
Full instructions
Includes paper plane flying tips
Designed in the UK
Supports STEAM
Age 8+
The Build Your Own Plane Launcher is available now priced around £22.99.
Here is our review of the Edifier WH950NB Headphones.
Immerse yourself in studio-quality sound with the Edifier WH950NB Headphones, designed for audiophiles who demand precision and comfort. Enjoy Hi-Res Audio and LDAC-certified playback with a frequency response up to 40kHz, powered by a 40mm titanium-coated dynamic driver for crystal-clear, balanced sound.
Stay focused with dual Active Noise Cancellation modes and Ambient Sound control that adapt to your environment. Experience crystal-clear calls with four built-in noise-cancelling microphones and wind-noise suppression for flawless communication anywhere.
With 55 hours of battery life (34 hours with ANC on) and fast-charging that gives you 7 hours of playback in just 10 minutes, the WH950NB keeps up with your day. Enjoy premium comfort with soft ear cushions, foldable design, multipoint connectivity, Edifier Connect App control, and Google Fast Pair for effortless setup.
Features
Hybrid noise cancellation with 4-mic blocks ambient and wind noise.
LDAC support and Hi-Res Audio certified for near-lossless quality.
Clear calls with 4-mic voice pickup and noise reduction.
Up to 80 hours playtime, 13 hours from 15-minute fast charge.
Supports Google Fast Pair for Android users.
Choose preset or custom EQ in EDIFIER ConneX app.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the Headphones, Carrying Case, 3.5mm Audio Cable, Type-c USB Charging Cable and an Airplane Headphones Adapter.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The WH950NB headphones are fairly lightweight and feel very comfortable to wear even for extended periods of time.
When fully charged (a full charge takes about 90 minutes), the headphones can give you up to 80 hours of usage (without ANC) and around 45 hours with ANC. In a pinch you can charge for about 15 minutes and get around 13 hours of listening time. Don’t worry, if the battery runs out you can use the supplied audio cable to plug in and carry on.
Pairing the WH950NB with whatever device you want to use is really simple and quick and they also support Google Fast Pair.
Using Bluetooth 5.4 you can easily switch between listening to music on one device and answering a telephone call on another device.
The headphones support both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio wireless with LDAC certification and the sound quality is fantastic, with music coming through very clearly no matter what type of music you are listening to. The ANC works really well and enables you to focus on what you want to listen to rather than all the noises around you.
There are three distinct modes you can choose from – Music, Game and Spatial Sound – they all work really well and they are easy to select.
You can also use the Edifier ConneX App to customise control settings, explore rich and practical functions and discover more music possibilities – definitely take a look at it as it can really personalise the experience for you.
The Edifier WH950NB Headphones are available now priced around £149.95 and are available in either Ivory or Black.
In a sea of Lovecraftian horror games, up steps newcomer Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss. Can this mystery horror game entice the dedicated fans of the genre? Or should this title be buried deep under the sea?
A Cosmic Mystery
Lovecraftian games have always intrigued me, but none have quite had that real hook to keep me gripped. That was until Cthulu: The Cosmic Abyss arrived. Developed by French developers Big Bad Wolf, this horror mystery is a real treat – that is if you can withstand a few of its glaring issues. Set in 2053, you play as Noah, an occult investigator. He works for company Ancile, a business which specialises in investigating everything weird and unnatural. Noah’s task is to find the missing CEO of a mining station, along with all the crew, who have mysteriously disappeared. Eventually, all this leads Noah to discover, and subsequently enter, (for the first time in video games) the sunken city of R’lyeh.
At its heart, this is a detective mystery, imploring the player to explore and discover as much as possible. It is a tale of deception, mystery, loss and personal struggle. Accompanying Noah is his AI companion, Key. She is augmented into Noah’s brain, to help him track and uncover the mysteries of the missing crew and its wealthy backer. For me, the real highlight was the interaction between Noah and Key and the conversations they have along the way.
I think it’s best to avoid spoilers but if you sink your teeth into the game, you’re rewarded with a horror mystery which is intrinsically tied to Lovecraft and his twisted creations. It’s thought provoking and eerie; it really had me questioning whether the action was all in Noah’s mind. Coupled with the multiple endings on offer, and the different paths you can take on each chapter, you have a tightly woven narrative. It continues to become more otherworldly the further you dive. The blending of sci-fi and Lovecraftian horror works superbly, as Noah descends further and further into the madness.
Lovecraftian Detective Extravaganza
It is important to get your expectations right when it comes to this game. At its core, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss is a first person puzzle game; it will test your intellect and patience equally. Throughout the game, your goal as Noah is to progress deeper and deeper. There is no combat but the complexity of the puzzles definitely makes up for it. Noah’s investigation skills are some of the most refined and polished I have come across in a video game. You can scan with your sonar ability, pick up virtually everything in the game and much more. If the puzzles become too complex for you, you can gain hints from Key for help. The game does not hold your hand; I felt I had really accomplished a feat when I had beaten some of the tougher puzzles towards the end of the game.
Most of the chapters in the game allow two distinct paths to be taken; one of these will increase your corruption level. Taking the corrupt path is often the easier choice, but at a cost. Your corruption level can directly affect the ending, along with other consequences. Throughout the game you can acquire perks and upgrades to your detective skills but the corruption level, if high enough, can destroy some of these. I love this mechanic as it really made me weigh up my options; I had to think carefully, no matter how much I really wanted to take the easier path. Along with Nobody Wants To Die, I think this is the best and most ambitious detective game ever created.
A Sinking Feeling
Whilst I love most of the gameplay in this game, it is not without some flaws. The interaction system works for the most part, but during certain chapters it can become really annoying and frustrating. Some puzzles require you to manipulate objects. Unfortunately, this is where the frustration rises; it becomes so finnicky you will be aimlessly spinning an object around, trying to find the sweet spot. The energy resource system is also too simple. However, these are minor issues.
My major issue with the gameplay is the autosave system. This system is terrible. I would often complete a puzzle and take a break from the game, only to load my save back up and find myself having to complete the puzzle again! This made some areas feel really tedious and monotonous. A stronger system is needed as I fear this might put some players off. On a final positive note about gameplay, it should be stated that the accessibility options are superb; they can really allow a player to tailor the experience to how they see fit.
Beauty In The Madness
When it comes to visuals and presentation in Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss, they are beautiful – but at a cost. Everywhere you visit and explore in this story is stunning and dripping in Lovecraftian lore and flair. Environments look haunting and spectacular under the water. Lighting is top notch, as it needs to be, in a game with many dark corridors and areas. Character models and animations are strong; they help to keep the themes and the narrative at the forefront of the player’s mind. The blend of sci-fi and Lovecraft horror has been brought to life, with gorgeous results; this is an atmospheric tour de force.
Sadly, the cost of these visuals is to the detriment of the performance. Unfortunately, during my time, I encountered numerous bugs and crashes which hindered my experience. Combine a crash alongside the poor autosave system and you have a recipe for a lot of frustration. The game launches with a performance and a quality mode but it’s the former that takes a nosedive. When pinging sonar on performance, the frame rate takes a spectacular dive and this really affects the fluidity of the gameplay. Thus, there are many technical issues on launch but my hope is these can be swiftly ironed out!
The Sound Of The Underground
Thankfully, I have no issues when it comes to sound design and score. The sound design is stellar as Noah descends further and further into the unknown. This is superbly bolstered by a stellar voice acting performance from the cast. Anchored by Jua Amir as Noah, I really felt the fear and tension from his voice every time he conversed with Key. Sound design is also perfectly crafted to amp up the tension for the player; at times I felt genuinely unnerved as to what awaited me around the corner.
Similarly, the musical score is hauntingly beautiful. Composer Nicolas Garcia stated that he wanted the music not to simply play in the background but to act as a theme which engulfs the game world and its lore. He has achieved this magnificently with a haunting orchestral soundtrack that could not be more perfect for the themes and narrative in The Cosmic Abyss. It propels the game’s narrative and intrigue to further heights and it should be talked about for years to come. It is eerie and unnerving, yet tranquil and powerful.
Verdict
To sum up, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss has deepened my love and appreciation for Lovecraft and the genre as a whole. A brilliant mysterious story, gorgeous visuals and soundtrack, along with some of the best detective gameplay in games to date, help make this a must play for fans of the genre. Unfortunately, the game stumbles in places, with poor optimisation and performance issues, along with some tedious gameplay design. Still, there is a wonderful game to enjoy if you can get past the choppy waves! Check it out here- Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss – Nacon
Narin: The Orange Room is a third-person adventure horror game. Developed by RedSensationGames and published by Urnique Studio & Rising Tide, Narin: The Orange Room was published on April 7th, 2026. Players play as Narin, a grade school girl. Narin’s sister has mysteriously disappeared in a strange, scary world called the Twilight Dimension at her school. Players will need to solve puzzles—lots of puzzles—as well as hiding and running from the horrors that exist in this dimension. Along the way, players will learn more about the Twilight Dimension and the ones that lurk within, both monsters and other children.
I said this in every horror game I’ve reviewed, but I have a love/hate relationship with indie horrors. I love the stories and creativity that comes from indie horror. However, this love comes from a backseat as I watch others play because I hate being in the driving seat myself. I scare way too easily. After playing, I am unfortunately left with mixed feelings over the game’s horror and story elements. Though I can find plenty of positives throughout the game (and will be sure to mention them), I can’t help but feel somewhat underwhelmed. In fact, I was able to play through much of the game without really feeling scared. For me, that’s saying something.
I’ve decided to break this review down into three parts. I will first start with the positives and the things I thought were done well. Then for the next two sections, I will discuss the horror and the story. These two sections will contain some spoilers, but nothing that I would deem a major spoiler. As usual, any image I include will be spoiler-free. However, I understand if you’d like to go in completely blind without spoilers. The TLDR of it is that, honestly, I’m not sure if I can recommend this one. I think its nice as an “entry level” horror adventure though I’m not sure if this is what the developers intended. More experienced indie horror fans might not enjoy this one as much. So, with that in mind and with a black cat at your side, let’s discuss Narin: The Orange Room!
Anime Girl in a Horror World
Starting with the positives, the first thing that jumps out to me are the visuals. I love the choice to have the game in third-person rather than first. I know this has been done in plenty of horror games before but personally this is what I prefer. Something about it helps me feel not as alone in my fear. Narin: The Orange Room has an anime-style approach for its characters, complete with large eyes, fun accessories, and nicely drawn character heads during dialogues.
Another thing I love is that during scary moments, Narin’s character model shows fear. She will hunch over and rub her hands nervously, her eyes narrowing. It may seem like an obvious choice to have her appearance change, but its one that I certainly appreciate. It would have been a lot worse if she was just sort of unemotionally, idling through the entire game.
The Twisted Dimension takes place entirely in a school. One major positive that the developers did was give the school depth. Classrooms feel huge and dark hallways stretch on. Remember, Narin is just a child. The developers did a great job at making the school feel bigger than it realistically would be, and making Narin feel age-appropriately small. I do think at times its taken a bit too much to the extreme. Sometimes a small obstacle calls for Narin to figure out a new path or solution, though she could reasonably just climb on top of the furniture. She is a child sure, but I don’t believe a pile of furniture would completely block her path.
Back to the positives, though I mentioned earlier that I was underwhelmed by the horror and story elements, I do think there are good things in both. The school’s depth and generally dark setting as an orange twilight shines through every window creates an ominous tone. There were times where I nervously trudged along a dark hallway, not too sure what may lurk ahead. I really like the design of one of the monsters in this game, but I will discuss this more in the next section. It may sound a bit crass, but I also do like that the game has a story. In fact, there’s more than just one story being told. The small tidbits of lore scattered throughout help tell the two ‘main’ stories, as well as more about the Twilight Dimension. Again, this is something I will discuss a bit more later on.
Just as a brief synopsis of the Twilight Dimension, its a phenomena that has recently started occurring at Narin’s school. Anyone who stays at the school past 4:59 PM is magically teleported into the Twilight Dimension and stuck there unless a way out is revealed to them. Children have gone missing and any after school activities have been postponed. Narin finds herself in this dimension one day after falling asleep in class. While she’s looking for a way out, she comes across objects that remind her of her missing sister. Narin comes to the conclusion that this must be where sister is and decides to continue coming back to search for her. It’s a super interesting concept that I really enjoyed and wanted more of.
I also must mention the many puzzles in this game. Many of them were enjoyable to figure out and solve. I never felt completely stumped for a solution. Puzzles like hitting light switches to clear up bloody eye-ball flowers blocking the path or correctly returning books in the library were some of my favorites. There is no combat in this game. Narin is after all, a child. This helped make the chase moments way more intense. Getting caught or stepping on a flower is an instant death. I don’t mind combat in indie horror, but I do prefer when they don’t have it. A helpless character makes things feel a bit more spooky and intense than one who’s ready to fight back.
Last but certainly not least are the characters. Alongside Narin, there are three other main characters. Aki is a mischievous girl in the Twilight Dimension who may or may not be helping Narin find her sister. Maemi is another girl in the Twilight Dimension who gives us advice but is more interested in finding a certain book. And there’s also a little black cat who speaks to Narin and asks her for helping finding a way to escape the Twilight Dimension, guiding Narin along much of the way. All three were well written and I enjoyed their inclusion in Narin’s adventure.
Three Main Monsters among a Horde of Puzzles
Let’s discuss the horror. As mentioned earlier, I do feel like the game does a great job at having a tense and ominous tone. The setting plays a big role in this, as well as the mystery of what happened to Narin’s sister and the many clues provided along the way. The game takes place over the course of three days. Each day has its own main monster, and its day one’s monster(s) that I really like. The black cat calls them ghosts. They are bloody, fleshy husks with one eye that twitch as they lurch around the room. The first stealth moment of the game is with one and it really had me on edge.
The next two monsters however are just not as scary. The Janitor, a large, hulking being with multiple eyes and Scissors Girl,…a girl with scissors, simply don’t match up with the horror of the ghosts. In fact, I’d even say that it gets progressively less scary, as I really didn’t find Scissors Girl scary—like at all. Her character model is way too bright amongst a rather dark setting, with everything shown beforehand matching this tone. The intensity of the stealth and chase moments still exists on some level but when you look at what it is you’re actually running or hiding from, it loses some of the actual horror.
I also felt that these stealth and chase moments are way too far and few between. Though I did like some of the puzzles, I do think they take up a lot of space. The developers love the ‘rule-of-threes’ design as many moments require you to do three separate puzzles in order to proceed. This would normally be fine, but I’d argue that most of these puzzles don’t really feature any horror. They could just as easily exist in a game outside the horror, like if the Twilight Dimension didn’t exist and we were just playing a narrative-based game with puzzles.
There are a handful of jumpscares that did catch me by surprise. I am glad that they didn’t go with a cheap jumpscare route to provide the horror. However, as it currently stands, though it initially starts as being scary, it quickly loses this the more you progress. I would say about a third of the way through is when the horror felt mostly lost for me as a player, and it never really picked back up either.
Story, Story, and More Story
Another thing that could have hindered some of the horror is the game’s narrative itself. There is a lot of story and a heavy focus on telling the multiple stories. And hey, I love a good narrative and again, love that the game wants to pay attention to the details. However, I do think that there’s a limit. Players can reasonably expect to spend around six hours playing, but a lot of this time will simply just be going through the dialogues and the story. In fact, you will probably spend the last 45 minutes to an hour of the game in one massively long story dump. I also felt that the ending left me with unanswered questions, especially about the Twilight Dimension. Things wrapped up way too nicely, but I won’t spoil it completely.
I felt that they could have done a lot more with the Twilight Dimension. Yes, there are bits and pieces that help put together the lore of the Twilight Dimension. By the end though, it feels mostly forgotten as the narrative shifts focus towards the other two stories. It makes the Twilight Dimension feel somewhat underdeveloped as an idea. The monsters lurking within are just there to serve as stand-ins rather than something having to do with the plot of the other two main stories. To the best of my knowledge, there are no deeper meanings or metaphors. If you believe otherwise, please let me know.
Simply put, the story heavily outweighs the horror. It feels like a narrative puzzle adventure game with a side of horror. That’s not to say that this isn’t okay, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this, but the proportions feel off. I think with a more concise narrative, an uptick in the horror, and perhaps a few puzzles less, the game could have been much better.
A Bit Lacking, but Maybe Good for NewPlayers
I’m a little on the fence about recommending this one. I think it depends on if you are an experienced indie horror fan or a new player of the genre. And please note that by ‘new players’, I don’t mean young—there are some adult topics discussed here that might not be the best for a young audience. However, I do think that non-experienced indie horror gamers, perhaps ones that do prefer a narrative puzzle adventure, could enjoy this one. The horror is there to some capacity, especially in the beginning, but it isn’t anything that made me take a break from playing. I do like the focus on narrative, despite its lengthiness, and I think some of the puzzles are enjoyable to solve.
However, if you’re familiar with indie horrors and have played many before, then this one is probably not for you. The game’s proportions of narrative and horror are heavily skewed towards the narrative with non-scary puzzle solving seated alongside it. I can see the many positives with Narin: The Orange Room and think that overall, it does deserve the positive reviews it currently has on Steam. It certainly is not the worst game I’ve played. On the flip side, it certainly is not the best either. Unfortunately, I think that’s just how things will stay too.
Be sure to follow the black cat and thank you for reading!
SJCAM today unveiled the SJ30, a powerful 8K dual-lens action camera built to bring high-quality recording into everyday life. Designed around the idea of a true “daily recording camera,” the SJ30 prioritises what users actually need—exceptional image quality, clear audio, reliable battery life, strong low-light performance, and effortless usability.
Packed with practical innovation, the SJ30 delivers stunning 8K video, seamless lossless vertical shooting for social content, and an upgraded dual-lens system for greater creative flexibility. Despite its advanced capabilities, both the camera and its companion app are engineered for simplicity—so users can start shooting straight out of the box without hassle.
While many action cameras focus on extreme sports and come with steep learning curves, the SJ30 is purpose-built for real life—from commutes and travel to family moments and everyday content creation. Its true plug-and-play design removes friction, letting users capture moments instantly. By combining strong core performance with an accessible price point, the SJ30 opens the door for more people to create and share high-quality content every day.
From Daylight to Night Time: Dual-Lens Imaging
At the heart of the SJ30 is an advanced dual-lens imaging system which combines a 1/2.0-inch daylight sensor with a 1/1.8-inch starlight sensor. This intelligent design enables the camera to capture consistently clear, detailed footage across a wide range of lighting conditions—delivering markedly improved performance in low light, where traditional action cameras often fall short.
Supporting up to 8K at 20fps and 4K at 60fps, the SJCAM SJ30 produces high-resolution video with exceptional clarity and detail, whether capturing vibrant city scenes at night or expansive landscapes in daylight.
Built for Solo Creators and Travellers
The SJ30 is designed with solo creators in mind, featuring a 2.51-inch flip touchscreen that rotates up to 180 degrees for easy self-framing. Paired with intuitive voice control, it enables true hands-free operation—ideal for travellers, riders, and independent content creators capturing moments on their own.
With support for native vertical video up to 5K, the SJ30 makes it easy to create content optimized for social platforms—without the need for cropping or compromising image quality.
Stable Footage for Any Journey
Engineered for smooth performance in motion, the SJ30 features SteadyMotion 2.0 stabilization powered by a six-axis gyroscope. The system effectively minimizes shake and motion blur, delivering steady, professional-looking footage across a range of activities.
A built-in 45-degree horizon lock further enhances stability by keeping footage level—even when riding, cycling, or navigating uneven terrain.
Designed for Long Recording
Built to keep up with extended journeys, the SJ30 is equipped with a 2000mAh internal battery and supports an optional power handle for added endurance. Together, they deliver up to seven hours of continuous recording at 4K, making the camera ideal for long rides, travel days, and uninterrupted capture.
Clear Audio and Simple Operation
For improved sound quality, the SJ30 includes a detachable wind guard and supports the SJCAM M4 wireless microphone resulting in clearer voice recordings in outdoor or high-motion environments.
A magnetic quick-release mounting system further enhances usability, enabling fast attachment and removal irrespective of the activity.
A Camera Built for Real Life
The SJ30 is built around a simple idea: most users don’t need complex camera systems—they need a reliable, high-quality camera that fits seamlessly into everyday life. Whether capturing a weekend ride, a family trip, or a personal vlog, the SJ30 is designed to make recording those moments effortless.
Built to handle a wide range of environments, the SJ30 features an IPX8 waterproof rating and is waterproof up to 16 ft (5 m) right out of the box, making it ready for rain, splashes, and shallow water shooting. With the optional waterproof case, it supports dives of up to 98 ft (30 m) for underwater exploration. Designed for durability in extreme conditions, the camera operates reliably across a temperature range of -20°C to 60°C.
With its combination of high-resolution imaging, enhanced low-light performance, extended battery life, and user-friendly design, the SJ30 is designed to redefine the action camera category—not just as a tool for extreme sports, but as a versatile camera for capturing everyday life.
Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC is a wonderful addition to a much-loved base game. This no-pressure colourful adventure addition enhances your game time by around 5 hours. This may not seem like much, but I think it is perfect if you are short on time or cannot pay attention to bigger, more complex games. Furthermore, it adds some nice elements to the tried-and-tested core mechanics.
This quirky experience was developed by MegaWobble and published by Playtonic Friends. It is a single-player third-person title that can be purchased separately or as part of the complete edition. Either way, you’ll need the base game to experience this cave diving game.
Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC has a wholesome plot.
If you are not into wholesome games, you’ll probably miss the subtle plot of Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC. This doesn’t matter, as you can take it on face value. However, if you’re mentally deeper than a puddle, you’ll appreciate its “learning to understand others” mindset. This evolves from the base game’s ideals of “wanting to be understood”. The natural transition doesn’t feel forced, and I like the flow of the story.
If you remember the base plot, you’ll know that Lil Gator has built a cardboard town as part of the imaginary game. Well, this DLC threatens to destroy their playground as an annoying kid who calls himself the “Darklord” goes into berserker mode. The team chase him into the caves beneath the island, and this is where the adventure begins.
What’s new?
If you haven’t played the base game, I suggest investing in the complete edition and tackling that first. This will set you up nicely for the impressive underworld exploration. For this review, I’m going to assume you have played this, and I’ll discuss what is new.
Weapon charms have been introduced to grant new abilities. These traversal tools add depth and scope to the protagonist’s ability to navigate the bioluminescent caves. With double jumping, dashing, spin attacks, and a hover ability, the young hero becomes a powerhouse. These familiar mechanics won’t surprise veteran gamers, and they work exceptionally well with the new environment.
Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC offers a larger arena to test your parkour skills. The vertical level design may be less forgiving than the original, but I enjoyed the platforming elements and the extra exploration opportunities. This can be found within the “Mega Quests” as well.
Finally, the base experience felt a little aimless. Although this was a huge positive, those who like something to work towards will appreciate the slightly focused antagonist approach. This gives more meaning to the gameplay without removing the charm and witty dialogue.
Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC is dark, perhaps, too dark.
The new setting is great, and I enjoyed the stage design and the scale of platforming elements. However, the low lighting makes navigating the world much harder than the original world. Additionally, focusing on higher platforms does add a layer of difficulty that younger players may not like. On top of this, there is no map to help you to move around. In a world of hand-holding, this was a bit of a surprise.
The audio retains a wholesome and friendly edge that is upbeat and charming. Furthermore, there are musical cues that complement each of the characters’ personality traits. This was great as it reinforces the story while bringing each of the heroes to life. If I were to be harsh, I’d say there were moments where it was repetitive. If you spend a while in a specific area, the music can play on a loop. This is minor, but definitely noticeable.
Great controls.
This is a game that is designed for all ages. Therefore, the controls had to be simple and easy to handle. Luckily, the layout works perfectly, and the inputs are responsive. Yet, if you wish to remap the buttons, you cannot. This was strange as it reduces usability considerably.
The “Mega Quests” offer a layer of replay value if you wish to revisit any moment. However, the slight adjustments to the gameplay won’t enthral hardcore gamers or those who love a fresh challenge.
Lil Gator: In the Dark DLC is a great addition.
The short playtime may seem a little underwhelming, but I think it is great value. The story is fun, and it addresses some concerns about the base game. Additionally, the vertical nature of the underworld system was fantastic. I think the developer has added enough to improve the original and keep people interested. Accordingly, it is great, and I recommend buying it here! Can you break down walls and understand your foe? Hit the caves, traverse the gaps, and get to know the “Darklord”.
UFOPHILIA has a creepy and sinister edge that keeps you on your toes. However, there is also a tough learning curve as you are thrown into a tutorial mission and expected to run. This causes it to be a little overwhelming, even though it does well to explain its core mechanics. Furthermore, if you have tackled Phasmophobia, you’ll know what to expect. Instead of phantoms, you get various types of little green men.
This action-adventure sim was developed by K148 Game Studio and published by Jandusoft. It is a first-person single-player game that plays with your mind while making you feel extremely uncomfortable. As you explore each eerie location, you must investigate clues, piece together information, and ultimately take 4 clear photos of the extraterrestrial. This isn’t always that easy, but trying to get to the bottom of each investigation is half the battle.
UFOPHILIA lets each mission tell a story.
UFOPHILIA doesn’t tell a large and dramatic story. Instead, it lets each micro mission paint a picture. Each quest takes you across 7 distinct locations. Moreover, each endeavour is procedurally generated to keep you on your toes and guessing throughout. This was great as you never knew what you were up against or where to find the clues.
This continually shifting experience generates an almost endless stream of tales and unplanned moments. Furthermore, the use of darkness and shadow adds suspense as you search for clues and work towards the conclusion. As the game progresses and things become tougher, you have to take greater risks. This in itself was thrilling as no one wishes to be abducted. Thankfully, I remained unprobed, but I can’t say the same for my virtual hero.
Piecing together the clues.
Had the tutorial offered more depth, UFOPHILIA would have been less trial and error. As it is, you’ll struggle at first and wonder why you are putting yourself through it. Yet, I urge you to push through, because once you get over the tough learning curve, the action is worth the effort. Each mission offers an array of different equipment to try to identify the alien in your midst. This was great, as when you got it right, it was genuinely rewarding.
As the evidence comes to the fore, you must be in “PHASE 4” and try to capture 4 pictures of your out-of-this-world friend. This is where the danger piques. You must get close to your target without pissing them off. This isn’t always easy, and the aggressive ones don’t like their picture being taken. Therefore, you can do all the hard work just to have it undone by a sneaky and unwelcoming ET.
UFOPHILIA is rough but dark.
If you adore dark and sinister games, then UFOPHILIA will be right up your street. As you explore each of the 7 unique locations, you’ll be edgy and a little worried. Who wouldn’t, when a little green man is hiding in the shadows? Although this doesn’t present perfect visuals and it’s a little rough, I enjoyed it regardless. The atmosphere is great, and I liked how the specialist equipment added depth to each location.
The use of directional 3D audio creates tension while helping you to pinpoint your target. This was exceptional as it worked perfectly with your specialist gear. A prime example of this is the alien communication device. This odd tool picks up on the noises of your foe. It is AI-generated if that bothers you, but in this instance, it works well. The random sounds add to the Sci-Fi theme without undermining the atmosphere.
Clunky controls.
The control system could have been much better. Unfortunately, it’s a little clunky, and the lacklustre tutorial doesn’t help matters. Furthermore, the UI feels thrown together and that compounds the issue further. Although everything is manageable, it wasn’t as pleasant to play as it could have been.
Theoretically, UFOPHILIA offers limitless replay value. After all, every mission is procedurally generated. However, after a while, things become a little repetitive. Even when you upgrade your gear, there isn’t enough depth to keep you coming back forever. Had they made this a multiplayer experience, this would have been a different story.
UFOPHILIA is good, but limited.
I like this genre, and I love the theme. However, I wasn’t impressed with the learning curve and the lack of multiplayer action. Furthermore, it is a little repetitive. However, if you play it casually and you take your time, there is enough on offer to keep you entertained. Accordingly, I recommend you buy it here! Can you prove that aliens exist? Explore each location, grab your equipment, and don’t get probed.
It’s been 11 years since the first Life is Strange launched to critical acclaim, centred on the relationship between Max and Chloe. Now with Reunion, this relationship comes full circle. Is this really a worthy send off for these characters?
Time Heals All Wounds
When it comes to interactive dramas, I’ve played as about as many as you can possibly think of. However, none resonate with me quite as much as Life is Strange. I adore this series and every title. Thus, the return of Max Caulfield in Double Exposure helped elevate my love of the series to new heights. In my review I ended on needing more from this wonderful franchise. Thankfully, developers Deck Nine granted my wishes with Reunion. Reunion brings the franchise full circle and with fan favourite Chloe Price back into the fray, it has truly delivered.
The original Life is Strange is still one of my all time favourite games, thanks to the relationship between Max and Chloe. Their dynamic and evolving feelings towards one another struck a real chord with me; there have been few characters that feel as alive as these two. That being said, you can imagine my excitement for this game upon its announcement. However, there was also a hefty dose of scepticism on how Chloe would return to Max’s life.
Deck Nine needed to tread mighty carefully to appease fans. So, whilst some have accused this game of being pure fan service, I rather think they’ve crafted a superb thought provoking tale which is full of heart and laughter. I must say that it’s important to state how crucial it is that you have played Double Exposure before playing this title. Yes, there is a recap of events of the previous game but this really doesn’t do it justice. I would find it extremely hard to play this title and engage with characters like Moses and Lucas without playing the last title. Coupled with the fact this is billed as the end of Max and Chloe’s story, I felt it was imperative to make this point to fully understand and experience the emotional payoff.
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A Fitting Conclusion
The story of Life is Strange Reunion takes place nine months after the events of Double Exposure, with protagonist Max Caulfield returning to Caledon University. Upon arriving back on campus where Max works, she finds the university engulfed in flames. In desperation, Max uses her time rewinding powers to to try to stop this event taking place. After travelling back in time, she sets out to uncover the mystery of the fire, only to be met by old friend/lover (dependent on player choice in prologue) Chloe Price, who is searching for Max after experiencing visions of an alternative life.
What follows is a tale that I found thoroughly captivating throughout its 8-10 hour runtime. I adored the way in which the story brings these two characters back together; it feels organic and perfectly written. I’m hesitant to say too much about the plot itself, as it’s best to play this game blindly and let these characters take you on an emotional journey. It’s a mystery tale, as Max seeks to uncover the truth of the fire, whilst also presenting a real character study of herself and Chloe and their troubled past. Add in a superb supporting cast of characters, and you have the recipe for a brilliant tale which had me crying and then laughing within minutes. It blends strong themes of anxiety, friendship, mystery and romance.
The final moments I shared with these wonderful characters made me feel like I was truly losing family members. It’s a satisfying conclusion to Max and Chloe’s tale, regardless of the choices you make throughout the game. If you have played the other titles in the series, the emotional impact of the narrative will be stronger and more impactful. I was hooked from start to finish and these characters will stay with me forever. Life is Strange has fundamentally always been about its relationships, and none is more iconic than Max and Chloe. A fitting end.
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Interactive Intrigue
As with all games in this storied franchise, it’s important to remember what to expect when it comes to gameplay. At its core, the Life is Strange series is an interactive drama that places the main focus on the characters and the narrative in order to entice players. In this way, Reunion is no different. Choices remain a key element of the gameplay loop in Reunion; there are a multitude of different endings and scenarios, depending on the choices you make. These choices feel different enough from one another to allow real replay ability. In particular, the main choice at the start of the game surrounding Chloe’s fate at the end of the first title, drastically alters the events of the game. Your choices always have consequences.
Apart from choices, the main gameplay loop of Life is Strange Reunion focuses on exploration and discovery. As usual, you can control Max and now Chloe from a third person perspective, interacting with clues and collectibles around the campus. Taking photos returns in the form of pieces of collectibles, which are more than welcome. Optional evidence is a new aspect of exploration in this title; the more evidence you can find, the more of the narrative you can unravel. I loved this aspect of peeling back more and more layers of the story through my discoveries.
Unfortunately, gameplay is where I have some issues. Max’s rewinding ability returns from the first game and this is welcome. Bizarrely though, her reality shifting powers have been removed from the previous game. Using both sets of her powers could have been really unique and rewarding. Therefore, I’m astounded as to why they chose to remove these. The game also allows you to play as Chloe but her sections are linear and very small in comparison. She has a talk back ability that can be used in conversations but again it’s only used a handful of times.
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A Perfect (And Absolutely Beautiful) Storm
Like previous games in the series, I am blown away by the visual presentation. Whilst there are many reused areas of Caledon from the previous game, every area in Reunion looks breath taking. Colour illuminates rooms and locations so wonderfully that I couldn’t help but stand and admire it all at times. Lighting is also superb – in particular the moments at sunset. Similarly, facial animations and design remain industry leading, as every character looks almost life like. All the emotions these characters convey are perfectly animated and captured. Max and Chloe’s journals are wonderfully illustrated and styled. Deck Nine you have done it again; this is a visual masterpiece.
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The Power Of Sound
Sound design remains stellar. There is great emphasis put on the rewinding ablity, making it feel particularly powerful. Once again, the cast of voice actors have achieved greatness, with brilliant performances all around. Special mention obviously goes to Hannah Telle as Max and Rhianna DeVries as Chloe. These two have captured performances that will stay with me forever. They are perfect in completely encompassing the characters and breathing life into them. Outstanding!
Of course, this wouldn’t be a Life is Strange title without a killer soundtrack. Every song is tailored so perfectly to this franchise. Each song captures the tone, themes and mood as the story progresses. Once again the soundtrack is thrust into the spotlight during the moments Max can sit and reflect. I would often just place my controller down and listen to this music, captivated by its beauty. Special mention needs to go to original song Embers In The Sky which plays during a montage at the end of the game. This track by Holly Humberstone garnered such a strong emotional reaction from me that it’s hard to put into words how beautiful it is.
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Verdict
At the end of Life is Strange Reunion, I felt a true sense of loss and emotion, saying goodbye for the final time (for now!) to Max and Chloe. These two characters have been a part of my life for the last decade so to see their story end so fittingly was a joy. Life is Strange has always been a game which focuses on story and Reunion nails this with an emotional tale of friendship, loss, guilt and death. Coupled with stunning visuals, industry leading facial animations and a killer soundtrack, Deck Nine have done it again. I sincerely hope this is not the end of the series overall. Life is Strange will stay with me forever. See you in the mosh pit brah!
Choice-based horror games are a sub-genre we don’t get to see too often, simply because most people prefer the classic survival, and psychological horrors we constantly see when browsing through the store.
That’s not to say they aren’t loved or have produced any brilliant games we still remember to this day, because that would just be a plain lie. Most horror fans have undoubtedly heard of Until Dawn, which is without question the biggest game of the sub-genre. Supermassive games have made a few more after its release, though none have quite reached its level.
So we do get to see some of these titles albeit not often, but what we rarely get to see are FMV choice-based horror titles. Funnily enough, The Run was the first I ever played of its kind. I wasn’t expecting much, and at first glance assumed it would be an attempt at what would be a poorly executed FMV, whether that would be down to the bad acting, or painfully unrealistic scenes. However, I was pleasantly surprised and ended up really enjoying it, which is definitely not what I thought I would be saying after finishing it, but here we are.
Zanna Hendricks is a world-famous fitness influencer. To celebrate her recent milestone, she travels to Northern Italy, where she stays in a small and cosy village home to a remote running trail in the beautiful mountains. What was meant to just be a normal run, soon turns into a game of cat and mouse as she is relentlessly chased by a group of masked killers with no clear motives apart from killing her. All you have to do is make the correct choices and keep Zanna alive.
Simple, right?
The great acting really made it feel like a well-made short horror film
I went into The Run expecting the acting to ultimately let it down, but by the end of it I thought everyone did a fantastic job and delivered their lines really well. The two main leads, Roxanne Mckee, and George Blagden (who voiced Henri Clement in Amnesia: The Bunker), have both had pretty successful careers, so they naturally delivered great performances and were the standouts for me. They made the game a lot more enjoyable and immersive.
People often overlook the impact acting, particularly voice acting, has on games in general. I’ve come across many games where I was starting to get into it, only for the voice acting to completely ruin the immersion, and the experience. It’s a pretty important aspect of a game and does contribute massively to the overall quality of any titles. Luckily though, The Run had some great acting, which was mainly due to the fact that most of the people involved had some acting experience, in one way or another.
The voice acting wasn’t the only real and impressive part of the game, I was also surprised at the realistic death scenes too, which to be quite frank I was expecting some pretty unrealistic and downright awful scenes but they actually turned out very well, so much so that I found myself cringing at how gruesome some of the deaths actually were.
In short, I was expecting a game which tried to be good ending up being bad enough for me requesting a refund from Steam, but it ended up being well made and developed, which I was quite happy to see.
To live or to die, the choice is always yours
One thing almost everyone loves about choice-based games is having the power to save and kill specific characters, either purposely or accidentally. It’s knowing that their fate lies in your hands which can be both good and bad depending on the character you’re controlling. The old age debate people have of whether they could survive being in a horror game/film, is answered to a degree when playing any choice-based titles, which is why many people enjoy them.
Whilst this was quite different to most choice-based games, in the sense that you only really have to make decisions just for the survival of one person as opposed to a group of people, it was still engaging and tense, albeit a little less. The main character (Zanna) , was unlikable for the most parts of the game, especially towards the beginning where she came across as quite selfish and narcissistic, even when choosing the morally correct choices. This made me not particularly care if she lived or died, naturally to actually finish the game I made sure to keep her alive until then since if she died it would be game over, but if she was part of a group of characters we were controlling, I wouldn’t think even think twice about killing her off.
Naturally, it was a short game only taking around two hours to complete so there weren’t too many choices to be made, but the choices aren’t to be taken lightly, a decision which may seem unimportant could mean life or death for Zanna. Like most choice-based games, each choice led you down a different route, unlocking new locations, choices, and death scenes. There was also the option of picking between timed choices and paused ones, both of which allowing for different kinds of playthroughs, whether you want a tense and fast-paced experience, or a more relaxed one particularly if playing with friends.
It does have quite a bit of replayability which is always good for a game, I played through it twice and I absolutely would again just to see more of the scenery the beautiful Lake Garda, and Northern Italy has to offer.
Don’t Mess with Bober is one of those ridiculous games that will attract cult status. Its ridiculous ways will make you laugh, but don’t let this fool you. There are some classic jump scares and interesting dated mechanics that’ll amuse and entertain you throughout.
This first-person horror adventure was developed by Peace Studio and published by Axyos Games. It is a single-player and dark, sinister affair that is punctuated by crazy moments. It is almost slapstick in its design, and I adored the retro approach and the often OTT ways.
Don’t mess with Bober proves that you shouldn’t poke the beaver.
The hero has hit the countryside for some much-needed rest. However, this city lover can’t quite take to the rugged nature of the woods. Instead of leaving nothing but footprints, the haphazard protagonist decides to destroy the local beaver’s home. Bober isn’t best pleased, and he goes insane as a consequence.
To make matters worse, your friend knows that the local beaver is a bit of an angry beast. When he hears what you’ve done, he advises you to run for your life. Sadly, that is easier said than done as the demented beaver is hellbent on getting revenge!
You can run, but you can’t hide.
Don’t mess with Bober combines exploration elements with a sense of hide and seek. Sadly, there is no rest for the wicked as you run from place to place. After all, you are being chased by a rabid beaver who is pretty pissed off. You’ll move through forests, caves, and cabins as you stay in the shadow and avoid his devilish glare.
Alongside the cruel and chilling stealth elements are some fun moments. There is a fishing mini-game and plenty of narrow pathways to navigate. These claustrophobic environmental puzzles add a layer of tension as you must traverse them carefully while avoiding Bober.
Don’t Mess with Bober is dated.
I love retro games, and Don’t Mess with Bober took me back to the 80s. The rough textures, basic colours, and simple animation are great to look at. Although they may not impress lovers of modern titles, I think it looks and works perfectly.
The audio blends classic jump scare silence and sudden noises with calm ambient sounds. What may annoy some people is the use of AI voice acting. Sadly, it is a little wooden and subtitles don’t always match what is being said. Consequently, it is a shortcut that didn’t hit the mark.
Simple controls.
This doesn’t mess around with complex controls and unnecessary nonsense. Instead, it uses basic inputs to access doors, pick up items, and solve puzzles. Furthermore, moving around the map is a cinch, and if you take a wrong step, you are pushed in the right direction. Therefore, it doesn’t take long to master.
Replay value isn’t a feature to shout about. Once you’ve worked through the madness, there is little reason to return. However, if you are a completionist, there are collectables to search for if you wish to make your trek from Bober a bit harder.
Don’t Mess with Bober is fun but limited.
I don’t usually moan about AI, but the acting was terrible. This should have been addressed by the developer, but it wasn’t. Other than this complaint, I enjoyed Don’t Mess with Bober. It is pretty silly, and the dated aesthetic won’t be for everyone, but I enjoyed the change of pace. Accordingly, I think it’s good, and I recommend buying it here! Can you escape the wrath of the beaver? Avoid his gaze, hide in the shadows, and just keep running.
Here is our review of the Edifier G2000 Pro Gaming Speakers.
Experience a new level of audiovisual immersion with the budget friendly Edifier G2000 Pro cutting-edge sound system, designed for both style and performance. Housed in a sleek transparent cabinet with customizable RGB ambient lighting, it seamlessly blends aesthetics with powerful 7.1 surround sound. Whether you’re gaming, watching movies, or listening to music, its versatile connectivity options and finely tuned sound modes ensure an optimised experience for every moment.
Features
Bottom size is only about the size of your palm.
270° panoramic transparent acoustic enclosure offering a wide acoustic field and a futuristic aesthetic.
3-inch Full-range internal magnet driver delivers crystal-clear audio with rich details and an immersive soundstage.
Precision Acoustic Architecture for a refined, high-fidelity listening experience.
7.1 surround sound for cinematic audio with immersive surround sound calibrated to perfection.
TempoFlow™ Lighting Technology features 7 theme lighting effects, synced to sound.
Supports Bluetooth, USB-A, USB-C, and AUX input for seamless audio streaming from multiple sources.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The Edifier G2000 Pro Gaming Speakers are quite small, but they pack a punch, they also have a cool unique look – a 270° panoramic transparent acoustic enclosure offering a wide acoustic field. They fit perfectly on any desk or wherever you want to put them.
Connection wise you can use the 3.5mm port, the USB ports (both USB-A and USB-C) or use Bluetooth – the choice is yours. All of the options are easy to use and work very well and you can pretty much connect them up to any device.
All the controls are on the speaker and are very easy to use.
Sound quality wise, the G2000 Pro is really good. USB mode sounds better than using the 3.5mm port because USB mode uses a built-in sound card, but thats not to say using the 3.5mm isn’t good! They speakers also provide 7.1 surround sound, powered by the DSP chip and HECATE Gaming Center software to make it a really immersive experience.
You can switch effortlessly between Music, Game, and Movie modes, each finely tuned to enhance your listening experience based on various different content.
The all-new TempoFlow dynamic lighting effect technology synchronises light with sound. The rear lighting design ensures that it enhances the gaming atmosphere without overwhelming your nighttime visual experience. Featuring 7 built-in dynamic lighting modes you can customise it all from the HECATE Gaming Center software.
If you are on the lookout for a great sounding set of gaming speakers with some cool visual enhancements, then look, and listen no further!
The Edifier G2000 Pro Gaming Speakers are available now in Pink, White or Black and sell for around £149.99.
Cleaning Up! is one of those calm and cosy titles that can be enjoyed with no pressure. Additionally, it has a bit of a strange plot that adds a crazy element to the gameplay. However, at its core, it is nicely balanced, enjoyable to play, and wickedly rewarding.
Unbound Creations has developed and published this cleaning title. It is a single-player cartoon-inspired game in which every ounce of dirt must be cleaned and removed. The result is a spick and span world of strange levels and weird smiling properties. As I said, it has a crazy element.
Find your path in Cleaning Up!
Cleaning Up! explores some weird and wonderful ideas about AI, work, and cleaning some interesting locations. The protagonist doesn’t know what he wants to do, but an app called Kleiner helps him to become a professional cleaner. Assisted by Spongey, the talking sponge, he must take on cleaning jobs in some strange locations.
First, the tasks seem simple. Hoover up waste and scrub the floors with a brush. Yet, as things progress, you’ll notice that each stage becomes more complex. Whether it is a museum, a dungeon, or a library, you must find every ounce of dirt and clean it up.
This seems very straightforward, but there are hidden bonuses to discover and penalties to avoid. Some vases can break, TVs that can blow up, and cats that should not be soaked by water. Moreover, it’s best to avoid the ghosts as they will cost you money.
New items and upgrades.
As Cleaning Up! evolves, you are given new items to keep things interesting. This is where the star system for each stage comes into play. With limited tools at first, you’ll score 1 or 2 stars. However, once you unlock everything and finish the game, you are invited to tackle new game + and gather 5 stars per level. This was amazing as it adds new items to each stage and plenty of depth.
Alongside the new items is an upgrade system. Each cleaning tool can be improved in several ways. This makes cleaning the larger stages a walk in the park, and no one needs to struggle once they have a fully upgraded arsenal of tools.
Cleaning Up! looks great.
The fixed camera and isometric viewpoint work extremely well with this genre. Additionally, each stage is a wonderland of filth and mess. Whether it is dirty floors, crunchy grime, or never-ending rubbish, Cleaning Up! looks amazing. Furthermore, the developer has done a great job with every unique stage design.
The audio is loud and fun. The soundtrack brings energy to every level, and this prevents things from feeling tedious and mundane. Moreover, the sound effects are accurate and great to hear.
Tight controls.
If you want an easy-to-play, fun, and simple-to-understand game, then Cleaning Up! is for you. The opening elements serve as a tutorial, and you can play this with a mouse and keyboard or a gamepad. Consequently, it caters for many gamers.
I completed this in around 5 hours, and I wanted much more. The levels are filled with secrets and fun elements to discover. However, once you’ve grabbed every star and you’ve upgraded every tool, there is little reason to return.
Cleaning Up! is a great indie title.
Despite its lack of replay value, I think Cleaning Up! is a great indie title. It looks good, and the audio is fun and in your face. Additionally, the stage design is interesting and well-considered. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here! Can you become a professional cleaner? Download the app, get to work, and let Spongey be your guide!
