Review: Hands Off My Pecker

Daniel Waite
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Review: Hands Off My Pecker

Hands Off My Pecker is a hilarious and simple card game. Furthermore, it is compact and ideal for camping or a day down the pub. You will chuckle repeatedly at this immature card game if you have a naughty sense of humour. Like Don’t Be A Dik Dik, this game relies on smut and witty innuendo. Accordingly, I wouldn’t advise that young children give it a go.

What I loved about this silly experience was the colourful imagery and the hilarious animal names. I sniggered as my childish humour took over. After all, who doesn’t love to grab a puss-ant or an aHolehole? These childish names get filthier the more you stare at them. Moreover, I’ve had to contain myself as I had plenty of jokes regarding the pussy (cat) card. Yet, this is a safe space and I best leave my 80s-inspired jokes out of this review.

What’s in the box of Hands Off My Pecker?

  • The compact packaging made me titter with delight. It is colourful, eye-catching, and wonderfully robust. As such, it shouldn’t get damaged when you throw it in your bag. 
  • Hands Off My Pecker has a small deck of vibrant cards. The hard-wearing cards have a smooth finish that is scratch-resistant. Additionally, they can take some rough and tumble when a drink is being consumed. 
  • Learn the rules with the quick start guide. 

How do you play Hands Off My Pecker?

Hands Off My Pecker can be studied and mastered in minutes. However, there are 2 difficulty settings to keep you on your toes and extend longevity. This was great as expert card players will want a challenge from the off. 21 naughty animal cards are placed on the table in front of you. You must pick one card and move it to your side of the table. However, other players must be able to touch the card if necessary. A caller is selected and they must name a card and shout out the one to find.

For example, Pussy to Dik Dik. Every other player must find the Dik Dik and move it to their card pile. The person who won must become the caller and link the Dik Dik to another animal. For example, Dik Dik to Beaver. This merry-go-round continues until 1 player has 5 rudely named animals in their pile. To make things more challenging, there are penalties. Accordingly, if the caller touches a card or you touch the wrong card, you must sacrifice a cheeky animal and the game continues.

Tactics and luck. 

What makes Hands Off My Pecker so good are the layers of unexpected tactics. If you have a player who looks to be winning, you call out their cards to reduce their lead. Unfortunately, this tends to create a bit of a bully culture, but who cares? After all, sharing is caring and taking their cards will lighten their load. 

If you want to up the ante, you can flip the cards over to the grey sleeping side. Each animal portrait shows a snoozing creature without a name. Consequently, you must remember what each animal is called and pick the correct card. This was extremely challenging especially when you have 5 players looking for the same card.

Build quality. 

A travel game has to be robust and compact. Luckily, Hands Off My Pecker ticks both of these boxes. The chunky cards feel great in your hand. Moreover, they are easy to pick up when they are on a flat surface. On top of this, the printing quality was impressive and I like the easy-to-read labels and the vibrant colours.

If you need a compact game that fits in your pocket or hand luggage, then this will work for you. The small box is lightweight and can easily be thrown in an overnight bag without taking up too much room. 

Is Hands Off My Pecker worth it?

If you want a short and amusing card game for 3 to 6 people, this is the game for you. The inappropriate and borderline childish humour tickled me throughout. Additionally, the imagery is silly and I loved the build quality. Though this isn’t a game for kids, adults will cherish every immature moment. Subsequently, it is a great game and I recommend buying it here!

(More information on Ginger Fox Games can be found here!)

Hands Off My Pecker has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: AWAKEN- Astral Blade

Matt Cooper
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Review: AWAKEN- Astral Blade
In a year when MetroidVania games are making a triumphant return, is AWAKEN- Astral Blade worthy enough of your time? Or should it have been decommissioned long ago?

Bionic Boredom

2024 has been the year the 2D platformer genre got some much needed love, with the release of games like Prince Of Persia: The Lost Crown and Nine Sols. Now, with the debut title from developer Dark Pigeon Games, AWAKEN- Astral Blade attempts to stake its claim in the genre, with mixed results. The plot in AWAKEN follows the story of Tania, a bionic operative who begins the game with a mission to explore the mysterious Horace Islands. Given this mission by her creator Dr Herveus, whom she calls father, Tania is tasked with tracking down a missing research group. The group had been studying a new and strange energy source known as Karpas that transforms wildlife and vegetation into mutants. That’s pretty much the bones of the story itself, with the clear emphasis being on Tania herself and her journey of exploration and mystery, coupled with her own personal journey of self discovery. I would describe it as a simple yet entirely forgettable story.

The story simply loses steam far too often and far too regularly for my liking. Tania herself is an intriguing and mysterious protagonist and I wanted to learn more about her past and origins. Her themes of self worth and self discovery, whilst longing to be seen as more than a weapon, are admirable but just so badly executed. I was disappointed in how poorly the game tells its story at times. Dialogue in the game is terrible and feels utterly lifeless. The game attempts to pour tonnes of lore into the game from the get go and this failed miserably for me as I felt exhausted at times with the exposition and context the dialogue was trying to give me. It felt in some ways that this was a sequel to a game with the amount of lore it was trying to give you. The English dub is also extremely poor and voiced lines are few and far between. The setting had me intrigued, but by game’s end, I had longed for the conclusion. A drawn out boring affair from start to finish but thankfully, gameplay takes it up a couple notches.

Combination Creativity

The gameplay in AWAKEN can be described as simple yet sweet. This is a quintessential hack and slash game. Tania has attacks that she can use both in the air or on the ground. Swinging the bionic sword that is grafted into Tania feels fluid and satisfying and it’s just fun to swing your way through enemies. Combos that you can pull off add extra cinematic feel to combat and help to heighten the tension in battle. I just wish there were more combos for Tania, as midway through the game, I had memorised the handful down to a tee. Tania can find different weapons throughout the game which have different abilities, such as the scythe which can get you out of moments where enemies crowd you out.

Souls like elements are found through the health potions which only refill once entering the next area. Boss battles are a highlight, with huge monsters taking up big chunks of the screen during the fights, creating an epic scale to the game. Sadly, the same cannot be said about the normal enemy types. Enemies in this game are awful and bland and frankly at times are so ridiculously designed that I felt sorry for them. Enemies often just stand in a position and mindlessly swing if you are in the vicinity and then go back to statuesque form. It’s very disappointing how poor these enemies are. Overall, a flawed but still satisfying combat experience.

With this being a 2D platformer, Tania has movement abilities which help you get out of difficult moments like the dodge ability and double jump. The gaps between unlocking these skills were well spaced out and gave me enough time honing that particular craft. A fairly robust skill tree for abilities and weapons is also on offer here which allows you to flesh out the combat system. In the MetroidVania games I have played, I have been frustrated with what I would describe as dead zone areas where I had no clue where to go and little to no direction. Thankfully AWAKEN does not suffer from this as its paths are wonderfully laid out and depicted with the superb in-game map. Every area felt like it had a purpose for me, whether it was through combat or the occasional puzzle the game throws at you. Fast travel is unlocked around a third of the way into the game, helping back tracking through areas immensely. Accessibility options are also decent enough, particularly in the difficulty setting, allowing you to focus more on the story if you choose. I found the overall difficulty of the game to be very low and I never felt under levelled. Again, overall a flawed but still satisfying combat experience.

Discovering Delightfulness

Whist I have mixed feelings on story and combat, the same cannot be said about the presentation. This game looks stunning in every area you explore. The background environments behind Tania look phenomenal and reminded me so much of the Ori series. Each location you enter is dripping in detail and vibrant colours: caves look damp, dark and dilapidated, whilst boss rooms have this grandioso feel and scale to them, which is fantastic. The use of animated backgrounds really helps great environmental storytelling and it’s a testament to the development team in how good this game looks. Similarly, Tania looks fantastic and is animated superbly; her character model is full of detail and vibrant colours. Apart from the terrible animations for the enemies, their character designs are also wonderful, with the energy mutant effects portrayed in a brilliantly grotesque manner. All the bosses also look superb and are huge set pieces on screen that are full of colour and detail. The one minor flaw to presentation are the UI and menus which are incredibly bland and basic but this is nothing to affect your experience significantly.

Sound design and musical score once again wield mixed results. Traversing as Tania sounds great, with her footsteps booming across cave floors and altar rooms, whilst sword slashes sound and feel powerful. Performing special moves and combinations show off Tania’s exertion in doing these intricate moves and is a great way to show her increasing desperation and exhaustion as the game plays out. Enemy sound design is virtually non existent besides the boss battles. This is disappointing and so lacklustre that I can barely remember what they actually sounded like. As mentioned before, there is some voiced dialogue within the game but it is so infrequent and terribly voiced that it once again falls into the category of forgettable. The same can be said about the musical score which is just a slew of short light melodies which repeat themselves throughout each area. I wish more time could have been spent perfecting this score as some parts sound great but it loses momentum when you’ve heard the same melody hundreds of times on repeat by games’ end.

Verdict

AWAKEN- Astral Blade is truly a mixed bag across the board. Engaging combat and beautiful environments and design are real high points in this streamlined version of the MetroidVania genre. However, a forgettable and boring story which fails to build upon the promise of an intriguing protagonist, poor enemy design and a middling musical score stop this game from reaching its potential and make the game seem a cheap imitation.

Review: Lift 2 Symm Gaming Mouse

Daniel Waite
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Review: Lift 2 Symm Gaming Mouse

The Lift 2 Symm Gaming Mouse from NZXT is a fantastic peripheral. At first glance, it has a subtle and understated appearance. However, the deeper you delve, the more impressive this mouse becomes. The hollow underside exposes the internal elements. Moreover, there is a grippy body for accuracy and comfort.

The symmetrical design is ideal for different hand positions and my wrist and fingers never felt strained. What’s more, there are DPI and optical switches for lightning-fast response rates. Accordingly, this is a phenomenal accessory if you love to game. Alongside this, the ridiculously lightweight design reduces fatigue. Therefore, if you enjoy marathon gaming sessions or you work from home, this is the perfect device for you.

What’s in the box of the Lift 2 Symm Gaming Mouse?

  • The packaging is compact but professional. Furthermore, NZXT highlights their environmental approach with the easy-to-recycle box. 
  • The Lift 2 Symm Gaming Mouse looks great. The simple design is understated but reassuringly well-built. Additionally, it is a wired peripheral to remove any power concerns.
  • A useful guide gets you started. 

Technical aspects. 

Getting the right mouse for your needs is easier said than done. If you are obsessed with gaming, you want an accurate and rapid device that won’t let you down. As such, optical switches and high DPI are a must. On top of this, zero latency inputs are essential if you don’t want to fall behind. Thankfully, the Lift 2 Symm Gaming Mouse ticks these boxes. The 26K DPI optical sensor delivers unrivalled 1:1 tracking. Consequently, it reacts to every twitch, nudge, and sweep of your hand. This is particularly impressive whenever you play an FPS. Though the high-speed movement takes some getting used to, it is a game-changer that will make you stand out.

Alongside this, it delivers an 8,000 Hz polling rate for instantly recognised mouse clicks. When you combine this with the optical switches, you experience unprecedented input accuracy and speed. I was blown away by the accuracy and instantly retired my ROCCAT mouse as a result. Though I’m not a massive FPS fan, I enjoyed using this device with every game I played and it was impressive when I surfed the net or edited articles.

Finally, the wired approach may be a deal breaker for some people. Though a wireless design is cleaner and easier to manage, I like the low-maintenance wired approach. Moreover, the low-latency inputs make up for the cable management headache.

Build quality. 

Gaming peripherals need to be hard-wearing and pleasant to the eye. Unlike some of its peers, the Lift 2 Symm Gaming focuses on a refined design. Available in black or white, this mouse doesn’t have RGB or vibrant lighting. Instead, it impresses with its comfortable finish and grippy edges. On top of this, there are 2 PTFE glider plates to reduce friction. This was superb as it was easy to maintain and it matched the clean finish.

The Paracord cable is lightweight and tough. Furthermore, it resists tangling to assist your cable management. The front-positioned cable delivers a balanced style that complements the symmetrical design. Additionally, it is perfect if you use either a claw or fingertip grip. No matter your preference, there is no pressure on your wrists and this improves your gaming experience.

Though lightweight peripherals aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, I couldn’t help but adore the 58g total weight. If you prefer a heavier mouse, this won’t be for you. However, the remarkably light shell was great to use. When you combine this peripheral with a woven mouse mat, you enjoy sweeping and accurate movements that cannot be matched.

Is the Lift 2 Symm Gaming Mouse worth it?

NZXT is renowned for its quality PC hardware. Accordingly, I knew this well-priced gaming mouse would be a winner. Available for under £55, this packs an almighty punch. The Optical switches and sensors are spectacular. What’s more, the symmetrical design and lightweight nature are comfortable and simple to use. As such, if you want a light, accurate, and lightning-fast device, I suggest buying it here!

(More information on NZXT can be found here!)

The Lift 2 Symm Gaming Mouse has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Sweet Fruits Tokidoki – Banana Split glasses

Daniel Waite
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Review: Sweet Fruits Tokidoki – Banana Split glasses

The Sweet Fruits Tokidoki – Banana Split glasses from GUNNAR are perfect for gamers who love a feminine finish without the flashy style. These cat-eye style glasses offer GUNNAR’s incredible eye-health benefits. Furthermore, they show off your love of Tokidoki thanks to their minute Easter eggs. On top of this, the acetate frame is strong and the flexible spring hinges ensure they are comfortable to wear.

Though the style may not be for everyone, they will appeal to a niche gamer-girl audience. As such, if you fall for their charms, you can enjoy reduced eye fatigue and eye strain without breaking the bank. These affordable but subdued glasses are ideal if you spend hours in front of your phone, TV, or monitor. No one likes headaches or the negative effects of blue light. Consequently, you can reduce these problems immediately if you invest in a pair of these glasses.

What’s in the box of the Sweet Fruits Tokidoki – Banana Split glasses?

  • The box is understated but strong. Additionally, it can be recycled.
  • The Sweet Fruits Tokidoki – Banana Split glasses are lightweight and robust. I picked the clear 35% blue light protection lenses. However, you can pick an amber tint or sunglasses. Furthermore, -5 to +5 prescription lenses can be purchased for an additional price.
  • A hard case enhances the stylish finish.
  • Show off your colourful side with the microfibre cloth and soft protective case.

Technical aspects.

Keeping your eye health protected is a priority. If you spend hours in front of a screen or you like to game when commuting to work, you’ll probably struggle with eye strain and headaches. Moreover, your eyes are likely to be itchy as the glare and environmental factors will dry out your lenses. Thankfully, the Sweet Fruits Tokidoki – Banana Split glasses can help to reduce these issues. GUNNAR’s patented lens technology helps to keep your lenses moist whilst reducing the negative impact of blue light and screen glare. This is a godsend whenever you work for extended periods.

If you are a designer or someone who needs 100% colour clarity, the clear lenses offer the best compromise. Though they do not have a 65% protection rating like the amber lens alternative, the crystal-clear lens allows you to see every colour perfectly. Subsequently, you can get on with your day without worrying about silly mistakes.

Finally, the clear lenses sit at the EPIC performance level. This is GUNNAR’s way of rating their products and the technology that is included. These impressive glasses have anti-smudge and anti-reflective material for a more comfortable experience. Additionally, if you stream, you don’t want your audience to become distracted. Luckily, this won’t happen with these incredible gaming glasses.

Build quality.

I’m pretty careful with all my accessories. I don’t see the benefit in throwing around something that I like and use regularly. However, if you have a bit of a temper, or you are naturally clumsy, sometimes mistakes can happen. Thankfully, the Sweet Fruits Tokidoki – Banana Split glasses are robust and hard-wearing. The acetate frame will resist scratches and heavy handling. Moreover, the spring-loaded hinges will adjust to wider faces. This was perfect as they felt comfortable without adding unnecessary pressure to my temples.

Alongside this, the hard and soft cases were pleasant to handle. If you are chucking these glasses in a carry-on bag, the hard case will keep them safe. However, the soft case is perfect if you are travelling to work or you wish to keep the glasses protected at your desk. On top of this, the microfibre cloth is soft and this helps to reduce scratches to your lenses. 

Are the Sweet Fruits Tokidoki – Banana Split glasses worth it?

As a man, these glasses are not for me. Yet, I can see why they are appealing. The larger cat-eye lenses are distinctive and I love the simple dark acetate frame. The Tokidoki Easter egg on the frame is attractive and the clear lenses are great if you work with colour. Additionally, the eye health benefits will enhance your productivity and reduce headaches and eye strain. Accordingly, if you want a stylish pair of glasses to impress your friends and followers, buy them here!

(More information on GUNNAR can be found here!)

The Sweet Fruits Tokidoki - Banana Split glasses have been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland

Daniel Waite
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Review: Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland is 90s personified. The basic platforming, vibrant colours, and easy ideas reminded me of the best Mega Drive and PlayStation games. Furthermore, it has a pixelated finish and the ability to play in glorious HD. As such, it’ll appeal to retro gamers and those who like a modern approach.

This platforming adventure title was developed and published by The MIX Games Inc. Furthermore, it is a single-player and couch cooperative title. As such, if you have young kids or a partner who loves to game, you can team up and overcome every obstacle you face. My only complaint is the ridiculously simple action. Unfortunately, I never felt challenged and this was disappointing. Though each stage delivers unique surprises and obstacles, it won’t push you to your limits.

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland tells a silly tale. 

Whenever you have babies as protagonists, you know the plot will be a little outlandish. Well, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland has a silly and predictable plot that doesn’t disappoint. The 4 babies must use their skills and their agility to explore each key area of their house. Using their imagination, they create an exciting environment that is fun to explore. 

Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, and Lil love the Raptor TV franchise. Accordingly, when they see an advert for the latest computer game, they let their imagination go wild. The surrounding world evolves into a computer playground and they must explore and defeat each boss as they collect raptor coins. This treasure is used to open the mysterious Raptor door. As such, the babies are desperate to collect every coin and see what surprises lay behind that door. 

Rudimentary ideas.

I normally love a straightforward affair. Being able to pick up a game and get straight into the action is appealing. However, when a title fails to evolve and everything is set at one level, it gets somewhat frustrating. This is exactly what happens when you tackle Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland. The basic concepts are aimed towards a younger audience. Yet, its key demographic will be older gamers who remember the original TV series. Consequently, I was a little confused as things unfolded. 

Though the mechanics are easy to understand, I’m not sure that young children will be able to play this alone. There are plenty of minor puzzles to overcome and some platform elements that require finesse. Subsequently, younger gamers will struggle with these moments. What’s more, the boss battles can be tough and understanding how to defeat each antagonist is not always easy. Therefore, this is a title that is best played as a pair if you have younger gamers in your house. 

It is missing some key elements. 

Retro platformers excelled because of their challenging moments and hidden collectables. Unfortunately, Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland misses this concept. Every key item is easy to find and progressing through each stage wasn’t tough. Yes, there are some branching pathways, but these will rarely challenge you. What’s more, if you miss a Raptor coin, it doesn’t prevent you from moving on. As such, you can fly through each stage and the game continues regardless. 

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland looks great. 

Though the core gameplay ideas didn’t float my boat, visually it is great. I loved both the modern visuals and the pixelated graphics. The latter filled me with nostalgia as it screamed Sega Mega Drive. However, the polished HD graphics were perfect for a modern audience. The vibrant colours and excellent character models were nice to see. Moreover, the animation is smooth and climbing ropes, moving boxes, and solving puzzles were fun.

I watched Rugrats as a youngster and the audio brought back many happy memories. I love the music and the sound effects. Additionally, the sound bites and key TV clips bring everything together. Though it doesn’t do anything new, I loved the developer’s attention to detail. 

The controls were occasionally clumsy.

The control system is focused towards younger gamers. As such, the layout is easy to understand and you’ll have it mastered in no time. However, things were somewhat clumsy when it came to the climbing element. Furthermore, stacking boxes was somewhat annoying as it wasn’t as accurate or as easy as I’d have liked. Subsequently, though it is straightforward to play, there are some issues to be aware of. 

Each of the levels has 4 raptor coins to collect. Furthermore, there is a boss battle and loads of minions to overcome on each stage. Consequently, there is plenty to do as you explore each imaginative zone. Yet, once you tackle each level and grab every coin, there is no reason to return and that was unfortunate. 

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland was a decent game. 

This will not set the world alight. The basic gameplay and rudimentary action are pretty familiar. If you then consider the simple platforming mechanics and easy puzzles, it doesn’t test you. However, it is aimed towards a younger audience and anything harder would have been unfair. Accordingly, though it didn’t test me, my kids enjoyed the colourful worlds and loud audio. As such, it is a decent game and I recommend buying it here! Can you open Raptor’s door? Complete each stage, destroy the bosses, and collect every coin.

Review: Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town

Saim Khurshid
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0
Review: Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town

Developed by h.a.n.d. Inc. and Published by Neos Corporation, Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is an open world, Slice of Life, collectathon point and click adventure. 

Kids might not always be the sharpest tools in the shed, but Shin chan really takes things to another level with his ridiculous antics all over town. His blend of silliness and pure stupidity turns the mundane into a bit sillier mundane.

Plus, why is it that every time someone in this town sees a six-year-old, their first instinct is to hand him a totally random task?

A Shin Chan Cartoon

Shin Chan and his grandfather travel to this village, while they’re there, Shin Chan has no school or nothing. Obviously he gets bored really quickly, so he goes around town helping people do their daily tasks to pass time. 

Eventually they start taking advantage of him by forcing him into “child labour” of sorts by giving him the strangest of tasks to complete. Like, for example, catching bugs for an obsessive woman or (other crazy thing Shin Chan does in the game)

I haven’t really watched the show before, but I’ve definitely heard of it thanks to its popularity. With my limited knowledge, I recall it being quite different from what I experienced in the game.

It’s interesting how things evolve over time, much like what we’ve seen with The Simpsons and Family Guy, which have changed significantly since their early days. Still, the sheer randomness and unpredictability of Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is something else entirely!

Child Labour

While the tasks you have to do in this Shin Chan game are an extensive list, I don’t want to spoil them for you so I will only explain the first one to you.

The game begins with the aforementioned plot explanation from Grandpa to Shin Chan followed by Grandpa taking Shin Chan to a field somewhere in the village, to catch bugs. The gameplay here and through most of the game will be point & click plus some button pushing. It is quite simple, Google Play Store simple.

Afterwards, Grandpa tells us about a lady in the village who loves bugs and says that we should take the one we caught to her. We take it to her, and so begins an endless tirade of tasks.

After this mission, the open world of the game is made available with a time cycle that moves forward after every completed task. 

The fun thing was that you had to be home by night and were not allowed to leave till morning after. A nice touch of realism if I do say so myself.

I will say that most of this game is just plain old children’s game dribble with often pointless and boring tasks and dialogue straight from the bum. One thing, however, gave me some enjoyment. That one thing was the world itself. 

The ever expanding world of Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal town captures a perfect blend of video game and serene Japanese countryside. 

Travelling the locations available in Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town gave me the feeling of anemoia, if you will.

A Young Feeling

And there you have it! Shinchan: Shiro and the Coal Town is a wild, whimsical ride through a charming Japanese village, filled with Shinchan’s trademark shenanigans. While some tasks might feel a bit mundane, the real joy comes from exploring this quirky world and meeting its eccentric characters.

If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted adventure that captures the carefree spirit of childhood, this game is definitely worth checking out. 

A Closer Look at the Minecraft Chess Set

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at the Minecraft Chess Set

With Christmas just around the corner, we take a look at the Minecraft Chess Set from The Noble Collection.

If you’re always thinking several moves ahead, show off your strategic gaming skills in real life with this Minecraft chess set. Will you play as the friendly Overworld characters or take the side of the dark hostile mobs?

The 18″ square chess board features a wood-like frame around a playing surface of ‘‘grass’ in textured shades of green, surrounded by Minecraft logos in a metallic finish, suitable for the game of kings (and Steves).

This set includes 32 game pieces up to 4″ tall with textures and finishes that resemble marbled stone, obsidian, redstone or emerald.

Like most things in Minecraft, some assembly is required! The board arrives as four interlocking quadrants which can be easily disassembled for more convenient storage.

The Minecraft Chess Set from The Noble Collection is available now priced around £55 and is aimed at ages 8 and above. It is an amazing chess set and if you are a fan of Minecraft this is a must have addition to anyones collection.

You can learn more from The Noble Collection website.

A Closer Look at MyFirst 3dPen

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at MyFirst 3dPen

With Christmas not that far away, we take a look at the MyFirst 3dPen.

Introducing the myFirst 3dPen Make – where imagination takes shape with a touch of magic!

Let your child’s creativity soar with our 3D Pen Starter Kit! Perfect for children aged 5 to 13 who have a passion for art and crafts.

Say goodbye to messy wires! Our wireless myFirst 3dPen Make boasts an inbuilt battery with convenient USB charging. No cords to tangle with – just pure, unrestricted creative freedom!

Watch their ideas come to life with lightning-fast solidification thanks to our low-heat filament. No need to wait around – it dries in a flash! And the best part? It’s non-adhesive and super easy to clean up.

Human hand holds a red plastic dragonfly from an ABS/PLN plastic. Macro shot.

Worried about safety? Fear not! The myFirst 3dPen Make is safe to touch. The inner device’s heat stays where it belongs, keeping those little hands cool and comfortable. Plus, our filament is made from PCL materials that are gentle to the touch and harmless.

Unleash your child’s artistic potential with a 3D Pen that’s not only fun but also safe and easy to use. Let the 3D adventures begin – it’s time to bring their drawings to life!

The MyFirst 3dPen is available now for around £49 and will really bring out the creativity in your little ones. When you need to buy more filaments, they are available for around £18.

You can learn more from the MyFirst website.

A Closer Look at Survive the Island

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at Survive the Island

With Christmas just around the corner, we take a look at Survive the Island from ZygoMatic.

In Survive the Island, players battle against the elements and their opponents. As soon as their adventurers arrive on the island searching for treasure, the ground begins to tremble and age-old volcanoes awaken, sinking the land beneath the waters and giving free rein to terrible creatures. Players will have to cunningly find their way back to dry land, loaded down with as much treasure as possible.

Each player commands a team of 10 Adventurers, each carrying varying amounts of treasure. The more treasure they carry, the more points they earn! On their turn, players perform three actions. First, they move their Adventurers closer to safety, either by foot or by embarking on rafts. Next, as the waters engulf the island, they select a tile to remove, revealing either a dangerous creature or a powerful special ability that they can save for later. Finally, they activate one of the monsters on the board, using it to protect themselves or seize the chance to betray other players!

First released in 1982, this timeless game by Julian Courtland-Smith is getting a full makeover in this 2024 version, for up to 5 players. With fresh illustrations by Mr. Cuddington, a revamped box design and wooden components give the game a modern feel. The most exciting change of all is the introduction of an exclusive new monster: the legendary Kaiju promises heightened peril for intrepid adventurers! Despite these changes, one constant remains since the very first version: navigating the island’s challenges is no easy feat—you might face betrayal, but one thing’s certain, you’re in for a fun-filled experience!

The box contains 1 game board, 40 Island tiles, 50 wooden Adventurer meeples, 13 wooden Creatures, 12 wooden Rafts, 5 Player Aids and 1 Creature die.

Each game takes around 40 minutes to play and you can play with 2 to 5 players.

Survive the Island from ZygoMatic is available now priced around £28.99 and is aimed at ages 8 and up. Its a really fun game and would make a great Christmas present for the game lover in your family.

A Closer Look at DC Cinematic Universe – A celebration of DC at the Movies

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at DC Cinematic Universe – A celebration of DC at the Movies

With Christmas not that far away, we take a look at the DC Cinematic Universe – A celebration of DC at the Movies.

For the first time ever, immerse yourself in the live-action thrills of DC at the movies in one spectacular book.

From the trailblazing 1940s movie serials that first put Batman and Superman on the silver screen to the Caped Crusader’s swinging 1960s escapades and the iconic 1970s Superman to the state-of-the-art 21st century reinventions of the Dark Knight, the Man of Steel, and Wonder Woman, this book is an indispensable guided tour of DC cinema history.


See how DC’s characters, locations, costumes, and weapons have been adapted from page to screen and evolved over the decades. Witness some of the world’s finest actors, such as Academy-Award winners Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson, Christian Bale, Nicole Kidman, Joaquin Phoenix, Viola Davis, and others transform into the Super Heroes, Super-Villains, and supporting cast for their times.Go behind the scenes and discover little known facts while poring over stunning movie stills, posters, storyboards, and designs. All this plus engaging, authoritative text that provides insights into DC’s rich cinematic legacy, makes this the book that every DC film fan has been waiting for!

DC Cinematic Universe – A celebration of DC at the Movies is a beautiful hardcover book with 256 pages packed with pictures and info that any DC fan will love.

DC Cinematic Universe – A celebration of DC at the Movies by Nick Jones and Stephen Wiacek and published by DK is available now priced around £30.00.

News: SK hynix P41

Daniel Waite
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News: SK hynix P41

Modern gaming is a wonderful experience. Realism is through the roof, and the world is prettier than anything that nature can throw our way. However, there is one major stumbling block that causes headaches for every global gamer: storage space. No matter how much we try, there is never enough room to install every game we wish to play.

Thankfully, this is where SK hynix comes to the fore. Their incredible storage solutions are game-changing! Whether you use an external drive like the Beetle X31 or the Tube T31 or you plump for an internal drive like the SK hynix P41, this company will not let you down.

Now, you may be wondering why I’m saying this. Well, I’ve been playing Black Ops 6 and I couldn’t help but wince at the monstrous 300 GB file size. Yet, this isn’t the only game to consume most of my storage. Consequently, I was impressed when SK Hynix discounted their market-leading SSD to $76. 

Technical aspects of the SK hynix P41.

  • Top-tier performance – Read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,500 MB/s with proprietary SK hynix HYPERWRITE cache technology.
  • Pioneering power efficiency – next-tier power efficiency that keeps your system running smoother than ever.
  • 5-year warranty, superior reliability and stability – Tested and validated through 1,000 hours of HTOL (Stress Test) with MTBF reaching 1.5 million hours, up to 1,200 TBW (TeraBytes Written).
  • Premium SSD powered by the global top-tier memory manufacturer, a tech leader since 1983.
  • Easy installation across multiple devices, pairing with our custom SK hynix edition Macrium cloning software.

(More information on SK hynix can be found here!)

Reivew: Anarkade

Daniel Waite
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0
Reivew: Anarkade

Anarkade is a slow-burner. Accordingly, it took me a while to understand its basic ideas and simple gameplay. However, once it clicked, I couldn’t help but adore its pixelated charms. Furthermore, it has a proper old-school edge that made me reminisce about my childhood.

This arcade shooter was developed by Pixelatom and published by Blowfish Studios. Moreover, it has some platform elements and procedurally generated levels. Consequently, no playthrough is the same and this was great. Unfortunately, though, there is limited depth and each short match follows a similar pattern. This was a shame as the developer could have added plenty of unique ideas. In its current state, you can enjoy it casually as the action does occasionally outstay its welcome.

Anarkade has no story. 

When madness and violence are your central ideas, a plot doesn’t need to be present. Anarkade takes this to the next level as there are no characters to empathise with and no back story to consider. I found this to be an unnecessary shortcoming as there could have been rivalries between each protagonist and some antagonists to tackle. 

The lack of depth only enhances my thoughts on the casual experience. With nothing to work toward and no characters to boo or cheer for, you plod along regardless. Now, this may seem very negative, but I don’t understand why a cheesy 80s-style good vs evil mindset wasn’t incorporated.

Fast action and limited tactics. 

Anarkade focuses on short, sharp arena battles that push you hard. Each stage is set in a unique pixelated backdrop and you must consider each obstacle if you wish to succeed. As each round evolves, you must grab crates to improve your weaponry. At first, you start with a knife and a pistol. However, you can upgrade this to a rocket launcher, shotgun, and much more. 

Alongside this, you can leap between platforms and bounce off of walls. Furthermore, you can fall between gaps and appear through the ceiling. These tactical elements were great as they added depth to an otherwise shallow game. Moreover, it was an interesting way to wind up your friends. As they aim, you can act like a ninja and avoid their advances. This amusing element causes plenty of arguments and a high level of smugness.

Anarkade is wonderfully pixelated. 

If you want a modern title that will punish your GPU, this isn’t the game. Anarkade is brilliantly pixelated and undeniably simple. Each level has a unique theme and there are some obstacles to address and overcome. On top of this, you may customise your pixelated hero. Though this doesn’t add much to the action, it was fun nonetheless. The animation is as rudimentary as you’d expect. However, this adds to the old-school charm.

The audio is an angry and energetic blend of songs and sound effects. The high-energy music blurs into the background as you try to tackle your opponents. Though I expected it to be more memorable, it didn’t bother me. When the action became heated, I was too focused on avoiding my foes and staying alive.

Simple controls. 

Mastering the controls is a straightforward task. You must move, jump shoot, or slash with your knife. Each input is responsive, and navigating the world is a pleasure as a consequence. Though I’d have liked some character-specific combos or special moves, I enjoyed the rudimentary gameplay. 

Anarkade splits its action between local and online multiplayer battles. Furthermore, you can play Deathmatch or a crate-based points system. Both are chaotic and winning either tests your resolve. As such, there is some replay value and longevity. 

Anarkade has a limited appeal.

Unfortunately, the rudimentary arcade gameplay lacks depth. No story and simple mechanics will not appeal to everyone. However, if you want a casual arena-based title that is great to play with friends, then Anarkade ticks those boxes. Accordingly, it is good and I recommend buying it here! Can you win every battle? Customise your fighter, upgrade your weapons, and outthink your foes.

Review: E9 Standing Desk

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: E9 Standing Desk

FlexiSpot is renowned for its exceptional office furniture. Furthermore, they have some amazing reclining chairs and hybrid exercise equipment. I have been fortunate to cover many of their wonderful products, such as the E7 Standing Desk and the C7 Air Ergonomic Chair. These incredible items were easy to build and comfortable to use. Accordingly, I couldn’t wait to get started when I was offered the E9 Standing Desk.

I’m going to open with a review defining statement! The E9 Standing Desk is the best desk that FlexiSpot has ever created. Yes, I know it’s not reviewing protocol to give the game away so early, but this product blew me away. The dual brushless motors are quiet, strong, and sturdy. Moreover, the black frame is sleek and professional. I topped this with the small rounded edge worktop for a truly alluring finish.

If this isn’t enough, this desk has anti-collision technology to keep your children and animals safe. Additionally, there are 4 memory settings for multiple users and this desk can be expanded to work in a larger space. I picked the 120 by 60 cm desktop as Cornish houses are compact and oddly built. However, you can go up to 180 by 80 cm if you have a large office. This flexibility was fantastic as standing desks are renowned for their large stature. Subsequently, getting something smaller for my unique living arrangements was appreciated.

What’s in the box of the E9 Standing Desk?

  • The packaging is plain but wonderfully robust. What’s more, it is extremely heavy! The 2 boxes weighed over 55 Kg. Consequently, your delivery driver may need a hand to move the boxes. I advise caution when moving the packaging as you don’t wish to hurt yourself.
  • The E9 Standing Desk comprises around 15 parts. Each heavy-duty piece is easy to identify and constructing the product was a straightforward task.
  • The desktop has a nice rounded edge and pre-marked holes.
  • A bag of screws is labelled to help with construction.
  • Tools are provided for the build.
  • The assembly guide keeps you on track.

Building the E9 Standing Desk.

The E9 Standing Desk is a heavy desk. As such, you will need 2 people to flip the desk over once constructed. I advise using the cardboard box to rest the desktop on when you are building the product. This will reduce the risk of damage and scratches. Moreover, you will need a large space to place every part. Yet, once you start construction, things come together nicely and you’ll adore how easy it is to build.

The excellent assembly guide is straightforward to follow. I made one mistake as I didn’t check the instructions correctly. Though I was foolish to rush ahead, it was easy to undo my error and build the desk correctly. It took me around 20 minutes to unpack and build the desk by myself. However, if there were 2 people, this would have been done in less than 10 minutes. Connecting the desktop is the toughest part of this build. Though there are pre-marked holes, you must take your time to line these up correctly.

Technical aspects.

This standing desk is packed with life-improving tech. If you have to work at a desk all day, you’ll know how horrible your hips and back feel by 17:00. Poor posture and the pressure on your hips from extended sitting are not good for your health. Thankfully, this impressive standing desk removes that issue. The height range of 63.5-128.5 cm allows users of all shapes and sizes to benefit. As such, you can combine this desk with one of FlexiSpot’s ergonomic chairs for the ultimate work experience.

The smooth lifting system is supported by dual brushless motors. The quiet motors deliver < 50 dB of noise and can lift up to 180 kg. This is impressive as you can load your desktop with monitors, and peripherals, and your PC tower and the desk will not struggle. On top of this, brushless motors generate reduced heat and friction to increase longevity and reliability. No wonder FlexiSpot offers a whopping 20-year warranty on the frame.

Finally, the handy control panel has a built-in memory that can store 4 unique positions. This was fantastic if you share an office space or your kids need to work from the desk for their school work. The memory settings can be changed with ease and I liked the straightforward functionality. Furthermore, the anti-collision feature can be altered using the up and down arrows. If you wish to deactivate this safety feature you can. Alternatively, you can select between low and high sensitivity to prevent animals or children from trapping limbs near the moving parts.

Build quality.

I adore the health benefits and the technicality of the E9 Standing Desk. However, it is the build quality that shines through. This desk can be purchased in white or black. I picked the black option as I love the clean finish and professional edge. Thankfully, FlexiSpot has matched every accessory to create a simple but stunning look. There is an array of desktops that can be selected alongside the frame. You may pick a natural wood look or a simple and clean solid colour. Furthermore, the rounded edges were appreciated as they reduce the risk of injuries whilst enhancing that eye-catching appearance.

The handy cable cover improves cable management. As such, the desk has a safe and streamlined look that will not disappoint. The control panel can be placed on the left or right side. This was great as you can customise the product to your liking. Luckily, pre-marked holes are provided on both sides of the desk to reduce the risk of damage. 

Is the E9 Standing Desk worth it?

Improving your office space takes plenty of planning and consideration. Investing in health-improving furniture is a must as this will improve morale and productivity. Accordingly, a FlexiSpot product must be on your radar. The E9 Standing Desk is a phenomenal piece of office furniture that will not disappoint. The motors are quiet and strong and the safety features are reassuring. Additionally, it looks incredible and will instantly improve any room and I recommend buying it here! The E9 Standing Desk can be purchased at a special pre-Black Friday sale price between November 1st and November 28th 2024. Click here and don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity.

(More information on FlexiSpot can be found here!)

The E9 Standing Desk has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

Review: Backbone USB-C 2nd Gen controller

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Backbone USB-C 2nd Gen controller

The Backbone USB-C 2nd Gen controller is a phenomenal accessory for gamers who love to play when they are on the move. Cloud gaming and streaming your favourite titles are all the rage. However, relying on a mobile signal can be a bit of a problem. Yet, you will not be concerned if you have a stable Wi-Fi connection or live in a strong 4G/5G area. Alternatively, maybe you emulate retro games from your phone’s storage. Either way, this clip-on controller is the perfect solution.

Unlike some of its peers, this device does not have a battery. Instead, it has a low-power draw whenever your phone is plugged into the USB-C connector. If you have a lightning port, you can purchase the 2nd Gen lightning option instead. This “wired” connection delivers a low-latency connection that is ideal for competitive games. Additionally, your Bluetooth feature is free to connect to your favourite headphones. Accordingly, you do not need to compromise when you use this controller.

What’s in the box of the Backbone USB-C 2nd Gen controller?

  • The packaging has a striking monochromatic edge. Alongside this, it highlights every compatible streaming service. The main box has a professional finish and it can be recycled.
  • The Backbone USB-C 2nd Gen controller has a retractable spring system. Moreover, you can adjust the magnetic pads to fit an array of mobile phones.
  • 2 magnetic pads are provided.
  • A safety guide helps to keep you and your product safe.

Technical aspects.

Gaming is a battery-consuming hobby. Consequently, your phone can run out of juice before your marathon session has ended. This problem has been removed with the inclusion of a USB-C port and pass-through charging. On top of this, if you do not have a Bluetooth headset, you can use the 3.5mm audio port for all your audio needs. This was great as it makes the Backbone USB-C 2nd Gen controller a truly versatile device.

The low-power draw and low-latency connection are superb if you love to play for hours. Additionally, other than signal issues, I had no problems with input lag. Subsequently, if you are a competitive gamer, you can play with your clan and not damage your K/D ratio. Another key element is the plug-and-play approach. Once you connect your phone to the controller, you are good to go. Simply choose the game you wish to play and lose yourself in the moment. As such, this controller is ideal if you hate to play with settings or you are super lazy like me. 

The Backbone App.

If a straightforward experience is your priority, then you will adore the Backbone App. This free-to-download software is the perfect tool to keep your gaming in one place. On top of this, there is a Backbone+ membership that highlights every compatible game. You are provided with a trial period to test the incredible features. However, once the trial ends, you’ll need to invest $39.99 per year to enhance your experience.

Though the app isn’t essential, I liked the video editing and the live stream directly to Twitch feature. If you don’t wish to invest, you can still update the firmware and take screenshots of your best moments. Moreover, you can play any controller-compatible game with ease and enjoy the 1-year manufacturer warranty.

Build quality.

The Backbone USB-C 2nd Gen controller is wonderfully robust and easy to set up. My ROG phone is large and I was worried that it wouldn’t fit in the controller. Luckily, it extends to 10.14 inches to comfortably house the largest of phones. Though it was a tight squeeze, my phone sat between the magnetic pads and I wasn’t concerned about my phone slipping or getting damaged.

The device is lightweight but the spring-loaded hinge is strong. As such, your phone stays where it is placed and the product doesn’t feel too heavy. Furthermore, there is a nice balance and I never felt strained whenever I tackled my favourite games. Finally, the button placement was familiar and though they are slightly smaller than `Microsoft’s `official design, they weren’t uncomfortable to use. What’s more, the travel distance and responsive inputs ensure that you enjoy pinpoint accuracy.

Is the Backbone USB-C 2nd Gen controller worth it?

Mobile gaming is huge! Accordingly, more people want the best experience whenever they are commuting or working away from home. Yes, you can invest in a Steam Deck or a ROG Ally, but they are expensive and potentially not a suitable solution. Thankfully, the Backbone USB-C 2nd Gen controller is affordable, compact, and easy to transport. What’s more, the handy app helps nontechnical gamers stay in the loop. Consequently, if you want to play COD or your favourite retro title with no hassle, then this is the controller for you. Don’t settle for second best and buy this device here!

(More information on Backbone can be found here!)

The Backbone USB-C 2nd Gen controller has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

(Full disclosure! Backbone provided a sample for a free and unbiased review!)

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