Review: Tokidoki Flower Power glasses

Daniel Waite
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Review: Tokidoki Flower Power glasses

The Tokidoki Flower Power glasses are perfect for gamer girls and female office workers who love to make a statement. These floral glasses have a beautiful retro feel and a sublime handmade metal and acetate frame. In addition, there are adjustable nose pads for enhanced comfort. Add the robust spring hinges, and you get a fantastic pair of gaming glasses.

If you work with computers or spend your day looking at a TV or phone, you will suffer from the side effects of blue light. Every screen and modern device floods your eyes with harsh blue light. Accordingly, you’ll experience dry eyes, itchy lenses, and fatigue. Furthermore, you may suffer from headaches and eye strain. This makes gaming and working an uncomfortable experience. Accordingly, you can remove these issues with GUNNAR’s patented lens technology. 

The amber-tinted lenses deliver 65% blue light protection. Moreover, you enjoy 100% UV protection whenever you are out and about. The amber lenses deliver a slight colour hue that may not be ideal for graphic designers or artists. If this is the case, you can select the clear lens and still enjoy 35% blue light protection. Subsequently, your work needn’t suffer as you improve your eye health.

What’s in the box of the Tokidoki Flower Power glasses?

  • The box is compact and plain. However, it is tough and can be recycled. 
  • The Tokidoki Flower Power glasses are delightful to look at. They are colourful and have some special Tokidoki Easter eggs. 
  • A colourful microfibre cloth and soft case help to remove dirt and keep the glasses safe. 
  • The hard case is perfect for your overnight bag. 

Technical aspects. 

Keeping your eyes safe whilst working from your desk is essential. Thankfully, the Tokidoki Flower Power glasses are stylish without jeopardising your eye health. Though they are non-prescription as standard, you can order -5 – +5 lenses for an additional cost. The decision between clear and amber-tinted lenses is quite straightforward. If your job requires pinpoint colour accuracy, then I suggest buying clear lenses. Though the blue light protection may be reduced, you still enjoy reduced fatigue and eye strain. 

These glasses are part of GUNNAR’s legendary range. As such, they offer the G-Shield premium lens coating to reduce scratching and smudges. What’s more, they are anti-reflective and this is great if you love to stream or you work in front of a camera. Consequently, you can focus on your game without distracting your audience. 

Build quality. 

I love the technical aspects of these glasses. Yet, it is the unusual frame colour and the fantastic build quality that impressed me more. The Tokidoki Easter eggs were pleasant and I loved the clear acetate frame. On top of this, the flexible spring hinges improve comfort and longevity. The adjustable nose pads have a hypoallergenic finish and are made from titanium. Additionally, they have a Tokidoki logo laser engraved to add a flashy edge. 

The glasses are kept safe with the delightful glasses case. This simple but reassuringly strong case keeps your glasses from becoming damaged on long journeys. If you don’t fancy using the hard case, a colourful soft case is a delightful alternative. Furthermore, you may clean your lenses with the soft microfibre cloth. This vibrant cloth is great to look at and I adored the unusual design. 

Are the Tokidoki Flower Power glasses worth it? 

Gaming glasses are becoming more mainstream. The benefits are great and you will enjoy longer gaming sessions and improved productivity. Alongside this, GUNNAR creates some impressive and unusual designs that appeal to every taste. Though the vibrant and retro style may not be for you, perhaps the Sweet Fruits Tokidoki glasses will be your cup of tea. Either way, if these glasses catch your eye, I recommend buying them here!

(More information on GUNNAR can be found here!) 

The Tokidoki Flower Power glasses have been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

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

News: RIG 600 PRO HS Acid Camo headset

Daniel Waite
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News: RIG 600 PRO HS Acid Camo headset

Nacon and RIG deliver some exceptional gaming peripherals. Consequently, when they announced a GameStop exclusive partnership for the RIG 600 PRO HS Acid Camo headset I took note. This fantastic device is perfect for PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or PC gamers. Furthermore, this updated headset includes Wicked Cushions for an unrivalled comfort and audio experience.

Technical aspects of the RIG 600 PRO HS Acid Camo headset.

  • Limited edition Acid Camo headband and earpad design. 
  • Featuring ‘WC PadZ’ ear cushions designed by Wicked Cushions. 
  • Multiplatform gaming headset compatible with PlayStation, PC and Nintendo Switch via USB-C wireless adapter. Also includes a USB-A adapter.
  • Experience unmatched audio with bass-boosted high-sensitivity 40mm drivers, low-frequency enhancing bass tubes, and tuned acoustic chambers that deliver impressively balanced game audio.
  • Dual-mode wireless maximizes platform compatibility by combining a low-latency 2.4GHz USB-C wireless adapter and Bluetooth connectivity. Also includes a USB-A adapter.
  • A high-quality microphone provides crystal clear voice pickup, and the flip-to-hide boom automatically mutes your voice when closed.
  • Enjoy all-day comfort with snap-to-fit earcups wrapped in breathable fabric matched with a virtually unbreakable and cushioned headband.
  • Choose the right mix of game audio and team chat with on-ear game/chat balance controls.
  • Access deep customisation with the 600 PRO Navigator app, including custom equalizer settings, microphone sensitivity, wireless modes, and more.
  • Stay powered up with up to 24-hour Bluetooth battery life and up to 18 hours when using the low-latency 2.4GHz USB-C dongle.

Product Description. 

Melt the competition across your PlayStation, PC or Nintendo Switch, with the 600 PRO HS – now available in a Limited-Edition Acid Camo design. The incredibly comfortable 600 PRO headset just got better with WC PadZ ear cushions by Wicked Cushions. Designed exclusively for the 600 PRO HS, the Wicked Cushions’ dense memory foam, lined with custom sports fabric and wrapped in camo-patterned PU leather, offers all-day comfort with wicked style. 

Custom-tuned for WC PadZ, the 600 PRO HS combines bass-boosted high-sensitivity 40mm drivers, tuned acoustic chambers and high-quality noise-isolating earpads, ensuring optimal noise isolation and unmatched audio fidelity.

(Available now from GameStop for $89.99)

Review: Keylocker

Daniel Waite
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Review: Keylocker

Keylocker will make you scream and curse as its rhythm-based gameplay bores into your soul. Now, I can hear the shouts of “Get Gud”. Frankly, you wouldn’t be wrong. After all, my lack of robotic reactions was just one of the reasons why this game drove me to distraction. Alongside the brutal window of response, you must accept wave after wave of mindless combat. Sadly, this is enough to make the most patient individual scream the house down.

This JRPG turn-based title was developed by Moonana Inc. and published by Serenity Forge LLC. Moreover, it is a single-player experience that focuses on rhythmical action inputs. Accordingly, you need to be alert if you wish to make the most of this game. The desire to stand out from the crowd was a gamble. Unfortunately, it does not pay off as it holds it back.

Keylocker has a fantastic story. 

This cyberpunk game is set in a phenomenal environment. Saturn has been colonised and music is banned. The doppelgangers were created to serve the caste for the benefit of the Saturnian Satellites. However, a rebellion is forming and the protagonist BOBO must use her skills to overcome the brutal regime and save music.

The plot unfolds through exceptional character interactions and micro-moments. Furthermore, the plot changes depending on which character build you plump for. This was great as it increases replay value and changes your tactical direction. Yet, no matter what hero you want to be, the core mechanics drag you down. Additionally, the annoying and senseless combat becomes tedious and this was a shame. 

Pointless battles. 

When a game focuses on rhythm-based combat, you’d expect each encounter to be thrilling and interesting. Unfortunately, Keylocker had other ideas. Many of the fights are used to fill time. What’s more, the Satellites (Saturn’s law enforcement), follow you around in their drones. As such, you do your best to avoid their attention but this is futile. 

Unfortunately, no matter how much you try to run and hide, they always catch you. This leads to a turn-based affair of button bashing and luck. As your enemy flashes white, you just execute the button command. If you are successful, you’ll dodge, parry, or attack your foe. This is normally enough to end the encounter, but if you mistime things, you’ll get your ass handed to you. Thankfully, the developers let you restart each failed battle without the need to reload a save. This was necessary as I’m not sure I could stomach any more pointless action.

Keylocker looks amazing. 

The biggest disappointment for me is how the exceptional setting and brilliant audio are not the focal points. The world is a glorious wash of neon lights and pixelated art. What’s more, the futuristic edge has a sinister tone that is uncomfortable to look at. Though the combat wasn’t my cup of tea, the animation was solid and well-executed. Yet, I can’t help but focus on the relentless battles and how much they taint the exploration elements. 

The audio has a classic synth style that is futuristic, aggressive, and full of drama. The soundtrack complements the story and works well with the combat elements. Furthermore, the sound effects are odd and ridiculous, but perfect for the theme. As such, this is one element that the developer got spot on. 

The controls will test you. 

Rhythm-based gaming is hit or miss. Unfortunately, Keylocker gets this very wrong. I don’t know if it is me, the responsive nature of the controller, or an issue with the programming. Either way, the inputs felt sluggish and this drove me mad. It was a shame as had the window of opportunity been bigger, I’d have forgiven the never-ending combat.

Frustratingly, this has mountains of replay value and longevity. Each character build has various endings and there is plenty to see and do. Furthermore, the story is great to experience and I loved the lore and the different layers. As such, I wish the other elements were better. Unfortunately, I won’t test every approach, nor will I return for more. Yet, if you have rapid reactions, you may enjoy it. 

Keylocker annoyed me. 

There is so much potential that I’m annoyed at its shortcomings. Keylocker could and should have been much better. The rhythm-based mechanics are so clumsy and cruel that it leads to unnecessary frustration. Sadly, this will put many people off and that is a shame. Accordingly, if you enjoy this genre, you may wish to buy it here! Alternatively, if you lack razor-sharp reactions, you’ll probably want to give this a miss. Can you and the other rebels succeed? Play your music, overwhelm your opponents, and quash the overlords.

Review: Hands Off My Pecker

Daniel Waite
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0
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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0
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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0
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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0
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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0
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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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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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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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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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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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!)

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