As we are now on the run up to Christmas, it’s time to review the new James Bond 007 Scalextric Set.
ASTON MARTIN DB5 VS ASTON MARTIN V8
It’s been the British secret agent 007’s choice of vehicle whenever he finds himself in a high-speed pursuit. However, there can only be one iconic bond car. This Scalextric set features various traps and obstacles to decide which is the best Aston Martin of all time.
Aston Martin has been James Bond’s vehicle of choice throughout the 007 franchise, and this set celebrates his most iconic choices: the Aston Martin DB5 and Aston Martin V8. Together in this incredible 1:32 scale set the two cars can go on an epic chase, fighting their way past baddies, through traps and obstacles to be crowned the best Bond Aston Martin of all time!
What’s in the box?
The box contains 1x 15v Transformer, 1x Half Straight Powerbase, 2x Standard Straight, 12x Standard Curve 45 Deg, 1x Half Straight, 2x Chicane Tracks, 1x Straight Crossover, 2x Hand Controllers, 1x Aston Martin V8 Vantage, 1x Aston Martin DB5, 1x Leaflets Pack.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to race two Aston Martins around a track, well now’s your chance!
The attention to detail on the two cars is amazing, 007 is even driving both cars! The cars even have light up headlights so you can race in the dark if you want.
The cars really hold themselves to the track using what Scalextric describe as magnatraction. There is nothing worse than racing and the cars just keep coming off! That said, there are a few parts of the track that if you time it just right you can knock the other car off – now that is fun!
There is a crossroads piece of track which gives you the opportunity to knock your opponent off of the track, it’s not just a race anymore!
The controllers feel comfortable in your hand and are very responsive.
Once you have set up the track, which is fairly simple and quick, it’s time to choose which car is for which player – then its race time!
The James Bond 007 Scalextric Set (C1447M) is available now priced at £159.99 and is a web exclusive on the Scalextric website. If you have a James Bond fan in the family, then this is a really great Christmas present, it will bring hours of fun to the whole family!
I have something of a recurring thought when playing heavily story-focused games. I don’t think exploring stories through the medium of a video game is quite there yet. It feels like there’s many interesting ways we could interact our way through a story. I don’t mean this to be an indictment of The Gap; quite the opposite in fact. It brushes up against an interesting – and unique – way of exploring a story. I’ll get into the specifics of that in a moment but it’s something that narrative games have long wrestled with.
When you play a video game, the expectation is that you’re going to have some involvement. Whether that’s some grand choices that shape the world or just pushing a button to make your character bunny hop. The key element is you. Introducing a story into that mix risks the player essentially functioning as someone reading a book over someone else’s shoulder. My measure of narrative games is how they get around that issue. Let’s see how The Gap fares.
Déjà Vu
The first image you come across in The Gap is probably the best way to explain the overall feel of the plot. It’s a wall full of post-it notes, printed out pieces of paper and scribbled arrows connecting everything back to the single phrase, ‘The Cure’. Already we know that our player character hasn’t got all of his marbles together. Even before we get into the whole ‘parallel universe’ element. Turns out our hero has the ability to cross over into these, thanks to some help from the neurobots in his brain. Bots that look uncomfortably close to the squiddies from The Matrix.
This little slice of sci-fi is used as a framing device for quite the sensitive story. Most of your money’s worth is coming from the emotional gut punches that The Gap delivers. Without delving too far into spoiler territory, the central conflict comes from the diagnosis of a hereditary disease. Our protagonist – called Josh, by the way – slips off the handle as he tries to find a cure and ends up destroying himself in the process, his obsession with delving into other universes resulting in the loss of his own memories. It’s an interesting exploration of memory and grief, as well as a story about how these sorts of diagnoses can drive wedges in otherwise happy relationships. It’s a good concept, handled well.
Down Memory Lane
Part of the good handling is down to the writing, which takes pains to illustrate its characters before things went south, and the decent voice acting. The other part, though, is down to The Gap’s attempts to make use of the format. See, when we first start, we’re not sure what’s going on. We only piece the story together by hopping into memories – and different universes – where we get little snippets of information, without the full context. Some of these memories are happy – like pushing your daughter on a swing – and some are not. It’s a non-linear way of experiencing a story like this and it works well.
The aforementioned diagnosis is like a bomb hitting in the middle of the game. You begin to realise little things about previous memories and re-evaluate the happy ones as you try and place it into your mental timeline. It’s a great technique, that just elevates it out of the pool of narrative games. Having said that, our actual involvement doesn’t go much beyond looking at things and occasionally interacting. If the story doesn’t interest you, you’re left with nothing. There’s no interesting gameplay beyond the odd code input and incredibly light puzzles, which is a little disappointing. To use my earlier analogy, we are still looking over someone’s shoulder, only The Gap lets us control when to turn the pages. If that makes any sense.
Short & Bittersweet
The Gap does enough to make me like it, but it’s held back by the issue that plagues many of these narrative games: it can’t think of a way to insert interesting and challenging gameplay into the mix. The ideal narrative game is one that would have interesting gameplay that furthers the story. Most games seem to approach it from the other way around. The Gap‘s non-linear story makes strides in the right direction. It’s a poignant story too, with some heavy emotional notes, though it does get a little convulted right at the end as it begins tying together the threads. Without spoilers, the last fifteen minutes is basically Josh having a deep discussion with himself.
I came away with a positive feeling, though it must be said that The Gap is quite brutally short. My total playtime was about two and a half hours, which is a little on the short side for £17, especially as this isn’t a game you’re going to want to replay endlessly. Still, it’s one worth picking up if you’ve got the means. The story is an important one, that effectively grounds its more ‘out there’ elements. It can’t quite pair it with meaningful gameplay, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction for narrative games.
The Glorious Model D2 Pro 4k/8K Hz edition mouse is a thing of beauty! This ergonomic mouse ignores the garish nature of RGB lighting and bizarrely patterned, hardened shells. Instead, it focuses on competitive gaming and responsive cutting-edge inputs. As such, any mere mortal can compete with the leading Esports gamers.
Alongside this, I was blown away by its lightweight nature. At only 62g, this mouse is as light as a feather and quicker than a cheetah. Accordingly, your opponents won’t know what’s hit them as you slice them apart at any competitive gaming event.
What’s in the box of the Glorious Model D2 Pro 4k/8K Hz edition mouse?
The compact packaging is alluring and informative. The key selling points and attractive images ensure that you want to open the box immediately.
The Glorious Model D2 Pro 4k/8K Hz edition mouse catches your eye. Its streamlined approach is understated but impressive. Moreover, the ergonomic design and textured finish are comfortable.
Make the most of the impressive polling speeds with the 4K dongle.
Charge your mouse or connect your dongle with the braided cable.
Spare stickers are provided to optimise your performance.
Learn the fundamentals with the quick start guide.
Technical aspects.
Glorious has long been renowned for its excellent gaming pedigree. Therefore, when they used their groundbreaking Model D mouse as a blueprint, I knew this iteration would be special. However, I was still amazed by the technical aspects!
This cracking peripheral offers up to 8 KHz Polling in compatible titles. On top of this, thanks to the BAMF 2.0 26K Sensor, you are afforded buttery smooth cursor movement and speed. Furthermore, the optical switches deliver 5x faster inputs to give you that competitive edge. Accordingly, this device is superb for FPS, or any title that requires pinpoint precision.
Word of warning, though, if you wish to get the best out of this mouse, you need a system that can keep up. Consequently, to achieve the highest polling speeds, you must have a monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate and an Intel 9th Gen CPU.
The Glorious Model D2 Pro 4k/8K Hz edition mouse is built to last.
Though the ergonomic design is straightforward, I loved the robust nature of this mouse. The wonderful curves sit perfectly in your right hand. Furthermore, the 2 additional side buttons are perfectly placed. Subsequently, when they are mapped, they make this a versatile accessory that changes the way you play.
On top of this, the PTFE mouse skates enable this device to slide over every surface. This compact feature complements the wonderful BAMF sensor. Finally, the DPI rate can be changed at the press of a button. On the underside, you’ll notice an LED that changes colour depending on the option you have chosen. This was a great design choice as you can flit between the preset modes without a care in the world.
Keep on clicking.
I love it when a manufacturer backs their quality with a massive guarantee. Glorious does this with its incredible 100M click guarantee! Thanks to the optical switches, you are assured that this will last the test of time. Moreover, you needn’t worry about faulty mechanical switches or incorrect inputs. As such, it is a reassuring companion for an elite gamer.
This mouseeliminates the concern about poor battery life. If you utilise the 1KHz polling rate, you’ll enjoy a whopping 80 hours of game time. However, this is vastly reduced if you play wirelessly at 4KHz. Yet, those who wish to push the envelope will not worry about battery life, as the 8KHz polling option can only be achieved through a wired connection.
Is the Glorious Model D2 Pro 4k/8K Hz edition mouse worth it?
There are some incredible mice available. Subsequently, it can be tough to pick the right option. However, the Glorious Model D2 Pro 4k/8K Hz edition mouse gives you that match-winning edge that few of its peers offer. What’s more, the textured finish and ergonomic design are comfortable and hard to put down. Moreover, you can map the buttons thanks to the free-to-download Glorious app.
Alongside this, it delivers the fastest and most responsive polling rate and DPI that I’ve ever witnessed. As such, if you enjoy competitive gaming, you cannot afford to ignore this incredible peripheral. Glorious has somehow bettered their much-loved Model D mouse, and I have to recommend that you buy it here!
Warm Snow is a beautiful game that will make you scream with rage. This tough endeavour will hand your arse to you regularly. Consequently, if you wish to make the most of this title, you’ll need the patience of a saint and a cool and calm mindset. However, if you don’t possess any of these characteristics, you’ll scream like a banshee and rage quit repeatedly.
This action rouge-lite was developed by bilibili Game and BadMudStudio and published by Microids. Moreover, this cruel endeavour has plenty of tactical moments and oodles of randomness to keep you playing. Accordingly, if you can wade through the maddening gameplay, you’ll discover a lore-rich experience and plenty of unique approaches.
Where it all begins.
Warm Snow tells a strange tale.
I love a mysterious story that is fuelled by interesting lore. Thankfully, Warm Snow has this in abundance. Additionally, it is laced with interesting characters, loads of weapons, and plenty of relics and skills. On top of this, there are zombified monsters, sinister animals, and an oppressive world to explore.
You are Bi An, a hardened warrior of the Longwu era. Furthermore, you are battle-hardened, but you have never witnessed anything like the odd non-melting “Warm Snow”. This strange event turns your world upside down and chaos and disaster strike. 5 houses stand between you and the White Lotus. However, facing this strange entity isn’t an easy task. Death surrounds you and failure is all but assured. But if you can discover new weapons and skills, you may have enough power to defeat each house and save humanity.
A typical rogue-lite endeavour.
Rogue-lite games are nothing new. Yet, I love the cruel and repetitive gameplay and the unforgiving nature of the genre. Luckily, Warm Snow sticks to well-trodden mechanics whilst adding plenty of swordplay and mountains of dashing. Furthermore, you can alter your hero’s build to match your gameplay style.
This customisable approach was phenomenal as it created a tailor-made experience that rewards the hardiest of gamers. As you die, and you will, you are blessed with the ability to improve your character. Whether you increase your health, strength, or relic prowess is entirely your choice. Alongside this, you never know how each playthrough will unfold!
As you complete each mini-stage, you are given a choice of paths to take. Each one has a unique reward, such as a new weapon, health, a boss fight, or a fresh skill or item. Consequently, this is where the random nature of the game begins. Furthermore, there is an essence of gambling, as you never know if the path will improve your current set-up.
Pick your ability.
Smooth combat.
As you enter each new arena, you must tackle wave after wave of monstrous creatures. I was never bored with these fast-paced encounters, as I loved the gore, cruelty, and impact of each new skill you discovered. Furthermore, the smooth combat was fascinating. You’d dive through your opponents whilst throwing knives or setting them on fire.
If you successfully slay your foes, you are rewarded with an ounce of their soul. This in-game currency can be spent to buy new gear or replenish your health. As such, collecting every soul you can is an important task. As the game progresses, it is imperative that you have the best relics to increase your agility, speed, strength, and so forth. If you do not, you do not stand a chance to defeat each boss or the White Lotus.
Warm Snow is beautifully gory.
Warm Snow takes inspiration from silk paintings and oriental poetry. Subsequently, the art style is unusual, but striking. I adored the isometric viewpoint and the simple but effective character models. Additionally, the animation is smooth and there is enough variety to keep you focused. Moreover, though it is gory, it doesn’t go too far. Consequently, it wasn’t a blood bath, and I liked the balance between beauty and brutality.
The audio gets things right as well. The oriental soundtrack matches the theme and the snippets of acting are sinister, cruel, and perfect for the arduous task you face. On top of this, I loved the hard-hitting sound effects and the squelching of your blade through zombified flesh.
A face for radio.
Excellent controls.
This is one title that doesn’t ease up. As such, it would have been easy to become overwhelmed by the action. Luckily, Warm Snow keeps you ahead of the game with its excellent control layout. The responsive inputs and easy-to-understand controls ensure that, though the gameplay is tough, it is easy to pick up and play.
Warm Snow is loaded with replay value and longevity. This excels thanks to its customisable character build, an array of skills, abilities, weapons, and the RNG approach to each playthrough. Additionally, there are plenty of difficulty settings to test out and a selection of modes to tackle.
Warm Snow isn’t Hades, but it is still great.
Everyone knows that Hades is the King/Queen of this genre. Sadly, though, Warm Snow doesn’t hit that standard. However, it is exceptionally good, and I enjoyed it immensely. My only gripe is the sheer cruelty of the initial action and how repetitive it becomes. Subsequently, if you despise this approach, this will probably drive you insane. Yet, if you like to grind your way past every obstacle, you’ll enjoy every moment. As such, I liked it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you master every skill and weapon and become a hero? Kill every monster, destroy the bosses, and overcome the White Lotus.
The metaverse and NFTs have gained significant attention in recent years, with the metaverse being a virtual realm where people interact with each other and digital content and NFTs representing unique, non-replicable digital assets. These technologies are poised to reshape the gaming industry, and in this article, we’ll look into their current applications and potential to revolutionize the gaming landscape.
Uses of Metaverse in Gaming
Several games are already embracing the metaverse concept. Take, for example, Roblox, a platform enabling players to craft their virtual worlds and experiences. Similarly, Fortnite has hosted various virtual concerts and events, blurring the lines between real and virtual entertainment.
These games represent just the tip of the iceberg. The future promises even more immersive and interactive gaming experiences that push the boundaries of reality and virtual worlds.
There is only one way for gaming in the USA, as stats paint a picture of an industry on the up. However, there is still some way to go before the same can be said of the balance between states fully legalizing related gambling activities. While Nevada leads the way in gambling matters with the famous Vegas experience, states like Virginia are reluctant.
Virginia’s online gambling laws outright ban online casinos, making all forms of online gambling illegal in the state. The only legal gambling options are the state lottery, bingo halls, horse racing, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports. As it stands, online casinos Virginia remain illegal; therefore, it is important to learn about the gambling laws of the state before engaging in any gambling activity.
Use of NFTs in Gaming
NFTs are already making a significant impact in the gaming world. One notable application is the sale of in-game items as NFTs, allowing players to own and trade their digital assets. Further, NFTs are being utilized to create play-to-earn games, allowing players to earn cryptocurrency or other rewards.
Play-to-earn games, in particular, have the potential to be a game-changer for the industry. They provide a means for players to earn money while gaming, potentially making the hobby more accessible to those who may not have the funds to invest in in-game items.
Top Metaverse and NFT Projects
Small, passionate game developers are leading the charge in incorporating NFTs into their projects, capitalizing on these novel ideas, among other common technologies. Here are some standout NFT and Metaverse game projects making waves:
Axie Infinity: Launched by Sky Mavis in 2018, Axie Infinity is a decentralized play-to-earn (P2E) platform. Users purchase, breed, and battle creatures known as Axies, with the potential to upgrade and sell them on the secondary market. Boasting a market cap of nearly $7 billion, it sees about 2 million daily users actively trading rare and premium NFTs.
The Sandbox: This virtual world project aligns closely with the metaverse concept. Users can assume various roles, create, sell, and acquire digital assets, turning their experience into entertainment and profit. It is valued at around $4.1 billion and offers a unique marketplace for NFT items and opportunities for users to buy virtual land, often through platforms like OpenSea.
Decentraland: In development since 2015, Decentraland is one of the oldest metaverse projects. Evolving from basic pixels, it has become an interactive 3D world where users lead a second life in a detailed virtual space. Users can purchase virtual land, develop it, use it for advertising, and eventually sell it, with these virtual plots starting at a minimum price of 4.4 Ethereum.
Enjin: Established in 2009, Enjin is an NFT game platform primarily based on the Ethereum blockchain. It aims to merge blockchain technology with video games by creating and distributing in-game items. Enjin takes a unique approach to in-game NFTs, enabling users to mint NFTs and employ them in various games through the platform’s specialized tools and native token.
Thetan Arena: Built on blockchain technology, Thetan Arena is an esports game emphasizing skill-based competition and earning. It offers a well-crafted battle arena experience that encourages players to utilize their personal skills and teamwork. Combining elements of MOBA and Battle Royale and with monthly updates introducing new rewards and content, Thetan Arena is attracting a growing audience.
These projects represent the ingenuity and diversity within the NFT and Metaverse gaming realm, pushing the boundaries of traditional gaming and creating fresh opportunities for both developers and players.
How the Metaverse and NFTs Could Revolutionize Gaming
Looking forward, the metaverse and NFTs hold the promise of a gaming revolution. Here are some ways they could do so:
Immersive Experiences: The metaverse can usher in more immersive and interactive gaming encounters, allowing players to engage with each other and digital content in unprecedented ways.
Ownership of Digital Assets: NFTs can grant players true ownership of their digital assets, enabling them to trade, sell, or rent them to others.
Play-to-earn Games: The combination of the metaverse and NFTs can lead to the creation of play-to-earn games, potentially democratizing gaming by offering a means of income to players.
New Business Models: These technologies can open doors to novel business models for the gaming industry. For instance, games may be funded through NFT sales or by charging players a subscription fee to access the metaverse.
While the metaverse and NFTs are still in their infancy, they hold immense potential to transform the gaming industry. The future development and integration of these technologies will be fascinating to observe. They are poised to create new opportunities for gamers and game developers, reshaping how we perceive and engage with digital gaming.
Days of Doom attempts to mix things up. However, unfortunately, its tried and tested formula does little to impress you. Things are exasperated when you consider the zombie apocalypse theme. Accordingly, there is a distinct déjà vu feeling, even though some of the gameplay is unique.
This rogue-like tactical RPG was developed by Sneakybox and published by Atari. This fresh IP should make Atari fans jump with joy. Yet, I don’t think that will happen as the action falls flat far too often. Moreover, the gameplay loop is painfully repetitive, and getting the energy to try another round can be a step too far. Consequently, though there are some nice ideas, Days of Doom unfortunately falls short.
Burn baby burn!
Days of Doom tells a familiar tale.
The world is over as we know it. Unfortunately, zombies run riot and the few surviving humans must fight one another and the zombie horde if they wish to survive. This is no mean feat, as danger is at every turn. However, if you wish to make it to the hallowed land, you must venture into the wilderness and put your life on the line.
The gameplay loop is familiar! You must pick from a range of characters and take on a journey that comprises 6 zones. Each area has unique zombies and other traps to overcome. If you somehow survive them, you’ll move closer to the end goal. Yet, there are many hurdles that stand between you and the finish line.
As you study each map, you must consider the fuel in your truck and the nodes that are on offer. Furthermore, you need to navigate each point to get to the final battle. Accordingly, you can deviate from the main route if you wish, but this could lead to dire consequences.
Upgrade your base to get further.
A rundown home and turn-based combat.
The action focuses on 2 distinct areas. First, there is your rundown base. Here you will recruit new people, improve your gear, and upgrade your abilities. This safe haven is the hub at which every playthrough starts. As such, you can select your team, upgrade your equipment, and prepare to slay the zombie hordes.
The main aspect of Days of Doom is the turn-based combat. Every battle takes on a traditional grid-based approach. Subsequently, you know the limitations of your team and that of your opponents. Additionally, there are barrels of oil, water, and radioactive waste that can be used to hurt your foes. Alongside this, there is debris to hide behind to improve your defensive stats.
Unfortunately, though, each of these environmental tools does very little to improve the gameplay. For reasons unknown, the zombies home in on you like a heat-seeking missile. Accordingly, it is nigh on impossible to use the barrels or debris to your advantage. This was frustrating as it removed a key tactical element of the gameplay.
Choose your fighters and start your adventure.
Special abilities.
Talking of tactics, each character has skills and abilities that can be combined. This was a phenomenal idea that genuinely created a unique twist to a well-trodden genre. Furthermore, as new characters were inducted into your clan, there were new and interesting ways to tackle every problem.
On top of this, there were unusual events and encounters to keep you on your toes. Sadly, most of these events were predictable. However, if you wanted to gather resources to keep your clan happy, you needed to scour every node. Additionally, the more XP you earned and the further you ventured, the more renown you gained. This was essential, as upgrading your base is an arduous job. Consequently, this makes the gameplay repetitive and there is a distinct sense of mindless grind.
Days of Doom is grim and sombre.
Though the gameplay didn’t resonate with me, I loved the grim and sombre aesthetic. Days of Doom paints a wonderfully disgusting image of an apocalyptic setting. With decrepit buildings, a range of horrific zombies, and blood-thirsty bandits to overcome, there is always a sense of danger and despair. Alongside this, the action is helped by the excellent camera angle and the clean UI. Moreover, the simple grid system is easy to follow and understand.
The audio does an amazing job of enhancing the atmosphere. The minor-toned and oppressive music is complemented by some crunching sound effects. As such, the brutal gameplay will send shivers down your spine.
Which route will you take?
It is simple to play.
Though I didn’t like the heat-seeking zombies, I appreciated the excellent control layout. Subsequently, this is a tactical rogue-like that is easy to understand and simple to play. However, there are some nice tactical nuances that ensure it isn’t too straightforward.
Unfortunately, the replay value and longevity are impacted by the “grind” nature of the gameplay. The early stages are frustrating and underwhelming. As such, many newbies to the genre will be put off. If you can make it through the opening elements, there is some depth that makes you want to return.
Days of Doom is okay, but there are better titles.
I wasn’t blown away by Days of Doom. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough originality to make me sit up and take notice. Furthermore, the issues are compounded by the repetitive nature of the action. Consequently, many of you will switch off before the action gets going. However, despite these shortcomings, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you traverse the death-infused wilderness and make it to the safe haven? Pick your team, upgrade your base, and hope that luck is on your side.
The Remoska Prima portable oven (4L) is an incredible device to save money whilst maintaining a traditional cooking approach. This portable oven is suitable for your kitchen worktop, caravan, or campervan. Furthermore, as long as you have somewhere to plug it in, you can use this wonderful device to your heart’s content.
If you love to bake, grill, or cook a roast, then this energy-saving kitchen accessory will be right up your street. Thanks to the Teflon-coated pan and simple-to-use controls, this device can be used by amateur or master chefs alike. Additionally, its low energy consumption ensures that this will complement your Air Fryerwhilst making your oven defunct.
What’s in the box of the Remoska Prima portable oven?
The colourful box is large, strong, and nice to look at. Adorned with key selling points and great imagery, it demands to be opened.
The Remoska Prima portable oven comes in 2 sizes, 2 and 4 litres. I opted for the larger option as it comfortably cooks for up to 5 people. The device comprises 3 parts; the large lid, the 29 cm Teflon bowl, and the sturdy base.
Power your device with the chunky 3A rubberised cable.
Learn the fundamentals with the easy-to-follow guide.
Technical aspects.
Before I venture into the usability, I’m compelled to highlight the cost-saving elements of this cooker. Most standard household cookers are energy monsters! Thankfully, the 4-litre version of the Remoska Prima portable oven uses no more than 580 Watts of energy. Accordingly, 1 hour of usage of this amazing device is the equivalent of 10 minutes of pre-heating of your oven. On top of this, you do not have to wait to start cooking. Thanks to the simple-to-use switch, you can start baking, grilling, and cooking immediately.
However, word of warning, you will need to read the instruction manual and some Remoska recipes to ensure that you are making the most of this traditional Czech device. Similar to the swap from oven to Air Fryer, this device requires a different approach. Accordingly, you may need to use water to reduce damage while you pre-heat the device. Yet, once you understand the basics, you’ll adore its versatile nature and how straightforward it is to use. Moreover, anything that is up to 6 times more economical than an oven will always get a thumbs up from me.
Usability.
As you can see, this device takes a little getting used to. Yet, once you understand its quirks, you’ll find it to be as user-friendly as other traditional cooking methods. Effectively, the constant temperature requires a watchful eye and some excellent recipes. However, when you get it right, you are rewarded with mouth-watering meals that are succulent and juicy. Thanks to the excellent porthole in the lid, you can watch your meat cooking, your vegetables baking, or your cakes rising. Subsequently, you won’t need to remove the lid to check your progress and this prevents the food from drying out.
I admit that the Remoska Prima portable oven took me a while to master. But now I have, I wouldn’t go back to my oven. When I combine this with my Ninja Air Fryer, I have everything I need to create a large meal for my family of 5. Furthermore; I enjoy the challenge that I faced with a new and unique way of cooking.
Build quality.
A portable oven must be easy to handle and well-built. Additionally, I want the pan to be easy to clean and the coating to last a long time. Thanks to the incredible non-stick Teflon coating, cooking and cleaning have never been so easy. What’s more, it didn’t matter if I was cooking pork or roasting a chicken; it was just as easy to clean, regardless. Moreover, you can use racks and silicone trays to separate your foods and improve your experience further.
The 4-litre version weighs an impressive 3 Kg. On top of this, the pan has a large 29 cm diameter. Consequently, this is heavy and big enough to be noticeable and sturdy, but light and compact enough to be useful in a caravan or motorhome. As such, you can improve your camping experience and reduce your costs when you are out and about.
Is the Remoska Prima portable oven worth it?
Energy bills have never been so high! As such, reducing your energy bills without undermining your cooking prowess has never been so important. Now, we all know that Air Fryers are great, but they don’t allow you to cook everything. Thankfully, though, this is where the Remoska Prima portable oven comes to the fore. This amazing traditional Czech device will change the way you cook forever. Alongside this, it is affordable, built to last, and it looks great. As such, I adored it and I recommend that you buy it here!
The Runner Pro2 Bone Conducting headphones from Nank are the older sibling of the now-defunct Runner Pro device. This all-new version aims to impress its audience with exceptional sound quality, usability, and build quality at an affordable price. Alongside this, it is versatile as you can use either MP3s or a Bluetooth connection.
On top of this, the device is fully waterproof and can be used for many water-based activities. Accordingly, if you love to swim, kayak, or paddleboard, you are assured that this device is suitable for your needs. However, can it compete with the likes of the Shokz Openfit earbuds?
What’s in the box of the Runner Pro2 Bone Conducting headphones?
The compact packaging is simple but attractive. Furthermore, it is adorned with key selling points and can be recycled.
The Runner Pro2 Bone Conducting headphones are lightweight and feel robust and well-built. Furthermore, they are only available in a black finish. The simple design comprises a magnetic charging port and three tactile buttons.
Charge the device with the specially designed magnetic charger.
Keep the headphones attached to your glasses or goggles with the silicone clip.
Reduce excess noise with the earplugs.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
Whether you love to run, cycle, or swim, you want your music to be clear and easy to handle. Furthermore, if you can remove unnecessary wires, or run without your phone, then that is a massive bonus. Thankfully, the Runner Pro2 Bone Conducting headphones allow you to run untethered. Thanks to the simple-to-use MP3 mode, you can leave your phone at home and still enjoy your favourite songs on the move.
These headphones have tackled some of the gripes of their predecessor. First, Nank has removed the microphone. Accordingly, they are 5 grams lighter. Alongside this, the storage space is 4 times bigger at 32 GB. Consequently, you should be able to install around 1000 songs! On top of this, it utilises Bluetooth 5.3. Accordingly, the connection is stronger and the power draw is much lower. This helps the 230 mAh battery to deliver around 8 hours of music at 60% volume.
Finally, if you wish to use these headphones in the water, you can thanks to the IP68 rating. Subsequently, they are resistant to sweat, dust, rainwater, and seawater. However, there is a limit of 20 meters depth and no more than 40 minutes of constant submersion.
Build quality and usability.
Headphones and sports go hand-in-hand. Yet, this doesn’t mean that all of them are fit for purpose. Thankfully, the Runner Pro2 Bone Conducting headphones are flexible, robust, and can withstand knocks, drops, and bumps. On top of this, the excellent magnetic charging point doesn’t hold grime and dirt like some of its rivals. Furthermore, the excellent tactile buttons are simple to locate and easy to use. Consequently, they improve usability and make it easy to pause or skip songs when on the move.
Talking of usability, I loved how easy it was to charge and transfer MP3s onto the device. Moreover, thanks to the Bluetooth 5.3 system, connecting these headphones to your phone was a straightforward task. As such, this is the perfect audio accessory for any technophobes, sports people, or music experts.
Sound quality.
I adored the rich sound and decent bass that I experienced with this device. Furthermore, if I used the earplugs, I could remove unnecessary wind noise to improve my experience further. Accordingly, I could enjoy the same range of tones and depth of bass that other in-ear products offer. However, I didn’t need to potentially damage my eardrums as the sound is transferred via my bones rather than directly through my ears.
Another key feature to consider is your awareness when undertaking a sporting event. If you use noise-cancelling headphones, you have no understanding of the dangers you face. Yet, if you use this technology, you are always aware of approaching cars, other cyclists, or any vulnerable people you may encounter. Consequently, these headphones make you much safer than the in-ear alternative.
Are the Runner Pro2 Bone Conducting headphones worth it?
Bone Conducting headphones are more commonplace these days. However, Shokz still has the market share. Yet, you shouldn’t discount other manufacturers, especially when they offer incredible alternatives at a fraction of the cost. This is exactly what Nank does with their devices that are comfortable, versatile, and user-friendly. Accordingly, I enjoyed my time with this product and I recommend that you buy it here!
Baby Shark: Sing and Swim Party allows your children to enjoy a safe gaming experience. What’s more, its rhythm-based mechanics allow parents to test their patience and skills. Accordingly, this is an ideal game for all the family. Furthermore, you’ll be surprised by how many versions of Baby Shark have been created.
This straightforward child-friendly endeavour was developed by RecoTechnology SL and published by Outright Games. What’s more, this simple game has plenty of collectables to find and loads of stages to enjoy. Additionally, it doesn’t punish poor execution, so younger gamers can have fun throughout.
Hit the beat and get a high score.
Baby Shark: Sing and Swim Party is about as deep as a puddle!
The developers won’t be winning any awards for their storytelling. Unfortunately, Baby Shark: Sing and Swim Party is about as deep as a puddle. Subsequently, the shallow story is lacking in complexity and this impacts engagement levels. However, my kids didn’t care as the gameplay was eye-wateringly vivid and the music never stopped.
The story focuses on the shark family and their ocean trip to the world’s greatest festival. To get to this mind-blowing event, the family must cross vast oceans that are occasionally laced with danger. En route, they will sing and dance and find collectables. I’m between each level you’ll enjoy a small cutscene. This cinematic adds context but does little to enhance the rudimentary plot.
Dodge that swordfish.
2 distinct game modes.
Baby Shark: Sing and Swim Party delivers 2 distinct game modes. This was an excellent move that helped youngsters to remain on track. The first mode is a rhythm-based experience. As familiar songs play, you’ll be asked to tap, hold, or press a specific button. On top of this, there is a trap that must be avoided. As the level unfolds, you must time your inputs perfectly. If you manage to do this, you’ll be awarded 3 stars and you’ll master the song. Furthermore, you have perfected that level and this allows you to complete the game.
The second game mode concentrates on avoiding obstacles whilst collecting stars and cards. This is the more challenging of the 2 options, as it requires finesse and patience. Additionally, it is filled with obstacles to avoid and wind to counteract. Subsequently, you must divide your attention and think fast if you wish to excel in this game mode.
Baby Shark: Sing and Swim Party is vivid and interesting.
Though the gameplay follows a rigid pattern, it captivated my munchkins. Thanks to the varied backdrops and the garish colour palette, they were hooked. Alongside this, they adored the Shark family and the simplicity of the UI. Furthermore, the cinematic amused them whilst breaking up the consistent pattern of the gameplay.
Baby Shark: Sing and Swim Party is loud, upbeat, and annoyingly repetitive. Yet, it was this repetition that impressed my children. As an adult, the tedious loop of child-friendly songs will drive you bonkers. However, kids love the short, sharp, and annoying nature of each toe-tapping number. Consequently, the developers have got the audio spot on, even if it will drive every parent mad.
Fill your sticker book up.
Excellent controls.
Designing a balanced control setup is no mean feat. This is especially impressive when you are accommodating a varied audience. Thankfully, though, this title has got things just right. The easy-to-follow UI and responsive inputs are perfect no matter your age. What’s more, the gameplay is forgiving, and that was essential.
Who’d have thought that a Baby Shark game could take so long to complete? There are masses of levels to explore and plenty of cards to collect. On top of this, you must improve each card by perfecting each stage. Consequently, this takes patience and accuracy if you wish to complete it.
Baby Shark: Sing and Swim Party surprised me.
I expected this to be perfect for my kids. But I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. Yes, the music was annoying, but the gameplay is moreish and enjoyable. Additionally, it teases every gamer’s OCD nature, and this demands that you keep playing. Accordingly, it surprised me and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you cross the oceans to get to the festival? Find your rhythm, collect every star and card, and tap your fin to every catchy song.
As we are now on the run up to Christmas, and with the recent launch of Apple’s new iPhone 15 Pro Max, we take a look at the Catalyst Influence MagSafe Compatible Case.
10 ft. Military Drop Protection tested. Experience quintessential protection with this rugged case, which is 2.5x more drop-proof than the military standard! With its anti-slip grip, anti-drop lanyard, and four corner attachments for adding optional accessories, you can go hands-free and never worry about a drop. Plus, its patented forward-facing audio technology provides 30% louder sound while reducing background noise, and its patented rotating mute switch gives you even more control.
Features
2.5x Higher Drop Protection* MIL-STD-810G – 3m/10ft
+30% louder sound with Unique Forward Audio**
Unique Patented Rotating Mute Switch
Easy-to-Press Buttons
Anti-slip textured grip
Ultra Slim
Anti-drop lanyard included (tested to 10kg)
Raised edges protect screen/camera
4 Corner Anti-Drop Attachment System
100% fingerprint-free clear case back
Compatible with Screen protectors
Wireless Charging Compatible
*Only for corner drops. Compared to military standards.
**Designed for up to +3.8dBA sound toward the user at 1cm over the device alone.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
If you own an iPhone 15 Pro Max then you will want to keep it protected, after all it’s a very expensive piece of kit.
That’s where the iPhone 15 Pro Max Influence MagSafe Compatible Case from Catalyst comes in. Not only does it protect your iPhone, it looks good too!
Add to the fact it’s also MagSafe compatible and you’ve got yourself a great case!
The Catalyst iPhone 15 Pro Max Influence MagSafe Compatible Case is available now priced around $59.99 and is available in various colours.
My video review with footage captured on my Xbox Series X.
TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition is a family-focused title aimed at children 10 years +. This action-packed affair captures the essence of the Transformers universe. Accordingly, fans of the franchise will adore every moment. However, if you aren’t so enthused, you’ll find the OTT action to be somewhat tedious.
This action-adventure title was developed by Tessera Studios and published by Outright Games. Subsequently, though it has some elements of violence, it is perfectly safe for a younger audience. What’s more, gamers are kept entertained with some minor RPG and upgrading elements. As such, there is some depth to a potentially shallow idea.
Take out those defences.
TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition tells a tale of doom and despair.
Like every other Transformers experience, the end of the world is nigh! Therefore, a hero must be chosen and plenty of bad guys must be thwarted. Alongside this, there are oodles of clichéd moments and plenty of cheesy one-liners. Consequently, if you love comic books and all things “action”, then you’ll adore this game.
Mandroid and his henchbots plan to destroy humanity! This evil villain has discovered an ancient Cybertronian technology. Accordingly, if he gets his mitts on it, he’ll destroy every human and Autobot he can find. However, Bumblebee and Optimus Prime will not allow this to happen. By exploring the globe, Bumblebee will battle well-known characters. Furthermore, he’ll gather fragments of the deadly technology and thwart Mandroid’s plans.
Jump that chasm.
A simple concept.
As TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition is aimed at pre-teens, it has a remarkably simple concept. Effectively, the 3 main areas adopt a rinse-and-repeat approach. Now, this may seem wasteful and lazy, but I think it works well with its key demographic. Each area asks you to conquer strongholds and destroy mining equipment. Alongside this, you must complete an array of side missions, collect cards, and discover mysterious glyphs. Additionally, you are expected to fight wave after wave of mindless bots. Consequently, you’ll be kept busy while you complete your main goal.
The side missions and collectables can be ignored if you so wish. Moreover, the basic puzzles and battles will not test the most adept of gamers. Yet, I enjoyed the low-key difficulty and the almost senseless action. What’s more, it was enjoyable to compete in races or fight hordes of robots. Alternatively, I liked protecting the signal equipment and exploring each dark cave.
In short, TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition chucks loads of tasks at you throughout. Subsequently, other than the strongholds, you are free to do as much or as little as you like.
Though I enjoyed much of the action, I was disappointed by the lack of polish. Unfortunately, TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition stutters and jumps about like a frog on a hotplate. This is especially noticeable whenever you get too close to the scenery. As a consequence, the screen judders, and it is nauseating to play. This is unacceptable and is something that should have been ironed out prior to its release.
The audio is flawed as well. Unfortunately, the music crunches and pops and driving is uncomfortably repetitive. On top of this, Bumblebee grunts and moans every time he moves. Then you must consider the repetitive soundbites. I understand what the developers were trying to achieve, but more variety would have gone a long way.
Don’t let those bosses stand in your way.
An all-powerful Bumblebee.
Aiming a game towards a younger audience is a balancing act. Subsequently, you don’t want the action to be too simple or too difficult. Accordingly, you need an easy-to-use control layout and some testing opponents. Thankfully, TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition gets this right. Because of its excellent tutorial and straightforward commands, your kids will master the fundamentals in no time.
Though this is a relatively short game, it still comprises replay value and longevity. Bumblebee can be upgraded with new attacks, better health, and new skills. Furthermore, as the game progresses, he learns unique abilities that open otherwise blocked paths. As a result, you must flit between different areas to find each glyph, card, and secret area.
TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition was great to play, but its finish let it down.
TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition delivered as an action-adventure title. Moreover, I adored its safe gameplay and child-friendly approach. However, the poor visuals and audio let it down. If you can forgive these shortcomings, you’ll love the fast-paced combat and interesting stage design. Additionally, it’s Transformers, so it’ll always be a winner. Subsequently, despite the issues, I still recommend that you buy it here! Stop Mandroid and save humanity. Learn new skills, destroy evil bots, and help Optimus Prime.
The SteelSeries Alias Pro is an exceptional XLR mic that spans the grey space between USB microphones and a professional XLR setup. Consequently, it is the perfect option for gamers, would-be streamers, and anyone who wishes to dabble with video editing. Alongside this, it comes with a handy stream mixer and is as plug-and-play as you’ll ever get.
On top of this, you notice the incredible build quality the moment you open the box. Additionally, the first test run will blow you away, as its recording prowess is immediately noticeable. Therefore, though it comes with a moderately high price tag, I believe you get what you pay for.
Another element to consider is the incredible Sonar software that is free to download and a program that is recommended to get the most out of your device. Now, word of warning, once installed, it does dominate your audio profiles, so this is something to look out for. However, if you can cope with this minor annoyance, and work around the multiple audio devices your PC states you have, you’ll adore this in-depth and useful software.
What’s in the box of the SteelSeries Alias Pro?
I love the colourful nature of SteelSeries packaging. The striking imagery and key selling points ensure that you want to rip open the box immediately. Furthermore, you can recycle it if you so wish.
The SteelSeries Alias Pro comes preassembled. As such, you can plonk it on your desk, plug it in, and away you go.
The stream mixer is small but easy to handle. Furthermore, it has some large knobs to adjust gain and headphone audio and tactile buttons to mute the mic and the audio.
You are provided with 2 USB-C cables and a professional XLR cable. As such, there is the ability to focus on dual PC streaming if you wish.
Attach the mic to a boom arm with the boom arm connector.
Learn the fundamentals with an easy-to-understand user manual.
Technical aspects.
Unless you are a pro, you’re probably wondering why would I invest in an XLR microphone. After all, a USB condenser microphone is more than suitable, right? Well, for a long time, I thought so as well. In fact, I’ve been using the ROCCAT Torch for years and I’ve enjoyed every moment. Yet, the moment I plugged the SteelSeries Alias Pro into my PC, I knew my video recording days were changed forevermore.
Thanks to the 3x-sized capsule that utilises a cardioid pattern, my voice recording and game chat sound deeper and richer. Furthermore, the bass line was strong and the unfortunate popping from over pronunciation disappeared. Additionally, the ability to use this mic with no audio knowledge will be attractive for many.
Another fantastic feature is the ability to change either the microphone or the stream mixer at the drop of a hat. Thanks to the professional XLR cables, you can flit and change between devices without undermining usability. Yet, unless I’m going to focus on high-end streaming or hours of podcasting, I know that this microphone will tick every box for me.
It’s all about the apps.
Where SteelSeries excels compared to its peers, is its awesome support software. Consequently, I highly recommend installing Sonar to enhance your experience. This incredibly easy-to-master interface changes the way you’ll use your microphone. This app allows for up to 5 audio inputs that it’ll mix together, and then output the results. This was impressive as it takes away the necessity of a traditional mixing desk.
This then goes a step further, as you can adjust the EQ of each input audio. As such, if your voice and the in-game sound are delivered at the same frequency, you can reduce the conflict without removing the background audio altogether. With some minor trial and error, you can improve the way you stream and this can only be a good thing. Moreover, there are some audio presets for popular games to enhance that plug-and-play idea.
The tricks of the trade keep coming.
Unnecessary background noise can be a make-or-break experience for your viewers. Whether it is the whirring sound of your fans or the click, click, click of your mechanical keyboard, it can drive people potty. Well, if you wish, you may use Clearcast AI Noise cancellation to remove these unwanted sounds. As such, with a click of a button, your stream will be dominated by your voice, the in-game audio, and little else.
The sound mixer also helps with your audio levels. The handy RGB lighting highlights any peaks and troughs in your volume. As the device picks up your voice, it’ll glow a delightful green colour. However, as you become more animated and loud, the lighting will move to a yellow hue and finally a vivid red glow. This easy-to-identify warning system highlights your volume levels to help you remain calm whilst delivering an exciting and interesting stream.
Build quality.
The SteelSeries Alias Pro is incredibly well-built. The 3x-sized capsule is impressively housed in a slim but weighty microphone. Furthermore, the device is perfectly balanced thanks to the awesome Silent Shock Mount. This simple but effective design helps to reduce vibration and unwanted sounds. Additionally, thanks to the locking nut, you can adjust the angle of the mic with ease.
Whether you use the desktop mount or attach it to a boom arm, the results are identical. This amazing microphone looks great while picking up your voice perfectly. Moreover, the simplicity of the cabling system ensures that your workspace remains uncluttered.
If you adore RGB, then you’ll go crazy for the lush lighting on the stream mixer. This lightweight device catches your eye whilst reminding you of your volume levels. What’s more, the tactile buttons highlight any muted inputs, and this helps keep things simple and user-friendly.
Is the SteelSeries Alias Pro worth it?
A USB microphone isn’t a bad option if you are testing the waters. However, once you are established, you’ll want to expand your options and improve your audio quality. Thankfully, the SteelSeries Alias Pro sits perfectly in that void between amateur and pro standards. Furthermore, its integration with the Sonar app and the ability to use Clearcast AI noise cancellation was impressive. Additionally, the simplicity of the plug-and-play approach and choice of a desktop mount or boom arm will appeal to many people. Accordingly, I adored this microphone and I recommend that you buy it here!
(More information on SteelSeries can be found here!)
One look at the Steam page for World of Horror and you’ll see that Junji Ito is a massive influence. Ever read any Junji Ito? If the answer is ‘I don’t know’, then trust me, you haven’t. His works get burned thoroughly into your brain. Like the image of the human-shaped holes or that bloke that contorts himself into a spiral in a wash tub. Ever see the image of a giant shark with spindly legs busting down a wall? That was Junji Ito. I absolutely love it.
Which is probably why I absolutely love World of Horror. It revels in that sort of despair-inducing body horror, finished with a dash of Lovecraftian eldritch spice. Not only that, but it wears its gameplay inspiration on its sleeve, being heavily inspired by 80s text adventures. It’s nice to see a game take inspiration from games of old without having to invent some meta-narrative to excuse it. World of Horror is what it is, and what it is, is thoroughly unsettling.
A Deep Fascination
What World of Horror really reminded me of was those old ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ books. You know the ones. The ones that make you turn to page sixty-seven, only to step in a bear trap. I had one about exploring a decrepit castle. It used to unsettle me as a kid, as there was one page – I could never remember the number – where you got attacked by a floating, disembodied head that causes you to fall off the tower you’re in. It always felt like death was one page turn away. I bring this up because World of Horror elicits the exact same kind of feeling as that book.
You begin each run of World of Horror by picking a mystery to explore. Things are not okay in the town of Shikoaka, see. An Old God is shifting, leading to a lot of weird mysteries. They all have delightfully alliterative names too. Let’s take the ‘Eerie Episode of Evolving Eels’ as an example. Once picked, you’re given a location to investigate, such as investigating your eel-loving neighbours house. From there, you’re at the mercy of fate. Each investigation brings up a small encounter, whether that be coming face-to-face with the grotestque remant of a girl, whose eye is full of burrowing worms, or just… settling down in the bath. Get through enough of these and you’ll solve the mystery. Or at least, part of it.
Unpredictability is the core that runs through World of Horror. It’s easy to be put off by the lack of agency at first. You usually can’t, say, pick an area in the neighbourhood to explore, you just wander in then out, dealing with whatever pops up. In practice though, I’d say that this adds to the brilliantly unsettling atmsophere of World of Horror. Our lack of control over proceedings makes it all the more harrowing when facing the grotestque horrors that lurk in the shadows. You know it’s coming for you, you just don’t know when. A lot of the events are controlled by dice rolls behind the scenes too, so it’s very unusual to get through an encounter unscathed.
Something’s Wrong Here
That’s enough musing for the moment though, let’s talk mechanics. There are three big stats to keep an eye on: Stamina, Reason and Doom. Alongside this, there are a suite of standard skills that’ll be familiar to RPG fans. These are mainly for the many skill checks you’ll encounter. Stamina and Reason, however, are your life. If either one hits zero, you’ll either die or get sectioned, respectively. This is most vital in the combat, where enemies will attempt to damage one or the other (or both). It’s quite a clever system, as you have to juggle your stats to never get too low on either. This is difficult with the random encounters, which keeps things constantly tense.
The combat itself I’m in two minds about. It’s a turn-based affair, where you queue up offensive or defensive actions, each of which takes a set amount of ‘time’. Once queued, they play out and the enemy takes a swing. It’s a functional system, but it’s quite easy to set up a routine that works and just stick with it. I prep for a big swing and slot in a small swing if I’ve got the time. Repeat until dead (either one of us). It does come alive with ghost enemies, where you can perform a ritual to try and banish them, but most standard enemies are more interesting to look at than to fight.
The actual mysteries are more delightful though, which is where I’ll bring up the ‘Doom’ system. Each investigation – or anything that takes time really – raises it. Once it hits a hundred, the Old God in question makes his presence known. So, it’s a race against time – which is tricky when mysteries require thorough investigation. Each one has multiple endings and speeding through usually nets the bad one. So it’s a balancing act between solving the mysteries properly and running out of time to stop the elder God. It can be genuinely harrowing towards the end.
The Black Lighthouse
I want to give World of Horror more praise for its mysteries. It’s where the bulk of the horror comes in, as you slowly piece together what is happening in this horrible town. They’re wonderfully written horror stories, unashamedly pulpy and always fascinating. Though, you do need to be a fan of body horror if you want to get invested. The squeamish need not apply. Hell, the eel mystery can end with you taking a needle to someone’s eye. The large array of mysteries – and the multiple ways to solve them – will keep me coming back. Some endings require specific items or characters, so can only be experienced in set runs.
I do feel like the final ending to each run is a bit of a damp squib though. Beating a mystery nets you a key to unlock a door in the lighthouse that overlooks the town. From there, you climb a few floors – enduring some stat checks, an odd fight and some trivia questions – before you touch an object and the Old God quietly leaves. I was expecting to fight some eldritch abomination or the manifestation of my evil self or something. Junji Ito is notorious for abruptly ending his stories, granted, but this felt a little anticlimactic. Still, everything along the way was delightful.
The 1-bit art and excellent chiptune soundtrack do well to evoke the games of old without feeling tired. The music encapsulates the hopeless nature of World of Horror perfectly. The art is frequently gross (just think back to that lady with the eyesocket full of fish bait), but the clean simplistic style means it doesn’t take away from the imagination. World of Horror keeps intact the power of text adventures. I can see these mostrosities clearly but what they’re doing when they attack me is down to my imagination. It’s a pleasant artstyle that’s unpleasant to think about.
This Game Was Made For Me
If I might lift the curtain on this review a bit, this isn’t my first experience with World of Horror. I’ve played it twice before, one in 2017 and one last year. Watching it grow has been amazing. It’s expanded massively, with many more mysteries and encounters. With each playthrough, I generally unlock new achievements, which unlock new encounters in turn. If it’s your cup of tea, then World of Horror is going to keep you playing for hours just to experience all the different endings to the mysteries.
And it is my cup of tea, as you’ll see from this rather lengthy review. In fact, if someone hooked my brain up a computer and told it to make the most ideal game for me, you’d end up with something startlingly close to World of Horror. The art and music are great, as is the writing in general. Most of all though, World of Horror is perfect at creating a continuously unnerving atmosphere, where around every corner could lurk death or insanity. Or a fat bloated man in a pool, which is probably worse.
Everyone wants to spend time with their families, and they’ll want to make sure this is quality time. Getting this is often difficult, however. You’ll have to worry about everyone’s schedules and much more.
Then there’s figuring out what you’ll actually do. Thankfully, there are multiple ideas for family nights in, and many of these could be enjoyable. You’ll even see more than a few benefits, including:
Spending more time with your family
Forming a better bond with your kids
Having a nice evening
Creating memories you can look back on
If you want to spend some quality time with your family, these can be well worth focusing on. You and your family will end up enjoying yourselves, so you’ve no reason not to at least consider them.
It’s worth diving into seven of these.
Family Nights In: 7 Great Options
1. Create A Sock Puppet Play
Sometimes, it’s worth getting quite creative when you’re planning out a family night with your kids. One of the more unique ways you can do this is to create a sock puppet play with your kids. It could end up being much more enjoyable than you would’ve thought.
It’s also something that’ll keep you relatively busy. You’ll not only have to put on the plays, but also create the sock puppets, too. Get your kids involved in this and it’ll end up being a lot of fun. You can even take turns putting on different plays to make it even nicer.
You could be surprised by how enjoyable this will end up being.
2. Try Video Games
While you’ll often want to keep your kids away from screens as much as possible, sometimes it can be a good thing. If your kids are already a fan of video games, you can use this as a way to plan out your family night in. You could end up enjoying playing the games with them more than you’d think.
All you’ll really have to do is pick out a few child-friendly games, and you’ll end up having an amazing time. Many options will be multiplayer, so you can all play them at the same time. It could even end up being relatively competitive, adding a little more fun to the evening.
Depending on the games you get, you can even up making this a regular occurrence. Keep playing the games with them until you’ve gotten through the games you’ve bought. If everyone’s still enjoying themselves, it could be worth getting a few other games.
3. Have A Fashion Show
If you want to have a little bit of extra fun when you’re having a family night in, then a mini fashion show can be one of the more unique ways to do it. It’s one of the quirkier ideas you can come out with, but it can be much more enjoyable than you’d think.
The trick to this is not to actually focus on who comes out with the nicest-looking outfit. Instead, focus on the fun aspect of it and try to come up with outfits that look fun or over the top. It’ll end up making the evening much more enjoyable because of it.
All you’ll need to do to enjoy this is open up your wardrobe, and you’re good to go. Focus on having as much fun as possible, and you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
4. Play Card Games
One of the more overlooked ideas for family nights in is playing cards. It shouldn’t take too much time to plan out and you’ll have more than a few card games to choose from. Even something as simple as teaching your children to play solitaire could be enough to have an enjoyable evening.
You’ll have plenty of other family friendly games to play, too. While you might need to teach your kids how to play these, that can be part of the fun. You’ll end up bonding with your child much more than you could’ve thought, and you’ll have an awful lot of fun while you’re doing it.
With the number of card games you can choose from, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a few the entire family is sure to love. You could even make a habit of it and play card games regularly with your kids.
5. Start A Puzzle
Sometimes, it’s worth sticking with the classics when you want to have a family night in. One of the more notable, and wholesome, of these is to start a puzzle with your family. Despite being relatively old-school, it can be one of the funner ways to enjoy a family night in. You’ll have much more fun than you’d think.
Even your kids will be sure to enjoy themselves. Make sure you get a puzzle that’s age appropriate for your kids first. Once you do, you shouldn’t have a problem making sure it’s something you can get through.
You can make this into a weekly habit and pick up new puzzles anytime you finish one. It’ll be a great way to spend time with your kids and enjoy yourself.
6. Do A Movie Night
Movie nights are always a great, stress-free way to spend time with your kids. You wouldn’t have to put much effort into planning it out. Despite that, you’ll still end up having a great time with them. All you’ll have to do is pick out some child-friendly movies, and you’re good to go.
You’ll have plenty of these to choose from. They could even be more enjoyable than you’d think, and you could like these movies as much as your kids would. They might even become some of your favorite movies. You don’t have a reason not to consider it.
One of the best things about this idea is you can do it at least once a week while still enjoying yourself. With the sheer number of movies you have to choose from, you wouldn’t have to worry about watching the same one twice.
7. Make A Family Video
There’s a decent chance you have plenty of videos of when you were a child. They’ll be tied to amazing memories and you’ll look back on them fondly. There’s no reason not to make the same kind of memories with your kids. You could make more than a few home videos with them, all of which can be great to watch in a few years.
You can tie these to any other family nights you have planned, and you’ll end up creating some amazing memories. It’ll be impossible to forget about the memories you’ll end up making, and you’ll have a permanent reminder of them.
All you’ll need for this is a camera, and you can even use your smartphone for this. You’ll end up having an amazing time because of it. You don’t have a reason not to consider this.
Family Nights In: Wrapping Up
Family nights in can be great for more than a few reasons. They let you and your family spend some quality time together while having fun and enjoying yourselves. You shouldn’t have to struggle with arranging these, though.
By focusing on a few ideas for family nights, you can make it as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. You’ll even make sure everyone enjoys themselves. While you’ll still have to put some effort into planning it out, that shouldn’t have to take much time.
With the sheer amount of fun it offers, you’ve no reason not to spend some time figuring it out.
