Review: TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition

Daniel Waite
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Review: TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition
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.

Bumblebee destroys another turret.
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.

Turn into a Camaro and jump each chasms.
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. 

TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK – Expedition lacks polish. 

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. 

Destroy each boss as you thwart Mandroid.
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. 

Review: SteelSeries Alias Pro

Daniel Waite
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Review: SteelSeries Alias Pro

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!)

The SteelSeries Alias Pro has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

Review: World Of Horror

Josh Blackburn
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Review: World Of Horror

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.

World of Horror - The player is attacked by Akane.

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.

World of Horror - An event plays called 'Treacherous Reflection'

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.

World of Horror - The investigation screen

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.

World of Horror - The player is attacked by a 'Hole-Ridden Thing'

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.

(World of Horror’s Steam Page)

7 Great Ideas For Family Nights In

Christopher John
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7 Great Ideas For Family Nights In

Photo by Boxed Water Is Better on Unsplash

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.

Review: Monoprice 27″ CrystalPro Monitor

Daniel Waite
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Review: Monoprice 27″ CrystalPro Monitor

The Monoprice 27″ CrystalPro monitor is an impressive bit of kit! Not only is this device easy to set up, but it will blow your mind with its rich colours and excellent resolution. Alongside this, it has a versatile stand and a VESA mounting system to accommodate all your needs.

Not only can this device be used in a plug-and-play format, but you can use it to charge your laptop, phone, or tablet thanks to its 65-watt PD feature. Alongside this, you may use either an HDMI cable or a DP cable to connect to your PC or gaming console. Additionally, there are plenty of USB ports and audio out to complete your setup. As such, this is an amazing monitor if you are just starting out or you wish to add a screen to your workstation.

What’s in the box of the Monoprice 27″ CrystalPro Monitor?

  • Monoprice keeps costs down with its simple packaging. Accordingly, the understated packaging didn’t surprise me. However, I appreciated its sturdy nature as the contents were well protected.
  • The Monoprice 27″ CrystalPro Monitor looks great. This streamlined monitor has no RGB and every input and the power switch is located on the rear panel. As such, this looks great when mounted on your wall or placed on your desk.
  • The simple stand can be adjusted to improve the ergonomic nature of the device. Consequently, you can mount the monitor multiple ways and adjust the tilt and height of the device.
  • Power the screen with the common power cable. If the cable length is too short, you can replace it with any suitable alternative.
  • Connect the monitor to any device with the HMDI cable.
  • Learn the basics thanks to the easy-to-read guide.

Technical aspects.

Gamers and designers need a monitor that brings their experience and projects to life. Thankfully, the Monoprice 27” CrystalPro Monitor does just that. This stunning 4K UHD screen delivers up to 3840x2160p (UHD) maximum resolution. Furthermore, its IPS panel offers great colour saturation with sRGB at 100%. On top of this, thanks to the 95% DCI-P3, you’ll cherish the lifelike image quality.

Getting the most out of this device requires amazing cables! As such, I recommend the Monoprice DisplayPort 1.4 to 8K HDMI cable. Though the 8K element will be too much for this device, I’d rather go over the top than restrict my visual quality. With this cable plugged in, I was able to maximise the potential of my Xbox Series X. As such, thanks to the maximum 60 Hz refresh rate, I achieved 60 FPS when playing suitable titles. Moreover, there were no latency issues or screen tearing. Additionally, the colour saturation and images were on point and crisp.

Display quality.

The aforementioned 60 Hz and maximum trouble-free 60 FPS were more than suitable for 4K gaming. Furthermore, you’d have to have a monstrous rig to be able to push out anything higher. As such, I adored the visual quality of this monitor. What was also phenomenal was the 1.07B colour and the 400 nits of brightness. Due to the 27″ screen, I found the brightness to be vivid and comfortable to look at. On top of this, the colour bits per pixel ensured that there was improved realism, and I enjoyed smooth graduations between colours.

Thanks to the IRS panel, this monitor delivers a rapid 7ms response time. Now, this may seem slow compared to a 144 Hz device, but it isn’t noticeable if you have nothing to compare it to. What’s more, at 60 Hz, the response time is lower than many of its counterparts.

A clutter-free workspace.

I despise a messy workstation. Poor cable management drives me insane and no socket space is just as bad. However, thanks to the 65 W PD feature, you can remove most of those issues in one move. Whether you wish to charge your laptop, Steam Deck, mobile phone, or tablet, you can use the USB-C to USB port to keep the energy flowing.

On top of this, the monitor comes with built-in speakers. Now, these won’t blow you away, but they are suitable in a pinch. Furthermore, most gamers and streamers use headphones such as the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX headphones instead. Therefore, you can reduce clutter further by not investing in external speakers.

Build quality.

Investing in PC gaming is an expensive hobby. Consequently, whenever you buy anything, you want it to last a long time. Thankfully, I believe that the Monoprice 27″ CrystalPro Monitor is built to last. Though it has an array of moving parts, the quality and smooth mechanisms ensure that this device will withstand some roughhousing. Alongside this, you can switch between landscape and portrait with ease. Moreover, using the stand or wall mounting this monitor is a cinch.

Furthermore, the clearly labelled inputs allow you to wire the monitor without an issue. Whether you are running a PC and console or a PC and laptop, you can use both the HDMI and DP ports with ease. Consequently, this is an easy-to-set-up monitor that will last the test of time.

Is the Monoprice 27″ CrystalPro Monitor worth it?

Purchasing a monitor that is capable of decent 4K imagery and that works with the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 isn’t that easy. Normally, they are expensive and this puts off many would-be gamers. Thankfully, the Monoprice 27″ CrystalPro Monitor is affordable whilst offering deep colours, excellent refresh rates, and a steady frame rate. Additionally, I experienced no issues with screen tears or other minor faults.

Accordingly, this is great value for money and the perfect option to streamline your workspace. Therefore, if you want a new monitor for gaming or the ability to run multiple monitors at once, then I suggest you look no further. As such, I recommend that you buy it here!

(More information on Monoprice can be found here!)

The Monoprice 27" CrystalPro Monitor has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

Best Free Mobile Games To Kill Time On Your Daily Commute

Christopher John
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Best Free Mobile Games To Kill Time On Your Daily Commute

Image Source – CC0 License

Like many people, you’ve got a daily commute that drags on and gets very boring. You need to kill time and go off into your own little world, which is where the magic of mobile gaming comes in handy. 

We’re lucky to have so many amazing smartphones these days with incredible capabilities. The new iPhone 15 is technically powerful enough to be a mini gaming console, though it still has plenty of fun (and free) mobile games you can play every morning on your commute to work. We’ve picked out some of the best options to try – some of our choices are generalized games while others are specific titles. See them all below: 

Any “-dle” game

You remember Wordle, right? It bloomed in popularity last year but has tapered off a bit since. As a result of its fame, we saw a spawn of other games ending in dle, which we have coined “-dle” games. Some of these include: 

  • Worldle
  • Quordle
  • Dordle
  • Filmdle

They all follow the same concept as Wordle in that you get six tries to guess something. It could be a country on a map, four words instead of one, a film, or any number of things depending on which game you choose. All of these ideas are available online for free, so pick whichever ones you like to fill up your daily commute. 

Marvel Snap

We could’ve listed loads of mobile card collection games here, but Marvel Snap stands out enough to be mentioned on its own. You can download it for free and start building decks of different Marvel heroes. The more you play, the more cards you unlock, meaning you can build better decks. 

What do you do with your decks? You fight other players online, battling it out by using different cards and their energy/power levels to see who wins. These games are really short so they’re super easy to play and you can get through a fair few during your morning commute. When you win, you gain more XP to unlock better cards that improve your deck. 

It’s very easy to play, super addictive, and you don’t have to spend a penny on anything to win. This is a rarity for a lot of mobile games like this – they usually have pay-to-win formulas where spending money gives you better cards. Ultimately, that’s one of the many reasons we singled out Marvel Snap. 

Solitaire

You honestly can’t go wrong with solitaire. It’s one of those games you forget about, but the moment you start playing it sucks you in. There are so many varieties of this game to play, but freecell is probably one of the most popular. You need to try and match suits in descending order from Ace to King, but there are rules on how you can move the cards. 

That’s pretty much the goal of any solitaire game, though each one has slightly different rules. The best thing is, solitaire is almost always free. You can download various apps on your phone to play these games or search for solitaire online. These games are so easy to kill time with as you get lost in the strategy. 

Also, if you do manage to win a game while on your commute, you can start again and try to beat your time. The replayability means it’s something you can keep playing day after day without getting bored – which is the perfect formula for a daily commute game! 

Pokemon Go

In truth, we’ve not seen a game like Pokemon Go since it was released. Cast your mind back a few years and you’ll remember the world going mad for this game. Just check out the clip below of people all running in a park to try and catch the same Pokemon. 

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We’ve never seen a game do this before, and the way that Pokemon Go blended gaming with the real world was amazing. Popularity isn’t quite what it once was, yet the game remains extremely fun to play. It’s the type of game you can open up while on the bus or train and see what Pokemon are nearby. Click on rare ones or ones you don’t have in your collection and try to catch them. It’s super addictive – and if you have any gyms on your route to work, you can fight them too! 

Plus, thanks to the way the game plays, it’s one of the few games you can play while walking. Those of you with a long walk to work can pass the time by catching a few Pokemon on the way. 

Tetris

Tetris is a classic game that’s widely available on mobile devices. You can either play the official Tetris mobile app or choose one of the off-brand ones. They’re usually called something similar or have “puzzle block game” in the name. 

Regardless, this style of game is so good when you want to pass the time. Tetris has amazing replayability and is completely timeless. The worst thing about it is getting close to your high score and realizing the train is stopping. Sometimes you toy with the idea of going an extra stop and being late for work, just to see if you can beat your best record.

Don’t actually do that, it was a joke. Pause the game and go back to it on the way home – or sneakily try to keep playing at your desk!

Crossword Puzzles

You really can’t go wrong with a crossword puzzle. Again, like all games on this list, you can play them for free. Various apps exist with crossword puzzles, and there’s even the popular NY Times Mini Crossword. This is a fun one because it’s small and relatively quick to do. Plus, there’s a new one every day so you can try to keep up your streak and do it faster every day.

There are other daily crosswords you can find for free online too – just search for them in Google and try them out. The cool thing about crossword puzzles is that you get better at them the more you do. You also learn a lot of new information, which can be used to wow people at work or college. 

Brain Trainers

Finally, you will find loads of free brain trainer games on the App Store or  Google Play. These games are designed to test your brain with loads of different puzzles, brain teasers, logic tests, and so on. 

Most of them work on a level basis, so you have to solve one puzzle to move on to the next. If you have a very long commute, this is a proper time killer – you can spend well over an hour trying to figure out solutions in these games, they are super fun. 

There’s a fantastic collection of free mobile games to try here, meaning your daily commute will never be boring again. Pick whatever type of game you like the sound of the most – or download a few and move through them all. They don’t have to be played on your commute as well; feel free to try them out whenever you have time to kill. Maybe you’re in a waiting room trying to pass the time or you’re waiting for dinner to cook. Whatever the scenario, these games stop the boredom from creeping in and sending you to sleep.

A Closer Look at the Burga Northern Lights Marble iPhone 15 Pro Max Case

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at the Burga Northern Lights Marble iPhone 15 Pro Max Case

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 Burga Northern Lights Marble iPhone 15 Pro Max Case.

Convert your everyday device into a fashion accessory. BURGA phone cases are ultra-thin, non-bulky and designed to deliver high protection while complimenting your style.

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. You don’t just want to protect it, you also want to keep it looking good.

The Burga Northern Lights Marble iPhone 15 Pro Max Case is available now priced around £39.95. There are a number of other lovely designs as well, so take a look and see what takes your fancy.

You can learn more from the Burga website.

A Closer Look at the Burga Emerald Pool Elegant iPhone 15 Pro Max Case

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at the Burga Emerald Pool Elegant iPhone 15 Pro Max Case

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 Burga Emerald Pool Elegant iPhone 15 Pro Max Case.

Convert your everyday device into a fashion accessory. BURGA phone cases are ultra-thin, non-bulky and designed to deliver high protection while complimenting your style.

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. You don’t just want to protect it, you also want to keep it looking good.

The Burga Emerald Pool Elegant iPhone 15 Pro Max Casee is available now priced around £59.95. There are a number of other lovely designs as well, so take a look and see what takes your fancy.

You can learn more from the Burga website.

A Closer Look at the Burga Magic Night Beautiful iPhone 15 Pro Max Case

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at the Burga Magic Night Beautiful iPhone 15 Pro Max Case

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 Burga Magic Night Beautiful iPhone 15 Pro Max Case.

Convert your everyday device into a fashion accessory. BURGA phone cases are ultra-thin, non-bulky and designed to deliver high protection while complimenting your style.

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. You don’t just want to protect it, you also want to keep it looking good.

The Burga Magic Night Beautiful iPhone 15 Pro Max Case is available now priced around £39.95. There are a number of other lovely designs as well, so take a look and see what takes your fancy.

You can learn more from the Burga website.

A Closer Look at the Burga Aurora iPhone 15 Pro Max Case

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at the Burga Aurora iPhone 15 Pro Max Case

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 Burga Aurora iPhone 15 Pro Max Case.

Convert your everyday device into a fashion accessory. BURGA phone cases are ultra-thin, non-bulky and designed to deliver high protection while complimenting your style.

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. You don’t just want to protect it, you also want to keep it looking good.

The Burga Aurora iPhone 15 Pro Max Casee is available now priced around £59.95. There are a number of other lovely designs as well, so take a look and see what takes your fancy.

You can learn more from the Burga website.

A Closer Look at the Mujjo iPhone 15 Pro Max Shield Case

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at the Mujjo iPhone 15 Pro Max Shield Case

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 Mujjo iPhone 15 Pro Max Shield Case.

– Ultimate impact protection in a super-thin case.

– Drop protection rated to 5 metres/15 feet. Certified to Military Grade MIL-STD-810Certified to Military Grade MIL-STD-810

– ImpactCore internal bumper designed specifically by Mujjo

– Enhanced durability: rear camera bump protects lenses.

– Premium, long-lasting European leather tanned in the Netherlands, Gold Rated by the Leather Working Group for environmental standards.

– Leather ages beautifully and acquires a unique patina over time.

– More sustainable: DriTan water-free leather tanning.

– Recycled plastic buttons, camera bump, microfibre lining and polycarbonate inner shell.

– Super-responsive clicky buttons.

– 1mm raised bezel protects screen from abrasive surfaces.

– Neatly covers the base, without obstructing speakers or charging port.

– Pronounced side cut-outs ensure a nice grip in your hand.

– Lined with luxurious Japanese microfibre with a satin-like finish.

– MagSafe for quick and easy wireless charging, compatible with MagSafe accessories.

– Fits 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max.

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. You don’t just want to protect it, you also want to keep it looking good.

That’s where the iPhone 15 Pro Max Shield Case from Mujjo comes in. Not only does it protect your iPhone, it looks good too! Made of full-grain vegetable-tanned ecco leather, it’s lightweight and doesn’t add much to the size of the phone.

Add to the fact it’s also MagSafe compatible and you’ve got yourself a great case!

The Mujjo iPhone 15 Pro Max Shield Case is available now priced around £59 and is available in either Black or Steel Blue (which is the colour of the case in this review).

You can learn more from the Mujjo website.

A Closer Look at the Mujjo iPhone 15 Pro Max Full Leather Case

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at the Mujjo iPhone 15 Pro Max Full Leather Case

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 Mujjo iPhone 15 Pro Max Full Leather Case.

– Enhanced durability: machined-metal rear camera bump protects lenses.

– Premium, long-lasting European leather tanned in the Netherlands, Gold Rated by the Leather Working Group for environmental standards.

– Leather ages beautifully and acquires a unique patina over time.

– More sustainable: DriTan water-free leather tanning.

– Recycled metal buttons, camera bump, microfibre lining and polycarbonate inner shell.

– Machined-metal buttons for extra responsiveness.

– 1mm raised leather bezel protects screen from abrasive surfaces.

– Neatly covers the base, without obstructing speakers or charging port.

– Lined with luxurious Japanese microfibre with a satin-like finish.

– MagSafe for quick and easy wireless charging, compatible with MagSafe accessories.

– Fits 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max.

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. You don’t just want to protect it, you also want to keep it looking good.

That’s where the iPhone 15 Pro Max Full Leather Case from Mujjo comes in. Not only does it protect your iPhone, it looks good too! Made of full-grain vegetable-tanned ecco leather, it’s lightweight and doesn’t add much to the size of the phone.

Add to the fact it’s also MagSafe compatible and you’ve got yourself a great case!

The Mujjo iPhone 15 Pro Max Full Leather Case is available now priced around £59 and is available in various colours (the colour of the case in this review is Burgundy).

You can learn more from the Mujjo website.

Review: Boulies Elite Max 2024 chair

Daniel Waite
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0
Review: Boulies Elite Max 2024 chair

The Boulies Elite Max 2024 chair is a comfortable and ergonomic gaming chair. Furthermore, this incredible piece of furniture looks amazing and is built from only the best materials. Consequently, you are assured that it will impress your friends whilst maximising your gaming experience.

Alongside this, the Boulies Elite Max 2024 chair can be adjusted to support your whole body. Whether you want more aggressive lumber or neck support, or you need to relax your arms, you can make these adjustments with ease. Additionally, it caters for the fashion-conscious. Available in 2 unique materials and a range of colours, you are bound to find the solution that works for you.

What’s in the box of the Boulies Elite Max 2024 chair?

  • Before your parcel arrives, ensure that you have plenty of floor space. Furthermore, the box is extremely heavy, so do take care. The simple packaging is robust but somewhat striking. I loved the stripped-back design that is oddly alluring.
  • The Boulies Elite Max 2024 chair comes in many parts. As such, you need a clean and spacious area to work. What’s more, you may need help from a friend to put it together.
  • Thankfully, you are provided with the tools to complete the job. Moreover, no DIY skills are essential to construct this unit.
  • The straightforward guide helps you build this chair.

Putting it together.

I’ve constructed many gaming chairs in my time. Consequently, I had no concerns when putting this together. However, if you are a novice, you needn’t worry either. Building this chair is a cinch and it can be done alone. Yet, there are moments where 2 people would make it easier and quicker.

The excellent guide talks you through each step. What’s more, there are helpful pictures and some clear labelling to keep you on track. However, if you like to go it alone, a little common sense goes a long way. From start to finish, the project took me no more than 20 minutes. As such, the hardest element was the unboxing and clearing up any mess.

Technical aspects.

Whether you are a hardcore gamer, streamer, YouTuber, or you work from home, you want your chair to be super comfortable. Furthermore, we all know that poor posture is a killer. As such, it’s a massive bonus if our chair forces us into a more suitable seated position. Well, thankfully, the Boulies Elite Max 2024 chair ticks these boxes.

The specially designed backrest follows the natural curvature of the human spine. Accordingly, it supports you in all the right places. Therefore, you won’t slouch or place pressure on your hips or lower back. Additionally, you’ll reduce tension in your neck as the headrest offers a generous level of support.

If you wish to add more support, you may use the attractive and plush cushions. The lumber and neck cushions are easily attached or removed from the chair. As such, it’s great if different members of your family wish to share this piece of furniture.

More adjustments.

The number of adjustable parts impressed me. Thanks to the gas-powered strut, this chair is as smooth as butter. What’s more, it locks into place and feels secure. Alongside this, there is a lock to stop the chair from moving. Moreover, you can recline the back support for a sneaky snooze. Both of these alterations can be made using the separate locking levers under the base.

Another element I loved was the 4D armrests. The ability to move the armrests into a comfortable position was a game-changer. Furthermore, it was refreshing to lower them out of the way whenever I was invested in a heavy gaming session. Like the other levers, these were easy to operate and simple to understand.

Build quality.

If you spend hours gaming or working from home, you cannot cope with a poorly built chair. Thankfully, the Boulies Elite Max 2024 chair only uses premium materials. Accordingly, it feels great and looks even better. This chair is available in an Ultraflex PU or Water Repellent Fabric. Furthermore, there are choices of colours and these create some striking features. The Ash Grey in the WRF material was my choice, and I wasn’t disappointed.

Every element of this product feels substantial and built to last. Whether it is the XL PU casters, the aluminium base, the aluminium alloy armrests, or the exceptional back support design, it is created to blow you away. Additionally, the stitching is tight and neat and the seat cushion is firm but extremely comfortable. Therefore, you will enjoy sitting in this chair for hours on end.

Word of warning, however, the Max version of this chair is suitable for people over 5 foot 10 tall. If you are shorter, I recommend looking at the non-Max version.

Is the Boulies Elite Max 2024 chair worth it?

It isn’t difficult to find a gaming chair. In fact, I highlighted news of the Sybr Si1 chair recently. However, this option will push your budget to the limit. Alternatively, you can invest in something that is relatively inexpensive. The Boulies Elite Max 2024 chair retails at around £350-£390. Consequently, you are getting an awfully good chair for a reasonable price. If you consider your health, and the time you use this product, you get a lot of bang for your buck. As such, I think it’s a no-brainer and I recommend that you buy it here!

(More information on Boulies can be found here!)

The Boulies Elite Max 2024 chair has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold Award.

A Closer Look at League of the Lexicon

Andrew Edney
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0
A Closer Look at League of the Lexicon

As we are now on the run up to Christmas, we take a closer look at League of the Lexicon – The Game About Words.

League of the Lexicon is a best selling quiz game about words and language. Launched in 2022, League of the Lexicon was the most successful word game in Kickstarter history.

The core game is beautifully designed, hand-illustrated by two outstanding artists and includes 2,000 questions in five categories, from archaic words to etymology, usage to wordy trivia.

There are a number of new expansion packs too which you might want to take a look at.

League of the Lexicon from Two Brothers Games is available now priced around £34.99 and is aimed at 2-6 players ages 10 and up. The average game takes about 30 to 50 minutes.

This would make a really amazing Christmas present for the word lover in your family.

You can order now from Waterstones.

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