As we are now on the run up to Christmas, we take a closer look at An Apothecary of Art.
Take a transformative journey to improve your mental wellbeing with An Apothecary of Art, the inspiring debut book from social media sensation Ravenous Butterflies. Enjoy a sumptuous collection of 80 paintings and uplifting quotes to lift the spirit, calm the mind and heal the soul.
Within these pages you will find both the works of world-renowned masters and the paintings of lesser-known talents, paired with uplifting thoughts from great poets, writers and thinkers.
This illumination of the power of art as a source of wellbeing is modern yet timelessly beautiful – the perfect book to dip into to lift your spirits.
Ravenous Butterflies is the online brainchild of artist Lisa Azarmi and was designed to provide a safe sanctuary for emotional wellbeing. An Apothecary of Art is a soothing blend of 80 beautiful paintings and inspiring, comforting and uplifting quotes to lift the spirit, calm the mind and heal the soul.
The contents page is artfully divided into 24 emotional journeys that suggest routes in which to navigate the book to explore different feelings along the way, and to provide comfort and solace in difficult times. Within these pages you will find both the works of world-renowned masters and the paintings of lesser-known talents paired with uplifting thoughts from great poets, writers and thinkers. A biographical section on the featured artists will provide context on your new favourite finds.
This inspiring debut collection from Ravenous Butterflies features 80 exquisite works of art from the likes of Modigliani, Hasui Kawase, and Thomas Cooper Gotch with accompanying quotes from inspirational voices including Sappho, Pablo Neruda and Harriet Tubman. This illumination of the power of art as a source of wellbeing is modern yet timelessly beautiful – the perfect book to dip into to lift your spirits.
An Apothecary of Art is available now priced around £18.99 and would make a wonderful Christmas present.
As we are now on the run up to Christmas, we take a closer look at So Chill Mini Fridge from Canal Toys.
Introducing the So Chill Mini Fridge! With its sleek moving handle, vision window, removable shelf, door pocket, and USB power cable for both home & car use, the mini fridge is perfect for keeping drinks chilled, whether you’re at home or on-the-go. Ideal for gamers, influencers, beauty queens, students, & anyone who wants to keep their essentials close at hand & perfectly chilled, our mini fridge is a must-have!
Get creative with the cool, funky stickers provided, you can make your fridge your own, reflecting your unique style & personality!
Features
SO CHILL, SO COOL – A stylish and compact mini fridge!
GREAT FOR ALL – Ideal for gamers, beauty queens, students, road trips, hangouts & for anyone who wants to keep their essentials close at hand & perfectly chilled!
CUSTOMISE IT YOUR WAY – Stickers included to add a personalised touch to your mini fridge
USB POWER CABLE – Use mini fridge in your room, in the car or on the go!
The So Chill Mini Fridge is available now in both Teal and Black, priced around £39.99 and would make an awesome Christmas present for anyone!
Iron Man has been an essential part of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU) since his 2008 debut, making a significant contribution to the remarkable success of the franchise. Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Tony Stark has confirmed the actor’s incredible legacy, with the arms dealer turned philanthropist wowing audiences with super high-tech combat technology and an epic character arch.
Arguably the most iconic thing about Tony Stark’s Iron Man is his suit of armor. This is by far the most technologically advanced and powerful piece of kit across the MCU, generating an almost-endless treasure trove of potential weapons, defense systems and other cool features. For example, Iron Man can fly, shoot powerful gamma ray beams, use advanced AI and even cause himself to be invisible to radar.
Despite his incredibly powerful suit of armor and other advantages, fans were left heartbroken at the end of Avengers: Endgame when Tony Stark sacrificed himself to save the world from the evil titan Thanos. Many people, including ourselves, couldn’t bear the tension and heartbreak at the end of the legendary Marvel movie. If you’re looking for an easy way to wind down after going through the heartbreak, we highly recommend playing fun slots like Pragmatic Play’s Sweet Bonanza. It’s the perfect way to get your mind off Iron Man’s painful demise.
Nevertheless, there has recently been a whole host of speculation and hints that the genius, billionaire, playboy and philanthropist may return to the big screen. Could Robert Downey Jr. return to play Tony Stark in some shape or form? That’s the golden question we’ve set out to investigate throughout this article. Keep reading for the lowdown.
Who is Tony Stark?
Tony Stark is intelligent, witty and charming, but also incredibly arrogant and non-caring when we first meet him. The arms dealer slowly changes tack, becoming a philanthropic force for good. His Iron Man suit is one of the most iconic components of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, famed for its high-powered weaponry and other special features. Tony Stark’s legacy has influenced everything from video games to WOW! PODS figurines.
About Marvel’s Iron Man series
Before we get into the rumors regarding Iron Man’s return to the big screen, let’s set the scene with an examination of the Marvel Iron Man series so far.
While the character first appeared in a 1963 comic called Tales of Suspense, the Tony Stark we’re concerned with is the one featured in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. This is defined by the universe that the iconic comic book brand has created within its blockbuster movies, so certain facts and character traits differ from what came before.
Here is a quick summary of the MCU movies where Iron Man plays a pivotal role:
Iron Man (2008)
We meet Tony Stark for the first time in the original Iron Man movie, released in 2008. The arrogant arms dealer is captured and imprisoned, leading him to build a powerful suit of armor to escape. Stark undergoes a mental transformation on his return home, updating his suit further and committing to a life of philanthropy.
Iron Man 2 (2010)
In Iron Man 2, Tony Stark has a rather large US government-sized problem to negotiate, as they demand he hands over his technology. The film also widens Stark’s character, with an examination of his complicated health problems and relationship with his father. It also introduces the Black Widow character, signaling a foray into the wider MCU.
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Iron Man 3 is one of the most subtle movies, where Tony Stark must negotiate difficult scenarios without his suit. It shows his anxiety and sadness at some of his actions from the past.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Avengers: Age of Ultron is one of the first wider MCU movies in which Iron Man, or Tony Stark, plays a pivotal role. He creates the advanced AI called Ultron that threatens to destroy the world, something that has wide-reaching consequences for various other characters and movies in the series.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Tony Stark supports the Sokovia Accords in Captain America: Civil War, leading to a rift between the Avengers. His battle against Captain America is a central component of the narrative, and yet again has far-reaching consequences for future MCU movies.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Tony Stark is a central character during Avengers: Infinity War. He is instrumental in creating new alliances and confronting the threat of Thanos, who is looking for all of the Infinity Stones.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Avengers: Endgame sees Tony Stark sacrifice himself to save humanity. His death is a poignant conclusion to his character arch from self-absorbed playboy to selfless philanthropist. He ultimately defeats Thanos but perishes in doing so. Or does he? Recent rumors point to a potential return, and fans are holding their breath.
The end of an era: Avengers: Endgame
Tony Stark’s heroic sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame was the perfect way to complete his character arch. It was a deeply emotional moment for MCU fans, marking the end of an era. His death was necessary to defeat Thanos and save the universe, but it left fans wondering whether they would ever see Tony Stark and Iron Man in action again. Now, it seems as though a few things are hinting at his possible return.
Will Iron Man return? exciting reasons to be hopeful
But how can Iron Man return when he’s dead? Well, as we’ve learned in recent years, the MCU has the capacity to amaze and completely turn what you thought about the series on its head. For example, the series’ recent forays into the multiverse concept could easily signal a return for Iron Man in some shape or form.
Moreover, upcoming movies like Ironheart and Armor Wars all focus on things like the weapon technology that Tony Stark was famed for, so could he make a comeback in some way? We all know how much Marvel likes guarding its secrets, so it’s always possible.
The BS8 office chair from FlexiSpot is a comfortable, sturdy, and affordable option for anyone who works from home. Alternatively, maybe your office furniture needs an update. Either way, this stunning chair will make working from your PC or laptop a game-changing experience.
Made from environmentally friendly and breathable meshed fabric, this chair feels top-end and looks amazing. Alongside this, it has many adjustable points to make it suit your height and body shape. Accordingly, your body will thank you if you invest in this wonderful piece of office furniture.
What’s in the box of the BS8 office chair?
The packaging is large, cumbersome, and robust. Consequently, the contents are protected in transit. Word of warning, though, the package is heavy and I recommend 2 people to lift it.
The BS8 office chair comes in many pieces. Thankfully, though, it is easy to unpackage and straightforward to put together.
Tools and screws are provided to construct the chair.
The user guide is easy to follow and accurate.
Putting it together.
Building your own furniture can be a nightmare. More often than not, people will turn their noses up as they don’t have the skills to complete the job. However, fear not, the BS8 office chair is a cinch to put together. The well-labelled screws and the easy-to-read user guide ensure it takes no more than 15 minutes to construct.
I put the chair together by myself and I didn’t struggle. However, I would advise 2 people to build it as the job would be completed in under 10 minutes. Once built, FlexiSpot advises that you check the screws periodically to maintain strength and integrity.
Technical aspects.
There are many great chairs out there. Yet, finding one that is good for poor joints and bad backs is hard to find. Luckily, the ergonomic design of the BS8 office chair ensures that you are supported in all the right places. Moreover, you can adjust the armrests, back position, back support, and seat height. As such, you can find the perfect solution for your body type and ailments.
The wonderful lumber support gently pushes against your back. Consequently, you feel supported every time you sit in it. On top of this, the S-shaped design corrects your posture without a sense of rigidity. Subsequently, you’ll feel right at home the first time you sit in it.
We’ve all had those chairs that are rock-hard to sit on. As such, by the end of the day, your buttocks and thighs feel destroyed. Fortunately, this chair has a zero-pressure seat cushion to alleviate this issue. Furthermore, this incredible design prevents the seat cushion from losing shape and it is breathable to reduce sweat and overheating.
Build quality.
Ergonomically, this chair does an incredible job. Yet, I expect my office furniture to be robust and last the test of time. Luckily, the BS8 office chair is built extremely well. Every aspect of this chair is strong, comfortable, and built to last. Alongside this, the moveable parts are smooth, easy to operate, and hard-wearing. Consequently, I believe that this will endure some roughhousing and plenty of childish spins.
I adored the simplicity of each moveable aspect. The gas-powered strut and back position are operated using a simple lever. Additionally, the armrests are activated using a discreet switch and the lumber support moves by a rudimentary locking system. Alongside this, you can adjust the tension of the back support with a traditional locking system. Accordingly, this chair is easy to use and straightforward to set up.
Is the BS8 office chair worth it?
If you sit at a desk all day, you need a comfortable chair that supports your body. Fortunately, the BS8 office chair does just that. This incredible piece of office furniture is well-made and great to look at. Furthermore, it supports every aspect of your body to reduce fatigue and pressure on your back and hips. Accordingly, this chair is worth every penny and I recommend that you buy it here! Furthermore, FlexiSpot is having a massive sale until October 31st 2023, so don’t miss out and grab yourself a bargain!
(More information on FlexiSpot can be found here!)
Digital learning, also known as e-learning or online learning, refers to using digital technology and the Internet to facilitate educational experiences. It involves delivering educational content and instruction through digital platforms and pay for essay for sale at GrabMyEssay, allowing learners to access resources, interact with content, and engage in learning activities online. In this article, we will explore the concept of digital learning and outline its pros and cons.
What Constitutes Digital Learning?
Digital learning has gained significant popularity and importance, especially in recent years, due to technological advancements and the increasing need for flexible and accessible education.
Key components of digital learning include:
Online Courses
Multimedia Content
Virtual Classrooms
Assessment and Feedback
Cost-Efficiency
Continuous Learning
Pros and Cons of Digital Learning
Digital learning, like any educational approach, comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of digital learning:
Pros:
Flexibility and Convenience
One of the most significant advantages of digital learning is the ability for learners to progress through the material at their own pace. Digital learning allows learners to access content and participate in courses on their own schedule. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with busy lifestyles or other commitments.
Global Accessibility and Cost-Efficiency
Anyone with an internet connection can participate in digital learning, breaking down geographical barriers and providing access to education at Letsgradeit for people in remote areas or different countries. Digital learning can be more cost-effective than traditional in-person education, eliminating the need for physical classrooms, textbooks, and commuting expenses.
Personalization
Some digital learning platforms use adaptive technology to tailor content and experiences to individual learning styles, pacing, and needs, enhancing the learning experience. Digital learning offers a variety of multimedia resources, such as videos, simulations, interactive exercises, and online discussions, making learning more engaging and diverse.
Lifelong Learning
Digital learning provides opportunities for individuals to continue learning and acquiring new skills throughout their lives, supporting ongoing personal and professional development. Many digital learning platforms provide immediate feedback on assessments and quizzes, allowing learners to gauge their understanding and make improvements quickly.
Cons:
Lack of Face-to-Face Interaction
Digital learning may lack the social interaction and personal connections that traditional classroom settings offer, potentially leading to feelings of isolation and limited peer-to-peer engagement. Digital learning requires a higher level of self-discipline and motivation, as learners need to manage their time effectively and stay focused without the structure of a physical classroom.
Technical Challenges
Access to reliable internet and appropriate devices can be a barrier for some learners, especially in regions with limited connectivity or for individuals who are not tech-savvy. The quality of digital learning and custom essay service used by students in college for academic essay writing assignments and school papers can vary widely. Not all online courses and materials are created equal, and some learners may encounter subpar content that does not effectively facilitate learning.
Limited Hands-On Experience
Some subjects, such as certain scientific experiments or practical skills, require hands-on experience that might be challenging to replicate in a digital environment. Ensuring the integrity of assessments in an online environment can be more challenging, as there is potential for cheating or unauthorized assistance.
Distractions
Learning online can expose learners to more potential distractions, such as social media, emails, or other online activities, which can hinder focus and learning outcomes. Excessive screen time during education can lead to issues like eye strain, fatigue, and decreased engagement in learning activities.
Final Thoughts
While digital learning offers many benefits, it also comes with challenges, such as the need for self-discipline, potential feelings of isolation, and concerns about the quality of online education. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of digital learning depends on various factors, including the learner’s preferences, the quality of the content, the instructor’s engagement, and the level of support provided.
Author’s Bio – Jodi Williams
As an experienced EdTech educator, Jodi Williams is passionate about using technology to transform how she teaches. With a deep appreciation for the potential of digital tools, she is dedicated to creating engaging and effective online learning experiences that empower learners to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Jodi holds a degree in education technology and has honed his teaching skills through traditional classroom settings and innovative online platforms.
In 2021, I reviewed Guardians of the Galaxy. I firmly stated (and still maintain) that it was one of the greatest games ever made – up there with Street Fighter 2, Ocarina of Time, GoldenEye, Half-Life 2, and several others. Well, now, in 2023, I can add Starfield to that list.
Is Starfield Skyrim In Space?
In the early days, Todd Howard himself described Starfield as ‘Skyrim in space’. This, as you’d expect, caused much discussion in the gaming world. Some people loved the idea, others not so much. So, now it’s launched, is that the case?
No.
Not at all. I mean, sure, it’s a Bethesda RPG that offers a great story, great customisation, and similar activities like lockpicking and pickpocketing… but that’s about it. Starfield is incredibly spaced out. There are 1,000 planets to see and explore, and many of them won’t have life on them. Similarly, while you can fly in space, a lot of the travel is fast travel cutscenes.
Starfield is a slow burn. A grand, sprawling space opera that takes you all over the galaxy. Mixed amongst that is the freedom to go explore, complete side and faction quests, build some cool stuff and truly immerse yourself in the stars.
A Shining Star In Storytelling
Bethesda knows how to tell a fantastically intricate story, and Starfield is no exception to this legacy. The main plot will take you around 30 to 40 hours to complete and sees you joining the explorers, Constellation, to unravel the mysteries of the universe and the strange artefacts that seem to call to the player.
But, alongside this, there are so many side quests ranging in variety and length. These can be as straightforward as adding textural flavour to city life – like fetching someone a cup of coffee for an overworked janitor. Then, there are bigger ‘guild/faction’ questlines. You can join the UC Vanguard and unravel a conspiracy that links back to the history of the UC. Become a Freestar Ranger and uncover corruption in the Wild West of the Freestar Collective. You can also be a corporate spy for Ryujin Industries, join up with the nefarious space pirates (Crimson Fleet), and potentially double-cross them.
The wonderful thing about Starfield is that this is just the beginning. With DLC planned and modding, a player can expect so much more story filling out this galaxy.
Customisation Is Out Of This World
Now, with any RPG, you expect a certain level of customisation, and Starfield really takes this concept and runs with it. As you would expect, you can design your character to look how you want in one of the most detailed character creation screens I’ve seen in gaming. There are presets, but it’s the fine-tuning that really makes this system unique. It’s also very simple to use, which is a bonus. As well as appearance, you can pick your traits and skills (more on that below).
But this goes further. With customisation available for weapons and spacesuits, you can really make your character stand out and feel unique, but most importantly, have gear that is designed around the playstyle you’re going with. Whether that’s adding a silencer for stealthy takedowns or bumping up the rockets for aerial pyrotechnics. The system is vast.
Want more? Well, you’re in luck because then we have ship customisation. This is possibly my favourite system in the game. As a Lego fan, this reminds me of childhood (and honestly, adulthood), where you take sets, mash them together, and build anything. That’s kind of the principle here. Add modules to improve the habitats inside, add weapons, engines, cargo and more. Need shielded cargo for smuggling? The shipbuilders have you covered. As you progress in the game and your skills develop, you’ll unlock extra parts. From iconic sci-fi ships to ducks – the shipbuilder will let your imagination run wild. Once your ship is ready, you can hire a crew for added stat bonuses.
Finally, outposts. Here, you can build a home, a mining facility, a place to store items and sell resources for money and XP. This system works like most city-building games with modules you can place, power, and connect together to build an amazing base. Decorating is also possible, as so many items are movable. You can collect them in the places you explore and style your space with knick-knacks, soft toys, books, games, plants, and so much more.
Traits and Background In Starfield
When you create your character, there are 17 traits to pick from. In total, you pick three, and these add stats, unique features, and flavour to your character. For example, you can pick Kid Stuff and interact with your parents in New Atlantis. While you send some money home to them every week, they will give you some interesting items periodically. Alternatively, you can have an annoying superfan follow you around, be a part of a religion or pick a trait to boost your resilience.
As well as these, you pick your background. The background gives your character a starting point; it can impact some dialogue but, most importantly, gives you your starting skills. Pick wisely, as some skills are more useful than others early on.
Combat Systems Ready
Now, while it’s possible to talk your way out of a lot of the fighting if you’re skilled in persuasion and diplomacy and want a pacifist approach. For everyone else, combat will feature heavily. Ground combat is exactly as you’d imagine; you can play in first and third person, and it works like every RPG. You have your weapon, health packs and throwables and will face off against other people and monsters of varying difficulty. Weapons are really varied, too; whether you want a laser pistol, sniper rifle, rocket launcher, machine gun or sword – there’s a wide selection to choose from.
Then we have space combat. Think X Wing or Squadrons in its style – it’s fast-paced dogfighting. During combat, you must manage your power, utilise your three weapon types and dodge incoming fire. It’s a true thrill.
Of course, you don’t have to destroy the ships you fight. Sometimes, it’s worth disabling them so you can board, loot and even take the ship for your own! The choice is yours.
Starfield’s Soundtrack
When creating a game, the music is almost as important as the dialogue and gameplay. It can be used to set tone, create emotional responses, and so much more. Few games have soundtracks so memorable that you want to listen to them repeatedly; thankfully, Starfield’s does just that.
Inon Zur has created a masterpiece of beautiful tracks that create a sense of wonder as you travel through space, a sense of loneliness as you stand on a desolate planet, a sense of drama as you engage pirates in fast-paced combat and a sense of sadness at certain times. It’s dramatic, it’s perfect for science fiction, and it’s one of the best game scores I’ve ever heard.
I was fortunate to have been at the event where Inon Zur conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, and I was transported and blown away. Seriously, if you’ve not listened to the soundtrack without the game – do it. It’s perfect.
Voice Acting, Graphics And The World Of Starfield
Of course, music isn’t everything. To be a great game and a great RPG, you need strong voice acting, a world that feels joined up and the visuals to match. Starfield delivers on all three counts in spades.
Where voice acting is concerned, all the NPCs are wonderfully brought to life by the cast, with a few familiar, long-used Bethesda voice actors included. I particularly like how believable they are, how diverse they are and, more importantly, how natural they sound. At no point did I ever get bored or frustrated talking to someone and want to skip ahead. Even smaller NPCs deliver great performances, and this consistency ensures the immersion isn’t broken.
This level of immersion transposes through the visuals of the game. During the Starfield Direct, the style was described as ‘NASA-punk’, but it goes so much deeper than a futuristic NASA aesthetic. When you first arrive at the UC city of New Atlantis on Jemison, you’ll be drawn into the clean curves of the sci-fi cityscape before you. It looks pristine, futuristic, affluent. Feels like a capital city. It also feels alive with all the tiny details. This isn’t just here – but in every location you visit.
The mining colony on Mars feels dirty and rough around the edges. Akila City feels like a fringe world, with less polish reflecting the more relaxed nature of law and order. Even the randomly generated labs have life and character about them with the placement of junk objects like books, board games and more. The ships, weapons and spacesuits all feel worn and used in their design. Nothing looks perfect, but by doing that, it is perfect. It’s believable. I can believe that ship interiors look that way, that spacesuits look that way, that the worlds and the galaxy look that way. The detail is by far the best I’ve ever seen in a game. It’s up there with other major sci-fi franchises of different mediums – Star Wars, for example.
In Space, Watch Out For The Bugs!
Nothing is 100% perfect, and the same can be said for Starfield. Bugs aren’t just something you must watch out for in dark corners of space – but also very much present in the game. It doesn’t change my mind on the game or even lower the score because they’re not a big deal. But they exist. Credit where credit is due, though. It’s the most polished Bethesda launch I can remember, and I expect most of the oddities will be patched out over time.
From bugs when you exit ships to duplicated items when expanding the ship, these can sometimes be annoying. For the most part, the graphical issues and NPCs quirks can be overlooked. There have been reports of bugs breaking quests, and while not personally experienced, they should be watched out for.
A Few Hundred Hours Later…
I don’t think I can fully convey the level of enormousness that Starfield offers. You can just go off and explore to your heart’s content. Be warned, though, you’ll lose a lot of hours! The way the game captivates you and begs you to explore is really part of the fundamental heart of Starfield. For example, I took a bounty contract and completed it for some easy credits… But when I got there, I got a distress call, which intrigued me, so after killing the spacer, I jumped on over to this other place but noticed a ship land… Well, obviously, I wanted to steal it (sadly not stealable), but I did convince the captain I was the smuggler they were waiting for and got a bunch of loot for my efforts.
This is just one example, and the game is full of moments of this. There are many theories about playing the main quest, not playing it straight away, etc., but when it comes down to it – Starfield can be played however you like. Want to join the Crimson Fleet and be a space pirate searching the galaxy for ships you can take over? You can. Want to join the UC Vanguard or Freestar Rangers and protect civilisations? You can. You can even explore by yourself and build outposts and farm resources. Then, of course, there’s the main story. Starfield promises hundreds of hours of exploration, story, combat, resource gathering, and much more.
It’s also worth exploring some of the easter eggs that the game has. Be it walking on Earth to find the Shard, visiting the Lunar Module on the Moon… finding a ship with a familiar Alien… the galaxy has much to offer!
What’s Next For Starfield?
Now, you might be wondering just what else there is to look forward to after you’ve spent hundreds of hours playing the story, the side-quests, building outposts, amazing ships, and exploring all the possibilities of the galaxy (and some casual piracy along the way!). Well, Starfield has New Game +. This is a fantastic level of replayability as it offers some unique skills and options that you didn’t have the first time around. In addition, it allows you to play it a different way. Did you spend your first playthrough being the good guy? Well, now try it as a pirate. You’re only limited by yourself in this respect.
Of course, this is a Bethesda game, so modding is a big aspect. Bethesda games have fantastic communities of brilliant people who want to tell stories, make cool stuff, and even offer some quality-of-life advancements. If Skyrim is anything to go by – and based on what the developers have said – Starfield will be a modder’s paradise.
If all that wasn’t enough, Bethesda has DLC plans long into the future.
Final Thoughts On Starfield
Starfield is a wonderful, triumphant success in gaming. It’s literally everything I’ve wanted from an RPG. Everything a Bethesda game should be. Everything a sci-fi fanatic needs from a game set amongst the stars. With a beautiful soundtrack, fun, engaging gameplay, an Oscar-worthy story, and stunning visuals… Starfield deserves to be the game of the year.
Want More Starfield Content?
So, if you’re as excited about Starfield as I am, then you’ll be pleased to know I started a YouTube channel covering this game because it’s inspired me to create some fun stuff, do some cool things, tell some great stories and share my love of this game with anyone who wants to come along.
We have Vampire: The Masquerade: Collector’s Edition on Switch to give away.
The Vampire: The Masquerade: Collector’s Edition features in the collector’s edition box:
A game copy of Vampire: The Masquerade: Coteries of New York
A game copy of Vampire: The Masquerade: Shadows of New York
Branded USB stick with official soundtracks and digital art (featuring 28 tracks, 9 digital bonus tracks, plus digital wallpapers for desktop and mobile!)
Hardback reversible artbook
How to enter to win
We have a collectors edition of Vampire the Masquerade on Switch to give away, you can enter below:
Train Sim World 4 is the perfect title for train enthusiasts. This realistic experience manages to improve on last year’s iteration. Consequently, if you are a fan of the franchise, you’ll adore every aspect of this new endeavour.
This ultra-realistic simulation title was published and developed by Dovetail Games. Moreover, it has some incredible customisation options and a lively and enthusiastic community. Accordingly, there are some weird and whacky liveries available in the CREATORS CLUB.
Mix the new with the old.
What edition of Train Sim World 4 to buy?
Available as a standard or deluxe edition, Train Sim World 4 treats those fans who invest in the latter option. Though the standard edition is fantastic, you miss out on the excitement of driving the Flying Scotsman. This iconic train is the key reason to buy the deluxe edition! Furthermore, there are some bits and pieces that sweeten the deal. Subsequently, if you love trains, I suggest the deluxe edition.
Though there is no story to talk about, there are plenty of things to see and do. Furthermore, you are free to drive any route with any train you like. However, I would have loved an in-depth story that paralleled a driver’s career. Now, I’m not talking about “Strike Day” simulator. Instead, it would have been pleasant to see a progression from branch lines to mainline or from freight to passenger service. Additionally, a focus on the everyday risks and challenges a driver faces would have created a rounded experience.
Follow the scenarios or go it alone.
If you’ve never driven a train, or you haven’t played its predecessors, you may worry about a steep learning curve. Thankfully, this isn’t the case. The developer has done an incredible job with its tutorial and accessibility options. Moreover, the bite-sized scenarios hold your interest without overcomplicating the matter. As such, you’ll become an expert in driving an array of trains in no time.
On top of this, the game does a great job of explaining trackside fundamentals and how the infrastructure works. Accordingly, you’ll familiarise yourself with the line side signage and signalling equipment you encounter.
The pièce de résistance has to be the free roam mode. The ability to choose any train and any available route was incredible. Alongside this, you are free to set the route as you like. As such, you are in complete control of every journey you take. This freedom isn’t exclusive to just mainline driving. Instead, you can enjoy the slow and serene life of a depot driver. With miles of track to play with and oodles of point work to pull, you are free to shunt, couple and uncouple as much as you like.
Time to drive under the wires.
Custom liveries, scenario planner, and character progression.
Train enthusiasts love a unique livery. Consequently, though this simple feature is almost meaningless, it lets your creative juices flow. Designing a unique livery or a classic look from a bygone era never got old. Sadly, though, I can’t say the same for the character progression mechanics. For reasons unknown, your protagonist gains XP and levels up. Furthermore, the trains you drive will level up as well. Yet, this makes no difference to the gameplay, and there is no skill tree. Consequently, it is a pointless mechanic that shouldn’t be present.
On the other hand, the scenario planner was an excellent tool. This wonderful option enables you to create unusual events and one-off situations. Additionally, there is a sense of role play, as you can create a meaningful scenario. On top of this, you can make the drive as easy or as challenging as you like. As such, you can take a steam train on a charter journey or endure the pain of a stopper service with a rundown DMU.
Train Sim World 4 is impressive to look at.
A simulation game has to be realistic. However, visually, they are normally rough. Luckily, Train Sim World 4 doesn’t suffer this fate! The developers have worked hard to create an ultra-realistic space that reflects a real-life railway. On top of this, the weather fronts, animation, and feel of the game are mind-blowing. Train Sim World 3 was incredible. However, this takes it to a whole new level. The gauges, movement of the wheels, the plumes of smoke and the cabs are simply outstanding. Alongside this, I loved how the weather reduces visibility and the claustrophobic nature of the driving cab.
The realism continues with the incredible audio. The amazing soundscape is awe-inspiringly brilliant. Every bell, buzzer, and warning sound is accurate. Furthermore, the clatter of your wheels on the rails, the toot of your horn, or the howl of the wind were perfect. As such, this is an atmospheric title that is as close to the real thing as you’ll ever get.
Stay awake whilst driving late in the day.
Surprisingly easy to play.
With so many trains on offer, you’d expect this to be a nightmare to play. However, the incredible tutorials and bite-sized scenarios ensure this is simple to play. Yet, mastering the art of driving is no easy task. Consequently, it’ll take hours of cab time to perfect every stop and learn every route.
Train Sim World 4 oozes replay value and longevity. The roster of trains and routes at your disposal was impressive. Moreover, the ability to create scenarios and liveries will appease its many fans. However, this is still a niche title and this will restrict its appeal.
Train Sim World 4 is the best train-driving game yet.
Dovetail Games has done an amazing job with this latest instalment. They have listened to their community and addressed several minor complaints. What’s more, the improved weather fronts and rendering distances add to the realism. Though this won’t be for everyone, if you adore trains, you’ll love every second. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and I recommend that you buy it here! Grab your master key, get in the hot seat, and drive the world-famous Flying Scotsman.
Have you ever thought that fairytales make the perfect dark and twisted setting for a soulslike experience? Well, with Lies of P, wonder no more.
Gameplay
Taking the classic story and elements Carlo Collodi’s novel The Adventures of Pinocchio, Lies of P sees the player take on the role of Pinocchio. Viewed from a third-person perspective, and must save the city of Krat, and Geppetto, from rampant Puppets and monsters alike. One of the unique story elements is the iconic Pinocchio trait of lying. This is used in cutscenes and various conversations. Initially, these feel very underwhelming and don’t seem to have much of a genuine impact. The overall outcome is a greater mystery that’s enjoyable to figure out.
The level design is linear with little straying off the path to find bosses as you expect in Souls games, but it is visually striking to look at and explore the little details of this fallen city. It’s not hard to imagine how beautiful Krat looked in its prime. Being drawn into the world is important as you could easily find the concept of a dark fairytale world absurd. The classic story is expertly woven into this soulslike action-adventure title, and there are plenty of nods to the source material.
One of my favourite aspects is that you have a mechanical arm which serves as a utility weapon but can also be upgraded with a variety of different extras. This idea of customisation carries over into the weapons and is possibly the game’s most distinctive feature.
Weapons can be crafted to combine virtually any pairing of blade and hilt to make interesting and powerful combinations that provide different stats and gameplay styles.
Lies of P does have plenty of quality-of-life features like notification when you can level up.
Music in Lies of P is phenomenal and in a year of amazing game soundtracks, this one is up there. Thankfully, you can collect these as records in the game and play them in your base.
Combat in Lies of P
As you would expect with any soulslike game, combat is a large feature. Lies of P is no different, as you must battle your way through Puppets, animal-masked puppet hunters and various bosses in between. As well as your crafted main weapon, which has both primary and secondary attacks with limited blocking capability – it is the utility arm that offers some fun options – want a cannon? You can. Want to use puppet string to grapple enemies? You can do that too.
Combat is inconsistent, and you may find the ordinary mobs are straightforward, with the bosses becoming nearly impossible, especially during their second phases. Death is a constant, and unfortunately, that does mean much repetition. The other issue is the sluggishness in combat to perform dodge actions, and the further inconsistency with the parry windows makes for a frustrating challenge at times. This is especially true when enemies use powerful attacks that can only be countered with a well-timed parry.
Despite this, combat is fun. From rapier-like fencing to hack-and-slash combat. The weapons are varied, and when combined with utility it leads to some satisfying encounters. There is a large disparity in the character archetypes and how difficult things will be – so choose wisely.
Lie or Die
When you die, it is a relief you do not lose all your Ergo. Instead, you must return to the scene and reclaim your power. You will suffer some losses if you take damage en route to this location, though.
Is Lies of P Worth It?
Lies of P is a fantastic soulslike game with strong homages to Bloodborne. The combat is fun, with the upgradability of the weapon feeling unique in how it impacts gameplay more than simply increasing damage. Resource management can be challenging, and if you can endure the inconsistency in combat, it is worth checking out. Lies of P feels familiar, yet distinctly unique, with a wonderful story and a dark aesthetic.
Here is our review of the Netgear Orbi Tri-band WiFi 6 Mesh System (RBK763S).
Upgrade to blazing-fast 5.4Gbps of WiFi 6 on up to 75 devices simultaneously across more space: 7 rooms or up to 6,000 sq. ft. The RBK763S includes a dedicated connection for instant router-satellite communication so WiFi speed stays fast as more devices connected, and 7 Gigabit ports to give your most demanding tech products their own wired connection. Keep your family and your connected devices safe from online threats with 1 year of NETGEAR Armor all-in-one internet security.
Features
Ultimate Performance Whole Home Mesh WiFi System–Covers large homes up to 6,000 sq. ft with fast WiFi. System includes a WiFi router and two satellites.
Powerful AX Mesh WiFi System– Keeps all your connections strong in every room, all the time. Enjoy 4K/8K UHD streaming and online gaming to multiple screens simultaneously without interruption.
WiFi 6 Brings Capacity Beyond Belief – Latest generation WiFi 6 technology is faster than ever, with 4X increased capacity compared to a WiFi 5 (802.11ac) system. From 1 to 75 devices, WiFi 6 supports your devices’ connections for today and tomorrow.
Seamless and Consistent Mesh WiFi Coverage- From front door to backyard and in every corner of your home. A dedicated quad-stream WiFi 6 backhaul allows up to four data streams on each band.
Built for the Gigabit Internet Speeds Everywhere – Innovative Tri-band WiFi helps maximise the internet speeds available in your home to every device.
Multi-Gigabit Internet Speeds Ready – 2.5Gbps Ethernet port support multigigabit Internet speeds available from service providers. Or use port aggregation to combine two Gigabit Ethernet (LAN and WAN) ports for multi-Gigabit speeds.
NETGEAR Armor – Best-in-class anti-virus and data theft protection for all of your smartphones and computers. Protects your connected home from internet threats.
Easy to Set Up and Use – Simple setup and WiFi management with the Orbi app. Create a guest network, view connected devices, and perform speed tests.
Connect More Wired Devices – 2 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports on each satellite, and 3 on the router, support home offices or home entertainment areas.
Works with Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant so you can use voice commands to control your home WiFi network.
What’s in the box?
The box contains the Orbi router (RBR760), 2 satellites (RBS760), power supplies, and Ethernet cable and a quick start guide.
A Closer Look
Placing the Orbi Satellites
Once you have your Orbi router and network configured just how you want it the next step is to place your satellite, or satellites where you want them. Once you have them physically located where you want them it’s just a case of clicking on Add Orbi Satellite from the menu and following the on-screen instructions.
Once the process is complete you will be able to see them listed on the Attached Devices page.
Then all you need to do is connect up your devices to your Orbi network and away you go.
Final Thoughts
Setting up the router is relatively straightforward and fairly quick – just follow each of the steps and you should be up and running in no time.
One of the steps during the setup is a firmware check – make sure that you upgrade to the latest version of the firmware otherwise you might run into some problems.
You can choose to have your satellite or satellites connect to the router, or each other via WiFi – which depending on your walls and room layouts might work perfectly well, or if you have a wired connection near where you want the satellites you should connect the satellites to it. This then connects each satellite to the router using the Ethernet backhaul process which ensures you get the maximum possible speed from each satellite otherwise you will be limited to whatever speed the satellites will get when connecting either to the router or to each other. I noticed a significant speed and reliability increase when connecting the satellites to the router via Ethernet.
Then all you have to do is make any configuration settings you want and have your devices connect to the Orbi network and that’s it. Each satellite, along with the router also has Ethernet ports on the back so if you have devices that need a wired connection you can easily utilise those.
There are a lot of different configuration settings you can make – so do take the time to go through them all before you start connecting your devices as the web front end provides a lot of useful information as well.
The overall coverage you get with the Orbi is really great – and walking around where you do have coverage with your device provides a seamless constant connection. Speed wise I found the connection to be excellent when the satellites were connected to the router via Ethernet, and between very good and good when connected via Wi-Fi, although to be fair the was because of my particular setup, so make sure you do your own testing, but if you can use Ethernet for the satellite to router connections you won’t be disappointed.
If you are looking for the fastest and easiest way to setup and use WiFi 6 Mesh system for your home (or office) then look no further than the Orbi Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6, it’s fantastic!
The Netgear Orbi Tri-band WiFi 6 Mesh System (RBK763S) is available now priced around £599.99 (at the time of writing this review it was available for £479.99. Additional satellites can be purchased and added to your system as you need them.
We take a closer look at the Connetix 120 Piece Pastel Creative Pack.
Featuring 8 unique earthly pastel colours, the 120 Piece Pastel Creative Pack will bring imaginations to live and encourage open-ended play!
Designed to encourage hours of limitless creativity, fun and learning through PLAY, the Pastel Creative Pack features a variety of shapes in 8 pastel colours. It is a great starter option for family play, building bigger Connetix creations and expanding the range of colours your children recognise!
Whether playing independently or with friends and family, the 120 piece Pastel Creative Pack encourages STEAM learning and the development of fine and gross motor skills. Watch as children create bigger castles and rockets, towers, coin drops, bridges and mandalas, explore patterns and shapes, create colour sorting boxes, plus so much more. Our Pastel Creative Pack will also support the development of perseverance and resilience as children design larger scale builds, testing the limits of their imagination.
As an open-ended quality toy, Connetix will grow with your child as they learn and their play becomes more complex.
The Connetix 120 Piece Pastel Creative Pack is available now priced around £115.00 and is aimed at ages 3 and up, and will make a great Christmas present for any child who loves being creative – this will bring hours of fun and the possibilities are endless.
As we are now on the run up to Christmas, we take a closer look at The Christmas Express Game from Cheatwell.
Christmas Express is the great family board game for those who believe in Santa, and those that wish they still did! Jump aboard our festive loco and race to be the first to reach the North Pole. Avoid the pitfalls on the way and you might just find out whether you’ve been naughty or nice!
Climb aboard the Christmas Express and join this jolly journey through a winter wonderland as you race to be the first to get to the North Pole.
The aim of the game is to be the first player to travel along the train track from the Home Station to the North Pole Station.
You’ll have to avoid the Hustle Bustle, the Reindeer Crossings, the Snow Storms and maybe the naughty elf, but keep an eye out for Santa’s sleigh as he could help you on your way.
Land at a Station and you can move again, or land on a bridge and take a shortcut. Or play 3 of a kind and move directly to the next station… there are many ways to be first to the North Pole Station.
Christmas Express is the great family board game for those that believe in Santa, and those that wish they still did.
The box contains a large colourful playing board, 8 player tokens, 4 stands, 51 numbered cards, 14 speciality cards and a full set of rules
This is a really fun game to play and all the family will have a great time! You may even play it when its not Christmas, it’s that much fun!
The Christmas Express Game from Cheatwell is available now priced around £25, and is aimed at ages 6 and up and is designed for 2 to 4 players.
As we are now on the run up to Christmas, we take a closer look at Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win Card Game from Gingerfox.
The stakes are higher than they have ever been, but how high will you dare to climb?
In this cooperative game, you must work together to answer trivia questions and see how far you can climb up the limitless money ladder.
Answer the trivia questions to move up the ladder, but is it an exact answer?
Just Like The TV Show, But In Your Own Home Now you can play the popular ITV gameshow at home. Based on the hit tv quiz show hosted by the nation’s favourite double act, Ant and Dec, you must work together to answer the trivia questions and move up the ladder.
A Fun Family Card Game For Ages 8+ Years This travel-sized trivia quiz card game is great fun for families with children aged 8 years and over. It’s the perfect way to keep the kids entertained and spend quality family time together, learning as you do.
Answer General Knowledge Trivia Questions To win, you must answer your way through 10 question cards by giving either the exact answer or a number below the exact answer and bank as much money as you can. Answer higher, and you’ll lose!
Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win from Gingerfox is available now priced around £7.99. It’s aimed at ages 8 and up and a single game takes between 20 and 30 minutes to play.
