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Review: Taxi Chaos 2

Saim Khurshid

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Jan 2, 2026

This review of Taxi Chaos 2 was supposed to be a nostalgic joyride. Instead, it became a reminder that not every memory from the arcade era survives the journey into the modern market intact. I wanted this to be a love letter to reckless turns, near-miss collisions, and the pure chaos of clock-based driving.

What I got instead was something far more restrained, far more limited, and ultimately far less memorable than it desperately wants to be.

Developed by Team6 Game Studios and published by Lion Castle, Taxi Chaos wears its inspiration on its sleeve. You don’t need to squint to see the shadow of Crazy Taxi looming over every design choice.

From the open city layout to the race-against-the-clock structure, this is very clearly a spiritual successor. The question is whether that spirit still has any fuel left in the tank.

A Familiar Fare

On paper, Taxi Chaos sounds perfect. Choose between two drivers (Vinny or Cleo), hop into a cab, pick up passengers, and deliver them as fast as possible before the timer hits zero.

Drive recklessly, chain fares, earn tips, repeat. It’s a formula that worked brilliantly in arcades and on consoles at the turn of the millennium, largely thanks to Sega understanding exactly what made that loop addictive.

Taxi Chaos sticks closely to that blueprint, perhaps too closely. Vinny and Cleo are largely cosmetic choices, differing only in visual style and some light dialogue. Passengers chatter, crack jokes, and react to your driving, which adds a little personality, but it’s surface-level charm rather than anything substantial.

The real variation comes from the vehicles. There are seven cars in total, most of them locked at the start. Unlocking new rides requires hitting milestones, driving certain distances, earning high star ratings, and completing challenges.

Each car has distinct stats, and those differences do meaningfully affect how the game feels. Unfortunately, none of them ever quite capture the loose, wild handling that made Crazy Taxi so exhilarating.

Chaos Without the Spark

At its core, Taxi Chaos plays exactly how you expect. Pick up a fare. Follow the arrow. Drive like traffic laws are a suggestion, not a rule. Longer trips pay better, faster deliveries earn bonuses, and the game ends when time runs out. There’s no campaign, no progression beyond unlocking cars, and no real endgame beyond chasing a higher score on the leaderboards.

And that’s where the cracks start to show.

What worked in 1999 doesn’t automatically work now. Arcade design thrived on brevity because it was built to eat coins. Home releases expanded on that with extra modes, challenges, and content to justify the purchase. Taxi Chaos doesn’t do that. You get one city. One core loop. No meaningful side activities to break things up.

Yes, there are three modes (Arcade, Pro (which removes navigation arrows), and Free Roam), but they’re variations on the same idea, not genuinely new experiences. Free Roam helps you learn the map, which is useful because Pro mode without navigation quickly becomes an exercise in frustration rather than skill.

The Final Boon of Unboxathon

Taxi Chaos is a sincere attempt to revive a beloved arcade formula, but sincerity alone doesn’t make a great game. It captures the look of its inspiration but misses the urgency, variety, and depth that made that inspiration timeless. With more modes, more cities, and a better sense of progression, this could have been something special.

As it stands, Taxi Chaos is a reminder that homage requires evolution. Without it, you’re not reviving a classic; you’re just reminding players how good the original still is.

Most importantly, Unboxathon has heart. It doesn’t revolutionise the genre, but it refines it to such a degree that innovation almost feels unnecessary. Every system serves a purpose. Every mechanic respects the player’s time.

This is the kind of game that sneaks up on you over hours, not minutes. One where progress feels earned, discoveries feel meaningful, and time spent never feels wasted. And that’s where its true strength lies.

For fans of idle games, clickers, or quiet, story-driven experiences, this is essential. For sceptics of the genre, this might be the game that finally makes it click.

And yes… This review is proudly a 10 out of 10.

News: New Year with Nex Playground

Daniel Waite

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Jan 2, 2026

0

New Year, new me! We’ve all heard this saying, and many of us have resolutions for a fitter, healthier, and exciting 2026. However, with expensive gym memberships, woeful weather, and paper-thin resolves, most of these plans will go by the wayside. Thankfully, the New Year with Nex Playground will help.

This funky little machine is perfect for lovers of activity games, family fun, and 100% safe experiences. Whether it is Bluey, sports, adventures, or a fitness workout, this helpful little machine has you covered.

Burn the calories and have fun: New Year with Nex Playground!

Starting the gym, hitting the roads, or grabbing some weights can be a daunting task. If I’m honest, this is what puts most people off. Therefore, I’m sure you’ll agree that if you could have a coach who helps you from the comfort of your home, you’re more likely to succeed.

Nex Playground offers just this with its fun fitness regimes. Moreover, they have a New Year challenge to keep you focused and motivated. This New Year challenge isn’t something new. This funky company offers plenty of new games and challenges throughout the year.

Tell me about the challenge.

If you fancy yourself as a gym bunny or you love to loosen up those hips, the New Year with Nex Playground has you covered. If you love to dance, you can get sweaty with the Zumba app. This interesting and fun-filled experience will get your body moving.

Alternatively, you can hit the virtual gym with the on-screen guide. This was fantastic as it helps you to maintain form, get stronger, and increase flexibility. Moreover, it is done at a comfortable pace. Consequently, you never feel out of your comfort zone!

During the daily challenges, you must complete any 10 days in January. If you do this, you are awarded with a special badge to show your resolve. If you fancy pushing yourself for another 15 days, you’ll get a bonus for the effort.

Don’t stop there!

The great thing about Nex Playground is the freedom to do other workouts. If the short daily task isn’t enough, you can head to the workout section and burn your abs, blast your legs, or pick a particular muscle group. This makes it informative, educational, and the best way to start 2026. I love this machine, and I recommend getting one here!

Review: Kamvas 13 Gen 3

Daniel Waite

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Jan 1, 2026

0

The Kamvas 13 Gen 3 from Huion is a fantastic entry-level art tablet that allows users to freely draw, scribble, and let their creative juices flow. However, this isn’t a standalone option, and this may frustrate or put off would-be users. This didn’t bother me as I researched the tablet and knew what I was getting. Furthermore, it is an affordable alternative to Wacom. Accordingly, this should pique many digital artists’ interest.

This simple-to-use device is ideal if you are looking to expand your creative options or if you are looking to test the water with a budget-friendly approach. Either way, you’ll get a reasonably high-end product that doesn’t disappoint. The comfortable screen has a realistic, anti-glare etched screen. This offers a tactile response that I welcomed with open arms. Furthermore, the vibrant colour accuracy ensures that your projects are always on point.

What’s in the box of the Kamvas 13 Gen 3?

The packaging is large, interesting, and robust. Furthermore, it can be recycled.
The Kamvas 13 Gen 3 is a large digital canvas that is ideal for many creative uses. I focused on digital graphics, but this would work for tattoos, sketching, and an array of other interesting tasks. The dual dials and customisable keys allow you to adjust shortcuts that are suitable for the project at hand.
A 3-in-1 cable is provided to connect this to your laptop or monitor.
The pen is lightweight and easy to use. It felt incredibly intuitive, and the balance was just right.
A display stand is provided.
Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.

Technical aspects.

The Kamvas 13 Gen 3 is remarkably versatile. It is compatible with PCs, Macs, Linux, and Android. This is fantastic, as this budget-friendly option doesn’t require you to invest in a brand-new system. Alongside this, it has customisable dials and buttons to enhance usability and increase workflow management.

This tablet is powered by Pentech 4.0 and utilises the PW600L battery-free pen. At the moment, this may seem like I’m just spewing words towards you, but believe me, this is a good thing. This pairing delivers amazing results that support up to 16k + levels of pressure sensitivity for exceptional accuracy. Moreover, it offers a wide colour gamut coverage that reduces errors while delivering on-point imagery.

Usability.

I expected this to be a complex device that swallowed my time and tested my patience. Thankfully, the Kamvas 13 Gen 3 art tablet is incredibly user-friendly. If you are an experienced digital artist or you are new to the field, this is the tablet for you. Although it isn’t exactly plug-and-play, it takes a gentle handholding approach for technophobes. Additionally, the software is a piece of cake to install and use.

If you want to customise the dials and the keys, you can do so with ease. Furthermore, altering the pen, changing the screen, and playing with images was a cinch. I didn’t test this with a Mac, but I’m sure it will perform just as well as my Windows and Android devices.

Build quality.

This tablet has the edge over its Wacom counterpart. The material, packaging, and finish feel much better. Moreover, the pen is more substantial and a joy to use. The large 13.3″ display offers 1080p resolution for crisp and clean imagery. There was no requirement to adjust the screen, and the colours were accurate and easy on the eye.

Each of the tactile buttons and dials was chunky, durable, and great to use. The 3-in-1 cable is also impressively well built. This large accessory may be a bit too big for some, but some simple cable management removes that issue pretty quickly.

I was impressed by the etched screen and the realistic paper finish. The feel of pen on paper was great, and this will appeal to anyone who likes a traditional approach. Finally, the pen is nicely balanced, and I like the grip and weight. The nib flows over the display with ease, and this delivers a low-fatigue experience similar to the ReMarkable writing tablet.

Is the Kamvas 13 Gen 3 worth it?

Huion has done an amazing job with this digital display. Although it isn’t perfect, I like the impressive screen, the customisable buttons, and the comfortable pen. Additionally, the software is easy to use, and users can be up and running in no time. Accordingly, if you want a budget-friendly device to improve your workflow, I recommend buying this here!

_{(More information on Huion can be found here!)}

The Kamvas 13 Gen 3 has been awarded the Movies Games and Tech Gold award.

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

Game Engines, Odds Engines and the Tech Behind Predictive Models

News

Christopher John

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Jan 1, 2026

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Game Engines, Odds Engines and the Tech Behind Predictive Models

Video games and sports betting are usually discussed as separate industries. One is about play, the other about prediction. But if you look past the surface, the technology underneath starts to look surprisingly similar. Both depend on systems that react instantly, apply rules consistently, and keep everything in sync while conditions change. That shared foundation is where game engines and odds engines quietly overlap.

Engines are about rules, not visuals

When people hear “game engine,” they often think about graphics. In reality, visuals are only one small part of the job. The engine’s main task is control. It keeps track of what is happening, what is allowed to happen next, and how time flows. When a player presses a button, the engine checks the rules, updates the state of the game, and shows the result. This loop runs constantly in the background. What matters most is reliability. The same action under the same conditions should always produce the same outcome. Without that consistency, a game feels broken very quickly.

Odds engines work in a similar way

An odds engine is built around the same idea of control, just applied to numbers instead of characters. It tracks events, probabilities, and market changes as they happen. When new information arrives, the engine reacts. Prices move. Options update. The system locks and unlocks actions based on what is allowed at that moment. All of this happens in real time. Like a game engine, it relies on clear rules. Those rules are mathematical, but the logic is familiar. Input comes in, rules are applied, and the system responds immediately.

Real time is the hard part

Both types of engines face the same technical pressure: time. Everything has to be registered immediately. There is no tolerance for waiting. In video games, even a short delay breaks the sense of control. In sports betting, timing matters just as much. When someone places a wager on a platform like Betway, the system has to confirm the action instantly. Odds need to lock, balances must update, and the outcome must be clear before the next event unfolds. Any hesitation creates uncertainty, and uncertainty erodes trust.

This is why both environments are designed to minimise waiting wherever possible. Event driven architecture, parallel processing, and constant state verification are standard practice. These approaches were not adopted because they sounded elegant on paper. They became necessary because real users notice immediately when a system falls behind.

Predictive models sit on top, not at the core

Predictive models often get the spotlight, but they are not the foundation. They are one layer in a larger system. The engine manages structure. It knows what is happening and when. The model provides guidance. It estimates likelihoods or tendencies based on data. In betting platforms, the model suggests probabilities. The odds engine then applies business rules, limits, and presentation logic. The model can change without rewriting the engine underneath it. Game development works the same way. You can change enemy behaviour or difficulty systems without touching the physics or timing logic. Separation keeps systems stable.

Feedback shapes future behaviour

Both game engines and odds engines collect feedback constantly. They track patterns, outcomes, and reactions. In games, this helps developers understand how players move, struggle, or succeed. In betting platforms, it helps systems understand how markets respond and where pressure builds. What changes over time is not the engine itself, but how information is used around it. The core remains steady while the surrounding logic evolves.

Why these systems matter beyond their industries

The techniques refined in games and betting did not stay there. Many modern platforms face similar challenges. Live shopping, transport tracking, streaming controls, and even navigation systems all rely on engines that respond immediately and follow strict rules. The problems look different, but the structure underneath is familiar. That is why engineers often move comfortably between these fields. Once you understand one type of engine, the others make more sense.

Quiet systems doing heavy work

Game engines and odds engines rarely get attention from users. They are not meant to be noticed. When they work well, everything feels smooth and obvious. But they carry the weight of real time decision making. They keep systems fair, responsive, and predictable even when conditions change quickly. Looking at them side by side makes one thing clear. Predictive technology is not just about clever models. It depends on engines that can handle constant change without losing control. That shared challenge explains why ideas travel so easily between gaming, sports technology, and other interactive platforms. Different uses, same underlying problem.

Review: Space Chef

Daniel Waite

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Dec 29, 2025

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Space Chef should have been a multiplayer affair. However, on Xbox, at least, it is single-player only, and this left a bad taste in my mouth. Regardless of how this made me feel, I got my head down and tackled this sci-fi restaurant romp. Once I got over my initial disappointment, I began to enjoy the charming looks, customisation options, and ability to expand my restaurant. However, it was a little grindy, and the combat definitely needs improving.

This Sci-Fi life-sim was developed by Blue Goo Games and published by Kwalee. It is a single-player only experience that demands quick thinking and even quicker reactions. You are a chef who must hunt ingredients and cook food at a lightning-fast speed. Keeping on top of multiple tasks is challenging, and unlocking every recipe and piece of equipment is not a walk in the park. Accordingly, you’ll need some patience and a whole lot of skill if you wish to succeed.

Space Chef tells an underdog story.

Trying to make it in business isn’t easy. This is especially true when you have a dirty trailer, no equipment, and an alien roach problem. Thankfully, people don’t know about many of these issues as they order food from your takeaway business. As things improve, you’ll expand your empire with a new and improved restaurant and all the glory that goes with it.

The plot is pretty simple, but it trickles along nicely. Although you could ignore it, I like the silly characters and the short interactions. Moreover, unlocking new bits and visiting the alien planets for resources was fun. Furthermore, combining cooking and delivery duties into one game was a great design choice.

Mini-games, puzzles, and combat.

Where Space Chef shines is its combination of different ideas. Now, this could have been overwhelming, but the developer played it safe and didn’t go insane. Instead, they made everything simple to understand. Cooking tasks are completed with an array of fun, but basic games. These won’t test you, but they add some depth, regardless.

The exploration, delivery service, and combat make up the rest of the action. I enjoyed the puzzles, and I had the odd head-scratching moment. However, I can’t say that the combat was good. It was clunky, frustrating, and just a little tedious. This makes up a core component for the game and should have been much smoother and easier to tackle.

As you execute tasks, mining, combat, exploration, farming, and so forth, you unlock new blueprints and recipes. Consequently, you’ll have to take the rough with the smooth if you wish to get the best equipment and unlock every recipe.

Space Chef looks great.

Despite my complaints, Space Chef looks great. There is a cute and charming edge to everything you see and do. Even when the aliens are grim, the art style is pleasant to look at. Furthermore, there is so much variety as you explore each planet that you can’t help but be impressed with what’s on offer.

The audio is a mixture of sci-fi and whimsy. This unusual combination works to great effect. Additionally, it adds a lighthearted edge that juxtaposes the harsh sound effects of each task.

The controls could have been better.

I don’t like poor controls. Sadly, I wasn’t impressed with the clunky and clumsy nature of many key elements. Moreover, navigation can be tough as the world is constantly shifting. This was to be expected, but it makes it tough to find your bearings and proceed.

Had Space Chef been a multiplayer or couch cooperative game, it would have been much better. I’m not sure there is enough to keep me hooked if I don’t have a partner to share it with. This was a shame, as many of the ideas are great, but they just get a little boring when you are by yourself.

Space Chef is fun but flawed.

I desperately wanted to enjoy Space Chef! The concept is fun, interesting, and a little unusual. Moreover, expanding your business, hunting resources, and the progression elements were great fun. Sadly, the positives are held back by the large array of annoying moments. Accordingly, I tentatively recommend buying it here! Can you run a top-notch restaurant? Find your ingredients, unlock your equipment, and tell no one about the alien roaches in your basement.

Review: Supermarket Simulator

Daniel Waite

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Dec 28, 2025

0

Supermarket Simulator is one of those games that will either pique your interest or make you turn up your nose. Oddly, I’m somewhere in between. The early action was a little too grindy for my liking, and I almost gave up and moved on to something else. However, I’m glad I didn’t, as the gameplay loop is rewarding, and I like the idea of expanding my empire and becoming a supermarket mogul.

This simulation game was developed by Nokta Games and published by NAISU. It is a single-player and up to 4-player cooperative experience. Moreover, it is available on Xbox Game Pass if you don’t wish to invest your hard-earned cash. This should make it easier to team up with friends as you tackle each shop, expand your goods, and appease every customer.

Supermarket Simulator has no plot, but plenty of hands-on moments.

Supermarket Simulator lacks a story, and I’m sure sim fans will say, “Who cares?” To be honest, I see their point as the game flows perfectly without a story. Furthermore, a tale of shopkeeper battles, revenge, or sabotage would have been futile and dull. Accordingly, it was the right choice to let the gameplay do the talking.

It doesn’t matter if you play this alone or with friends; the core ideas remain the same. Effectively, you must control your cash flow, order stock, expand your store, and make every customer happy. Although this sounds dull as hell, it really wasn’t. There was something oddly rewarding about getting every day right. Additionally, I loved seeing my empire grow and my NPC staff working hard.

Another day, another dollar.

Each day is a bit of a grind. Even when you have staff, the customers never stop coming. If they don’t walk through the door, you can still be hounded by them online. As such, you must be prepared for a bit of a nightmare shift as you keep the shelves stocked and react to changing prices.

Alongside this, you’ll have to earn XP to unlock new items and elements to progress the game. This was great as your hard work pays off. Whether it is new shelves, better flooring, new items, or that security guard to arrest shoplifters, it keeps you focused and working hard.

Multiplayer action.

I enjoyed running my solo empire, but it was much more fun with friends. Supermarket Simulator should have been dull, but the laughter, conversation, and silliness never ended. I can’t say that we were the most professional shopkeepers, but I laughed so much that my face and sides hurt. Accordingly, I’d call that a great success.

If you have no friends, you’ll need to enlist the help of NPCs and new tools to make your life easier. Unfortunately, the developer didn’t think of ways to automate every element of the game. Consequently, replenishing your stock when your store expands is a bit of a tedious task. Maybe, just maybe, this will be looked at to improve the endgame.

Supermarket Simulator is a little rough.

Unfortunately, Supermarket Simulator isn’t exactly next-gen. The graphics are basic, and the colour palette leaves a lot to be desired. Additionally, if you look at things too closely, it’ll make you frown with disgust. However, sim games do not rely on their visual prowess, as it is normally the action that takes centre stage.

The audio is a blend of upbeat, bland, and simple tunes. Moreover, the sound effects are rudimentary and do their job without wowing you. This wasn’t a surprise, and I didn’t expect anything exciting, fun, or off the wall.

Where is my tutorial?

If you love to sink or swim, you’ll adore Supermarket Simulator’s lack of a tutorial. Being thrown in the deep end may work for some people, but I don’t think trial and error works well with this genre. Subsequently, the lack of a guide will annoy more people than it will impress.

If you fall for the charming life of a shopkeeper, Supermarket Simulator will keep you busy for hours. Expanding your shop, changing the layout, and keeping everyone happy takes up all of your time. As such, this has plenty of longevity and replay value.

Supermarket Simulator should have sucked, but it didn’t.

I expected this to fail and be terrible. However, Supermarket Simulator surprised me. The action is addictive, fun, and a bit silly. Moreover, there is a nice layer of progression, and it is good with friends. Accordingly, I like it and recommend buying it here! Can you make a supermarket empire? Help your customers, expand your store, and become the next big thing!

Review: Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack

Matt Cooper

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Dec 28, 2025

0

Review: Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack

The fabled Atelier series returns in the form of the Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack. Is this collection worth your time? Or is this another shameless remaster?

A Welcome, Yet All too Familiar Return

There are many games in the Atelier series over the years but none quite as unique as the Ryza Trilogy. The trilogy shook up the format of introducing new protagonists continuously by having Ryza, the main playable character throughout all three, and fans loved it. When Koei Tecmo announced this trilogy, my excitement for the prospect of new and innovative additions to this beloved series was palpable. Sadly, I was hugely mistaken. This trilogy is a mere port of the three games with limited improvements or additions to the story.

This trilogy is made up of Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & The Secret Hideout, Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & The Secret Fairy and Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist Of The End & The Secret Key. For newcomers of the series, Atelier is a JRPG series with the main focus centred on alchemy and crafting. The trilogy focuses on Ryza, a young girl who becomes intrigued and fascinated by the world of alchemy. The games serve as a coming of age story for her and her friends as they battle foes and meet new characters along the way. The stories are fairly formulaic but it is the characters themselves that draw you in, with great side stories and wonderful dialogue. From a narrative perspective, if you own all three games already, I cannot, in good faith, recommend you purchase this game at full price as the additional content is simply not enough and laughable at best. Each game introduces new additional story content which ends up being minor side quests, adding nothing to the overall plot. Hugely disappointing.

All three games are repackaged with all DLC and content under the “DX” title. Koei Techmo have used the “DX” moniker in this franchise to bring old titles to newer platforms in order to excite fans of the series, but here it’s rather baffling. All three titles in the trilogy have been released between 2018 and 2023, making this port rather confusing, other than to simply release it onto the PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 systems. If you are brand new to the series then this is the ultimate collection for the trilogy and has everything you ever need, but for returning fans, it’s simply not good enough.

Combat Is King, Exploration Improved

Whilst the story additions in this trilogy have been lacking, I’m pleased to say the gameplay updates and additions, along with some great quality of life updates, help make this trilogy pack the preferred way of playing. Each game in this “DX” addition allows new bonus characters to be added to your party for use in the games signature turn-based combat. Characters like Agatha Harmon, Kilo Shiness and Romy Vogel all can be a part of your battle roster. These characters are wonderful additions to combat and exploration as they are so damn charming! Each of them comes with animations and special attacks that are unique to them. It was a blast trying out these new characters and abilities in combat.

The biggest new addition to the combat loop is the introduction of the custom combat mode. Essentially, this mode is a huge sandbox for the player to test out custom battles. Whether it’s altering the levels of the enemies and characters, using custom modifiers or choosing your party, this is a fun mode that can recreate hours of replay ability for veterans of the series. Combat remains as strong, methodical and tense as ever in the wonderfully crafted turn-based gameplay loop. It’s like an intense chess match!

The crafting and exploration remains as addictive as ever as you scour environments to find materials to use in your alchemy. The quality of life improvements are also greatly welcomed, with key addtions such as an increased basket and storage size for materials and seamlessly gathering items from mounts. The most impactful addition I found was the introduction of the fairy character, Fi. She can assist you in exploration with hints and clues when near a hidden item and offer you bonus healing. This made exploration feel so much more rewarding! Whilst the narrative faltered, the additions in combat and exploration and the new QoL features are absoluely superb.

Remains Beautiful On The Eye

The Atelier series has long been known for its gorgeous JRPG visuals which craft a cosy and charming world, filled with beautifully detailed characters and enemies. This repackaged trilogy only enhances its beauty. Every environment looks gorgeous and dripping in colour as you scour different biomes and locations. Higher res textures are apparent, along with jaw dropping character models, making cutscenes and dialogue stand out. Performance has also been vastly improved with solid frame rate and strong visual fidelity. If you love the series and want an updated, even more beautiful looking game, then this is for you.

Similarly, the sound design remains strong, as you fight and craft your way through the story. Character voice acting is still very awkward and stiff however, but this can be forgiven in the grand scheme of things. Of course, the beautiful musical score from the three games remains as serene and calming as ever. This score blends nostalgic summer tones with lively adventure music, making this score feel atmospheric and wonderful. This is a superb effort across the board in visual and sound design!

Verdict

If this is your first time experiencing the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy, then you’re in for a treat. It has an intriguing and engaging story, great combat and exploration and beautiful visuals and score. If you are a veteran of the series and already own these three games, the disappointing additional story content may leave a sour taste in the mouth. Still, the addition of a new combat mode, improved crafting and exploration and solid QoL updates help soften the blow. A wonderful trilogy that could have been crafted into the perfect one.

Review: Death Howl

Luke Hedingham

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Dec 27, 2025

0

Looking for a loved one in a dangerous and unknown location/world is a narrative we’ve all seen many times, whether in action, adventure, or horror games, it’s certainly nothing new.

Death Howl is the latest game I’ve played which follows this plot. You play as Ro, a hunter from a small tribe who ventures into forgotten lands to overcome the grief of her recently deceased son, guided by voices from another world she transcends into the world of spirits with the hopes of bringing him back.

To get to him she’ll come across many different spirits which will help guide her and enemies which she’ll have to overcome in order to get closer to her son’s voice.

Cards will be your greatest allies, you’ll collect and make over 160 cards all having different effects such as afflicting poison, moving around the grid, and launching fireballs. Whatever cards you pick, you’ll be able to pick the ones according to your playstyle, allowing for multiple different combinations.

Progression was painfully difficult and frustrating, even more so than having to fight the same enemies constantly to get somewhere.

Game progression is something that can be a breeze or a real challenge, annoying and frustrating or even both, which is certainly the way you’ll feel after playing Death Howl for a few hours unless you’re a veteran at turn-based deck-building games which I unfortunately wasn’t, hence why I struggled quite a bit at both defeating enemies and progressing through the areas.

Going into this I actually never played a deck building game before which blends a few different elements together, so it was all rather new to me. The first few hours of the game I was getting used to the mechanics, what different cards do, and how to efficiently deal with enemies through positioning and timing. I actually found the battles to be quite fun, being able to play new cards and face different enemies in different areas, along with the unique way the battles actually took place, resembling that of a game of chess, moving around the board to either defend or attack, or just to create distance between you and your enemies.

All was good until I actually started to progress and face enemies which had more health, dealt more damage, and were just overall harder to kill. It wasn’t fun I can tell you that much, I can’t count the amount of times I had to fight the same enemies until I was finally able to progress, with RNG being the main cause of losing so many battles. If I didn’t get the most effective cards against specific enemies or when wanting to play on the defense due to low health, then most times it would lead to death. Luckily it’s roguelike so you don’t actually have to lose all of your progress and start over, which was a slight compensation for the constant death cycle I found myself falling into.

One thing I wasn’t fond of were the enemies always respawning whenever using a sacred grove to restore health, being able to heal was actually hard to come by, there were no items that could replenish it so it left me with either teleporting to the sacred groves and having to fight previously defeated enemies again, or by keeping and using the card “Ox’s Heart” which gave you 5 health, this was RNG dependent so you just really had to hope that luck was on your side, or in your hand. You weren’t able to teleport when it was equipped, so it left me with having to sacrifice one which just made battles and progressing even more of a challenge. It is worth noting that the Ox’s heart can only be used in one area, so the other areas will be a lot more difficult.

Enemies always respawning did have some benefits though, one of which was that you could use them for material farming. You kill enemies, you teleport and use the sacred grove to respawn them all, you kill them again and then repeat. This farming strategy allowed for more cards to be crafted a lot quicker which allowed you to enhance your decks and progress a lot easier. It was a rather long, boring, and repetitive process, but the results were clear for themselves. If you find yourself struggling to progress or simply want to make more of a specific card, then that’s the route to go.

Review: GIGASWORD

Daniel Waite

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Dec 26, 2025

0

GIGASWORD instantly caught my eye. It is dated, weird, and it combines multiple genres to great effect. On top of this, the storytelling is fascinating, and I enjoyed many elements of this tight, fun, and well-constructed indie affair. However, if you are not a fan of Metroidvania games, you’ll probably want to give this a miss.

This action-adventure Metroidvania was developed by Studio Hybrid and published by Akupara Games. It is a single-player title that has a fine Mega Drive edge. Additionally, each area is a mini-puzzle in itself. Accordingly, your grey matter will be tested repeatedly as you try to fight, jump, and overcome every problem you face.

GIGASWORD highlights man’s greed.

We can never be truly happy with what we have. Moreover, if someone or something has more than us, we want to take it by force. Humans are greedy, selfish, and out for number one. Sadly, GIGASWORD highlights our flaws from the beginning.

The city of Thoenhart is plagued by famine and disease. There is a huge divide in wealth, and people are dying. However, there is a solution hiding in plain sight. The Nocturne are guarding the God Crystal, Gnosis, and the humans want it. This crystal is said to bring wealth and prosperity to whoever holds it. Consequently, the army is raised, and the Nocturne are slain. This turn of events unleashes an evil power, and one human must wield the GIGASWORD and save the day.

A game of balance and puzzles.

The story is as outlandish and out there as you’d expect from an old-school-inspired adventure. Yet, it is the fine mechanics and puzzles that make this shine. Additionally, the classic Metroidvania elements of new skills and abilities to open up otherwise unobtainable levels are familiar but well considered.

If you’ve tackled a Metroidvania game, those mechanics will not surprise you. However, it is the balance of the GIGASWORD that adds originality and a high degree of difficulty. If you hold this powerful tool, you will not be able to jump correctly, and you will move at a snail’s pace. Subsequently, you must stab the sword into the ground and find ways to overcome your obstacles and be reunited with your weapon.

This core idea was brilliant, frustrating, and pretty difficult to work with. The difficulty wasn’t off the chart, but it will make you think as you try to solve every problem. On top of this, there are the normal fights, big encounters, and secrets to discover. Each of these elements helps to add depth and keep you on your toes.

GIGASWORD is brilliantly dated.

GIGASWORD was surprisingly large with many maze-like rooms and loads of twists and turns. Each area has an earthy colour palette, and this was complemented by the pixelated visuals. Although I appreciate that this will not be for everyone, I like the dated style and the walk down memory lane. Thankfully, the animation was smooth, and there were limited bugs or glitches. As such, the developer has done a nice job with the final product.

The audio is as daunting, dramatic, and impressive as you’d expect. The music plays on regardless of the situation. Alongside this, there are some incredibly basic but effective sound effects to match every action. I wasn’t particularly blown away by the choice of sound effects, but they worked well and added depth to the sound profile.

Tight controls.

I was relieved once I mastered the basics. Luckily, the control setup was straightforward to learn, and the layout was easy to understand. Furthermore, the controls are tight, responsive, and perfect when trying to navigate tight and deadly platforms.

With many secrets, loads of monsters, and plenty of abilities and skills to unlock, GIGASWORD has loads to keep you playing. If you adore unusual puzzles, old-school gaming, and interesting but basic combat, this will have you hooked.

GIGASWORD is a great indie game.

I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. However, the core mechanics were good, and the story was touching and cruel. Moreover, the world is confusing, challenging, but a joy to explore. If you want to test your grey matter and destroy an army of selfish humans, I recommend buying this here! Can you seek revenge and save the day? Master the GIGASWORD, solve the puzzles, and retrieve the Gnosis.

Is The Goonies 2 Finally Going to Happen?

News

Christopher John

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Dec 26, 2025

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Is The Goonies 2 Finally Going to Happen?

The Goonies is one of the most iconic films ever to not have a sequel. Countless other memorable offerings from the 1980s led to follow-ups, but the 1985 adventure from Richard Donner strangely never had a second instalment.

Despite being a standalone film that’s now 40 years old, The Goonies is still talked about and known in modern popular culture. Reports suggest that the long wait for a sequel could finally be over, with the original actors keen to reunite for another adventure.

Various Rumours of a Sequel Over the Years

Along with being hugely commercially successful when it was released and raking in $125 million against a $19 million budget, The Goonies is also up there with the greatest cult classics of all time. The picture was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2017, and it continues to attract new generations of fans to this day.

Part of the enduring success of The Goonies is thanks to the various related offerings that have helped promote the film. There have been numerous video games over the years, with the first title for the Commodore 64 one of the earliest film crossovers into gaming. The Goonies games are still going strong in today’s gaming market, and The Goonies Megaways is a much-loved jackpot casino slot. It was so well-loved that it led to the recent sequel, The Goonies 2: Quest for Treasure.

Due to The Goonies having remained in the mainstream over all these years, there have always been talks of a potential sequel. There have been various occasions when a sequel has almost come to pass, but has ultimately never happened.

Reports That a Film is in Development

There are now credible reports that a sequel to The Goonies could finally be on the cards. Steven Spielberg is producing the film, and Warner Bros. has hired Potsy Ponciroli to write the script. That’s all that’s been reported so far, but it’s the most promising update we’ve ever had that a sequel could finally be on the way.

Some other good news is that the main actors from the original picture have expressed an interest in returning to their roles after all this time. Josh Brolin, Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, Ke Huy Quan, and Martha Plimpton were the stars of the original, and they have all stated their desire to return. It would be fantastic to see all of these people back together in the film universe that kickstarted their careers.

The most exciting prospect about The Goonies 2 is that it may serve as a reboot to the franchise and lead to other sequels as well. In the modern age of streaming, films often lead to spinoff series and games that help expand the franchise. Doing this could help maintain the status of The Goonies in popular culture for many more decades to come.

After a four-decade-long wait, fans of The Goonies may be finally getting the sequel they’ve always wanted. It will be amazing to see the original cast members returning to their iconic roles in a new adventure.

Review: Lumo 2

Daniel Waite

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Dec 24, 2025

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Lumo 2 had been in the making forever. Its 2016 predecessor was a hit, and lovers of its quirky charms have had their patience tested. However, the wait is over as the sequel was released in October. I’m a little late to the party, but better late than never when we’re talking about classic puzzle titles.

This isometric puzzler was developed by Triple Eh? and published by Numskull Games. It is a single-player experience where interlocked rooms form a maze of intricate and confusing moments. Furthermore, there are platforming elements to work with as you explore a 3D world from an isometric viewpoint. This was a bit of an issue for me, as this approach caused endless platforming problems. However, if you can work through it, you’ll enjoy a charming, retro title that has a modern aesthetic.

Lumo 2 is a love letter to a better era.

Controversial or not, the 90s were the best gaming era! Lumo 2 and the team behind it must agree with this, as the game is heavily influenced by the 8 and 16-bit era. If you are in your 60s, 50s, or 40s, you’ll adore this modern romp down memory lane. The gameplay, ideas, plot, and protagonist scream old-school madness.

You control a wizard who wishes to solve every puzzle in the strange world in which he resides. Collectables, portals, and an array of mind-bending puzzles await those who are brave enough to tackle this experience. Each of the 100 rooms offers testing moments. Furthermore, there are 3 mini-games to master. This odd twist on the perspective helped to take a break from the isometric hell.

Excellent puzzles.

If you love to test your mind, reflexes, and patience, this will make you smile. Moreover, if you enjoyed the original, Lumo 2 will make you smile even more. The puzzles are genuinely tough and will push the best gamers to their limits. Thankfully, though, there is a gentle learning curve that breaks you into the action.

I adore the shift in perspective as the mini-games move you to a whole new existence. The Space Harrier-inspired action was a particular highlight. Moreover, the twist of floppy disks and cassettes was in keeping with the old-school theme. Although some of the puzzles were challenging, every room was rewarding. If you ever enjoyed The Crystal Maze, you’ll love the buzz of solving each self-contained problem before moving to the next.

Lumo 2 has a clean edge.

If the isometric viewpoint wasn’t so annoying, Lumo 2 would be an absolute joy to play! Visually, it is fantastic. Clean lines, interesting stage design, multi-layered rooms, and smooth animation ensure you are entertained throughout. Additionally, the mini-games add a layer of energy and fun to the action. Sadly, that isometric viewpoint frustrates and undermines the gameplay. This was unfortunate, but not enough to ruin the overall finish.

The audio matches the retro theme. Elements of synth music match the 80s and 90s mindset. Furthermore, the songs match each colourful environment. The developer has incorporated audio cues to support the onscreen action. The result is a soundscape that feels alive and in sync with the game.

Excellent controls.

Platforming games can be testing. Lumo 2 teases you with its camera angles and somewhat tight platforming. However, the well-considered and easy to master controls keep you from smashing your gamepad. Although you’ll understand the mechanics, the puzzles and mini-games will punish you if you make errors.

Finding every collectable and navigating each room is no mean feat. Consequently, this has plenty of replay value and longevity. Yes, you need patience, but most games from this genre pose that issue. As such, veteran gamers will love the balance of tongue-in-cheek moments and testing gameplay.

Lumo 2 is a wonderful sequel.

As I age, my patience begins to dwindle. Thankfully, Lumo 2 sparked my love for this genre and gave me a much-needed boost. I adore the retro edge, the incredible puzzles, and the fun mini-games. Moreover, the silly elements will appeal to older gamers. Accordingly, this is a wonderful sequel, and I recommend buying it here! Can you unlock 100 mysterious rooms? Take a breath, think outside of the box, and take in the old-school appeal.

Review: Little Rocket Lab

Saim Khurshid

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Dec 24, 2025

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If Stardew Valley had a dumper baby with Satisfactory that grew up to get a worthless college degree, that baby’s best friend would be Little Rocket Lab. That is the exact whiplash you will get from playing this game.

Developed by Teenage Astronauts and published by No More Robots, Little Rocket Lab is a cosy factory builder with Stardew Valley-esque town mechanics and a genuine story.

Normally, when you are introduced to a cosy game, something warm and huggable greets you on the screen. Not this one… Mother dead, baby sent away!… Wow!

This narrative cold open immediately signals that Little Rocket Lab is willing to explore heavier emotional territory than most games in the genre. It gives the player a reason to care before they ever place their first conveyor belt, grounding the mechanical grind in personal stakes from the very beginning.

Rocket Pace

The gameplay of Little Rocket Lab feels just like a 2D Satisfactory. From resource gathering to landscape cleaning, every action results in getting automation and autonomation.

Progression is deliberately paced, encouraging experimentation without punishing inefficiency. Early mistakes feel like learning opportunities rather than setbacks, which keeps momentum high and frustration low.

That is not to say that the Stardew Valley genes are lost. The characters in Little Rocket Lab are very engaging and fun to talk to. Even though they don’t usually have much to say, when they do, it is worth engaging.

At multiple times during my playthrough, I had somehow forgotten I was playing a game and just became determined to help this town to its feet.

The satisfaction of getting that big project done and seeing it put to use is next level.

I like it!

There’s a special kind of magic when a game makes optimisation feel personal. Little Rocket Lab’s tone is warmly earnest without ever becoming cloying.

The isometric art style is crisp and expressive, striking a balance between charm and clarity. It makes both the town and your factory a pleasure to inhabit. Characters are lightly sketched but endearing, offering just enough personality to make their needs feel worth fulfilling.

The audio design deserves credit as well, subtly reinforcing the mood without overpowering the experience. Gentle background music and understated sound effects make long building sessions feel calm rather than exhausting.

The story may be gentle, but it’s thoughtfully integrated. Rather than interrupting gameplay, narrative beats are woven directly into your progression, reinforcing the sense that rebuilding infrastructure and rebuilding lives are part of the same process.

Rocket Game

For newcomers to factory builders, Little Rocket Lab is an excellent introduction. Systems are layered gradually, tutorials are intuitive, and complexity is there for players who want to push deeper without overwhelming those who don’t.

For genre veterans, the satisfaction comes not from infinite scale, but from refinement, building something that fits harmoniously within its environment.

The joy lies in small efficiencies, elegant layouts, and thoughtful placement. Where each improvement feels intentional and earned, rewarding patience and creativity rather than sheer expansion or unchecked mechanical excess.

Developed by Teenage Astronauts and published by No More Robots, Little Rocket Lab stands out not by reinventing the factory builder, but by reframing it. It proves that conveyor belts and character arcs don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

They can reinforce one another.

For players who enjoy thoughtful progression, cosy aesthetics, and the quiet joy of making things work better, Little Rocket Lab is an easy recommendation. It’s a game that understands that optimisation doesn’t have to be cold.

And that sometimes, the most satisfying systems are the ones tied to the heart.

Creality K2 3D Printer Combo Offers for Christmas

Andrew Edney

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Dec 24, 2025

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Creality K2 3D Printer Combo Offers for Christmas

It’s not too late to score epic Christmas deals on 3D printers! These deals are only available until December 26th, so if you’re looking for last-minute deals for shoppers, look no further than Creality. They’re offering epic savings on their new and raved-about K2 3D printer combos (includes 4-bay CFS multi-color system). In fact, they can get the standard K2 combo for the lowest price ever – just $549!

The Deals at Creality.com:

K2 Combo: Deal price $549! (MSRP: $699) The lowest price ever!
K2 Pro Combo: Deal price $999 (MSRP: $1049) Save $50!
K2 Plus Combo: Deal price $1,199 (MSRP: $1,499) Save $300!

Creality’s K2 3D printers take everything people hate about 3D printing, like slow speeds, constant tinkering, failed prints, etc., and basically deletes it. Boasting a true 600 mm/s CoreXY engine, auto-calibration, and optional AI camera, you can hit print and trust it will result in a quality print. Perfect for first-time makers or pros running a print farm, K2 makes high-speed, pro-grade printing feel simple, consistent, and ridiculously fun, print after print with fewer headaches and surprises.

Review: Satisfactory

Daniel Waite

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Dec 22, 2025

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I have an extremely busy life. As such, I put off playing Satisfactory when I saw it on PC. I desperately wanted to play it, but I knew that it would take over my life! Automation, exploration, combat, base building, and survival elements combine to deliver an addictive game that absorbs your life. Roll on November 2025, and I have no way to escape this drug addiction of a game. I’d love to say I’m desperate for a way out, but I’m not. I’m proud to say I’m hooked, and I don’t think there is a way to break the habit.

Coffee Stain has developed and published this incredible adventure survival affair. It can be enjoyed alone or with others. Unsurprisingly, this is brilliant either way. However, I had a much better time when I was messing around with my friends. Additionally, as there are plenty of resources to gather, teamwork reduces the sense of grind. Therefore, if you can team up with like-minded individuals, you’ll have a phenomenal time.

Satisfactory has a tongue-in-cheek mindset.

I love it when a game has wisecracking robots and a dry sense of humour. Luckily, Satisfactory delivers this by the bucketload. ADA is your robot assistant who loves to tell odd jokes and deliver wildly sarcastic one-liners. However, this AI companion is also deadly serious. They are owned by the megacorporation FICSIT Inc. This huge powerhouse hires faceless Pioneers to complete their work.

This is where you step in. You are tasked with rebuilding humanity on the huge planet called MASSAGE 2(B-B)b. It may not be the catchiest of names, but it matters not. What matters are the resources and your ability to gather them. As a Pioneer, you are responsible for every task you encounter. Killing aliens, exploring the planet, finding new elements, and mining resources. Furthermore, you must build bases, manage your energy supply, and build never-ending conveyor belts.

Incredible progression.

Working through the early stages is a walk in the park. After all, the game gives you a pleasant tutorial that highlights the fundamentals. After this, you are left to your own devices. This is where Satisfactory unfolds nicely. With a large array of resources to find and many ways to shift your goods, you are free to do as you wish. Furthermore, you’ll need to create plenty of new items and buildings if you are to progress.

The progression system focuses on tiered levels. As each is unlocked, you are given new buildings to play with. These items may seem irrelevant, but they are not. Each one offers a new way to gather resources, store items, or shift goods. Additionally, there are quality of life improvements that reduce grind, increase output, and make things much easier. Subsequently, you must learn to balance your production chain to get the best out of every situation.

Exploration is key.

Moving around the giant planet can seem unnerving. After all, dying is never fun, and failure isn’t really an option. Yet, something is rewarding about finding new areas, new elements, and new ground to build more factories. More factories = more resources, and more resources = higher-tiered items. Accordingly, you must venture into the deep to unlock new resources and move through the game.

Satisfactory looks great.

Offering 3 different performance modes was a great move. You can select 60 FPS, 40 FPS (120 Hz or higher displays), or 30 FPS. This approach lets gamers focus on what graphical performance they want. I stuck with the middle ground, and this worked well for me. Although 40 FPS may seem low to some people, I was happy with the consistent frame rate and lack of issues.

Visually, Satisfactory looks great. There were occasional bugs, and building parts clipped the scenery regularly. However, I didn’t care. It didn’t impact the game, and in most cases, it made it easier to get what you wanted done. Purists may get a little annoyed, but they’ll have to suck it up. Ultimately, this game is absolutely huge and a few minor issues for a huge range of buildings, moving parts, and resources is a small price to pay.

The audio combines weird ambient sounds with alien noises. Alongside this, you’ll enjoy an array of dry and sarcastic messages from your friendly AI companion. This odd juxtaposition shouldn’t have worked, but it did. The result is an amusing soundscape that captures the sense of despair and the alien world perfectly.

Incredible controls.

A PC to console port can be messy. Thankfully, Satisfactory works incredibly well with a gamepad. Yes, there is a bit of a learning curve, and you will fail a lot. However, this is part of the joy of this genre. Managing resources, building new structures, and manufacturing products can be done manually or with the help of automation. Either way, you will not struggle with the controls or the UI.

Replay value and longevity are off the charts. If you hate people, you could spend the rest of your life alone on this alien world and never get bored. Alternatively, you could team up with your friends and build mega structures that take over the alien world. Your conveyor belts will snake from area to area as you ship vast quantities of materials to the megacorporation. It is time-consuming but unbelievably addictive.

Satisfactory is the game that keeps giving.

The developer has not finished with Satisfactory. It is a game that epitomises the idea of a game that keeps giving. New ideas, new resources, new events, and much more. This conveyor belt of ideas helps to keep you coming back for more. Accordingly, this will get under your skin, and you will lose your life to its crazy alien ways. It is brilliant, and I recommend getting your copy here! Can you keep the corporation happy? Dig for resources, build crazy structures and let technology carry the load.