Borderlands 4 is out in the wild. Accordingly, fans of the franchise are gearing up for a frenzied and exciting adventure. I don’t blame them, as I adore every insane moment. When GUNNAR announced the Borderlands 4, Ripper glasses, I couldn’t resist.
These gaming glasses are the perfect companion if you love to search for loot and kill everything in sight. Alternatively, maybe you love the style and want to improve your eye health. Either way, this is one product that you don’t want to miss.
Dry eyes, fatigue, poor reactions, and headaches are side effects of blue light and eye strain. Thankfully, GUNNAR’s patented technology overcomes many of these issues. On top of this, they are well-built and they look superb.
What’s in the box of the Borderlands 4, Ripper glasses?
The packaging is simple. However, it is durable and can be recycled.
The Borderlands 4, Ripper glasses have a striking style and wonderful Easter Eggs.
A colourful soft case and microfiber cloth are provided. Furthermore, they are eye-catching, and I love the nod to the Borderlands franchise.
Technical aspects.
GUNNAR offer non-prescription and prescription lenses. The latter is available for -5 to +5 prescriptions and can be arranged at checkout. I’m reviewing the non-prescription amber-tinted lens. This signature option blocks 100% of UV light and 65% of harmful blue light. There is a 90% blue light sunglasses option if that takes your fancy.
If you’ve never heard of blue light protection lenses, you may be slightly confused. This wonderful technology makes modern living much more comfortable. Mobile phones, tablets, TVs, and monitors emit blue light rays. These harm your eye health. The results are not good, and dry and itchy eyes, fatigue, and headaches usually follow. Luckily, these gaming glasses reduce those symptoms almost immediately.
Build quality.
You will not be disappointed by the build quality. The patented lens technology has G-Shield protection. Consequently, the advanced polycarbonate material is scratch-resistant. Furthermore, the frames and lenses have a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
The frames are made from precision-engineered polymer. This durable material withstands heavy handling and the occasional fall. Additionally, the fixed multi-barrel hinges are smooth and robust. The result is a tough pair of glasses that are built to last.
The combination of soft and vibrant colours creates an eye-catching product. The Borderlands 4, Ripper glasses have some nice game-inspired details that’ll look fantastic when streaming to your audience.
Are the Borderlands 4, Ripper glasses worth it?
I’ve tried many great glasses from this company. They are all impressive and appeal to a wide audience. The Borderlands 4, Ripper glasses play it safe with a familiar frame style and interesting colourway. Furthermore, the accessories are attractive and perfect for the fan base. Accordingly, I think these are great and I recommend buying them here!
(More information on GUNNAR can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
Here is our review of PowerCord from Twelve South.
PowerCord simplifies charging from wall to device, combining a 30W fast charger and a USB-C cable into one cord. Just plug in and power up all USB-C compatible devices—no extra adapters required. PowerCord is simple, portable and ready to go.
No need to match cables to adapters.
Fast, 30W PD 3.0 charges all your USB-C devices.
Compatible with USB-C phones and devices.
Flat, durable cable stays tangle-free.
Low-profile plug fits easily in tight spaces.
Available in 4ft and 10ft length
One seamless solution. PowerCord combines a 30W wall adapter and USB-C cable into a single, streamlined design—no separate blocks, no extra cables. Just plug into the wall and charge. It’s the easiest way to power up without slowing down, whether you’re at home, the office, or on the move.
From the latest iPhones to Google Pixel, USB-C iPads, Android devices, earbuds, and even lightweight laptops like MacBook Air—PowerCord is built to charge them all. With smart PD 3.0 output and a wide input range, it’s your all-in-one charger for today’s most versatile tech.
Thoughtfully engineered to fit into tight spaces, PowerCord’s slim plug and downward cable angle keep your setup clean and clutter-free. Whether tucked behind furniture or carried in your bag, it stays out of the way—and looks right at home wherever you plug in.
Available in two lengths: 1,2 m / 4ft for everyday setups and 3 m / 10ft for extra reach. Choose from two elevated colorways—Slate or Dune. The durable, braided cable stays tangle-free, making it easy to match your setup and move freely wherever you plug in.
PowerCord from Twelve South is available now priced around £39.00 and is a must have if you travel or you just need another charger!
Here we take a closer look at Hunt A Killer: The Haunting at Wicker Ridge with Sam and Colby.
Relatable, the company known for turning social media trends into fun games and lifestyle products, has partnered with the ‘Viral Kings of Scare’ Sam Golbach and Colby Brock, on a chilling new interactive mystery game. Hunt A Killer: The Haunting at Wicker Ridge invites fans to step inside a paranormal investigation and solve a haunting alongside the creators themselves.
“We wanted to create a game that really puts fans in the middle of a ghost investigation,” said Sam and Colby in a joint statement. “Working with Relatable and the Hunt A Killer brand helped us bring that experience to life with twists, suspense, and everything we love about exploring the unknown.”
In the game, players become paranormal investigators, teaming up with Sam and Colby to uncover the truth behind a demon haunting the Wicker Ridge estate.
Designed for ages 14+, it’s a one-shot, single-use experience for one or more players, with a 45–60 minute playtime and an easy difficulty level. Using realistic props like a ghost comm box, planchette, documents, and exclusive digital footage of Sam and Colby, players must solve puzzles to name and banish the demon.
Digital assets are viewable on smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
Since launching in 2016, Hunt A Killer has become a leader in immersive mystery entertainment, known for reinventing at-home gameplay through rich storytelling and high-quality, realistic evidence. As the first major murder mystery-in-a-box brand, it brought investigations into living rooms nationwide and transformed the way people engage with true crime. With more than 4 million games sold worldwide, the brand continues to captivate a global audience of amateur sleuths and mystery fans through its open-format gameplay, which allows players to solve cases at their own pace and with any number of fellow detectives.
Here we take a closer look at the Fallout Toughness Vault Boy Phone Stand from EGX Pro.
Able to withstand more than simple foul language, the Toughness Vault Boy Mini Cable Guy is perfect for keeping your phone, glasses, earbuds, or anything else safe and secure. Whether you’re setting up your gaming station or just need a trusty companion on your desk, this Vault Boy’s thick skin has your back!
• Toughness Vault Boy mini holder
• Perfect for keeping your earbuds, phone, and other small gadgets organized
• Officially licensed by Bethesda, styled on the Toughness Vault Boy from Fallout
• Approx 4″ tall
The Fallout Toughness Vault Boy Phone Stand from EGX Pro is available now priced around £17.99.
We take a closer look at the Call of Duty Monkey Bomb Controller Holder and Phone Stand from EGX Pro.
Replenished after a Max Ammo power-up in Call of Duty, the explosive Monkey Bomb grenade is ready and waiting. Free from smashing his symbols and hordes of zombies, the destructive Monkey Bomb Cable Guy will hold your gaming controller, smart phone, or anything else you can fit onto his hands. Be careful – and don’t throw him, as he just might vaporise before your eyes.
• Monkey Bomb phone, remote control and gaming controller stand / holder • Compatible with most types of smartphones and console controllers, including the next-gen PlayStation 5 DualSense, Xbox Series S/X and all iPhones • Perfect for gifting to any Call of Duty player • Officially licensed by Activision – Call of Duty, styled on Monkey Bomb • Approx 8.5″ tall
The Call of Duty Monkey Bomb Controller Holder and Phone Stand from EGXPro is available now priced around £29.99
Shokz JointArc design made of flexible titanium alloy
Clip-on style earbud weighing 6.5g
Open-ear design for situational awareness
Powerful sound plus Dolby Audio
Dynamic Ear Detection
Four AI-powered noise cancelling mics for clear calls
10 hours listening time with a single charge, and a total of 40 hours with the charging case
6 hours of talk time with a single charge, and a total of 25 hours with the charging case
A 10-minute quick charge with the charging case provides 2 hours of listening time (audio playback)
Wireless charging compatible
Bluetooth 5.4
IP54 water resistance
270 days standby time
Two year warranty
Compatible profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
What’s in the box?
The box contains the OpenDots ONE, a guide guide and a charging cable.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The first thing that strikes you about the OpenDots ONE is its sleek and minimalist design. Available in Black or Grey, they are lightweight and ergonomically shaped, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. They clip comfortably around your ear and are held firmly in place.
At just 0.23oz (6.5g) per earbud and 1.38oz (39g) for the charging case, the OpenDots ONE is incredibly lightweight and portable. Slip them into your pocket and enjoy endless comfort while listening on-the-go.
In terms of sound quality, the OpenDots ONE does not disappoint. They deliver a balanced audio experience with crisp highs, rich mids, and satisfying bass. The earbuds excel at providing clarity making them an excellent choice for podcasts and audiobooks as well. Dolby Audio is also really good!
Battery life is a vital consideration for any pair of wireless earbuds, and the OpenDots ONE holds up well in this regard. You can expect around 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, with the charging case providing an additional 30 hours of battery life, meaning you get 40 hours of playback when fully charged. Quick charging capabilities also ensure you’re never left without music for long – 10 minutes of charge will give you around 2 hours of playback.
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, the OpenDots ONE provides a stable and quick connection to your devices, minimising lag and enhancing overall user experience. The touch controls are intuitive and responsive, allowing users to play, pause, skip tracks, and take calls seamlessly. You can even make and receive phone calls – both earbuds have a microphone for the best possible quality.
Additionally, the earbuds boast an IP54 rating, proving light resistant to sweat and rain, which is perfect for active users who enjoy outdoor workouts or gym sessions.
And for anyone who has ever misplaced an earbud, you can easily locate them with a one click ringing feature.
Overall, the Shokz OpenDots ONE earbuds present a compelling option for anyone in the market for reliable, stylish, and high-quality wireless audio. With their excellent sound performance, comfortable fit, and user-friendly features, they are well-suited for both everyday use and more intense activities. Whether you’re a music fanatic or just need a good pair of earbuds for daily commutes, the OpenDots ONE should be on your shortlist.
The Shokz OpenDots ONE are available now priced around £179 and come in either Black or Grey.
Spike Chunsoft’s latest entry in its mind-bending mystery series lands on the Nintendo Switch 2 with a blend of surrealism, sci-fi intrigue, and layered gameplay.
No Sleep For Kaname Date does not fully maximise the Switch 2’s hardware potential, but runs smoothly, especially in performance mode.
A bizarre experience
If players are new to this series, they should expect a learning curve in terms of gameplay.
There is minimal combat in this game, it’s more like flipping between a detective TV show, a surreal escape room, and a psychological thriller.
This title has minimal hand-holding, especially for newcomers to this series, but once players click with the games unique rhythm, they will find this title to be a rewarding experience.
A learning curve for newcomers
The gameplay splits into three core modes:
Escape mode, Investigation Mode, Somnium Mode.
Escape Mode: The player must solve intricate puzzles inside surreal environments—think alien labs, haunted arcades, and conspiracy bunkers.
Players can rotate between characters mid-puzzle using the analogue sticks, and some challenges require combining their perspectives to unlock solutions. It’s tactile, clever, and fun.
Investigation mode: Players step into the shoes of Kaname Date, a detective with a cybernetic eye to scan environments, gather clues, and interrogate suspects.
It’s more point-and-click than action, but the writing and character interactions keep it engaging. There’s a new “Third Eye” overlay that highlights hidden objects and symbols—great for lore hunters, or completionists.
Somnium Mode: This mode is essentially a playable dream sequence. Players dive into the subconscious mind of a character, usually a character tied to a mystery or a crime.
Players must explore the characters inner world to uncover hidden memories, emotions and helpful clues. It’s reminiscent of Cyberpunk 2077’s Braindance, but if Braindance got lost in a strange fever dream.
Performance & Visuals
Visually, the Switch 2 version runs at a smooth 60fps, but it doesn’t push the hardware in any meaningful way. The environments are vibrant and surreal, matching the series’ tone, but don’t expect a graphical leap from the original Switch titles.
Textures and lighting remain in line with late-era Switch games, thus the successor does not struggle with this title.
Quality mode boosts visual fidelity for those who prefer the games visuals and atmosphere over frame rate.
Mouse support allows for more precise control during investigations, especially while scanning environments and searching for clues, which is a nice addition for those who prefer a mouse over a controller.
No Sleep for Kaname Date: Where anime meets mind-bending mystery
Thanks to the Switch 2, players can enjoy No Sleep for Kaname Date in an enhanced way. With higher visuals, especially on the Switch 2’s quality mode, or at a crisp and stable 60fps with the performance mode.
Players can use the Switch 2’s mouse controls for more precise controls during an investigation. Load times are also improved in the switch 2 version, cutting load times almost in half, in comparison to the Switch version, making replaying investigations less tedious.
No Sleep for Kaname Date is a puzzle-driven mystery, with an interesting myriad of different characters.
The layered gameplay, split between dream dives, investigations and escape-room like puzzles, offer depth and charm, especially for returning fans.
Newcomers to this series may feel lost at first, but those who embrace the uniqueness and bizarreness of this game will find a rewarding experience.
9 Lives to Defend is the latest 2D arena shooter to be added to Xbox, having released on Steam much earlier this year. You play as Loki, a cat who defends his home from intruders that are insects, whilst its owners are away on vacation. You’ll have nine lives to fend off the intruders with a handful of different upgrade cards, amulets and special skills available to help you protect the house.
There are multiple different versions of Loki to choose from, with some stronger than others in specific aspects such as dash cooldown, main weapon damage and movement speed. Each of them have their own unique abilities, stats and weapons, allowing you to pick the cat which suits your play style or simply takes your fancy. Three of them are available straight away whilst the rest can be unlocked by completing specific tasks, which is the same case for the maps.
Upgrades are available for each Loki in the hideout, allowing you to improve certain stats up to maximum level five. In order to purchase upgrades you’ll need kibble which is the currency that you can gain from defeating enemies and opening chests, you’ll earn extra kibble for each boss you defeat and every time you win a match depending on the difficulty and the length you decide to choose.
The nine lives sometimes don’t seem like much especially when playing on wild or brutal difficulty
Wild and brutal difficulty are named that for a reason in this game, not only is it chaotic but it’s downright all over the place. Enemies and bosses move a lot faster, have a lot more health and you’re constantly dodging projectiles every couple of seconds especially after the halfway mark which sometimes makes it extremely hard to focus on so many things at once. With lots of enemies I would often find myself cornered accepting the fact that I would lose a life no matter how hard I tried to preserve them, you technically had 27 lives or rather you could take damage that many times, for each three hits you took you would lose a life. Now that sounds very generous which it is, considering most games you can only take a couple of hits before the words “game over” appear on screen.
Despite being able to take that many hits it often felt like they went in an instant. At the beginning of the matches up until around the first five minutes I would end up losing two lives maximum, this was purely because it wasn’t that chaotic and none of the annoying and hard hitting enemies spawned yet. But once it got over that mark I lost my lives extremely quickly. There were some points where I was able to hold onto a life for a minute or two, but then straight after I would lose one in ten seconds. Now this was partially down to the fact that the Loki I equipped wasn’t upgraded enough and that I didn’t have strong enough amulets, both of which determined how much I would struggle.
To put it bluntly, it’s next to impossible to beat a match regardless of the difficulty or length with any Loki which hasn’t had one single upgrade. The damage of the main weapon isn’t enough, the cooldown is too long and it takes a while to recharge the dash, which is arguably one of the most important abilities to upgrade. Though once you upgrade a certain Loki considerably and buy some good amulets, completing matches will be so much easier, granted it does take some time to get enough kibble to actually be able to max out abilities, but it’s worth it in the end.
There are also modifiers which allows you to add in extra obstacles if you’d like, making the matches a bit tougher but also granting you extra kibble towards upgrades. You can also gain them by completing missions and capturing chests, so the game doesn’t make the process of getting them grueling and long.
Despite the simple and straightforward combat, I found it rather refreshing and enjoyable
The combat mechanics aren’t exactly the most complicated or exciting aspect of Nine Lives to Defend, it quite literally consists of moving up, down, left and right. The main weapon attack fires automatically to the enemy closest to you, though you can manually control it by moving the analog stick into any direction to fire at specific enemies. I found this very useful when wanting to prioritize enemies which were very weak, but apart from that it was just something else to focus on amidst the chaos, there was also the chance of completely missing the attack which just put me off using it even more.
There are a ton of fun, wacky and unique abilities available to use each match which made the gameplay a lot more fun and unique. Upgrade cards give you abilities amongst other things to aid you in the match, allowing for different playstyles and combinations. Each time you leveled up you would have the option of 4 upgrade cards to pick, there were over 40 of them each with different effects. Some cards gave you access to new primary attacks depending on the Loki you’re playing as, it also gave you the chance of picking from several secondary attacks, some were quite frankly bizarre but honestly refreshing to see.
Other helpful ones included being able to refill a life, have seven chances to reroll the upgrade options given to you, add extra bowls of kibbles on the map which would replenish a life whenever you collected the specific amount to fill up the bar and many more. Upgrade cards could be upgraded to maximum level seven or five, with some a lot more beneficial than others. Most times I would often go for the same ones each match since I knew what ones were the strongest and most important, but to shake it up a bit some games I would completely go for a new build just so I could use at least each upgrade card once and see how powerful they can really be.
To add to the combat each Loki also had their own feline instinct, a power up if you’d like which essentially was a massive attack that was able to deal massive amounts of damage and take out a horde of enemies instantly. It didn’t come easy of course, you had to fill up the feline instinct bar by killing enemies. Some feline instincts are much more powerful than others depending on the Loki, regardless they’re really handy and saved my skin a lot especially when the big bosses appeared.
The enemies and bosses were a real handful at times despite their appearances
Like in most games enemies no matter how strong will always be annoying, whether it’s because they’re so common, hit hard or have specific attacks which either deal a lot of damage or inflict statuses on you. The enemies in Nine Lives to Defend aren’t any different, yeah they don’t carry a massive sword neither do they tower over you (apart from the bosses) but despite being only insects and animals they were still a threat, especially when playing on wild or brutal difficulty as mentioned earlier, since there are just so many of them at all times.
While most enemies didn’t pose much of a threat there were a couple I found that would always hit me or were just extremely annoying. One of which were the slugs which seemed to fire what looked like mucus in the form of a ball, now it only took one life off of you and they weren’t that fast either so dodging the projectiles wasn’t a problem at first, but once more enemies started piling in having to avoid getting hit by them as well as the mucus was quite difficult. Since there was so much going on I sometimes wouldn’t notice the several projectiles before it was too late, this actually ended up taking more lives off of me than I expected which is why I found the slugs to be a handful.
Another enemy which I disliked and thought were the biggest threat amongst the common enemies were the beetles, which shot a purple projectile that made you unable to control Loki for a couple of seconds, and getting hit by that when surrounded by several enemies most of the time ended up in losing a life, unless you picked the upgrade card which negated effects from projectiles, though that was only a single use.
I should also touch on the several bosses which you’ll encounter along the way, there aren’t too many of them but on the hardest modes they have a lot of health with their attacks dealing two hearts, so you really don’t want to get hit by any of them. They come in four minute intervals so you rarely had to deal with two at once unless you weren’t able to kill one in four minutes which is highly unlikely, that is unless you’re playing on wild or brutal difficulty with a Loki that hasn’t received any upgrades, in that case I wish you the best of luck because you’ll definitely need it.
Feline instinct was definitely the easiest way to defeat the bosses, I made sure that just before they appeared it was fully charged, so that I could use it straight away and it would most of the time take around a quarter off of their health or even more, though that depended on the difficulty. I also made sure to pick the upgrade card which charges feline instinct quicker, this made dealing with the bosses and large hordes of enemies so much easier.
Amulets also made dealing with bosses and enemies in general much easier too, especially the extremely powerful ones, though they do cost around 3000 kibble each, so it might take an hour or two of grinding to get your hands on them, but it’s definitely worth it in the end. There are quite a few of them, some offer small advantages whilst others completely change the game for you, which allow for several unique combinations when synergized with upgrade cards.
What started as simple wagers has gradually become one of the biggest forms of entertainment. Whether you choose to spin a roulette wheel or place a bet on a football match, you are stepping into a tradition that humans have shaped and reshaped for thousands of years. Casino games have gone through an evolution, from dice carved in ancient civilisations to today’s sleek and speedy mobile apps.
Ancient Origins
Gambling has always been part of human culture. Evidence suggests that ancient Egyptians used to carve dice out of elephant tusks, and Romans wagered on gladiator fights in the Colosseum. There are even references in the Bible to casting lots, showing how originally people linked games of chance to fate.
Governments had begun to regulate gambling by the 15th century through the creation of state lotteries. This gave rulers a way to raise money for public works while also offering the population something exciting and unique. The first formal casino (of sorts) emerged in 1683 in Venice with the Ridotto.
Classics Redefined
Roulette provides a perfect example of how a simple invention can redefine entertainment. Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, wasn’t attempting to create a game when he designed a wheel in the 18th century. He was exploring perpetual motion, but gamblers quickly realised the device could serve a different purpose. When roulette reached America in the 1800s, the game had been modified to include a zero to increase the house edge. Today, American roulette often includes two zeros, whilst European casinos offer the singular.
Baccarat, a renowned European card game, has also grown in popularity over time. The origins of the game remain unknown; however, it has been previously linked back to tarot cards, as well as ancient life-and-death rituals.
The Mechanical-to-Digital Revolution
A new era of gambling entertainment was marked by the creation of mechanical poker machines in the 19th century by Charles Fey. These early slot machines gave players a quick form of amusement, and if they were lucky, a small payout.
The machines were enhanced in the late 19th century and incorporated lights and sounds, as well as multiple payout lines, which only increased excitement as they allowed more varied winning combinations. By the 1970’s the spinning reels were replaced by screens, creating video poker. Machines became faster and more sophisticated, attracting younger individuals who wanted more engagement to casinos.
The Scene Today
We now live in a world where casino games no longer sit behind the doors of glamorous buildings but are instead in our pockets as a result of the internet.
The development of online platforms and apps has given people instant access to hundreds of titles, ranging from live-streamed blackjack dealers to themed video slots. The growth of smartphones has pushed casinos to focus on improving user experiences and developing games people can trust. Players now expect clarity and speed from operators. The casino games at MrQ delivers on both, offering transparent terms and a smooth mobile experience.
The story of casino games is one of constant change. From carved dice to cutting-edge apps, people have always found ways to turn chance into entertainment.
With Adventure of Samsara being the brand new addition to the Atari family of games, we can all gather together with hands held together and say thank you… Thank you, God, Atari is no longer a face that represents gaming. I mean… Never has there been a more suitable fit for the don’t get it pile as much as Adventure of Sansara. Bland gameplay, bland art style, and just plain boring everything else.
Developed by Ilex Games and published by Atari, Adventure of Samsara is a 2D-Pixel Art MetroidVania with a focus on climbing.
On the eve of Hollow Knight: Silksong’s release, I came across Adventure of Samsara. A retro piece inspired by the old era of gaming. So retro in fact, it even landed Atari as a publisher.
For those who don’t know, Atari was the big dog console in the 1917s up till the 1918s. However, their little rain came to a grinding halt with the release of ET.
I won’t hold this review hostage. If you don’t know, just Google it.
Geriatric Adventure
The adventure of Samsara begins inside an ice cave with a character who is wearing blue. This is just about the information you need to care about because, as you start playing, you will forget all about it.
Mr Blue must climb around this seemingly endless cave, finding a way out or something. All in 2D-pixel art Metroidvania fashion. That is where the metaphorical faeces hit the fan.
Many people have played Metroid and/or Castlevania in their lives. At the very least, they have played a game inspired by the two. That is where the term MetroidVania comes from.
Adventure of Samsara is different. It takes a unique approach to this trend. While most look at Metroid and Castlevania and ask the question, “How can I make this better?” Adventure of Samsara takes the concept and asks the very important question… “How could I make it worse?”
Slower character movements, fewer abilities, horrifically tiny sprites, and worst of all, bland boss battles. There is no challenge or task. You simply fight monsters by walking back and forth while waiting for them to finish their animations. It’s like Hollow Knight in .25 speed.
.
Why I am Angry
I don’t get angry at bad games. Bad games are an inevitability. A studio stumbles, an experiment fails, a vision falls flat. Fine. What makes me angry are lazy games. Games that don’t even bother to fail interestingly.
The Adventure of Samsara is not a broken dream or a flawed gem; it’s the participation trophy of gaming. It exists, it’s technically functional, and that’s about it.
Every time I boot something like this up, I feel like I’ve been conned into wasting hours of my life on a product that knows it has nothing to say. Games like this dilute the medium. They drag the Metroidvania name through the mud and teach players to lower their standards.
No Adventure to be had
Adventure implies risk, discovery, and the thrill of stepping into the unknown. This game offers the opposite: monotony disguised as challenge, repetition masquerading as design.
We don’t explore; we trudge. You don’t conquer bosses; you wait for their animations to finish. You don’t grow stronger; you simply move slower toward the credits.
Metroidvania games thrive on curiosity. It’s those ‘what’s behind that wall?’ moments that hook you for hours. Samsara gives you walls, sure, but behind them lies nothing but more of the same.
The lack of ambition is frustrating. It’s a void in cartridge form, a reminder that publishing clout and retro aesthetics cannot disguise the absence of creativity.
Call it a climb, call it a journey, call it Samsara if you want. But don’t call it an adventure. My vote… Just don’t play it.
Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening blends old-school 80s anime with modern gaming. The result is a simple but effective platform title that will appeal to anime fans. Moreover, if you love the franchise, you will adore the cutscenes, characters, and plot. I’ll admit that this isn’t my favourite series, but I was impressed with the cheesy one-liners and the fast-paced combat.
This action platformer was developed by Magic Pockets and published by Microids. It is a single-player and couch cooperative title. Furthermore, it uses classic side-scrolling movement to navigate each world. On top of this, there are some Metroidvania elements as you unlock new equipment and return to explore otherwise unreachable areas.
Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening tells a dramatic story.
If you love the series, you’ll appreciate the accuracy of each mission. The gameplay tackles the opening 12 episodes and is broken down into bite-sized quests. This approach was appreciated as the run-and-gun mechanics can be a little tricky. Furthermore, dodging, sliding, punching, and shooting your way past thugs can be a little tiring.
You control Cobra, the space pirate. This badass killing machine is equipped with his trusty Psychogun, climbing boots, grappling hook, and powerful right hook. As he explores each level, he must tackle crazy bosses and rescue 3 sisters whose lives are intertwined with a fabulous treasure.
Simple gameplay.
Though the developer has incorporated some nice combat and parkour elements, the gameplay is simple. The hero must use their unlocked skills to overcome an array of obstacles. Moreover, they must find upgrade fragments to improve fighting prowess, health, and much more.
As you progress, the levels become larger and more outlandish. Traps become more commonplace, and death is all but guaranteed. Thankfully, the hero is armed with some special tricks to activate switches or kill multiple enemies at once. The result is an OTT game that captures the anime essence.
Each of the bosses requires a methodical and calm demeanour. Observing weaknesses and patterns is key if you wish to progress. I’ll admit that this was the toughest part of Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening. I failed repeatedly, and plenty of trial and error were required to understand what was needed.
Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening lacks modern polish.
I loved the cutscenes! The fuzzy imagery, retro art, and gaudy colours filled me with nostalgia. Moreover, I adore the storytelling and the short but effective anime snippets. What wasn’t so good was the dated core gameplay. The lack of detail and the simple character models were disappointing. Additionally, the animation wasn’t perfect, and this delivers low-key graphics that cannot be considered “next-gen”.
The audio was relatively bland. Though I enjoyed the upbeat soundtrack and the often amusing one-liners, the developer played it too safe. The sound effects lack originality, and it feels very repetitive as a consequence.
The controls were a pain!
I rarely struggle with platform games. I like tight controls and a refined UI. Unfortunately, Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening features a bizarre aiming system that disrupts the gameplay’s flow. Attempting to shoot your foes and run was frustrating at best. Subsequently, I spent much of my time stationery while annihilating every enemy.
Though the combat wasn’t as smooth as I liked, there was plenty of replay value and longevity. Alongside the Metroidvania elements, you can undertake special missions. Furthermore, there is treasure to find and plenty of other collectables. Therefore, if you wish to lose additional hours, you can do so with ease.
Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening will be a niche experience.
I’m not sure if Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening will appeal to a large audience. The story is extremely niche, and the theme will only draw a small audience. However, fans of the series will enjoy the action and the plot. Moreover, the excellent cutscenes will make them smile. I wasn’t impressed by the controls, and I wish the audio were a little more adventurous. However, despite these issues, I enjoyed it and recommend buying it here! Can you unravel the mystery and save the day? Relearn your skills, unlock your gear, and become a hero.
I’ll be honest right out of the gate: rhythm games are usually not my strong suit. I’m the kind of player who can miss a beat even when tapping along to the most straightforward track. So when I first got my hands on Fresh Tracks, a skiing-based roguelite where your movements sync with music, I knew I’m going to have a difficult time. But I gave it my best try. To my surprise, even as someone with less-than-stellar rhythm, I found myself not only keeping pace but fully immersed, but enjoying the progression.
A great surprise in a a small genre
At its core, Fresh Tracks is about skiing down ever-shifting slopes while the world pulses to the beat of its original soundtrack. You’re not just skiing, though, you’re dodging obstacles, fighting off enemies, and timing every move to the rhythm. When it all clicks, it feels like you’re dancing downhill, carving lines through music itself.
The soundtrack is diverse, pulling from pop, metal, orchestral, and even theatrical styles. Each run feels fresh because the environment and hazards adapt to the genre. One moment I was gliding gracefully to sweeping orchestral strings, and the next I was ducking and weaving through spiky obstacles in sync with pounding metal riffs. Even with my less-than-perfect timing, the game gave me moments of flow where everything aligned and I felt unstoppable.
Addicting gameplay loop
Being a roguelite, Fresh Tracks thrives on replay ability. Runs are procedurally generated, meaning no two descents feel the same. Along the way, you’ll collect currencies like whyspers (used during runs) and Ekkos (for unlocking new tracks, items, or gear). Some upgrades are permanent, like better skis, which make every attempt feel like progress even if you crash and burn. Although the way tracks appear do change on the run and the spirit you have accompanying you, they will play the same every time you run into it. For that reason the game lets you use Ekkos to purchase certain tracks to practice on without restarting runs, which is perfect for those stages that you tend to avoid with fear of ending a good run.
This structure is where the game truly hooked me. Even if my rhythm faltered, I always walked away with something tangible that pushed me toward the next run. That loop, learn, improve, unlock, repeat, made me want to keep coming back, despite knowing rhythm isn’t usually my comfort zone.
Beyond mechanics, Fresh Tracks adds character through its story and voice cast. You play as Skaii, guided by divine figures called Mythics who embody different musical genres. From the thunderous God of Metal to the theatrical Gods of Orchestra, their presence doesn’t just shape the narrative but also transforms the soundtrack and level design. It’s a clever way of tying music into the world’s identity, and the excellent voice acting adds gravitas to what could have just been a flashy rhythm game.
The visuals are equally striking, bright, kinetic, and ever-changing to match the music. Whether it was blinding snow illuminated by neon bursts or shadowy peaks cut with razor-sharp sound waves, every descent looked as dramatic as it sounded.
Many options for many kinds of players
One of the first things that struck me about Fresh Tracks is just how welcoming it feels. The game comes loaded with accessibility options and difficulty sliders that let you tailor the experience to your comfort level. I started out on medium, expecting it to be punishing, but the balance felt fair. The game gave me enough breathing room to mess up without instantly punishing me into frustration. That grace period let me find my flow gradually, and before long I was stringing together movements with some confidence.
What impressed me even more was how the game encourages growth. When I felt more comfortable with the mechanics, leaning, crouching, jumping, slashing, I nudged the difficulty up. That step forward was rewarding rather than daunting. The rhythm-based structure is flexible, and even though perfect timing gives you bonuses, near-misses don’t ruin the run. It’s forgiving in a way that makes the roguelite loop exciting instead of exhausting.
If there’s one thing I’d personally tweak, it’s the control scheme. By default, directional movement is tied strictly to the D-pad, and for me, that was tough to adapt to. Skiing left and right with quick taps felt awkward compared to the natural fluidity an analog stick might offer. Not just the left right movement, hopping was tied to up on the D-pad only unless changed in the settings which is an odd choice. While I eventually adjusted, I’d recommend experimenting with the control settings early on to find what feels best. For a game so focused on flow, controls that feel intuitive make a world of difference.
My Conclusion
Fresh Tracks turned out to be one of the most pleasant gaming surprises I’ve had this year. As someone without natural rhythm, I fully expected to bounce off it. Instead, the game welcomed me in, taught me to trust its flow, and rewarded me for persistence. The accessibility options and difficulty scaling were huge factors in keeping me engaged, and the variety in music and progression made each run exciting.
If you’re rhythmically challenged like me but curious about trying something new, don’t shy away from Fresh Tracks. Start on medium, find your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to push yourself once you’ve settled in. In the end, Fresh Tracks proves that you don’t need perfect timing to enjoy the ride, you just need to be willing to strap in, hit the slopes, and let the music carry you downhill.
Buying a car is up there as one of your most expensive purchases. Accordingly, it would be remiss of you not to afford it some protection. Yes, insurance works well, but we’ve all been there when our pride and joy has been scrapped, bumped, and scuffed when in a car park. Alternatively, no one wishes to be blamed for an accident that wasn’t their fault. This is where the S1 Pro Dual dash camera from MIOFIVE comes into play.
This handy 4K front-facing and 2K rear-facing camera set is easy to set up and even easier to use. Furthermore, it has incredible night vision, GPS tracking, speed camera awareness, and 24-hour parking monitoring (hardwired only). On top of this, it includes a 32Gb Micro SD card, and it has Wi-Fi connectivity to enhance versatility. Consequently, it will appeal to a wide audience.
What’s in the box of the S1 Pro Dual dash camera?
The box is alluring and easy to look at. Additionally, it is hard-wearing and recyclable.
The S1 Pro Dual dash camera is lightweight but reassuringly robust and durable. The rear camera is compact, and the front-facing camera has a large, clear display screen.
Plenty of sticky pads and a pry tool are provided.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
I love high-end tech. However, I’m pretty lazy and would rather get up and running with little work. Thankfully, the S1 Pro Dual dash camera is jam-packed with modern tech and is a cinch to set up. The S1 range has a single camera unit, an Ultra version with dual 4K cameras, and the Pro option. The latter has a mixture of 2K and 4K recording at an impressive 30 FPS. Though this may seem relatively low, the recording is clear, and the high-quality visuals make it easy to spot every detail.
If you fear speed cameras, this product alerts you to their presence. This can be a little hit and miss as the database is constantly being updated. Subsequently, it occasionally warns you about an old camera. This didn’t bother me because I don’t speed, but I liked the reminder feature just in case.
I didn’t hardwire this MIOFIVE product, but I have a previous model on another car. The hard wiring lets the camera work as a 24-hour monitoring device. This is extremely handy if you live in high-traffic areas or you are worried about overnight vandalism. If your car is damaged, it will automatically switch on and record around 10 to 12 seconds of footage. Furthermore, this is locked, and the evidence can be retrieved safely. This lock feature is also available for accidents. The camera will automatically lock 1 minute of accident footage to prevent it from being overwritten.
Night vision and GPS tracking.
I know what you are thinking. “What’s the point of overnight recording facilities if the night vision is poor!”. Luckily, the night vision quality from both cameras is unbelievably good. F1.8 Aperture, 7-glass HD lens, and HDR deliver impressively clear footage. As such, you do not experience blurry or washed-out imagery. Moreover, the frame rate doesn’t drop. Therefore, you can watch your footage back without feeling ill.
Have you ever been involved in an accident, and you were accused of speeding? Thankfully, the S1 Pro Dual dash camera records your speed and links it directly to any of your videos. Additionally, it tracks your GPS position and driving routes for later inspection. This is ideal if you need to present evidence to the police or your insurance company. The process of highlighting the information is simple, and the device takes all the heavy lifting.
Usability.
Complex cameras are a real turnoff. Yes, they may have hundreds of helpful features, but I cannot be bothered with the learning curve and the waste of time. The S1 Pro Dual dash camera is so easy to use that I think a child could set it up. The use of a mobile phone or PC is required if you need to firmware update your device. Other than this, it is a standalone product, and the setup takes minutes.
I recommend downloading the MIOFIVE free app, as this lets you adjust settings, play with footage, take screenshots of key moments, and much more. The UI is intuitive, and moving through the menus and settings is a piece of cake. Moreover, learning the fundamentals needn’t be a headache thanks to the helpful support team.
Build quality.
MIOFIVE does not make poor-quality products. The cabling, tools, cameras, sticky pads, and other elements are top-notch. Placing each camera is simple, but if you wish to move it, you can do so with relative ease. Replacing the pads is straightforward, and this helps you to relocate any key parts if you are not happy.
Each of the mounts is well built, and I had no concerns about the cameras falling from the dash or rear window. Furthermore, each wire is securely connected to its corresponding camera, ensuring they will not come loose. Hiding the rear cable is a little time-consuming, but the effort is worthwhile. Once each camera is fitted, the finish is clean and professional. If you plump for the hard-wire option, this is best completed by a trained or competent individual.
Is the S1 Pro Dual dash camera worth it?
No matter which model you pick, the S1 range doesn’t disappoint. Would I have liked the complete 4K package, yes, of course. However, the rear 2K camera delivers impressive recording quality and a reassuring edge. I love the high-end finish and the easy-to-use app. Finally, the ability to hardwire it for 24-hour protection gives it an edge over its peers. Accordingly, I think it is great and I recommend buying it here!
Hirogami is such a sight to behold. Seriously, it is one of the most visually beautiful games that I’ve played this year. The Japanese art style and the folding origami figures are fantastic and the world is easy to get lost in with all its beauty. Hirogami is truly a wonder to look at. But there are some areas it stumbles. The 3D action platformer by Kakehashi Games has areas where it shines but also where it becomes frustrating. Is Hirogami worth your time? Let’s dive in!
Saving The World One Paper At A Time
In Hirogami, you play as Hiro. Hiro is tasked with saving his land and people from the evil Blight. The Blight is looking to corrupt the world and its inhabitants. Hiro and the other characters in the game are origami pieces of paper. In the story, Hiro loses his shapeshifting powers and must restore them before The Blight can destroy everything. Players will travel this world from swamps to lava mountains. Each world is beautifully detailed. There is also a Hub world, where Hiro can craft upgrades like giving himself extra health. Hiro must clear the shrines in these areas to clear The Blight’s corruption.
Hirogami’s story is simple and can be forgettable overall. Hiro is a good character. He is self-conscious and doesn’t believe in himself. A very human thing to do, not believing in oneself. But his dialogue becomes very repetitive. Most of his lines are just him saying he isn’t good enough for the task. It gets annoying as it seems to be his only lines. Most of the other characters are also forgettable, none of them are particularly strong or memorable which is a shame. At the end of the day, Hirogami’s story is just a forgettable mess.
Shapeshifting Paper
Hiro’s main ability is his shapeshifting power. Players can change into other animals like armadillos and gorillas. Each animal shape has its own abilities, pros and cons. The gorilla shape can climb up vines to access other areas, and his melee is very powerful against enemies. As you progress, his punch can take out multiple enemies, a very useful power as enemies spawn in waves. The armadillo can roll around at a very fast speed, making traversal less tedious but he can’t walk fast or even jump that high. He can also kill enemies by rolling into them. These changes happen seamlessly. You can change into any of them whenever you want and it is instant. A great mechanic.
The enemies in Hirogami are called Glitchers and they are simple to take down. You can take them down in Hiro’s normal form using his fan which is just a basic melee attack or switch into the other animal shapes at your disposal. The most difficult enemies are other animal figures that can only be taken down when switching to your animal forms. The gorilla enemies are by far the toughest as they can deal heavy damage. This makes the combat feel a bit fresh at times as the animals have different abilities to use in combat. The armadillo is my personal favourite as you can quickly wipe out enemies by rolling around an area and cutting them down in seconds.
This Paper Is Easy To Rip Up
Hirogami isn’t really that difficult. The combat is simple and you can easily defeat enemies but it can become tougher in later levels when the game spawns in a lot of enemies at once. Can be chaotic but overall, it isn’t Dark Souls levels of hard. The combat can be clunky at times and frustrating. The camera angle feels like its fighting you as well. Sometimes it hides what enemies are around the corner or if you are coming in fast with your armadillo form you can’t anticipate what is coming up which can lead to death which is very annoying.
The platforming in the game is probably the most difficult. You need to swap sometimes to your animal forms like the frog form where you can jump very high to get to other areas and make it long distances before the rocks fall and you with them. You need to be fast in swapping forms so you don’t die in these tense situations. At least the platforming will keep you on your toes and can make the time challenges in the game where you need to clear a level in a certain amount of time more fun to take on.
There are also some sections where you turn into a paper bird and fly through obstacles and enemies to reach the end. You must shoot enemy Glitchers to get through some areas before crashing into them. Players can also collect boosts to pick up more speed. These sections are fine overall, and I do find the controls for them tight and responsive. They aren’t anything amazing but are a welcome addition. I wish there were more levels to play as the bird but they only randomly pop up during these moments where you need to get across a large area.
Hirogami PS5 Gameplay
Boss Fights
There are four main boss fights. Beating these bosses also unlocks more abilities for Hiro and his animal paper forms. These boss fights are unlocked by gathering origami pieces from the levels you completed. You complete the levels by restoring the shrines at the end of each level. There are ten chapters in the game with some of the chapters having two to three levels each.
The boss fights get their own chapter like the final boss being unlocked at chapter ten and is the only level in that chapter. All the levels have their own challenges to unlock origami pieces. You unlock three origami pieces in each chapter. One is unlocked for just completing the level, the other two are earned by completing the level in a certain amount of time or finishing the level with a certain amount of health remaining. These seem optional but they really aren’t. As you progress through the game, you need to have a certain amount of origami pieces to unlock the boss fights. This does increase replayability but it feels like a way to increase your playtime and can be annoying for some players. The time challenges can be difficult but it personal preference. If you don’t mind replaying levels its all good but making objectives seem optional but later revealing they aren’t can be frustrating.
The boss fights themselves aren’t that amazing either. They are easy. Like shockingly easy. There isn’t really a challenge with them. The final boss fight was the most disappointing and went on for a really long time. Dialogue boxes would come up during it too. It was frustrating playing against him when I had to skip these boxes while the boss fight was going on in the background and he was doing damage against me. These boss fights are disappointing but they can look visually appealing.
Verdict
Hirogami can be a fun game at times but it can be disappointing in other areas. It is a visually stunning game. The paper changing mechanic where you can transform into other animals is a great mechanic and can keep combat fresh sometimes and offer different ways to play and fight. But a frustrating camera angle which causes more harm than good, disappointing boss fights and story, and some bugs like falling through the map really bring the game down. Hirogami ends up just being fine as a game, which is a shame. The game teases a sequel at the end so hopefully the sequel can build on this.
