Greedfall: The Dying World has finally been released into the world. It has spent some time in Early Access, and gamers now get to enjoy or hate the fruits of the developer’s labours. After the success of the original, I was thoroughly looking forward to this prequel. Sadly, not everything hit the mark, as there are some performance issues, and the world isn’t as immersive as I hoped. Yet, there is a large world to explore, factions to befriend or betray, and plenty of side missions to undertake. In short, it retains many classic RPG elements.
This open-world RPG was developed by Spiders and published by Nacon. It is a single-player game where 3 unique approaches dominate the way you play. I decided to throw myself in at the deep end while attempting to be in charge of everything. However, if this doesn’t sound like your thing, you can adjust your involvement and the difficulty of the world around you.
Greedfall: The Dying World transports you to another world.
Living in peace and harmony is a dream of many people. Yet, making this dream a reality will rarely happen. Unfortunately, too many outside influences control your life. Additionally, when death and destruction are added to the mix, things go south extremely quickly.
This is what happens to the heroes of Greedfall: The Dying World. These tribal people have completed their initiation and are tasked with discovering why their world is failing. Sick people, dying animals, and an influx of foreigners are ruining their way of life. Unbeknownst to them, this journey will lead them far away from their home and across many perilous paths.
The opening layers of the story were truly fascinating. The use of tribal languages and the incredible setting were captivating. However, once the game expands and things become more open, it loses its edge. You become focused on quests, resource gathering, and seamlessly never-ending fights. In short, it feels a little diluted at times.
Reputation is everything.
Greedfall: The Dying World utilises a relationship and reputation system that guides and pushes the heroes down different routes. Moreover, the bond between the team impacts choices and the way things flow. This was nice, and I guess it’ll add to replay value and longevity. Yet, some of the choices felt forced, and this removes that sense of freedom and open decision-making.
The reputation system impacts your ability to walk among each faction. If you are friendly with a certain tribe, they will welcome you with open arms. Alternatively, if you’ve somehow managed to piss off a group of indigenous tribespeople, you kind of deserve what’s coming to you. This pigeon-holed mechanic drives you into uncomfortable corners that may annoy some gamers. After all, making bad decisions that impact your overall experience isn’t always a pleasant idea.
Fighting, fighting, and more fighting.
Deciding to control my whole team was an interesting layer of Greedfall: The Dying World. I enjoyed the tactical nuance and the opportunities this created. This won’t be the thought process of most gamers as things slow down to an almost impossible crawl as you stop the action and plan your approach.
Furthermore, unlocking or empowering each character’s main skills requires action points. AP can only be obtained through basic combat moves. Therefore, if you want to be an all-powerful hero, you have to hack and slash your way through every opponent. Moreover, many of your foes are bullet sponges, and you can hack and slash for hours before they fall or you die.
This element of the game definitely needs some work. I’m not sure if it would be more balanced with the NPC heroes controlling their attacks, but I wasn’t entirely satisfied. This level of dissatisfaction continued with the almost rinse-and-repeat roster of enemies. Except for bosses, the low-level animals and people were extremely repetitive. Consequently, when you are spending ages attacking the same beings, it gets a little tiresome.
Greedfall: The Dying World has performance issues.
I’m hoping that many of the performance issues have been highlighted through Early Access, and my review build was somewhere short of the release version. If this is the case, there should be plenty of patches to iron out the frame rate drops, glitches, bugs, screen tears, and crashes to the dashboard. Moreover, there are moments when NPCs are missing, and the cinematic doesn’t match up to the dialogue. This was a little jarring and something that needs resolving. On top of this, the camera angle can make things somewhat tricky when your character appears and disappears without reason.
The audio has the potential to be absolutely incredible. The ambient sounds are some of the best I’ve heard, and the impressive tribal theme forms the backbone of this game. Greedfall: The Dying World has some brilliant acting, and the energy and tone help you to understand every encounter without reading the subtitles. Subsequently, it is a joy to listen to.
Heavy opening lessons.
I found the opening few hours to be quite intimidating. There is so much to learn, and it all happens within the first handful of quests. Understanding tactics, fighting, team management, quest management, exploration, and so forth is often overwhelming. However, once you throw yourself into it and get to grips with what’s on offer, you rarely get it wrong.
I can see this improving as the developer irons out the problems. When that happens, this will be a game that you can play for hours. Sadly, its current state makes it quite an uncomfortable, rough, and testing experience. Therefore, it will put people off wanting to play it repeatedly.
Greedfall: The Dying World doesn’t quite hit the mark.
I desperately wanted Greedfall: The Dying World to be the game I could rave about. It never claims to be AAA, but it has the potential to be a very high-end AA game. Despite the interesting story, excellent setting, and oodles of potential, the problems were frustrating. Yet, this shouldn’t put you off, as the shortcomings will be ironed out. Accordingly, it will be great, and I recommend buying it here! Can you understand the new world you live in? Explore your surroundings, work together, and bring peace to your home.
Announced two years ago, at the Summer Games Festival, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando promised a squad based shooter with tons of fun. Can this cooperative shooter capture the attention of players? Or should John Carpenter have stayed clear?
Leon Needs You!
John Carpenter has a long history of being involved in superb movies. However, apart from offering some story consultancy to F.E.A.R 3, he has stayed away from the video game format. Until now, that is, with the launch of John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando. This is a squad based shooter developed by Saber, written by the man himself and inspired by his signature blend of 80’s horror. I’m pleased to say that Carpenter’s magic touch still exists; Toxic Commando is a fun action horror adventure which is a familiar format, but still a blast to play.
The story of Toxic Commando takes place in the near future. An experiment by tech CEO Leon Dorsey, to harness the power of the earth’s core, goes horribly wrong. As Leon’s company begins to drill, citizens become attracted to the dig site in a trance like state. When the experiment goes awry, Leon unknowingly creates and unleashes the Sludge God. This abomination has one goal – to terraform the earth into sludge and transform the population into mindless undead. With Leon desperate to rectify his deadly mistakes, he tasks a team of mercenaries to save the world, naming them the Toxic Commandos!
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A Cheesy And Bloody Hilarious Affair
The Toxic Commandos are made up of a team of four: Walter, Ruby, Cato and Astrid. These characters are hilarious and endearing as the story takes place through nine distinct missions and locations. As previously mentioned, the story is by no means ground-breaking, but it thoroughly succeeds in what it sets out to do. It’s an 80’s style buddy cop horror movie with so many cheesy lines, you can’t help but laugh at them.
The way in which the characters converse with each other is absolutely hilarious; the voice cast have done a superb job bringing these characters to life. It’s a real thrill ride; these commandos team up and save the world from an impending apocalypse. It’s refreshingly simple and satisfying with a climactic conclusion. You can feel Carpenter’s influence oozing everywhere in this story! My only gripe is there should be more levels on launch!
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A Shooter, Looter, Defender Extravaganza!
When you first load into the prologue of the game, you can immediately feel the influence of titles like Left 4 Dead and Back 4 Blood. Toxic Commando sports a very similar four player squad-based shooter; it can be played alone or with a team of three other friends. Like those titles, you are encouraged to play with friends and it’s such fun! Each of the nine levels takes on a semi open world format. You can complete the main objectives straight away if you so choose. However, it is highly recommended to explore the map in order to gain valuable loot and weapons for each level’s decisive ending.
Loot also plays a very important part in gameplay, whether it’s collecting spare parts, (enables you to unlock defences at the end of the level) and sludgite, (used to upgrade weapons). On higher difficulties, you can collect rare loot that can be used for cosmetic items. All of the loot can be used in the game’s hub, Leon’s Base. This base is your classic co-op hub where you can upgrade weapons, test guns on the shooting range and even play a basketball mini game!
Let’s not forget about another crucial ingredient – classes. For any playable character, you can choose one of four classes: Strike(Damage Dealer) Medic (Healer) Operator (Engineer/Support) and Defender(Tank). These classes all support their own robust skill trees; they allow players to experiment with the different abilities each class has. Whether it’s throwing fireballs as the Strike, sending out a healing aura field as the Medic, using a combat drone as the Operator or putting up a huge shield as the Defender. Each class feels varied and unique and offers a vast amount of replayability.
Teamwork Makes The Dreamwork
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando offers a variety of gameplay styles that keep the game feeling fresh and unique. This game stays true to the formula of playing from a first person perspective. Shooting feels solid and balanced, with up to 19 main weapons and secondary weapons to use along with a host of special weapons that can be picked up in levels. Unfortunately, it’s not without problems. Melee weapons are also available but they are erratic. This is due to the game’s currently imbalanced stamina system. It should be many more swings before stamina loss!
The real additions to the traditional gameplay loop in this genre are the vehicles. There are up to ten vehicles to drive at launch and each has unique abilities, such as an EMP from the truck or healing from the ambulance, with some directly affecting mission structures. Most of these machines come with a winch ability, allowing you to propel yourself up hills and out of sludge. Driving feels highly responsive and is so much fun, especially in co-op. Co-op is the optimum way of playing; the bots do a serviceable job but they can be wildly inconsistent, which is very frustrating in tough situations.
Frustrating Foes
Finally, when it comes to gameplay, the enemies are both engrossing and frustrating. The usual cast of zombies shows up, along with a selection of named special enemies like the Goon, Slob, Stalker and Snare. These special enemies are similar to games previously mentioned but do just enough to stop them from being carbon copies. The problem with these enemies is they can be wildly inconsistent with attacks and abilities, thus making the hardest difficulty (Very Hard) hugely frustrating. Still, it’s worth noting how many enemies can flood the screen to fight the player. It’s a true spectacle during the game’s pivotal moments.
Bloody Disgusting
Visual presentation is another high point for John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando. The nine levels look gorgeous, as they are drenched in black and red sludge. You might think that doesn’t sound very appealing, but it’s visually striking as you destroy the sludge. Lighting is superb; most of the levels are set in darkly lit environments or at night. Blood splatters violently on the screen; it’s over the top and brutal, but oddly satisfying. Cutscenes are animated superbly. The added cinematic mode that can be toggled in the options adds a nice touch, as does the comic book style loading screens.
The character designs for both the playable characters and the enemies are superb. Each special enemy looks truly monstrous; the sludge god at the end of the game is particularly frightening. It’s also worth mentioning that there is a strong selection of skins for customisation. A superb effort by Saber.
Similarly, the audio design and soundtrack have been crafted to perfection. Every bullet fired feels powerful and meaningful. Special enemy introductions are alerted by unique sounds to make the player aware. As I have mentioned earlier, the voice acting is superb. Special mention should go to Omari Hardwick, with an outstanding turn as Cato. Finally, the soundtrack, crafted by Carpenter along with his son Cody and composer Daniel Davies, is a blend of 80’s retro wave. It is so perfectly suited to the game! I was often nodding my head in time with the music during the intense moments! Saber has done wonders with its presentation.
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Verdict
To put it simply, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is an absolute blast. An over the top, fun filled cooperative shooter, with solid gunplay and great exploration which will have any lover of this genre smiling from ear to ear. Whilst there are some inconsistencies with enemy and bot balancing, and the game is on the short side, it’s still a great time. Add in superb visuals, great sound design and a rip roaring soundtrack and you have a real blast from the past! This is a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is just here for a good time! I can’t wait to go back for more. Check out the page here- John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando – Focus Entertainment
Baladins originally released back in May 2024 for the PC. A fellow reviewer from Movies, Games and Tech actually reviewed the game back then, praising it for it’s engaging and charismatic writing, its charming visuals, and the amount to discover. However, they did think that gameplay was punishing for solo players.
Almost two years later, Baladins is back! Developed by Seed by Seed and published by Armor Games Studios, Baladins had a re-release for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation on February 19th, 2026. This whimsical game has ventured onto console with the same engagement and charm. After receiving many updates since it’s initial release, Baladins has added more content and improved many bugs along the way.
For those of you who are asking “but what even is Baladins?”, it is a roleplaying adventure game that plays in a boardgame fashion. Players play as one of the five Baladins and can explore the board freely, stopping at points on the map such as cities, shops, or castle. At these locations, you’ll meet a colorful cast of characters, each with their own quests for the Baladins to assist with, most of which having multiple possible outcomes. Supporting both solo and multiplayer up to four, players can collect items, make choices, and test their characteristics. After almost two years, it feels like the right moment to step back into Gatherac and explore what’s improved with its rerelease for console. So, grab a couple of friends, because it’s time to discuss Baladins!
Gatherac and Colobra, the Time-Eating Dragon
The story of Baladins begins six weeks before the upcoming Peace Festival, a celebration of love and friendship. Each week, players can explore the town of Mouliac and surrounding areas with the task of setting things up for the Peace Festival. To make matters worse, a geyser shoots water out from a well all over where the festival is supposed to take place! Your main objective then becomes to either plug up the hole or stop the water. Players have a limited number of movement points and action points, and each week is one turn. On week seven, regardless of where you are at in your progress of fixing the geyser, the Peace Festival occurs.
All of the sudden, a dragon named Colobra comes out of the well! They chide the Baladins, asking if they have forgotten the true meaning behind the festival. As punishment, Colobra eats any items you are carrying and then eats time itself. The Baladins are hurled into a vortex, and on the other side is… six weeks before the upcoming Peace Festival. Initially I was very confused. Baladins isn’t just your typical adventure boardgame. It features a time-loop mechanic, restarting after six turns. Everyone except for Baladins guild members forgets everything. Obviously, the Baladins now have a much bigger problem than just setting up the Peace Festival. Tasked with going to the castle in Hortegarde, the real adventure begins.
From here on, players can now freely explore the entire map of Gatherac. In total there are five areas with multiple locations in each. Baladins is really a game of side quests, as pretty much every character you meet at the different locations will have a quest for you to do. As mentioned, almost all of the quests has multiple potential outcomes depending on which actions you take. For example, one of my favorite quests was the rivalry between a theater owner and a general at the arena. Perhaps you side with the theater owner and sabotage the arena’s fireworks with spices. Perhaps you side with the general and turn the theater owner in. Or maybe you want to see their rivalry end and have them come together to perform the best show ever. All are possible outcomes.
On the seventh turn, the loop repeats. Colobra eats your items, filling up a mysterious progress bar of his “hunger”. He isn’t so cruel though, as he will let players keep one item (each if in multiplayer) to take with them into the next loop, but it will not count towards filling the bar. A statistics screen will show you the total number of items fed to Colobra, the characters met, the rumors heard, and the good and bad quest endings you’ve achieved. Though I like this idea, I do wish there was an easier way to keep track. There are 154 items able to be fed to Colobra, but seemingly no way to know which items have been fed already. An in-game tracker would be very convenient.
Though the time-loop does reset the everyone’s memories, sometimes it isn’t always necessary to repeat quests in the same steps. For example, a miller needs the castle to send him an engineer. After the first time discovering this quest, it isn’t necessary to ‘re-discover’ it in following loops. You can head straight to the castle and request an engineer without stopping at the mill. This is a mechanic that I particularly liked, given the time-loop nature of the game. It makes completing quests easier, especially if you are playing in single player. What I ended up doing is focusing on a quest or two for a few loops in order to try and find all the possible outcomes. It made things slightly easier for me as a player, but of course it is up to how you prefer to play the game.
The Baladins, Items, and Characteristics
Players can choose one of five Baladins to play as for each loop—the cook, the luxomancer, the dancer, the pyro, or the bard. Each Baladin starts with the same number of action points and movement points, as well as ten gold. Along with their charming designs, each Baladin excels in one of the five characteristics—physique, finesse, knowledge, creation, and destruction. One characteristic has a value of 8, 1 or 2 points in three other characteristics, and one at 0. The choices you make in a loop may test your characteristics in a dungeons & dragons style. Three six-sided die are rolled and then added to your characteristic to determine if you succeed. Threshold values come in three different variations— 8, 11, or 18. Locations on the map have practice areas where players can improve a characteristic by 1 and challenge areas that test your characteristics for rewards.
Items are another way to increase or decrease your characteristics. You can obtain items in several ways: by triggering random encounters on the map, buying them from shops, or earning them as quest rewards. Most items will passively effect your characteristics. The traveling merchant, who wanders around the map near players, will happily buy your items. Selling to him is a great way to pick up extra gold, which you’ll occasionally need when someone demands 50 gold. There are also consumables, such as drinks that increase your characteristics or refill a point of action or movement. Don’t forget that Colobra allows each player to keep one item between loops. It’s important to keep the right items if they will help in a quest, especially when playing single player.
Single Player vs Multiplayer
I wanted to dedicate a section on my review to discuss specifically the single player vs multiplayer aspect. Many reviews, including the one here back in 2024 when Baladins originally released, claim that the game heavily favors multiplayer. I’ve even seen some say that not everything is possible to achieve when in single player. Though I can’t say that this is true, I do have to agree that multiplayer seems to be the intended way to play.
In multiplayer, each player takes a turn wandering the map and taking actions. Players can be anywhere on the map. During a player’s turn, they can teleport to or summon another player to your location at any point. Players can share items with each other, though this is limited to once per turn. When making a big decision, players can vote on what they should do, which is a fun little quirk as well. And as mentioned, each player will be able to keep one item between loops. It is important to note that the kept item is tied to the Baladin. Single players can keep an item on one Baladin and switch to another between loops. Make sure you don’t obtain that item a second time though. The game will pull it away from the other Baladin, and it disappears if you don’t reclaim it.
Multiplayer can be played both locally and online with a code. Admittedly, I’m not entirely sure if both players will need to own a copy when online. My guess is yes which is unfortunate since on PC it allows players to play without a copy. I am also not sure about cross-play. For local multiplayer, it seems that only a dual set of joy-cons or a pro-controller work. I tried docking my Switch 2 and playing in multiplayer with the two joy-cons separately, but it didn’t work. Eventually, after failed attempts at persuading my partner to play with me, I grabbed the two pro-controllers and just played in multiplayer by myself.
There isn’t really anything gained when playing in single player outside of an extra action and movement point. Though I can understand this, I do think single player makes gameplay a lot…harder? Harder doesn’t seem like the right word as the difficulty in this game is little to none. It definitely will take you way longer to complete and achieve everything though. More strategy will also be required if you want to complete some quests within the loop.
I’d like to give an example of what I mean by more strategy. A farmer is plagued with lavender that keeps growing and needs the player to find a buyer and stop the lavender from growing. In order to complete this quest with the best possible outcome, players will need to have two encounters along the map—a king with a stolen drawing book and a crying child missing her drawing book (her crying magically makes the lavender grow). These encounters trigger somewhat randomly across the map, but each one still belongs to a specific area—for example, Mercazon. Though there are other ways of stopping her from crying, giving her the drawing book is the only way to receive a rare item.
At any point, you will need to stop and talk to the farmer to get a sprig of lavender. Then, travel to the next town over and give the lavender to to a boutique owner who says they will buy more. Then, it’s back to the farmer to tell him the good news and receive his scythe item. In single player, performing all of these tasks took an entire loop for me. This isn’t a terribly long time, loops might take you 15 minute tops, but in multiplayer, a quest like this would be way easier and faster. With item swapping alone, players could easily complete this quest in a few turns, with enough time to explore other things as well.
So yes, though it may not be entirely impossible to achieve everything in single player, it does make things way more challenging than they need to be. I wish that we could fill up the party slots in single player as an optional setting, without needing to have multiple compatible controllers. I can appreciate the game encouraging players to game together. However, I can’t help but feel like they didn’t need to make things as challenging for those that can’t or simply don’t want to. Both options should feel like viable ways to play without the dramatic spike in strategic gameplay.
A Re-Release is Hopefully Good News for Baladins
In conclusion, though I can recommend this one, I don’t think it will be for everyone. I think there’s much to wish for in this game. I would love for them to make single player slightly and optionally easier by allowing players to control multiple Baladins. If I ever want to dive fully into this game, I’ll need a more detailed tracker. There’s no way I’m keeping a personal log of everything I’ve fed Colobra. I wish I could view the map before getting into a loop. Though I can select my starting location, I have already forgotten where things are located many times. The same could be said for the quest log and other achievements. My hope is that this re-release breathes new life into Baladins and that Seed by Seed takes another look into improving the game further.
On the other hand, I loved the game’s charm and whimsy. It is simple, light-hearted fun that would be great for those interested in board games and dungeons & dragons. I found myself playing into the evening a few times even though I typically do my gaming research during the day. I enjoy diving into an adventure packed with side quests to tackle. The wacky and wonderful characters I meet along the way stand out, and their stories are consistently well written. If you have family or friends that you think would enjoy this, then I can especially recommend it to you. I was always more of a fan of co-op rather than competitive in multiplayer, and this fits right in. Gather your friends locally or online and treat it like you would a dungeon and dragons campaign!
Thank you for reading, now go feed some items to Colobra!
If you are a seasoned traveller or you import electrical goods, you know how annoying it can be to buy adapters or do without. Thankfully, the TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter is a bit of a game-changer. This handy device can fit in your bag or the drawer of your desk with ease. Furthermore, it can be plugged into any UK, EU, or US/AUS plug socket. Alongside this, it can have any UK, EU, or US/AUS plug attached to it. Accordingly, it is impressively versatile.
Word of warning, though, this isn’t capable of converting voltage. Therefore, any product plugged into this adapter must support dual voltage 100-250V. If it doesn’t, I wouldn’t recommend using this product. Instead, speak to the manufacturer of your electrical item and get their advice.
Technical aspects.
The TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter is a handy little beast. It has slots for a standard 2 or 3-pin plug. Furthermore, there are 4 ports for USB cables. 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports let users plug in multiple devices at once. If you decide to charge multiple items at once, you’ll enjoy up to 21W of charging prowess.
If you are planning on travelling to India or South Africa, this adapter will not be for you. However, it is useful for over 200 countries, so the average traveller will find this space-saving and powerful option extremely useful.
Build quality.
The TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter has a very simple design, but the rudimentary appearance hides some incredibly impressive ideas. The slide to activate settings keeps every option safe when travelling. Moreover, there are interconnecting locks to prevent accidents from happening.
Alongside this, every element is well labelled. Whether it is the name of the suitable country or the power output of the USB ports, you cannot go wrong. I was happy with the tactile slide motion and the strong prongs. Additionally, each USB port is rugged and prevents your cables from coming loose when in use.
Is the TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter worth it?
If you are a keen traveller, this is the product for you. We all know that airlines love to penalise badly packed bags. Therefore, it is essential to cut the bulk and save space. Thankfully, the TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter does just that with its versatile approach and space-saving design. Accordingly, I love it, and I recommend buying it here!
Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown lets you take command of the iconic Starfleet vessel as you bark orders at a much-loved crew. However, things rarely go to plan, and this exciting sci-fi adventure feels like a near-death experience at every turn. Yet, it is this sense of tension and drama that’ll keep you hooked and guessing throughout.
This futuristic genre hybrid was developed by Gamexcite and published by Daedalic Entertainment. It is a single-player endeavour that blends many elements to great effect. Moreover, the storytelling follows the enthralling action of the incredible TV series. Accordingly, this can be enjoyed by franchise lovers and those who enjoy a testing time.
Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown is a tale of peril.
If you are flying halfway across the universe, you have to expect a few hiccups along the way. However, Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown takes a few liberties with this idea. Unfortunately, the crew of this incredible vessel find themselves in hot water. Their plans are thrown in the bin when they awaken in the dangerous Delta quadrant. With death just around the corner and survival their only option, the crew of Voyager must do whatever it takes to survive and get back to Earth.
The plot is fantastic, and there are loads of moments that parallel the multi-seasonal TV series. Yet, it is the blend of ship management, “choose your own adventure” away missions, combat, and survival mechanics that keep you on your toes. There is an awful lot to learn, and it can almost feel unfair. If you then consider the real risk of permadeath for your crew, there are a lot of balls to juggle.
Being a captain isn’t easy.
Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown does a brilliant job of bringing the sci-fi world to life. With 12 chapters, loads of planets to scan, resources to gather, and an array of risk vs reward quests, you constantly feel on the back foot. Furthermore, if you take too long, morale will hit rock bottom. If this happens, it is game over. Consequently, you must weigh up how long to waste in each sector before progressing.
Team members’ characteristics, skills, and relationships play a huge part in your success. As you explore locations or take on away missions, you are faced with an array of situations. Each one has a list of possible ways to complete an objective. Effectively, there are easy, medium, and hard—the more challenging the test, the bigger the reward. However, the risk could lead to failure and a host of negative consequences. Therefore, like morale management, you must think ahead as you try to repair and upgrade your ship and make it to Earth.
Balanced gameplay.
Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown does an amazing job of balancing each core element. Although you can cause an imbalance through your choices, the action never feels out of place. Furthermore, keeping on top of every key layer was relatively simple.
A fine UI, tutorial, and guidance system explain every moment as you progress. This minor hand-holding was appreciated, as things could have turned horribly messy. I particularly enjoyed the away missions and the sense of trepidation. No matter how prepared you were, the constant twists and turns made failure a very real consequence.
Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown blends different styles.
I have to applaud the developer for their excellent use of different art styles. Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown blends visual novel stills with impressive animation. Furthermore, the varied sectors, fine ship layout, and excellent character models make this very easy to look at.
The audio uses some of the original cast to act their part. This will be a thrill for fans. If you are not familiar with Voyager, you’ll enjoy some excellent and expressive acting during every chapter. Alongside this, there is dramatic and sombre music and the expected sci-fi sound effects.
Brilliant controls.
I was petrified when I was offered the code. I expected this to be horrible to play. Complex controls, mind-numbing tutorials, and endless lore. Thankfully, I was wrong, as it works extremely well on console. Moving between layers of the UI was clean and easy to master, and the control layout was straightforward. Although it won’t be simple for younger gamers, competent individuals will thrive.
There are so many paths to take that replay value and longevity are impressively high. Furthermore, the fear of permadeath and the array of risk-vs-reward tasks ensure that no playthrough is ever the same.
Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown is niche, but fantastic.
I could say this is the best game ever, but it would still attract a niche audience. That niche is huge, but the feeling of geeky sci-fi will put off neutral players. However, if you can look past all that, you’ll enjoy a fine hybrid game that twists and turns throughout. Moreover, it offers so much replay value that it is worth every penny. Accordingly, it’s fantastic, and I recommend buying it here! Can you escape the Delta quadrant and survive? Scavenge resources, take a gamble, and pray your ship doesn’t explode.
Soccer supporters interact with the sport through many different forms of media. Video games allow fans to step onto the field themselves, often choosing their favorite clubs in titles such as best-selling soccer game EA Sports FC 25. These games provide a way to experience tactics, player movements, and match-day excitement from a player’s perspective. Other fans look for deeper insight into their teams through documentaries and behind-the-scenes storytelling.
Arsenal supporters recently gained a new way to connect with their club through original programming available on the Arsenal app. The club launched a dedicated streaming hub that includes exclusive shows, interviews, and documentary-style content that focuses on players and staff inside the organization. One of the standout features in this lineup centers on Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, offering an in-depth look at his leadership and influence within the squad.
A New Documentary About Arsenal’s Captain
The new documentary series explores Martin Ødegaard’s role as captain of Arsenal and examines how he leads the team on and off the field. The program forms part of Arsenal’s growing library of original content created specifically for the club’s digital platform.
Through interviews, training ground footage, and commentary from teammates and coaches, the series highlights Ødegaard’s approach to leadership. The show focuses on his communication with players, his work ethic during training sessions, and the tactical awareness he brings to the midfield.
The documentary also provides insight into the environment inside the Arsenal dressing room. Cameras capture moments from training sessions and team meetings, showing how the squad prepares for major fixtures throughout the season.
For supporters, this behind-the-scenes perspective offers a deeper understanding of how the team operates beyond the ninety minutes seen during matches.
The Style of a Modern Leader
Martin Ødegaard’s captaincy reflects a style built on communication, creativity, and responsibility. As an attacking midfielder, he influences the flow of play by linking defense with attack while organizing teammates across the field.
The documentary describes how Ødegaard communicates with players during matches, offering guidance and encouragement as situations change on the pitch. Teammates often look to him for direction because of his strong understanding of tactics and positioning.
Training sessions also reveal his commitment to preparation. Coaches emphasize his focus during drills and his willingness to lead by example during practice. This approach builds trust within the squad and reinforces his role as a central figure in the team’s culture.
Supporters often see captains as the emotional voice of their teams. Ødegaard’s leadership style highlights calm decision-making and collaborative teamwork that help maintain balance during challenging moments.
Arsenal’s Title Challenge
The documentary arrives during an exciting period for Arsenal supporters. The club continues competing for the Premier League title, and many analysts view the team as a strong contender for the trophy. Sportsbooks often reflect these expectations through betting odds that evaluate team performance and squad strength. Recent predictions from a globally prominent online sportsbook placed Arsenal as a strong favorite in a matchup against Everton, listing odds of 1.37 for an Arsenal victory compared to 9.00 for Everton. These numbers illustrate how analysts view Arsenal’s form and depth across the squad. Consistent performances across the season have strengthened the team’s position in the title race.
For Arsenal fans, the possibility of Ødegaard lifting the Premier League trophy as captain represents a powerful moment. The documentary adds another layer of meaning to that journey by showing the leadership that drives the team’s ambitions.
The Journey From Madrid to London
Martin Ødegaard’s career began in extraordinary fashion. As a young talent in Norway, he attracted global attention and joined Real Madrid early in his professional journey. His technical ability and vision quickly marked him as one of Europe’s most promising midfielders.
After developing his skills through several loan spells across European leagues, Ødegaard eventually joined Arsenal and found the environment that allowed him to flourish. His performances in the Premier League earned the trust of coaches and teammates, which later led to his appointment as club captain.
The documentary reflects on this journey, highlighting how his experiences in different leagues helped shape his understanding of the game.
Could Ødegaard Return to Real Madrid?
As with many elite players, speculation about future transfers often appears in discussions about Martin Ødegaard’s career. Some observers continue to consider whether a return to Real Madrid could happen this summer.
Such conversations highlight how highly his talent is regarded across European football. Clubs often track players who demonstrate strong leadership and technical ability at the highest level.
For now, Ødegaard remains focused on Arsenal’s ambitions and the challenges of competing in the Premier League and European competitions. His role as captain places him at the center of the club’s plans as the team pursues success.
A Captain for the Modern Game
The new Arsenal documentary offers supporters an opportunity to understand Martin Ødegaard’s leadership in greater detail. Through training footage, interviews, and tactical insights, viewers gain a clearer picture of how he guides the team.
His calm authority, technical intelligence, and commitment to teamwork define the qualities that shape his captaincy. As Arsenal continues its pursuit of major trophies, Ødegaard’s influence remains a key part of the club’s identity.
For fans watching the documentary on the Arsenal app, the series captures the spirit of a captain who leads through communication, preparation, and performance on the field.
The CUKTECH 10 Mini Power Bank may not be on many radars. The smaller battery capacity could mean that it is overlooked. However, I think this powerful, compact power bank will appeal to a niche but enthusiastic audience. I’ve reviewed many CUKTECH products, and they are all fantastic. Yet, they are sizable and pretty heavy. Therefore, I think this one has an edge over its larger and more hulking cousins.
This lighter and easier-to-handle power bank will attract the interest of keen cyclists, walkers, runners, and anyone who wants to downsize. Additionally, it’s the perfect option if you love to hike or camp. No one wants a bulky and large power bank filling up their backpack. Instead, this aviation safe product is the size of a pack of tissues and weighs next to nothing. Consequently, it is the perfect option if you are taking on an endurance race or you want to keep your phone topped up during a weekend away.
What’s in the box of the CUKTECH 10 Mini Power Bank?
The packaging is tiny but attractive. The box is loaded with key information, and it can be recycled.
The CUKTECH 10 Mini Power Bank feels great to hold. It is light, but the build quality is obvious. It has 2 USB-C ports, a USB-A port, and a display screen. Furthermore, there is a port to thread a lanyard.
A small lanyard is provided.
Keep the power bank safe with the cloth bag.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
The CUKTECH 10 Mini Power Bank offers an impressive up to 55W charging via a single USB-C port. Alternatively, you’ll enjoy 20W maximum output if you charge multiple items at once. This is impressive, as you can charge your tech and get back in the game in no time at all. If you were to charge an iPhone 16 Pro or Samsung S25 Ultra, you’ll notice 58% and 70% charge, respectively, across a short 30-minute period.
This is fantastic as these power-hungry phones will test the biggest and best power banks. Luckily, the CUKTECH 10 Mini Power Bank takes it in its stride. Thanks to the 10,000 mAh battery capacity, you can charge each of these powerful devices twice before the juice runs out. If you do run out of power, you can recharge the power bank to 50% in under 30 minutes. Consequently, you don’t need to wait around for hours as you charge your devices.
You cannot be too safe whenever you are looking at electrical goods. After all, no one wants their phone, tablet, or handheld gaming console destroyed by a faulty power bank. Luckily, the CUKTECH 10 Mini Power Bank has plenty of built-in safety systems to keep your gear safe. Temperature protection, over surge protection, Input current protection, and much more are standard for this next-level device.
Build quality.
CUKTECH delivers impressive products time after time. Thankfully, the CUKTECH 10 Mini Power Bank is no different. This compact option is a much smaller version of its bigger brothers. However, it still uses the brushed metal finish, the impressive display screen, and the secure USB ports. Alongside this, the rear is textured to increase friction and reduce the chance of dropping it.
The accessories complement each other just as well. The micro USB-C to USB-C cable can be slipped within the fabric case with ease. Additionally, it is well built and designed to maximise the power bank’s charging capabilities. The soft case is small but robust. The simple design has a sleek and professional appearance, and it feels pleasant to hold. Finally, the short lanyard is ideal if you want to attach the power bank to your wrist or a strap within a backpack or handbag.
Is the CUKTECH 10 Mini Power Bank worth it?
If you need a large capacity option with ultra-fast charging capabilities, you will need to buy another CUKTECH product. However, if you need a compact, lightweight, and user-friendly device, this is the product for you. It is ideal if you enjoy the great outdoors or if you have limited space in your bag. Additionally, it’s affordable without cutting corners. Accordingly, it is amazing, and I recommend buying it here!
The PC community has enjoyed Sumerian Six for around 2 years. Console players have had to sit back patiently and await their turn. Well, you have to wait no longer as this exceptional title is now available across multiple platforms. It is tough, sinister, and unbelievably addictive. Furthermore, you get to kick the crap out of a bunch of nazi soldiers. Consequently, what’s not to love?
This real-time strategy game was developed by Artificer and published by Crunching Koalas. It is a single-player endeavour that spans 10 unique chapters. Moreover, 6 mind-boggling heroes use special abilities alongside traditional combat methods. The result is a twisted example of the genre that keeps you thinking and guessing throughout.
Sumerian Six tells a dark tale.
We all know the heinous crimes of the Nazi regime. However, Sumerian Six takes us on a twisted version of events. Instead of your traditional WWII mindset, it focuses on the occult, a betrayal, and a band of six heroes who wish to save the world. In short, it is brilliant, and the ridiculous nature of each event will get your heart racing.
The squad of heroes must chase and stop their former leader, Hans Kammler. This insane lover of the Third Reich is harnessing power and developing a mysterious energy source called Geiststoff. The team must infiltrate many German strongholds as they edge closer to their target while trying to save the world.
Fantastic mechanics.
Sumerian Six combines stealth and tactical elements to a high level. The team must use cover and manipulate cones of view if they wish to stay unseen. Moreover, there are environmental weapons that help to quash the alarm and remain hidden. Each of the heroes has a unique set of abilities that can be used alone or combined with their fellow heroes. This freedom to do as you wish was amazing, and the combination of outcomes is almost endless.
As the game progresses, the levels become increasingly complex and the grunts much harder. Whether they have more health, bigger weapons, or can resist your special abilities, the team must overcome each obstacle. Alongside this, you are tasked with shutting off alarms, disarming generators, and keeping double agents alive. The combination of elements can become quite overwhelming, but it is never unfair or unbalanced.
My favourite aspect of the teamwork was the planning mode. Here, you may set out moves to kill multiple enemies at once. Alternatively, you may wish to relocate your team as you single-handedly eliminate a squad of Nazis. Either way, it leads to some incredible moments and the likely destruction of plenty of Nazi soldiers.
Sumerian Six delivers intelligent and interesting stage design.
When a game demands forward thinking and the use of stealth and environmental mechanics, the stage design has to be top-notch. Thankfully, Sumerian Six offers an array of weird and wonderful locations with branching paths and seamlessly endless ways to traverse each one. Moreover, the sense of depth is impressive. There are buildings to enter, vines and ladders to climb, lorries to push, boxes to drop, and barrels to explode. The list keeps going, and the best players will exploit every aspect.
The audio delivers a level of drama and tension that is rarely seen in other games. I love the blend of songs and the fantastic ambient sounds. The whoosh of the wind and the use of silence help to enhance realism and build tension. However, there is a slight downside. The repetitive sound bites from each hero were a little tedious. Hearing the same commands repeatedly got on my nerves, and I wanted them to shut the hell up. Yet, this is minor, as you’ll be drawn to the positives rather than this one negative.
Brilliantly ported.
Sumerian Six is a PC port, and this can lead to problems. Luckily, Crunching Koalas has done an impressive job. I played this with an Xbox controller, and I had no issues mastering the controls. The UI is well labelled and laid out, and the control system is easy to understand and master. Subsequently, you’ll be tackling Nazi soldiers in no time.
Replay value and longevity are prominent features. Each stage has an array of challenges for you to complete. Moreover, there are several difficulty levels to master, and you can tackle each level however you see fit. Therefore, you can play this many times without experiencing the same outcome.
Sumerian Six is a brilliant strategy game.
I love this genre, and I’ve played some of the best and worst games on offer. Sumerian Six sits in the best category, and I believe lovers of the genre will adore its weird and wonderful ways. The characters are memorable, and the level design is impressive. Moreover, it is easy to understand, and replay value and longevity are highly valued. Accordingly, I love it, and I recommend buying it here! Can your heroes stop the supernatural Nazis? Plan your approach, stay in the shadows, and show them that hatred and betrayal never win!
This era of video games is truly the age of simulation, with hundreds of realistic simulator games available for players. Now, up steps port simulator, Docked. Can this ultra realistic sim entice players? Or should this have been left at the bottom of the ocean?
A Family Affair
Simulation games are not often known for a rich narrative or an engaging story. However, Saber Interactive have tried to break the mould with Docked. To their credit, there is actually a decent story to uncover. In this game you play as Tommy, who, at the request of his father, returns to help run his family business in a seaside port known as Port Wake. Tommy has been absent from his family for many years, due to reasons unknown at the start of the game. Then he returns to help in trying times. When you begin the game, a storm has just hit the port and devastated the business. It’s subsequently up to Tommy and others to rebuild the port and restore the family legacy.
Upon completing the prologue, I assumed that was the end for story details and narrative, but I was very wrong. This narrative is surprisingly deep and thoughtful for a simulator game and continues to unravel the more you play. As you progress through missions, you’ll learn why Tommy left his family, and his reasons for walking away. The writing in the game is superb as you converse with different characters, thus learning about each worker and staff member. I had to take a moment near the end of the game to remind myself I was actually playing a simulator. The voice acting propels this and makes each character believable. Bravo Saber, you had no right making a story as good as this in such an unexpected setting!
Machinery Mayhem
Simulators’ bread and butter lies in gameplay and thankfully, Docked has succeeded in this department – mostly. Played from a first person perspective, the game begins with the aim to make it as welcoming as possible for players. You are introduced to the STS (Ship-To-Shore) crane, a monumentally large machine that you are tasked to pick and move items with. For such a large piece of machinery it is extremely smooth and responsive to use. As you progress through each mission, new machinery is unlocked for Tommy to pilot. The aim of each mission often boils down to speed and precision. The quicker you move your cargo and the least amount of damage occurring on each shipment, gives you greater rewards.
Every machine you operate has different controls; this adds variety and complexity to gameplay. Some of these bigger machines require such precision it can feel overwhelming when you first pilot them. Fortunately, thanks to the great UI options, you can easily show the control scheme at the same time. Once I got used to these machines, I felt like I was flying around the port, working jobs like a pro! There are multiple camera options but first person felt the best and most accurate view for me to complete my tasks!
Profit Is The Promised Land!
It’s important to remember that above all else, this is a realistic simulator and this is apparent in the game’s economy system. The system shows your daily profit and entices you to keep going on one more mission. Completing missions earns Tommy money and upgrade materials, which are vital to the survival of the port. You can buy new machines or secure bigger and harder contracts the more profit you earn, making it highly rewarding for the player.
As this is a business simulator as well, you need to become a master delegator. Using the business management tab, you can take on contracts and assign staff and vehicles to these tasks to help the profit to flow. Money is imperative for Port Wake so that you can repair the damage the storm has caused. It’s an addictive system that kept me going back for more. Conversely, the one downside to gameplay is that sometimes the missions can feel slightly repetitive. However, as a simulator, this is to be expected in some aspects. Still, this is a fantastic effort by Saber with an addictive gameplay loop.
Docked_20260304123220
Sittin’ On A Beautiful Dock Of The Bay
When I think of realistic simulators, it is important that the game captures the essence in visual presentation. Docked is no different; my god this game is gorgeous! Everywhere you look on Port Wake you are met with sheer beauty. The water glistens on the sun so wonderfully; it’s mesmerizing. Weather effects (in particular rain and wind effects) are outstanding. Every machine drips with such excruciating detail that you could look inside the cabin of these vehicles for hours.
Sadly, whist the visuals are outstanding, Docked has some fidelity issues at launch. I am baffled by the decision to lock the PS5 version to 30fps; it’s a real shame there are no performance options to change this. Loading screens is also a major issue currently, as they are tediously long. Hopefully, the developers can smooth this out post launch!
Finally, sound design and musical score do a solid, if unspectacular job. Every machine whirrs and beeps as you would expect; movement of the massive vehicles sounds powerful and weighty. As previously mentioned, the voice acting is surprisingly excellent. Music in Docked aims to be understated but serene and it succeeds with a peaceful, often country soundtrack, that calms the nerves when moving shipments. A good job overall by Saber.
Verdict
I have never managed to sink my teeth fully into a realistic simulator, but with Docked, that has dramatically changed. A surprisingly thoughtful story, full of wonderful characters and heart, really breaks the mould of what this genre is used to. Pack in brilliant tight responsive controls and stunning visuals and you have a recipe for success. Whilst some performance issues and repetitive missions may bring down your satisfaction, this is still a wonderful simulator with great business management options! I’m going back to Port Wake!
I’ve recently looked at the Plyo case from UAG, and I was thoroughly impressed! Now, I get to look at the Scout Case for Meta Quest 3/S. You may be thinking, how many cases does one man need? Well, you wouldn’t be wrong, but each one offers slightly different pros and cons as well as a unique visual edge.
If you want an extremely robust case, the Plyo will be a go-to option. Alternatively, if you want a featherlight design with a bold IML hex finish, the Scout Case for Meta Quest 3/S should be on your radar. This impressive case adds some flair and a high degree of protection to your VR headset. Additionally, it is a Meta-certified product. Therefore, you are guaranteed quality as well as high-end performance.
Usability of the Scout Case for Meta Quest 3/S.
I was impressed by the plug-and-play design of this awesome accessory. Unlike other cases, the Scout Case for Meta Quest 3/S can be clipped on with little fuss. This makes it perfect for children and adults. Moreover, there is no way you can get it wrong, so this reduces the risk of damage to your VR headset.
This case offers optimal heat management for gamers who love to play for short or extended periods. This is ideal as it increases comfort while keeping the headset in the optimum temperature range. Furthermore, if you wish to remove the case for any reason, you can do so with ease. Simply slide your finger around the edges, and it pops off with a firm push.
Build quality.
A VR headset isn’t a cheap investment. Therefore, keeping it in optimal condition is a must. Luckily, the Scout Case for Meta Quest 3/S is drop-tested to meet military standards. Consequently, it should withstand any rough and tumble you can throw at it. We all know that the lenses are the heart and soul of a VR product. As such, it would be madness not to protect them. Thankfully, this product does that with ease.
The raised bezel finish shields the lenses while preventing them from becoming scratched or damaged. Moreover, the impact-resistant PC material offers a premium level of protection for your device. I love the simple hex design. The clear frame retains that clean, white finish we all know and love. However, the hex design creates a fine detail that is eye-catching. The result is a modern finish that isn’t too vivid or overstated.
Is the Scout Case for Meta Quest 3/S worth it?
If you own a Meta Quest 3 or 3S, you will want to protect it. Luckily, UAG has you covered with their impressive range of cases. The Scout Case for Meta Quest 3/S is an affordable option that focuses on durability and comfortable gaming. I adore the design, the sleek finish, and the robust nature of the case. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here!
The Plyo case for Meta Quest 3/S is a must-have if you want to keep your Meta Quest out of harm’s way. UAG have designed this incredible product to add durability and style to a sleek and clean gaming platform. Furthermore, you can do this without breaking the bank.
This makes this the ideal option for those who love marathon gaming sessions and younger, clumsy gamers. We all know that VR gaming is immersive. Therefore, the odd accident is bound to happen. However, breaking your VR headset or damaging it is not the name of the game. Accordingly, adding some simple protection is a must.
Technical aspects.
When you look at the simple design, you wouldn’t expect it to be packed full of reassuring tech. Well, I was wrong as the Plyo case for Meta Quest 3/S is remarkably advanced. This co-moulded case has been drop tested from 15 feet! It survived unscathed, and the Meta Quest fared pretty well as well. This isn’t likely to happen to you, but the reassurance that a 3-4 ft drop is all but covered lets you play without concern.
Alongside this, it has sensor-safe cutouts to optimise performance without compromise. No one wants their product to malfunction with a third-party accessory, and UAG has prevented that from happening. Despite its third-party status, the Plyo case for Meta Quest 3/S is Meta-certified. Consequently, its compatibility and performance are assured.
Build quality.
I was amazed by the incredible build quality. The Plyo case for Meta Quest 3/S is available in the Ash grey colour or clear. I’m glad I was sent the coloured option as it adds a layer of detail to the clean white headset. On top of this, it utilises raised bezels that prevent the lenses from becoming damaged or scratched. This is essential as damage to either core component will render the headset useless.
The 2x dual material should make this a hefty and cumbersome case. Thankfully, the clip-on design ensures that a child can mount it without instruction. Additionally, the lightweight design prevents the headset from becoming heavier and more uncomfortable. Subsequently, you get the best protection without ruining your gaming experience.
Is the Plyo case for Meta Quest 3/S worth it?
Keeping your expensive gaming products safe is a must! However, picking the right product isn’t that easy. Thankfully, theUAG Plyo case for Meta Quest 3/Smakes that decision a breeze. Not only does it look great, but it is tested within an inch of its life. Accordingly, it is a must-have accessory, and I recommend buying it here!
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond The Horizon, we need to talk about your names. And not just because I need a tea break and a lie down in the middle of saying your full title. For starters, one of your characters is called ‘Dingo Brad’. I was astounded to learn that they didn’t wear a hat with corks on strings. You’ve got a magical priest called Kevin, whose name sounds more at home in my local pub. The less said about the extremely unfortunately named ‘Professor Epstein’, the better.
But enough ranting about names, I need to make a declaration: I have not finished Trails Beyond The Horizon at time of writing. I’ve given it a good go, mind. I’m fifty hours into the thing. That’s the price you pay with JRPGs, I suppose. I try to get these out in a week or so and, well, I need sleep. Still, those fifty hours have taught me all I need to know. It’s a bright, imaginative RPG that’s paced like super slow-mo footage of someone pouring out a jar of treacle.
Blasting Off
Trails Beyond The Horizon has a lot of plot threads, but they all revolve around one thing: a space launch. The world is prophesised to end and, as a last ditch effort to avert that, the Calvard Republic launches a satellite, with plans for a manned mission soon after. Meanwhile, on the ground, three groups are picking at the related threads. I tried to write down all their names but quickly ran out of paper. The principal players are Van, a sort-of bounty hunter type chap; Rean, a military instructor; and Kevin, a priest who was formerly tasked with hunting down heretics.
While definitely an interesting plot overall, the amount of threads gets a little ridiculous. At various points, you’re battling new mechas, fighting a cult, investigating a rise in special monsters, and so on and so forth. It all contributes to the bizarre pacing, where we start pulling on a thread then instantly stop. Part of that is down to this being the 13th game in a series, I think. We’re constantly (and I mean constantly) introduced to recurring characters, where we get a little snippet of their previous involvement. Their introduction is so laboured that it feels like we’re permanently trapped in a sitcom clip show at times, full of screams and whoops at every new character.
The writing is also fairly standard for the genre. By that I mean, mostly twee with a lot of screechy, annoying characters. Still, it is above average. It rarely labours the same point over and over, though it has a tendency to rely on its invented terminology. But then again, this is a big series. I do struggle with the character writing at times, though. There’s very little tension in the dialogue, or anything but happy acceptance, bar a smidgen in Kevin’s route. It feels like a Scouts group outing. It’s charming in its own way, and I did like some characters, but they don’t feel like they grew over the course of those fifty hours.
Hack And, Eventually, Slash
Part of the ‘stop and start’ feeling to Trails Beyond The Horizon is down to how it parcels out its gameplay. The start of every new act features the group in question running around town, chatting to the recurring characters of the hour, and bumbling about the shops. It’s a pace killer to see Van sitting around talking about sweets, when five minutes earlier we learned about a giant invisible monster. The plot doesn’t seem terribly well integrated with the core gameplay, so the pace keeps screeching to a halt when gameplay resumes. Downtime is essential, of course, but I don’t particularly care about the composition of a local dessert right now.
Combat is largely separated out too, but thankfully I rather enjoyed it. Out in the field, it’s split into two parts. You start as a real-time hack’n’slash affair. Fairly basic stuff, light attacks and a charge move. The actual blows don’t feel that great, but the key is at any time you can switch to the regular turn-based mode. So the real-time stuff gives you an opportunity to get rid of the smaller creatures, and if you can stun the big boys then you get a free hit when switching to turn-based. It’s a really clever idea and made grinding quite fun.
It helps that the visuals are very over-the-top, so landing super moves feels great. It’s not all show, either. The turn-based combat has some moves I like. ‘Shard Boosts’ are one. This is a little meter that fills when you hit the enemy, and you can use a charge of it to power up, or use two to act twice on one turn. You can even use one to perform a super move at any time. So it becomes another stat to manage, alongside the usual health and flavours of MP. It was just enough of a twist to keep the boss fights interesting, alongside the wonderful style that drips off of the whole experience.
Trails Beyond The Horizon – Charmingly Frustrating
I will say though, if Trails Beyond The Horizon does click with you, then it’ll stay with you for days. It’s absolutely stuffed to the gills with side-content. There are the usual side-quests, but there’s also a mini-RPG tacked on called the Grim Garten, complete with its own plotline. There’s also fishing and cooking, and a whole suite of stats to fiddle around with. Even hacking into locks has its own bespoke minigame. There are even direct gameplay benefits to interacting with them. Cooking and eating food gives gourmet points, for example, which give stat boosts.
Then there’s the general style to things. Voice acting isn’t bad, mercifully. The music is top notch, with battle music getting regularly lodged in my head. Graphics are nice too. There’s an emphasis on bright colours, which I like. Monster design is varied, ranging from sassy skeleton birds to one level where everything had a cat face. Character design is fairly varied too, if a little tropey at times. I think it’s a law that a burly, hand-to-hand fighter must be included. I’m not in love with the actual character art style though, which makes everyone looks like Barbie dolls. But there’s no denying the sheer volume of creativity on display.
Lastly, if you’ve not already guessed, I’ve not played any of the previous ones in the series. This is probably not the best entry point, so take my opinions with grains of salt. But even if I had, I don’t think I’d enjoy pacing this bad. The firm separation of plot and gameplay, and the constant flat dialogue with recurring characters, brings everything to a grinding halt. Every time I’m getting into it, it pulls me back out. I found myself growing fond of the characters but by the end of fifty hours, I was really hoping we could get a damn move on.
There is a common misconception that all gamers are overweight, lazy, and lacking in motivation. I’m living proof that gamers love every sport, and they use tech to enhance their experiences. I’ve proved this with the Wahoo Core Kickr, the Salomon Thundercross shoes, and the Wahoo cycling computers. These are sports accessories that deliver technology to improve your training. Accordingly, when I was offered the TriBOXKING home system, I couldn’t resist.
This 3-bag training system is aimed towards kickboxers. However, anyone can use it to improve their accuracy, speed, and fitness. I’m not a huge martial arts fan, but my kids are working their way through their Karate and Taekwondo belts. Therefore, they’ll use this to improve their strikes, and I’ll use it to burn fat and improve my stamina.
What’s in the box of the TriBOXKING home system?
The packaging is understated and robust. Furthermore, it can be recycled.
The TriBOXKING home system comprises 3 inflatable punchbags and a specially designed door clamp system. Moreover, there is a bag that can be weighted to improve stability.
A door clamping system allows you to mount the punchbags from any secure location.
Usability.
When I unpackaged the TriBOXKING home system, I was a little dubious. There appeared to be loads of parts, and I didn’t know where to start. Yet, had I simply unboxed things correctly, I would not have needed to panic. Once everything is laid out before you, there is nothing to worry about. Each of the punchbags can be inflated with ease, and the clamping system is a cinch to put together.
Alongside this, adjusting the bags for different people was a breeze. You can move the clamp with the twist of a bolt or change the position of each bag by altering the carabiner. This makes the TriBOXKING home system the perfect option if your family enjoy exercising, but you don’t want to fork out for expensive gym memberships. Alternatively, maybe you have youngsters who are studying different martial arts. This home system lets them practice their kicks and punches without interruption.
I’m no longer flexible enough to enjoy high kicking, but I focused my efforts on hitting hard and fast. Luckily, the weighted bag ensures that the punchbags return to their intended spot. Additionally, inflating each bag to your preferred pressure was a straightforward task.
Build quality.
If you are unloading full power into a punching bag, you want it to last the test of time. After all, if it explodes like a grape between your fingers, it isn’t much use. Thankfully, the TriBOXKING home system is built to last! The microfibre leather is strong, breathable, and easy to clean. Furthermore, it doesn’t become deformed if you hit it repeatedly. The rope and the clamp system withstand the usual vibrations and movement associated with kicks and punches. Subsequently, you won’t endure stress fractures and unwanted tears.
The clamping system is impressive. The adjustable points are strong, and the heavy-duty bolts ensure that it won’t move once you’ve set it up. I used rocks in my weighted bag, but you could use sand or any other dense material to prevent the bag from swaying.
It is the freedom to set this product up anywhere that sets it apart from the crowd. Although the clamp is designed for doors, I tested it on a goal post and in the local park when no one was around. The adjustable clamping system allows you to connect this product to an array of bars, making it ideal for training at home or completing a HIIT workout while you are on the move.
Is the TriBOXKING home system worth it?
If you don’t like throwing punches or kicks, the TriBOXKING home system won’t be for you. Despite its versatility, it’ll only appeal to those who wish to train for speed, stamina, and power, and those who love martial arts. This not-so-niche market will adore the compact design, the exceptional build quality, and the usability. My kids adored the chance to train at home, and I love winding down with some late-night training sessions. Accordingly, I think it’s amazing, and I recommend buying it here!
Cakey’s Twisted Bakery is a trial-and-error nightmare that wants to kick your ass repeatedly. This lack of hand-holding drove me to distraction. Furthermore, the cruel nature of the monster and the weird world added to the misery. Yet, once you got to grips with the mechanics and you chipped away at what was required, it became a tough but fun horror experience.
This strange horror title was developed by TinyMindz and published by Ultimate Games SA. It is a single-player game that’ll test your resolve. Additionally, it has classic jump scare mechanics as you hide under tables, explore dark rooms, and avoid a giant killer monster.
Cakey’s Twisted Bakery tells a sinister tale.
Having a sweet tooth can annoy your dentist, but Cakey’s Twisted Bakery takes things to the next level. You play the role of a child who is locked inside a deranged bakery where sweet-toothed mascot monsters hunt you for fun. Doors are locked, and the only way out is to bake. Yet, this is easier said than done, as each monster has a weakness, and baking that specific item requires a trip around the hideous bakery floor.
If you can match the item to each monster’s weakness, you have the chance to forge new paths and escape your baking prison. However, if you are caught by the sinister and hulking monster, you will instantly perish, and the madness starts again. Therefore, there is plenty of risk as you try to escape the cruel and colourful world.
Picking the ingredients.
Cakey’s Twisted Bakery is a stealth survival experience where gathering the correct ingredients is a must. Moreover, hiding underneath tables or within crates becomes the new norm. As you gather the ingredients, you must mix and bake them to make the perfect explosive pie. Fire, Acid, Ice, and so forth must match the weakness of the monster.
This can be challenging to work out as the developer gives you no guidance. Subsequently, I spent much of my time making the wrong thing until I realised that I was screwing things up. Yet, once you get through this rather obvious problem, you quickly progress towards the end goal.
The lack of content or depth makes it more of a creative concept rather than a fully-fledged game. Although I enjoyed the sinister game of hide and seek, I wanted more focus, depth and a greater reason to want to find every ingredient. Additionally, once you understand what is going on, Cakey’s Twisted Bakery doesn’t have the same impact.
Cakey’s Twisted Bakery is dark, colourful, and horribly sinister.
Cakey’s Twisted Bakery is one of those dark and horrible to look at titles that makes you jump repeatedly. Hiding in ridiculous places as a romping monster floats past is mentally tiring. Furthermore, trying to find key ingredients as you are looking over your shoulder makes this a horribly uncomfortable experience.
This generates a chilling atmosphere as you hear industrial sounds, horrible ambient noises, and the repetitive sound of each monster. I’d say that the odd moments of silence are welcome, but they only serve to put you on edge further.
Simple controls.
Exploring the large bakery is an easy task despite the lack of guidance. Moreover, gathering the required ingredients and going toe-to-toe with a monster was relatively straightforward. However, the lack of hand-holding is a sticking point, and it will put off many people.
Replay value is almost non-existent. There are 2 different endings and a hard mode if you want to test your skills, but that’s about it. Moreover, it only takes around 3 hours to complete everything. Consequently, it is a game that won’t have you coming back for more.
Cakey’s Twisted Bakery is a fun concept.
I’m not against creative concepts, but releasing it as a full-blown game is a little deceptive. Thankfully, Cakey’s Twisted Bakery is inexpensive, and the experiment works once you understand the fundamentals. Furthermore, it is pretty dark, and it made me jump repeatedly. Accordingly, I like it, and I recommend buying it here! Can you defeat every cruel monster? Gather your ingredients, mix them, and don’t get caught.
