Here we take a closer look at Care Bears Digital Pet – Grumpy Bear.
Grumpy Bear is the perfect digital pet for kids and nostalgic adults who love Care Bears. Designed in the Unlock the Magic style, this interactive virtual pet teaches emotional intelligence through fun mini-games, feeding, and care activities. Bring home a piece of 90s nostalgia with Grumpy Bear’s retro pixel screen and iconic personality.
Meet Grumpy Bear: The lovable blue bear with a rain cloud belly badge who shows that it’s okay to feel all kinds of emotions. Grump-tastic Gameplay: Keep Grumpy Bear happy with interactive mini-games that lift even the stormiest moods. Care & Nurture: Feed, clean, and comfort Grumpy Bear through daily activities that help chase away the grumps.
Signature Expressions: Watch Grumpy Bear come to life with classic frowns, eye rolls, and surprisingly heart warming reactions. Interactive Pixel Display: Retro-inspired screen animations bring Grumpy Bear’s world to life in a compact, collectible format. Teaches Emotional Intelligence: Learn that caring means understanding others, even when they’re a little moody. Unlock the Magic Style: Featuring the fresh, modern Care Bears aesthetic while keeping Grumpy’s iconic charm intact. Collectible Nostalgia: A digital pet experience that blends 90s throwback feels with today’s tech perfect for kids and nostalgic grown-ups alike. Ideal Gift: For Care Bears fans who love a little personality, Grumpy Bear makes the perfect pocket-sized companion.
The Care Bears Digital Pet – Grumpy Bear is a lot of fun to play with. It’s small enough to carry around, yet large enough for even very small hands to be able to play with properly. And it even has a clip on it to attach to your bag.
It comes with a battery already installed so all you have to do is pull the battery guard out and then set the time. Then its off to play with your new friend.
Care Bears Digital Pet – Grumpy Bear from ThumbsUp is available now priced around £20 and is aimed at ages 5 and up. There are other Care Bears Digital Pets available if Grumpy Bear isn’t your favourite.
Section 13 is a game that does the basics well, but it misses the mark on many key elements. Accordingly, though I enjoyed what I saw and heard, I wanted it to evolve more than it did. However, if you love old-school games and you remember classic looter shooters, you will get a pleasant sense of nostalgia.
This isometric rogue-lite was developed by Ocean Drive Studio, Inc. and published by Kakao Games. It is both a single-player and multiplayer experience. Sadly, the online servers are dead, and I never got to play with anyone else. Consequently, I can only focus on the single-player gameplay. Had I been able to play it online, it could have removed some of the negative elements I encountered.
Section 13 tells a clichéd and occasionally silly plot.
Scientific experiments and failure go hand-in-hand. Unsurprisingly, Section 13 takes this idea to the extreme. An Omega-level containment breach forces a black-site to lockdown. The expendable team are sent in to resolve the issue. Unfortunately, the zombie-like foes are too powerful, and the team is destroyed. Luckily for them, they are in a perpetual time loop, and death is more of an inconvenience than total failure.
In typical genre fashion, you will die repeatedly. Yet, this matters not, as the game is designed to kick your butt. As you explore each dark level, you will discover slight twists to each setting. Whether it is new monsters, rooms, or entry points, the developer has tried to keep things fresh. At its core is a repetitive gameplay loop. Enter the containment zone, destroy zombies, find collectables, and die.
Bosses, upgrades, and standard mechanics.
As you progress, you will earn temporary and permanent upgrades. The latter improves your player stats, weaponry, and chances of staying alive. The temporary boosts deliver larger ammo clips, stronger firepower, projectiles, agility, better health, and so forth. This is where Section 13 excels. There are plenty of fun character builds to play with.
On top of this, there are 4 playable characters to master. Each hero has unique strengths and weaknesses that complement your arsenal of weapons. Subsequently, you must choose the right person and loadout for each different playstyle. Though this isn’t quite balanced, it was fun trying new things.
Nailing each of the giant bosses was fun. However, the 2 main bosses and a secret one were not enough to quench my thirst. I expected much more, and I live in hope that the developer adds more content to pad things out.
Section 13 is grim but great to look at.
The isometric viewpoint and well-conceived camera help to keep you focused. Each level is nicely marked out, and moving from A to B was never an issue. Though there are hordes of zombies to face, the game doesn’t falter. I had no glitches, frame rate drops or bugs. Additionally, the impressive dark colour palette was grim but brilliantly atmospheric.
The audio is just as dark. Hellish music pounds away as you explore the disgusting world. Moreover, the screams of each foe and the booming noise of your gun are enough to turn your stomach. The result is a loud and obnoxious game that will hurt your ears.
Excellent controls.
I was impressed and surprised by the simple control system. Section 13 has a pleasant tutorial that sends you on your way. After that, you learn the finer points through some trial and error. This may annoy some people, but failure is guaranteed, and one more death matters not.
Though Section 13 is relatively short, it keeps you coming back. The 4 unique characters add depth, and the arsenal of weapons is fun to experiment with. Though I wanted more, this isn’t a bad game if you want something quick and relatively easy to play.
Section 13 needed a bit more oomph.
I wish the developer had added more content and more ideas. Furthermore, the lack of online action on Xbox was a shame. Though this problem could be resolved, I don’t see the game taking off the way it should. Accordingly, though it is limited, I like it and recommend buying it here! Can you discover what’s behind the breach? Pick a hero, grab a gun, and hope for some luck.
If anyone has played any of the old Boxhead Zombie Flash games, then they know exactly what to expect from Guntouchables. Don’t think of this as a negative; those games were insanely fun, and this takes it to the next level.
Developed by Game Swing and published by Ghost Ship Publishing, Guntouchables is an iso-metric online co-op Zombie survivor roguelite for 1-4 players.
Gaming expands at a breakneck pace, and sometimes that means we lose track of what once was until we end up back near it. Genres of the toptown iso-metric variety are everywhere these days, especially shooters. But this particular type of game never got the return it needed, and Guntouchables might be the answer to the drought. Especially with the chaotic 4 4-player multiplayer mode.
Guns Ahoy!
Here is the long and short of it. You play, either alone or with a team of up to 4 players, as a full-of-personality zombie hunter, or more specifically, as a plant-based zombie hunter. You have a character-specific passive and special ability.
Each mission in Guntouchables involves killing hordes of these plant-zombies and completing a set of tasks. These tasks could involve having to gather a resource or to take a heavy object from one end of the map to another, all the while fighting horde after horde.
After each mission, every player gets to pick from a set of upgrades. These could be boring and pointless, like 5% more running speed or could be insane, like explosive damage on bullets. You also have a shop where you can buy items like new weapons and power-ups.
You keep the weapons and power-ups as they are till the end of the playthrough. Meaning, if you and your party die, losing all provided lives, it is game over, and you start from the start, from scratch.
So, more or less, the same as Boxhead Zombie, but one place where Guntouchables is different is the story department. Alas, it is not exactly something worth buying the game over.
Guns A lackin
The plot of Guntouchables is quite barebones and, as far as I know, is just zombie survivors 101. You are a bunch of eccentricindividuals trying to fight through and survive a zombie invasion.
Through some unimportant, mid-mission-select animations and a man who keeps screaming “a new horde is coming” during the gameplay, it can be deduced that you are either part of or representing a military (or at least people wearing military uniforms).
However, in the end, the plot in Guntouchables is more of a vague suggestion than a driving force, and honestly, that’s totally fine.
This isn’t the kind of game where you’re supposed to sit back and analyse character motivations or unravel a deep lore web. This is the kind of game where you and three friends yell over each other while unloading ridiculous weapons into waves of plant-zombies.
It’s more about chaos, comedy, and couch co-op memories than storytelling. The barely-there narrative is just enough to justify why you’re mowing down endless hordes, and that’s all it needs to be.
Guns a fun!
Guntouchables is not here to blow your mind with a ten-layer narrative or make you cry over a cutscene. It’s here to give you a flamethrower, drop you in a room full of angry cabbage zombies, and let you and your friends scream your way through it.
The upgrades are wild, the action is nonstop, and the laughter is inevitable. It’s messy, chaotic, and more about vibes than polish. And honestly? That’s what makes it great.
At its core, Guntouchables is just pure, dumb fun, and that’s exactly what it wants to be.
I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical about Tears of the Kingdom in the run up to its launch. Breath of the Wild was a monumental release that aided Nintendo in a transitional stage of their brand, moving on from the shadow of the Wii U into the spark of light that was the upcoming Switch. Likewise, it came at a transitional stage of my own life; I was in my final year of school and going to University that September. It felt like the game served as a last hoorah for my childhood, my favourite series was reinventing itself with a mix of melancholy nostalgia and a more ‘grown up’ open world sandbox format that enabled it to better fit in with its contemporaries and, in many ways, surpass them. How could you follow on from that?
Now don’t get me wrong I still pre-ordered and played it on release back in May 2023 and, for a while at least, I was completely hooked. I had completed the first dungeon, filled in a good chunk of the map and was by all means having a great time; but then I just… stopped. Why? Was I burnt out and overwhelmed? Was I being superficial over how the game ran on the ageing Switch hardware and holding out for a heavily rumoured Switch Pro? Or maybe, perhaps, it was because I was now an adult with a full time job and trying to navigate the wonky game design of life. So when the Switch 2 was announced alongside enhanced editions of the recent Zelda’s (and with myself in a better position with more free time), I had no excuse but to skydive back into this title to give it a proper go. And, as it turns out, I’m so glad I waited.
There’s enhancements, but they come at a price.
Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way: it runs and looks way way better than it did before. No longer clamped to the OG Switch’s 2015 Tegra architecture, both Wild and Kingdom leverage the new Nintendo system’s beefier specs to produce a far more appealing image on a modern 4K display. All textures are replaced with higher quality assets, distant objects render from further away leading to a world that feels even more tangible. All this while running at 60fps, a good 60fps at that. Previous stress points like the Korok Forest are just not an issue any more, it just feels right. The resolution is now bumped to an ideal 1080p in portable mode, and a respectable 1440p upscaled to 4K in docked play; both resolutions being dynamic depending on system stress. It’s a huge leap from the muddy 900p but there’s some issues with the quality of the upscaling, using AMD’s FSR 1.0 instead of the Switch 2’s built in (and far superior) Nvidia DLSS hardware, recently put to good use in the system’s Cyberpunk port. It’s not as sharp as it could be and, as blasphemous as it sounds, makes me wish they included an optional 30fps quality mode that aimed for a native res closer to 4k.
It’s worth noting that Nintendo is asking for £7.99 for these enhancements, or alternatively an active subscription to their Online Expansion Pass, despite enhancing other Switch 1 games at no additional cost. Is it worth it? Depends on your point of view, but personally I would have gladly sacrificed the pretty trivial Zelda Notes app integration for a free upgrade.
Zelda is the princess, but gameplay is King.
Breath of the Wild revitalised the series with the first true open world rendering of Hyrule, a dynamic landscape bringing back previous locations from across the convoluted Zelda timeline, reimagined with a grander scope than previously possible. This successor takes no shame in reusing this overworld, though slightly remixed and updated, and it feels every bit as alive as it did before. Changing weather and climate conditions require you to think about your choice in clothing, wandering traders of the land’s differing species travel the path between different settlements, villages full of the series’ staple quirky characters going about their daily lives, armies of monsters patrol the highways and giant dragons gently float across the sky. Simply climbing the tallest peak in eye distance and admiring the landscape below is a heart tingling experience, the cel shaded art style blurring in the distance to create the illusion that you’re actually playing an interactive watercolour painting.
Also brought over from the predecessor is Link’s physics and moveset, a welcome return. It’s the perfect blend of him feeling sturdy and heavy, but also responsive and agile; you can still sprint, climb, glide, backflip and sidestep your way over mountains and into combat encounters. But this is all familiar ground, so what’s new? Well, Link has been granted a brand new set of abilities thanks to the procurement of a strange new right arm after his own is severed in battle, allowing him to interact with the elements around him.
Ultrahand enables you to pick up damn near anything and join them together, chopped down trees can become bridges and ladders. Recall will send any objects back along the path of which they’ve previously travelled, while Ascend causes you to dart upwards through any ceiling and come out on top; very handy in the brand new cave systems jotted around the land. Finally, Fuse lets you join together materials with your regular equipment, further increasing attack power or adding elemental effects that play best with the game’s stellar physics system. Want to electrocute an entire squad of moblins? Douse them with a Splash Fruit, attach a Shock Fruit to a well aimed arrow and ZAP!
But perhaps the most entertaining new toys are the Zonai Devices, electronic gadgets leftover from an ancient society with varying gimmicks and functions. As easily as playing with LEGO, you can use Ultrahand to combine these into awesome contraptions; hover bikes, fighter planes, giant spinning tanks that shoot missiles. The only limit is how much of an Engineer you are in your heart and brain. And yes, you can crucify Koroks. But why, why would you do that? You’ll have to get to grips with these devices if you’re to pass the brand new Shrines, mini dungeons that litter the landscape like they did in Wild, each with their own puzzles of varying ingenuity; though it was disappointing to see a slight downgrade in the length of some of these in comparison to the previous entry.
It’s a testament to the talent of Nintendo’s design team that these abilities never seem overpowered or game breaking, but rather compliment the open sandbox they’ve created. These abilities are revealed and taught to the player in the opening Great Sky Island, a visually stunning sky-bound remake of Wild’s Great Plateau, serving as a curated run through of the game’s core mechanics. It never feels condescending or handholdey, and encourages multiple routes of exploration. But speaking of the sky islands…
Ain’t no Sky Island high enough. Ain’t no Depths low enough.
Hyrule has gained two new dimensions that have appeared seemingly out of nowhere; the Sky Islands we see plastered on the box art and below the surface, a dark cavernous land known as the Depths. Running in parallel with the surface, this dimly lit land is the exact same size as the overworld. However, to be superficial, a huge part of the overworld’s appeal is in its beauty and diversity, its changing biomes and climates. In the Depths we have one aesthetic: Cave, grey, black and dark red. With no settlements or meaningful NPC’s, what we’re left with is the same series of repetitive enemy camps and the occasional abandoned mine. To top it all off, it introduces two new gameplay mechanics. Gloom, an evil gunk that permanently reduces the player’s health until they return to the surface, and Bloom seeds, the entire underground being shrouded in darkness necessitating you throw these seeds on the floor to illuminate a small space. For permanent brightness you must find a Lightroot pod, which will bring permanent light to a larger area. At first these mechanics provide a somewhat interesting challenge but after so many hours they just wear thin, to the point where I would dread exploring this dimension. Sure there’s rare pieces of armour that help negate these annoyances but in the end, illuminating and exploring the Depths becomes a tedious checklist that only highlights how ugly and empty it is. There’s a reason the Oblivion realm sections in (well) Oblivion are reduced to concise areas with a direct objective.
In contrast the Sky Islands are just so beautiful, decorated with autumnal trees and shrubbery that sparkle in the golden twilight sun. There’s far less landmass to explore here, requiring the player to think of inventive ways to travel between them. But despite the smaller scale, there’s a lot of repetition going on, the same island designs being repeated several times. These islands are supposed to be the land of the Zonai, an ancient extinct tribe who lived thousands of years ago. But there’s very little evidence that they did beyond the odd temple ruins, no settlements, no memories, no signs of life beyond the occasional Construct Robot. The island’s designs are surreal, impossible and abstract, complimenting the shrines and puzzles we find up here; it’s very gamey, feeling less like we’re exploring the remnants of a forgotten people and more like Link is trapped in the innards of a giant pinball machine.
The Overworld’s success is in the sum of its parts; it’s simultaneously huge, beautiful, gamey, diverse, dynamic, organic etc. Meanwhile the new dimensions take one or two of these aspects and present them in isolation, highlighting their shortcomings and giving us the worst of both worlds.
No Link in the Past
While investigating the tunnels beneath Hyrule Castle, Zelda and Link discover the skeleton of the Demon King Ganondorf. He jolts back to life, destroys the Master Sword and Link’s right arm and unleashes chaos upon the land of Hyrule, lifting the Castle into the sky in an event called the Upheaval. Zelda meanwhile is transported back in time to the founding of the Kingdom of Hyrule by a mysterious stone, seemingly trapped there with no way of returning home. Here she meets Rauru and Sonia, the king and queen of this new land, and begins to set into motion a grand plan that will aid Link thousands of years later.
In essence it’s a retread of Breath of the Wild: travel to the four corners of Hyrule and help the different races with their issues (essentially extreme weather conditions), before returning to the castle to defeat the evil and rescue Zelda. Fine. Zelda as a series is no stranger to reusing formulas, but my issue lies with Link’s (i.e. the player’s) involvement in events of importance. Zelda’s story is told through unlockable cutscenes, during which she explores an unfamiliar land, meets new friends, helps found a new kingdom, witnesses the rise of Ganondorf and his eventual imprisoning; all while setting up a bootstrap paradox that ensures the events of the prologue occur. In comparison we are tasked with cleanup duty, payoff with no involved setup. The narrative is a puzzle that is 99% complete, the player must slot in the last couple of tiny pieces.
Nintendo made a point of giving these new open world Zelda’s less ‘in your face’ storytelling, leading to the misnomer that Breath of the Wild’s story took a backseat to its gameplay. But this isn’t the case; its gameplay was its storytelling. Playing as an amnesiac Link who wakes up a hundred years after a calamity, we are exploring this new version of Hyrule alongside him, forging new allies and rebuilding old frienships. By directly witnessing how the people of the land have been affected by this catastrophe and aiding their plights, we are healing the physical and mental trauma of what happened a century prior. But in the sequel the world is already set up; we are left literally and figuratively treading old ground, clinging to various leads of information about the princess. Even a good portion of the returning characters pay little attention to Link, despite all he did for them in Wild, spouting some variation of “Hello Link… where’s Zelda?”, then lumbering a fetch quest on him. Why aren’t we playing as Zelda? Oh wait.
It all leads to a lack of emotional resonance, damning in a series arguably led by emotion. Sure Ganondorf is back but this version has no prior connection to this Link, and little personality or motivation beyond “I’m evil”; a far cry from the melancholy soliloquies we got from Wind Waker’s incarnation of the character. Even the side quests, usually a fun highlight of these games, have no standouts, mostly reduced to banal fetch quests. There’s still quirky, flamboyant characters to talk to, but their stories never go much deeper than cheerful, camp dialogue. Heavier emotional beats like Link witnessing the death of the Deku Tree or waving goodbye to his grandma as he sails away to save his sister have been the crux of this series, and they just don’t seem to be as present here.
Bigger is not always better.
I love Zelda and I really wanted to love this entry. If you’re looking for an open world sandbox with outstanding physics and mechanics, this is the game for you. Its graphics, controls, sound design and music are absolutely stunning. And despite my grievances, I still put in over 150 hours, even on an adult’s schedule. But I can perhaps see now why I dropped this game shortly after launch, it’s a less cohesive experience than Breath of the Wild, exemplifying not only its best qualities but also some of its weakest. Perhaps open world Zelda has reached its natural peak; will the next entry try to somehow top it, or will it return to the old formula that I seem to be hung up with nostalgia for? Time will tell.
Achilles: Survivor is an interesting project to critique. It doesn’t offer the best first impression, with no player onboarding whatsoever, subpar presentation, and a wall of stats for you to decipher. Once you get past all that, you’re treated to gameplay that’s far from engaging, threatening you to uninstall within your first few minutes.
And yet, it’s a lot of fun. The game reveals its complexities to those who stick with it. What may appear like a derivative isometric RPG is actually a thoughtful cross between the roguelike, bullet hell, and strategy genres. Sprinkle in a bit of Greek mythology, and you have a budget title that punches a fair bit above its weight.
While I do have praise for Survivor, it really can’t be understated how poor a first impression it makes. There’s no introductory cinematic, or really any presentational flair, just a static menu. Character selection and level up screens present like a mobile game, and I was shocked to find that it wasn’t available on iOS.
This might be forgivable given that Dark Point Games is a rather small team, but the lack of tutorial is significantly more irksome. Instead, you’ll need to pause the game when you start a run, where you’ll immediately be overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of tracked stats. This is not a D&D character sheet, it’s a damn Excel project. Thankfully, the various charts, numbers, and achievements will start meaning something to you once you’ve sunk a few hours into the game.
After reading through the How To Play menu from within the pause screen (itself a small tome), you’ll finally have an idea of what Achilles: Survivor wants from you. You pick a character from Greek mythology and run through various levels, slaying creatures. Notably, combat isn’t the explicit focus; you will automatically attack enemies with skills on cooldown. Instead, you’ll be playing an intentional game of resource management.
Items like stone and gold will be gathered from the environment and killing high-level enemies. Once you’ve obtained enough, your stone can be used to create structures in the environment. These range in utility, from simply dealing damage to healing you and even helping you cultivate more resources. Regardless, they all give you a buff until they’re destroyed, and make it much easier to carve through the swarm of beasts that will soon flood your screen.
It’s this game within the game, the collectathon within the roguelike framework that makes Survivor so engaging. I’m very action-oriented in most games, but the decision to sideline traditional combat was an inspired choice. I’m much more excited to plan which structures to build than I would be mindlessly mashing buttons, and the sense of accomplishment you feel when the contraptions destroy all monsters without you even lifting a finger is fantastic.
Should you fail a level on your first attempt, there’s no reason to be dismayed. Succeeding and failing both give you permanent upgrade currencies. These will be used to enhance your stats across all runs, offering a better chance at succeeding the next time around.
Unfortunately, this also creates a paradox where by upgrading a character’s starting attributes, Achilles: Survivor can become a bit too easy. You’ll be able to breeze through most levels building structures at your leisure, and your abilities will wipe out any enemies that luck into getting close to you. This issue is alleviated as you get deeper into the campaign or increase a stage’s difficulty level, though the most dedicated players may be operating well beyond any challenge the game throws at them.
While I went in with low expectations, Achilles Survivor was able to clear them with minimal effort. Dark Point Games have proven themselves in my eyes, and created a solid experience worth the attention of genre fans. Despite minor balancing flaws, it’s a more than serviceable time-waster, one that I plan to sink many more hours into.
The Medion Erazer Beast X1 certainly lives up to its name. Packed with an RTX 5080, 32GB RAM and a 2TB SSD, there is no way it could be called anything other than a beast. The laptop itself is reasonably heavy and wouldn’t be the best laptop to carry around if you wanted something portable. Not only is it quite sizable due to it being an 18″ laptop, meaning it wouldn’t fit in most laptop bags, but the specifications of the laptop make it quite heavy as well.
Turning the laptop on, I was immediately greeted by the lightshow on the keyboard. The colors were vibrant and very showy, perfect for those who are obsessed with RGB lighting. I was glad to see the option to dim the keyboard if necessary, as it was a little bit too much when using it in the late hours of the night.
Considering how well kitted out this laptop is, I was pleasantly surprised by the cost. While it is still pricey, it is one of the cheaper options available on the market right now, sitting at £2,999.97. While the graphics were stunning, the RGB was flashy and the SSD was plenty spacious for all of those big games, there were a couple of issues I did have with the Medion Erazer Beast X1.
So Heavy It Isn’t Portable
Because of how hefty this machine is in both weight and overall design, it unfortunately loses some of the portability that comes with a laptop. Comparing it to my current laptop, my laptop weighs next to nothing in comparison. Putting the actual weight of it aside, it the bezel is quite thick, and the base of the laptop is chunky. However, it comes with some pretty cool RGB flair along the sides. This is the kind of laptop that is very traditionally made for the gamer, with the amount of shininess and flashy colours. Even the front of the laptop lights up in the Erazer logo itself. The bottom half of the laptop is also quite wide and long, with there being a considerable amount of space between the wrist rest part of the laptop and the keyboard. If you are someone who rests their arms on the laptop, you may find that you’ll have to reach a little bit farther to get to the keyboard than on another laptop.
If you’re someone who is happy to leave your laptop in place on the desk long-term, than this option will be absolutely fine. However, if you’re looking for something to slip into your backpack and take on the go, it may not be the best option. It does fit into bags, but it is heavy and may put extra strain on your body. As someone who is disabled, I struggled to lift this normally, and cannot imagine putting this in a bag for that reason.
In a similar vein, the power cable I received with the laptop was far too short for it to be moved any sort of distance. Even with my plug socket being directly below my desk, the cable wasn’t long enough for the laptop to be put on the desk, which limited where I could use it by a significant margin.
Like An Airplane
It’s known that gaming laptops are typically noisy, and I expect it. However, I wasn’t quite expecting how noisy it was from day one. By the sound of the laptop, you’d think that the CPU or GPU was overheating, and had engaged its fans at a higher speed to try and cool itself down. However, that was not the case. Installing games made the laptop fans rev up, and when I did finally test it out and push it to the limit a bit by playing modded Baldur’s Gate 3, it was extremely loud. So much so, it alerted my family!
If subtlety is what you want from a gaming laptop, you won’t get it from the Medion Erazer Beast. However, if you’re happy to have a laptop that packs a punch and runs games with zero issues, the Medion Erazer Beast is the perfect machine for that. While I’m okay with having a noisy laptop, this one was just a bit louder than I wanted it to be.
Sleek Finish
If you like your laptops to be sleek and streamlined, the Medion Erazer Beast X1 does a fantastic job of that. Finished with brushed metal and a glowing insignia in the middle, it’s very subtle on the outside. However, once you open it up, you are greeted with a very flashy RGB keyboard. Of course, this can be turned off and edited to your liking, so you don’t have to have a full rainbow flashing at you all of the time if that’s not what you like. Although the design is relatively subtle, it still has that gamer feel to it, which is great if you want to show off your flair a little bit.
The laptop is visually pleasing and the screen is stunning. Once you boot up your favorite game, you’ll easily be blown away by the sheer level of detail this laptop can provide at a 2500 x 1600 resolution. However, if you are looking for a 4K laptop, you won’t find it in this one. Despite that, you still have access to a glorious 240Hz, which is perfect if you like to play competitive titles. I tried out Overwatch 2 and League of Legends, and it was silky smooth and made planning my attacks that much easier.
Although the laptop is fitted with the best of the best, I did find the speakers to be rather disappointing. It made sense to me though, as all of the cost is in the graphics card and the CPU. However, I wished that the speakers had a bit of a better sound to them. Instead, using headphones was the option for me.
Overall, I was very impressed with what the Medion Erazer Beast X1 18″ had to offer. If you’re someone who cares about the graphics and the flashiness of your PC, then this laptop is the way to go. However, if you want something streamlined and portable, you may find yourself struggling with this one. While it will fit in a backpack with no issues, it is quite heavy, and may cause some back pain if you have to carry it around for a long duration.
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when a mobile game manages to feel both fresh and nostalgic at the same time, and that’s exactly the spell “Criss Cross Castle” has cast on us. Developed by Simply Sweet Games, this delightful puzzle game for Android and avaliable on iOS, isn’t just another word-finding distraction; it’s a whimsical journey into a world of enchanting puzzles and adorable storytelling. From the moment you open the app, you’re greeted with a warmth and charm that’s hard to resist, making it the perfect escape for a cozy afternoon.
The Hero’s Enchanting Quest
The game’s story is centered around a realm where the malevolent Illiterati have removed the magic of written language, leaving tales and stories in disarray. Players take on the role of a hero, choosing between Wanda, a spell-casting witch, or Pip, a clever squire. The main quest is to reverse this curse and restore the power of language. The narrative is simple yet so genuinely cute, it feels like a storybook coming to life. It’s a wonderful premise that gives a satisfying purpose to every single puzzle you solve.
The Magic of Word Puzzles
The core gameplay is a brilliant and seamless blend of crossword puzzles and magic-casting. On screen, you’re presented with a crossword grid, and below it, a jumble of letters. To help your hero on their quest, you have to find and spell words using those letters. The game’s adaptive puzzle engine, powered by natural language processing, makes every solved puzzle a magical accomplishment. Spelling words is the key to unlocking new pathways, discovering secret treasures, and ultimately, reversing the curse on the land. It’s a game that truly makes you feel like a wordsmith wizard!
Simple Fun for All Ages
The simplicity of the mechanics is one of its greatest strengths. It’s very easy to grasp the concept of how to play, yet there is a few starter puzzles that are tutorials in the beginning. No matter what type of level gamer you may be, the game is intuitively guiding you, and before you know it, you’re happily spelling away, helping your hero on their grand adventure. Plus, it does provide some challenges, trying to build words and attack the enemy without claiming defeat. This makes Criss Cross Castle an absolute joy for players of all ages. Kids can improve their spelling in the most fun way imaginable, while adults can enjoy a relaxing, low-pressure experience that’s a perfect antidote to a stressful day. The roguelike structure also offers great replayability, as each journey to restore the magic of language can feel a little different.
Charming Graphics and Lovely Sounds
Visually, the game is an absolute treat for the eyes. The graphics are simply stunning, with a soft, hand-drawn art style that makes the castle and its inhabitants feel alive. The characters are bursting with personality, from the sweet and determined heroes to the wonderfully silly little monsters they have to deal with. Every location, is beautifully designed and filled with charming details. It’s the kind of game you could honestly just sit and look at, even if you weren’t playing. The music and sound effects are equally lovely. The gentle, whimsical tunes perfectly match the game’s enchanting aesthetic, and the sound effects such as the little “pop” of a spell being cast, the satisfying click of a word being completed are so well-crafted, adding another layer of polish to the experience.
Final Thoughts: A Recommended Treat
In conclusion, Criss Cross Castle is a beautifully crafted, heartwarming, and genuinely fun puzzle game. It’s a charming art and cozy gameplay. The unique word-spelling mechanic tied to a magical narrative is a brilliant concept executed with care, and the stunning visuals and audio make it a true pleasure to experience. While it may not be a hardcore brain-teaser, it never pretends to be. It’s a game about spreading a little magic, one perfectly spelled word at a time. It comes highly recommended for anyone looking for a sweet, bit of a challenging and still relaxing and utterly charming mobile game that will make them smile.
If Rogue City was RoboCop’s triumphant return to gaming, Unfinished Business is his blood-soaked encore- shorter, meaner and focused on what the franchise does best: blowing scumbags to bits.
Developed by Teyon as a standalone expansion to Rogue City, this follow-up doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but reinforces it with steel armour, and a couple of rocket launchers.
ONE TOWER, ONE MISSION.
Set shortly after the events of Rogue City, Unfinished Business sees RoboCop investigating a massacre at the Metro West police station.
The trail then leads to OmniTower, a high-tech residential monolith, crawling with mercenaries, drones and cyborg ninjas. The entire campaign unfolds within this vertical warzone.
There is no open world to this first-person shooter, just a ruthless ascent through different floors of chaos in the OmniTower.
“Dead or alive, you’re coming with me.”
RoboCop stomps and wades through the levels of the OmniTower like a walking tank, dishing out slow-motion law and order with his Auto-9 and a growing arsenal of new weapons, and upgrades.
Unfinished Business builds on the original foundation of Rogue City, introducing fresh enemy types, and an expanded arsenal of new weapons and gadgets for players to experiment with.
Enhanced upgrade options further diversify the gameplay loop, injecting each level with challenges that demand tactical flexibility.
These additions add variety to each level and forces players and RoboCop to adapt their tactics to deliver effective justice.
“Somewhere there is a crime happening.”
Much like Rogue City, Unfinished Business include an array of side quests and investigations that let players dig deeper into the criminal underbelly of dystopian Detroit.
These diversions serve as moral dilemmas, investigative tasks and citizen interactions that break up the main campaign’s linear relentless gunplay.
While these tasks don’t impact the overarching narrative, they enrich the world-building and encourage players to pause, explore and absorb the gritty atmosphere.
For trophy hunters, achievement chasers, and completionists, these side missions are more than just filler- they are essential towards 100% justice.
Gameplay: Familiar, fun, but slightly repetitive
Unfinished Business sticks close to its predecessor. RoboCop stops through corridors, blasts enemies with his Auto-9, and delivers law and order to those asking for it.
The gunplay remains satisfying, new weapons like the Cryo-Cannon. RoboCop can pick up enemies and throw them at each other, which is always fun.
The variety of weapons and combat abilities makes the combat engaging and satisfying for a while.
The core gameplay loop, however, rarely deviates from “enter room, shoot everything.”
While this suits RoboCop’s mechanical nature, it risks becoming repetitive, especially for players craving more tactical depth and variety.
Movement is stiff and rigid, fitting and appropriate for RoboCop; but noticeably clunky when stacked against the fluidity of modern first-person shooters.
After storming through a room full of enemies and clearing them out with a mix of precision shots and explosive justice, it does feels earned.
Earn your badge?
RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business clocks in at around 6-10 hours, depending on your playstyle. The expansion doesn’t just add content, it’s a shorter, sweeter experience that ramps up the challenge, diversifies the action and perfect for any RoboCop fan.
The DLC isn’t bloated with any filler or distracted by side fluff. Instead, it delivers a focused, doubled down, satisfying extension of the core experience, with enough new weapons, enemies and tactical shooting to keep things fresh.
The DLC understands exactly what the audience wants, and delivers what it promises: more RoboCop, more justice, more explosions.
While the game includes fast-paced action, combat and a linear story. It often revolves around entering a room full of law-breaking foes, which RoboCop must eliminate and uphold the law.
It’s fast, it’s furious, and it’s unapologetically old-school. RoboCop doesn’t evolve, he enforces.
The Lepro ZB1 AI Garden Lights are advertised as a festive decoration. However, I have to disagree with that statement. Yes, the vibrant colours and flashy patterns will remind you of Christmas, but they are suitable all year round. These waterproof lights look amazing when they are hung from your house. Alternatively, maybe you have an outdoor pool, patio, or entertainment area that needs that wow factor.
If that is the case, these lights bring sparkle and energy to any outdoor space. Moreover, they are easy to use and wonderfully robust. I was blown away by how quick they were to set up, and I love the free-to-download Lepro app. Alongside this, you may use Alexa or Google Assistant for a hands-free approach.
What’s in the box of the Lepro ZB1 AI Garden Lights?
The packaging is compact but robust. Furthermore, it can be recycled.
The Lepro ZB1 AI Garden Lights are durable and easy to handle.
Power the device with the UK plug.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
Outdoor lights have to withstand the elements. Thankfully, the Lepro ZB1 AI Garden Lights are IP65 rated. However, oddly, the power adaptor is not waterproof. Consequently, you must dry store this element of the product if you don’t wish it to become damaged. Hands-free usability is a must for modern digital homes. Luckily, Alexa takes the hassle out of this task.
If Alexa isn’t your thing, you can use the app to customise your designs, switch the lights on and off, and use voice commands. Moreover, you may tell the app your emotional state, and it’ll change your lighting to match your mood.
This is a great hassle-free way to change your lighting. If you have friends visiting, you’ll want an upbeat and welcoming environment. Alternatively, maybe a romantic night is on the cards, and a softer and more intimate setting is required. Either way, the Lepro ZB1 AI Garden Lights don’t falter.
Moving to the beat.
One key feature I adore is the noise-activated audio profile. If you sneeze, shout, laugh, or cry, your lights will react. This effect can be used when enjoying your favourite song. The beat of each track will make the light pulse and sway. It is an eye-catching feature that works exceptionally well.
If you prefer a solid and less reactive design, you can alter the app to mellow your lighting. Accordingly, this was perfect if you wish for something understated.
Safety first approach.
We’ve all been there when our home is unattended. This could invite crime and cause real nightmares. Thankfully, the Lepro ZB1 AI Garden Lights have timers to guarantee your lights will switch off or on at the press of a button. Consequently, your house will deter burglars and reduce risk.
Build quality of the Lepro ZB1 AI Garden Lights.
I’ve recently tested many great Lepro products. They rarely let me down, and this one is no different. The Lepro ZB1 AI Garden Lights are durable and built with quality in mind. The bulbs are strong and the vibrant colours will make your house pop.
Though the power adaptor isn’t waterproof, this issue can be mitigated. A simple box near your external power socket will prevent water ingress and damage to the lights.
Usability.
One key feature that I admire is the ability to customise any lighting design. The app lets users play with 6 dynamic modes and select from 16 million colours, and plenty of custom speeds. This freedom delivers a mind-blowing array of possibilities and fully customisable lighting.
Connecting these lightsto your phone or your home network was a cinch. The app is incredibly intuitive, and technophobes will not struggle.
Are the Lepro ZB1 AI Garden Lights worth it?
Creating an impressive light display should be challenging. However, these lights make it a walk in the park. Once you get set up, you’ll adore the vibrant display and the straightforward control system. Accordingly, I love them and recommend buying them here!
Getting started in the aussie pokies world can be exciting, especially when there are so many colourful casinos to choose from. Whether you’re in it for the thrill, the bonuses, or the games themselves, playing at a reputable casino makes the whole experience smoother, safer, and way more enjoyable. Here’s how to confidently pick a platform you can trust, right from the start.
Why Casino Legitimacy Matters More Than Ever
Choosing a legit online casino isn’t just smart—it’s the key to stress-free gaming. A licensed, secure site gives you peace of mind, knowing your winnings, personal info, and gameplay are handled with care.
Legit platforms offer more than flashy graphics. They give you fair games, clear terms, reliable support, and consistent payouts. And with so many safe choices available, there’s no need to take risks. Pocket Pokies, for instance, is a great example of an Aussie-friendly casino that ticks these boxes, offering over 800 games and a secure, mobile-optimised experience.
Check the Casino’s Gambling License
A gambling license is a casino’s way of saying, “We play fair.” Most trustworthy sites proudly display their license info, often from regulators like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UKGC, or Curacao.
How to Check a License Properly
Want to confirm it’s legit? Click on the license badge. You should be able to verify it directly on the regulator’s site.
Here’s a quick checklist:
Is the license number easy to find?
Does it link to an official page?
Is it up to date?
Pocket Pokies operates under a Curacao license, a common framework for international online casinos. While Curacao licensing may be less strict than others, it still requires key standards to be met, and many well-known brands operate under it. Pocket Pokies shows all the signs of being a reliable platform operating within those expectations.
Read Casino Reviews from Real Players
When it comes to insights, real player feedback can be gold. Independent reviews and forums give you the inside scoop.
Where to Find Real Player Feedback
Browse platforms like Trustpilot or Reddit for honest experiences. Pocket Pokies, for example, earns plenty of praise for its intuitive design, wide game range, and generous welcome offers. Many players highlight its ongoing promotions and the straightforward withdrawal process.
Test the Customer Support
Even at the best casinos, you might need a hand. That’s when responsive support really matters.
What to Look for in Casino Support Teams
Before signing up, shoot them a quick message. Ask about payment methods, wagering terms, or anything else on your mind.
Fast live chat (bonus points if they’re friendly)
Clear, direct answers
Multiple support options (email, live chat)
Pocket Pokies offers live chat support from 16:00 to 10:00 GMT+11, and email support 24/7. Response times are solid, and the team is known for helpful replies.
Look at the Payment Options and Terms
A legit casino will offer secure payment methods and straightforward rules for withdrawals.
Which Banking Policies Are Safe?
Trusted casinos offer methods like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and even prepaid services. You want flexibility and clarity.
Let’s look at what Pocket Pokies provides:
Daily Limit
Weekly Limit
Monthly Limit
Early Withdrawal Fee
Payment Methods
AU$500
AU$3,000
AU$10,000
30% of deposit (only if not wagered)
Visa, Mastercard, CashtoCode
These policies are fair and in line with the industry norm. The early withdrawal fee only applies if you withdraw without playing—something many casinos enforce to meet AML regulations.
Fair Game Providers = Fair Play
If a casino partners with top-tier game developers, you’re in good hands.
Why Game Providers Matter
Games should be provably fair, entertaining, and created by licensed developers. Look out for names like Microgaming, Play’n GO, NetEnt and Betsoft. Pocket Pokies includes hundreds of pokies from respected providers, giving players peace of mind and plenty of variety. This is a strong indicator of legitimacy.
Website Quality and Mobile Experience
First impressions matter. A clean, fast-loading site with secure technology is always a good sign. Here’s what to check:
SSL encryption (https in the URL)
Mobile compatibility
Clear menus and bonus info
No broken links or outdated content
Pocket Pokies nails it here. The site is slick, responsive, and doesn’t require an app. Everything loads quickly, and all the key info is where you’d expect it to be.
Bonus Terms That Aren’t Traps
Bonuses are part of the fun—but only if the terms are transparent and fair.
What to Watch for in Bonus Terms
Keep your eyes open for these:
Wagering requirement between 30x–40x
Clear info on max cashout
Time limits that give you a chance
Games you actually want to play
Pocket Pokies delivers with a competitive 175% welcome bonus up to AU$1000 + 100 free spins. The terms are clearly outlined—40x wagering and daily spin allocation—so you always know where you stand.
Independent Testing and Certifications
Third-party game audits offer added confidence. Look for certifications from:
TST Labs
eCOGRA
iTech Labs
Pocket Pokies’ games are audited by TST Labs, ensuring fairness and reliable RNG performance. That means your wins—and losses—aren’t influenced by shady coding.
Check the footer or About page for these logos. If they’re there, that’s a great sign.
Final Thoughts on Casino Safety and Red Flags
Finding a legit online casino isn’t hard once you know what to look for. From licensing and security to clear bonus terms and trusted payment options, the best sites make it easy to feel confident.
It’s a great time to explore online pokies—but only if you’re doing it on the right site. With its strong game catalogue, clear policies, and user-friendly setup, Pocket Pokies is a standout option worth checking out.
FAQs About Online Casino Legitimacy
1. What is the safest online casino in Australia right now?
Several casinos meet high standards, and Pocket Pokies is a solid pick for Aussies thanks to its verified games, responsive support, and smooth mobile experience.
2. How do I check if a casino is licensed?
Click on the license badge and confirm the number on the regulator’s site.
3. Can I trust casinos licensed in Curacao?
Yes, many well-established casinos operate under Curacao licenses, including Pocket Pokies.
4. Is it safe to send my ID to an online casino?
As long as the site is secure and licensed, yes. Look for SSL encryption and a privacy policy.
5. What should I do if a casino refuses to pay out?
Reach out to customer support first. If unresolved, escalate via the licensing body.
6. Are no-deposit bonuses a scam?
Not inherently, but always read the conditions. Reputable casinos make the terms clear.
7. How can I verify if casino games are fair?
Look for testing seals from agencies like eCOGRA or TST Labs, and check which providers the site uses.
8. Can I get my money back from a fake casino?
Recovery is difficult, which is why it’s so important to stick to proven platforms like Pocket Pokies.
Grid Ranger is a fast-paced 3D shoot ‘em up that feels straight out of an arcade. The game is presented in vector graphics reminiscent of arcade games from the 80s. Along with the presentation, the game’s vaporwave aesthetic and heavy synth soundtrack makes it feel very unique in the shoot ‘em up genre. Grid Ranger was developed and published by Pixeljam on Steam and Itch.io.
UniqueControls One of the unique aspects of Grid Ranger’s gameplay is the game is entirely mouse controlled. On the store page of the game, the devs promote the game to “level up your mouse dexterity”. I would have to agree on the statement just for the fact that I had to constantly steady my movement for certain segments of the game. Much of the game’s difficulty arises from controlling your character and avoiding projectiles and obstacles. I would constantly lose on levels where it involved a lot of precise dodging from obstacles. My downfall came in the form of twitchy mouse movements. Once you are focused and steady your hand movements, it feels incredibly satisfying to progress to the next portions of the game.
And since this is a shoot ‘em up, the firing is also interesting to discuss. Your character shoots from the front and both the left and right sides as well. These all shoot simultaneously, but the side shooting only really felt situational when going through levels. It only ever came into use when certain enemies attacked from the sides. However, these enemies are seldom seen and can be easily avoided by moving up.
Blasting Through a Retro-Future The levels in Grid Ranger are both short and challenging. Levels are segmented into 3 different parts. The first segment is set at a fast-pace with an emphasis on dodging obstacles. Through those first segments, the boss, or Guardian, of the level appears only to throw projectiles at the player and leave. The second segment is slower paced, but there’s more of a focus on shooting enemies and destructible objects to make a path for yourself. Finally, the last segments are the Guardian fights. These can be pretty harrowing if not for the fact that if you die, you will have to start from the beginning of the level.
Although short, if you got your fill from the 3 main levels there is Hardcore mode. In this mode, you replay the main 3 levels, but there are some slight changes to the levels as well, such as the player character having 4 hit points instead of 3. The layouts of the levels are altered and sport a different background color to show it’s WAY more intense. But that intensity comes from the heightened speed and the increased amount of enemies and projectiles. If you thought Normal mode was difficult, Hardcore mode turns it up to an 11.
Lastly, there is the Infinite game mode. It is exactly what it sounds like. You play through an infinite gauntlet of the previously mentioned 3 level segments. It’s pretty fun if you’re someone who enjoys going for high scores.
Final Thoughts Grid Ranger is a challenging shoot ‘em up with great visuals. Though harder to get used to, the mouse controls for this fast-paced shoot ‘em up was executed well. Unfortunately, the game is very short with only 3 levels. Grant it, the game is only $4 USD, so I wouldn’t expect a large amount of content. It only has the main 3 levels and an infinite mode, so there’s not a lot to do after playing through all of it. For what it is, it’s an enjoyable shoot ‘em up experience that had me coming back for more every time I died in a level.
Here is our review of the GXT 735G Mylox Wireless mobile Gaming Controller.
Take your gaming on the go with the Mylox Bluetooth Mobile Gaming Controller. With a low-latency Bluetooth 5.0 connection compatible with both iPhone and Android smartphones, it’s your perfect companion for mobile, remote, and on-the-go gaming.
Get thrice the fun with this controller. Whether you want to play controller-friendly iOS and Android games, stream your favourite PlayStation and Xbox titles directly to your phone, or dive into the next level of cloud PC gaming, this controller can do it all!
There’s nothing better than feeling totally immersed in your game, which is why the Mylox has been designed with dual vibration feedback for a realistic gaming experience. What’s more, RGB LED-lit buttons add a colourful and dynamic vibe to every gaming session for even more fun.
Keep the game going all day with the Mylox controller’s built-in rechargeable battery. Offering up to 12 hours of uninterrupted playtime, it ensures you stay in the action as long as you want. Play on, gamer!
Designed for compatibility, the Mylox fits all phone sizes. Its durable rubberised, spring-loaded phone clamp keeps your device safe and secure, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable handheld console-style experience.
Specifications
What’s in the box?
The box contains the controller, a carry bag, a charging cable and instructions.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
Playing games on your phone, whether its a game you’ve downloaded or if you’re playing games via the Cloud from your Xbox or PlayStation, is much easier if you have a decent controller – and this is where the Mylox controller comes in. It’s small and lightweight and is easy to use!
Charging the controller is easy, just use the supplied cable – a full charge takes about 3 hours and you get around 12 hours of gameplay with a full charge, so that should be enough to keep you going.
To fit your phone into the controller you just pull the controller apart and place it in.
To connect your phone to the controller, press and hold the HOME button then on your phone select Bluetooth and then controller you want to use.
And that’s it – you can now play games using the Mylox controller. The thumbsticks and buttons feel really nice and easy to use and really help with the game play!
The RGB LED-lit buttons are a nice touch – and look great when you are playing in dark places!
The controller really keeps the phone held nicely and securely – I wasn’t worried about it falling out mid game!
The GXT 735G Mylox Wireless mobile Gaming Controller is available now priced around €49.99 and comes in either Black or Grey and is a great addition if you like to game on the go or are just a fan of mobile games.
Music Drive: Chase the Beat is undeniably simple. However, it took me a while to figure out what was happening. The lack of handholding didn’t impact a thing. Yet, I would have liked a little guidance to tell me what the heck was going on! Despite my inability to see the obvious, I had fun with this retro arcade adventure game.
Salve Game Studio developed, and QUbyte Interactive published this racing experience. It is a single-player affair with 2 clear game modes. Moreover, there is a basic upgrade system where new cars and weapons can be purchased. This adds some depth to an otherwise casual and quick indie game.
Music Drive: Chase the Beat tells a limited tale.
Memorable music and a bullish game dominate proceedings. However, it is the 2 protagonists and their driving ability that takes centre stage. One is renowned for their driving and the other for their prowess with a firearm. Accordingly, they must utilise these skills as they take to the Brazilian streets.
The action is broken down into 2 game modes: Pursuit and Delivery. Both are unbelievably short, and if you fail, it doesn’t matter. You simply brush yourself off and try again. This causal design was amazing, as you can play this while tackling larger and more complex games.
The game modes.
Unsurprisingly, the game modes deliver exactly what is stated. Delivery asks you to carry rare mix tapes to a set location. If you avoid the traps, guns, and other pitfalls, you can deliver your rare tape and increase your hate level.
The hate level manipulates each playthrough. Consequently, the better you are, the more challenging things will become. Tougher enemies, more obstacles, and plenty of problems to overcome.
Pursuit asks you to chase a target vehicle to grab your rare tape. However, they are guarded by armed goons. As such, you’ll have to fight your way to your goal. Failure is just around the corner, and this can be disheartening. Luckily, jumping back in the saddle is a simple task. Consequently, you dust yourself off and try again.
Music Drive: Chase the Beat can be tailored to your tastes.
Music Drive: Chase the Beat has a pixelated finish. However, if this isn’t your thing, you can switch this off for a smooth and more pleasant aesthetic. Though the stage design is relatively refined, there are secret alleyways and jumps to discover. As such, you can experiment to add depth and excitement to each mission.
The music is where this shines. Each tape offers a new upbeat synth song. I loved the tracks and the heavy bass. The fast-tempo music creates an aggressive atmosphere. Moreover, the angry sound effects match the dangerous theme. Subsequently, it is a high-energy and hectic game.
Typical arcade controls.
The arcade-inspired controls are a little loose and twitchy. Though this may not impress you, I adored every moment—the car slides and glides between gaps. Moreover, you can handbrake turn for increased accuracy. Shooting is automatic to reduce stress. This lets you focus on the goal and little else.
I took things pretty slowly, but I got through the action in a few hours. This was a little disappointing, but the core gameplay was fun. Additionally, finding every secret and listening to every track was great. As such, there is some replay value and longevity.
Music Drive: Chase the Beat was short but sweet.
This is a short but sweet retro indie game. Hounding around every road was great fun. Furthermore, unlocking new vehicles and weapons adds some depth. As such, it’s an enjoyable arcade experience that is perfectly casual. Accordingly, I like it and recommend buying it here! Can you find all the rare mix tapes? Jump in your car, pick your weapon, and destroy everything in sight.
Back to the Dawn (version 1.0) officially released for PC and Xbox Series X|S on July 18, 2025 marks the end of a long journey in Early Access and delivers the complete prison escape RPG experience crafted by Metal Head Games and Spiral Up Games. Featuring two fully fleshed protagonists (Thomas the Fox and Bob the Panther), multiple endings, over 100 quests, and an intricate branching narrative within a harsh Prison, this build represents the definitive version of the game which has come a long way.
An excellently told prison escape story
Players operate under a strict countdown: 21 days to achieve their escape or expose the prison-wide conspiracy. Each action like working a job, training, socializing, or sneaking around consumes time, a very valuable resource, forcing constant prioritization between resource gathering, reputation building, and progress toward your objectives. Character customization centers on four primary stats: Strength, Agility, Intelligence, and Charisma. These stats factor into dice‑based checks that govern everything from persuasion and lockpicking to crafting and combat. Thomas and Bob offer different strengths and story‑specific talents, Thomas excels at manipulation and intelligence‑based interactions, Bob leans more into infiltration and action‑oriented paths.
The game plays very much like the pixelated Prison Escapists that released in 2015. That is exactly what I expected from Back to the Dawn and was very pleasantly surprised that it was not the case. Although your standard prison escape tasks and activities to make their appearance, here players have a more story driven experience with more character depth for every inmate and guard.
One playthrough is simply not enough
With 48 uniquely developed inmates and three competing gangs, alliances and betrayals carry weight. Your reputation opens or closes specific questlines and escape routes. Over 100 handcrafted quests. some are optional and will possible be missed the first time around, many of them branch out, and all of the allow deeply personalized playthroughs across multiple endings. Gameplay includes mini-games tied to prison jobs (laundry, cooking, barbershop, etc.), needs such as hunger, hygiene, and mind state, and crafting tools or bribes to influence other characters or events.
Combat is turn-based but only a small part of the game’s core loop. It feels deliberate, with emphasis on positioning and stat-based advantages rather than flashy animations. Fighting is risky, it drains resources and builds suspicion but in some cases, it’s the only viable option. Alternatively, many encounters can be resolved through charm, bribery, or clever tool use, supporting multiple playstyles. You’ll often find that a door you kicked open as Bob could’ve been lockpicked by Thomas, or even bypassed altogether through conversation if you’d taken a different route. This versatility adds immense replay value.
Version 1.0 also includes a “Memory Recall” system. A clever in-world autosave mechanic that allows players to rewind up to 24 in-game hours. This adds a strategic safety net without breaking immersion. If a plan goes wrong, you can potentially salvage your progress, though you’ll still face the consequences of lost time. It’s a subtle but well-implemented feature that strikes a balance between challenge and accessibility.
A fantastic and charming experience all the way through
Featuring charming, expressive pixel art, the game blends gritty prison environments with expressive, anthropomorphic animals rendered with clarity and personality. Lighting and animation, especially in sequenced scenes elevate the atmosphere and make each area feel distinct. The soundtrack, while not the highlight, cleverly adapts to tone shifts: moody jazz, tense guitar, and ambient background music that enriches tension and emotional beats. Set in a sprawling and oppressive maximum-security prison populated by anthropomorphic inmates, Back to the Dawn challenges players to survive, strategize, and ultimately escape within 21 in‑game days.
In the end, Back to the Dawn succeeds as both a tightly woven narrative RPG and a highly flexible prison sim. Whether you’re plotting a clean escape through trust and cunning, or fighting your way out with fists and fire, every decision matters. Its combination of rich systems, strong writing, and memorable characters makes it one of the most distinctive indie RPGs.
My Conclusion
If you’re a fan of deep, choice-driven RPGs with meaningful consequences and replayable scenarios, Back to the Dawn is an easy recommendation. Its mix of strategy, narrative, and immersive prison life makes it a standout indie title that punches far above its weight. Whether you’re planning every move with precision or adapting to chaos on the fly, this is one prison escape worth experiencing.
