Here we review the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot Wireless Smart Controller.
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot wireless smart controller is designed for revolutionary gameplay on Windows PCs. Stealth Pivot features rotating button modules to quickly switch between core button layouts designed for FPS, action & racing titles, or revolved layouts for fighter & retro games. Play wirelessly on PC with the 2.4 GHz wireless transmitter, or via Bluetooth on Android devices & Smart TVs, and even play on Xbox consoles using the wired connection. A 20-hour battery life keeps you locked in without disruptions, plus the wired cable supports play-and-charge capability. The Connected Command Display screen offers extensive customisation, and hall-effect thumbsticks, adjustable triggers and mappable buttons provide smooth, long-lasting, and adjustable control for multi-genre dominance.
Features
Lag-Free 2.4GHz Wireless Connection to PC
Rotating Button Modules for Multi-Genre Dominance
Connected Command Display for On-Board Social Notifications
Up to 20-Hour Battery Life + Play & Charge Capability
AntiDrift Thumbsticks for Long-Lasting, Smooth Control
Control Center 2 app for audio & control customization
Immersive, Adjustable Vibration Feedback
What’s in the box?
The box contains the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot Controller, Wireless USB Transmitter, 8’ / 2.5m USB-A to USB-C Cable and a Quick Start Guide.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
Play wirelessly on PC with the 2.4GHz wireless transmitter, or via Bluetooth on Android devices & Smart TVs, and even play on Xbox consoles using the wired connection. Whatever you want to use the controller on, it’s very easy to connect it up and start using.
The controller is very comfortable to use, even for extended periods of play. The anti drift thumbsticks are very smooth and are easy to use, even for the most complicated of manoeuvres.
Rotating control modules give you the versatility to quickly and easily switch from a traditional button and thumbstick layout, to one designed for domination on fighter games. The choice is yours and its very easy to change.
When fully charged, the battery lasts around 20 hours of playtime, but don’t worry, if you run out of charge you can plug in and charge whilst you continue to play.
One interesting feature of the Stealth Pivot controller is its command display. You can customise your audio, button mappings and more, and stay in touch with your friends with patented social notifications, all available from the Connected Command Display. You can also use the Command Centre 2 companion app to make changes too.
If you are in the market for that killer controller than you can use on a variety of systems then you have to check out the Stealth Pivot Wireless Smart Controller.
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot Wireless Smart Controller is available now priced around £119.99.
Here is our review of the Maxcom FW66 Iron R Smartwatch.
Designed to straddle both business and adventure the Maxcom Iron R smartwatch is fashionable while also containing everything needed to maintain good health. Constructed from robust zinc alloy with a luxury-traditional appearance, it comes with both a steel bracelet and a premium quality magnetic silicone strap to fit perfectly on a larger wrist.
The advanced health features offer constant heart rate, blood oxygen and blood pressure monitoring, sleep analysis and sports tracking that has over 70 modes for recording workouts and monitoring progress over time, thanks to an intuitive app. Fast charging and a generous battery yields 14 days of life from one charge.
Equipped with a 1.43-inch AMOLED screen, Iron R offers vivid colours and exceptional image depth. For those who appreciate classic style, Iron R offers a traditional watch face with the option to choose between analogue and digital screens. Alternatively, a database of over 100 free watch faces and the ability to set an image from the phone gallery lets users express their style and personality. The Iron R is packed with smartwatch features allowing users to set reminders, alarms and quickly respond to messages and calls or social media notifications without reaching for their phone.
Specifications
What’s in the box?
The box contains th watch face, two straps, charging cable, instructions and tools for fitting and adjusting the straps.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The Maxcom FW66 Iron R Smartwatch looks very smart and is very comfortable to wear. The box contains two different types of strap so you can choose whichever one you want to use. There are also tools in the box for fitting, adjusting and removing the strap as necessary.
The AMOLED screen on the watch is very clear and is easy to read.
You can easily change the menu layout and watch faces if you want too – just use the rotating button and choose whatever takes your fancy.
As you would expect from a smartwatch, the Iron R has lots of different capabilities including voice calls, responding to messages, and much more.
Monitor your health by tracking your blood oxygen level, blood pressure, and heart rate using advanced optical sensors. Iron R can measure health parameters 24/7 and automatically save the results in an intuitive app.
It can also record sleep patterns and have various sport modes depending on your level of fitness.
Battery life is really good on the Iron R – a full charge lasts around 14 days and with its fast charge capability you wont need to wait even if the battery is fully depleted.
If you are in the market for a sleek looking smartwatch that won’t break the bank, take a look at the Maxcom FW66 Iron R!
The weekends are the perfect opportunity to relax and reconnect with your loved ones. Be glad to know that you don’t even have to leave the house to enjoy yourselves.
Spending quality time together is a great way to deepen your bonds and build stronger relationships with the people you care about the most. If you’re looking for some ideas as to what you can all do together then you’ve come to the right place to learn more. Here you can review some fun ways to entertain the whole family at home.
Gaming Online
One fun way to entertain the whole family at home is to do some gaming online. There are many options such as using a gaming system or playing games through an app on your phone. Start your adventure today by browsing the collection of Snail Bob games and enjoy hours of entertainment no matter your age or skill level. Another entertaining option if you have a gaming system such as the Nintendo Switch is to get enough controllers to play some family Mario Kart.
Play Board Games
Another fun way to entertain the whole family at home is to play some board games. You can pull out an old one that you know you like playing or try something new such as Survive the Island. Playing board games is a great way to pass the time and you can all work on applying your problem-solving skills and enjoy some family bonding. There are games that you can play individually and others where you can get onto teams and work together to try to win.
Watch Movies
Sometimes it’s necessary to have some downtime as a family. Therefore, you may want to consider watching some movies as a group. There are plenty of age-appropriate and family-friendly movies to choose from and stream depending on your interests. You may want to go online and read reviews before selecting a movie so that you know it will be enjoyable and worth your time. Change into your comfortable clothing and make some of your favorite snacks to eat while you watch.
Do A Puzzle
If you want to entertain the entire family at home then consider doing a puzzle together. Puzzles are not only fun but challenging as well. Make sure that you pick a puzzle with the right amount of pieces for your kids so that they don’t become frustrated. It’s always a good idea to put together the border of the puzzle first so that you have a foundation to work from. Doing a puzzle can increase your attention to detail and boost your mood by giving you a sense of accomplishment.
Have A Dance Party
Music can instantly lift your spirits and get everyone to have some fun together. If you want to entertain the whole family at home then consider having a dance party. You can all participate and burn some calories as you move around. Your kids likely have some favorite songs that they will want to hear and that will be fun to listen to. A family dance party is an especially good idea if the weather is poor and you aren’t able to burn off any energy outside.
A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is an uncomfortable experience. Every mistake haunts you and the crack of a stick breaking can signal the end of your life. Accordingly, you are on edge throughout, making it a genuinely tense affair.
This first-person horror adventure was developed by Stormind Games and published by Saber Interactive. Moreover, it is a spin-off from the highly acclaimed series. Thankfully, no prior knowledge is required of the horrors that will unfold. However, you may need to hold someone’s hand if you have a nervous disposition. Alternatively, if you want to up the ante, you can switch on your microphone and create a tough but captivating game of cat and mouse.
A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead tells a haunting tale.
Interpersonal family conflicts are tough at the best of times. But when murderous aliens are chasing you, it makes matters worse. Unfortunately, Earth was hit by meteorites and the result was catastrophic. Unfortunately, the impact wasn’t enough to annihilate mankind. Yet, the contents of the space rocks were a different story.
Immense spider-like aliens invaded Earth. These blind creatures should have been easy to take down, but they weren’t. Their supersonic hearing and powerful jaws pinpoint and rip apart anything in reach. Unfortunately, the protagonist must evade each monster as she watches her friends and family get ripped to shreds.
Take it slowly.
Deadly space aliens wanting to rip you apart would make you want to run. Yet, you must be silent and move slowly. Every small arena is laced with noisy obstacles and cruel traps. Every survivor was out for themselves. Consequently, they created tripwires, bear traps, and other deadly hazards. This makes navigating each area harder than it should.
If you include the delicate but loud sticks, cans, broken glass, and gravel, it is a recipe for disaster. On top of this, the heroine suffers from asthma. Subsequently, stress, excursion, and dust make matters worse. Luckily, inhalers and pills are easy to find, and your wits and some planning mitigate the most stressful situations.
As you explore each location, the gameplay follows a simple loop. Understand your mission, follow the path, and solve the puzzles. Alongside this, there are collectables to find and plenty of aliens to avoid. Though there is some freedom, A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is fairly linear by design.
A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead looks great.
A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is a claustrophobic and unnerving game to play. Each location is surrounded by eerie woods and low light. Moreover, there is blood, bodies, and other signs of death. This wouldn’t be great for squeamish gamers. Additionally, younger players shouldn’t give this a go.
I adored the cinematic and the snippets of lore. There are notes and pictures dotted around the world. Though these can be ignored, they support the story and create a fantastic picture of what occurred.
The audio is where this excels. Silence has never been so deafening. Consequently, you become sensitive to every footstep and splash of water. However, it is the accidents that make you gasp with shock. A crunch of broken glass or the noise of a rolling can fill you with dread. As the sound settles, you’ll hear the familiar noise of the creature and your heart will race. This is exactly how game audio should make you feel and the audio is truly mesmerising.
Excellent controls.
Every area has tight locations to navigate. Thankfully, the controls and responsive and helpful UI keeps you on track. Furthermore, it is easy to slow yourself down if you want to remain quiet. Though this makes traversing each environment a little arduous, it works with the core mechanics and the horror theme.
A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead has plenty of hidden achievements and loads of collectables. Yet, there appears to be no way to alter the story, and this was a shame. I’d have loved there to be branched storylines and plenty of unique endings. This would have enhanced the replay value and longevity.
A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is a great horror game.
January isn’t normally a month for horror games. This was released in October 2024 and I wish I played it then. However, if like me, you missed out, you are in for a treat. Though it is slow, it is truly uncomfortable. Moreover, the story is great and the claustrophobic world is a joy to explore. Accordingly, I adore this game and recommend buying it here! Can you keep quiet and survive? Explore your surroundings, complete your mission, and avoid the aliens.
The modern world can be confusing sometimes, as keeping on track with all the trends running online can become a real struggle for previous generations, and even understanding the enthusiasms of Gen Z can make you wonder what’s going on around you and ask yourself if you’ve missed something. In fact, the new generations are very involved in the digital world, and what they see, they embrace fully, turning everything into a deep passion that becomes part of their personality. This happens because of the power of the pop culture, which can be described as the modern age trends that represent the latest crazes. For instance, part of the pop culture is music, including the idols of the new generations, hits and new genres, movies, and TV shows that have created global fandoms, fashion, including the most popular luxury brands and various styles such as “old money” and streetwear, social media platforms, which are part of everyone’s daily life, celebrity culture, influencers, memes and more. So, we can surely say that pop culture is a little bit of everything, and it represents the modern world perfectly. So, if you are curious about this concept and want to get closer to the modern trends, in this article, we are going to present the key elements of pop culture that define the tech world and the new generations:
Social media platforms represent a big part of everyone’s life, and they describe the modern tech world. At first, you might think that only Gen Z uses platforms like Instagram and TikTok, but the truth is far from that, as these platforms have become a phenomenon among people of all ages, in all parts of the world. Social media platforms have the power to launch new trends, giving a deeper purpose to pop culture and showcasing to users their favorite artists, music, memes, celebrities, and more. This concept has taken over the regular and old internet “life,” reshaping future generations and having a strong psychological impact on them. Social media platforms are the perfect way for people to connect with each other and share their interests in pop culture trends, getting closer to their ideal content and interacting freely with the audience and content they want to consume.
Streaming services for entertainment
Movies and TV series are some of the key factors that contribute to the success of pop culture. In the modern world, DVDs and regular TV posts are not a thing anymore, so people have decided to embrace streaming services for entertainment. The most popular streaming platforms work on every device, smartphone, computer, or even smart TV, and they have a strong cultural impact because they promote this kind of activity as the main entertainment experience, supporting the expansion of a franchise (Marvel series, for example) promote binge-watching, create niche content and support the synergy with social media trends. For example, some of the most popular streaming platforms among pop culture consumers are Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Hulu, and YouTube.
Modern fandoms
Pop culture creates fandoms, which, simply put, are groups of people that share the same passions and interests, and they are big fans of a specific subject, such as a musical group, a TV series, a movie, a celebrity, and more. These communities of enthusiasts engage actively with their favorite characters and subjects, immersing themselves in a digital world of information regarding the topic, and they consume a lot of that specific content. Fans usually follow fan pages, blogs, and actors on their social media accounts to be updated; they can read fan fiction, create fan art, share memes regarding their favorite artist and topic, and even cosplay their idols. Fandoms often foster a sense of belonging for all participants, and it can be a great experience to be part of such a group of people who share the same passion and ideas. To keep in touch with each other and expand their horizons, fans are very active on social messaging platforms like Discord, Redding, and Telegram as well, besides the popular Instagram and Facebook, where they create groups with other people and TikTok, where they make engaging edits about their favorite pop culture phenomenon. Another thing that characterizes fandoms is their love for gadgets that represent their interests. For example, movie and TV series fandoms decide to collect vinyl figures that represent characters from their favourite movies like the Marvel series, or anime, such as the new Chainsaw man pop figures and other items that recall their passion.
Celebrity culture
Another important part of pop culture is the fascination with celebrities and their lives. This aspect is known as celebrity culture, which is a concept that has a strong influence on the lives of many people who decide to spend a lot of time checking their favorite celebrity appearances and updates. Celebrities have the power to influence many aspects, such as fashion trends, beauty, lifestyle choices, purchasing decisions, and more. Their strong online presence on social media platforms like Instagram associated their name with the term “influencer,” thanks to their ability to manipulate a large number of followers. Some celebrities become known for specific qualities such as their angelic voice, their modeling career, or simply because of a scandal they’ve been involved in and their over-exposure that has brought some collaborations. The media feeds the public appetite for the latest gossip and behind-the-scenes information regarding popular celebrities, strengthening the impact of pop culture in the Hollywood-like world.
The bottom line
We hope this article gets you closer to the latest crazes that represent the modern world so you don’t feel left out the next time you hear about an influencer or a new TV show that has been a real success. Of course, obsessing over pop culture topics is not the best thing to do, but without a doubt, sometimes, a little bit of enthusiasm that can make you take a break from ordinary life can be fun!
Hold it! Can you believe that the first – and rather underrated – Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth was released fifteen years ago?
Capcom has done it once again. Following up on the Apollo Justice: Ace AttorneyTrilogy remaster, the new and improved Ace Attorney Investigations Collection was released on September 5th, 2024. This collection contains the duology of Miles Edgeworth, paired with updated spritework, UI, and mechanical features. An even greater feat is that, originally, Ace Attorney Investigations 2 had never been released outside of Japan . . . until now!
Regardless if you have played Ace Attorney titles in the past, it is difficult to not enjoy these dramatical puzzle adventures. If you are unfamiliar with Ace Attorney lore, it is easy to hop into the Investigations Collection since it is a spinoff. If you are a long-term fan, you may appreciate the return of beloved characters and the deeper dive into Miles Edgeworth’s past.
The collection features both Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth and Prosecutor’s Gambit, containing a total of ten lengthy episodes to play. All episodes come with a beginning segment, one or more middle segments, and an end segment.
Step directly into the shoes of famed prosecutor Miles Edgeworth, the first Ace Attorney protagonist you can control the overworld movements of. Edgeworth, the former disciple of Manfred von Karma, receives some much-needed attention and character development in these titles. Initially portrayed as a brooding, snobby antagonist in the original Ace Attorney, Edgeworth showcases his more confidently awkward, justice-seeking, humorous side in Investigations. Players get to witness the reasoning behind his post-traumatic fear of elevators and earthquakes as well as his relationships with Franziska von Karma and homicide detective Dick Gumshoe.
The first investigation begins in Edgeworth’s office, which had been raided while he was abroad. Not only were files stolen, but the murder of detective Buddy Faith occurred in that very room. Throughout the next few episodes, Edgeworth will be investigating this mysterious thief – named Yatagarasu – as well as a Borginian smuggling crime ring. Prosecutor’s Gambit takes its plot up a few notches, increasing the stakes tremendously. It opens with an attempted assassination of a foreign president and begins to unfold into issues more personal for Miles Edgeworth. Be prepared to travel to all sorts of locations, from a bougie airplane, to a prison, to a district court.
Saddled with unnecessary feelings
The first game is much more slowly paced than its sequel, but titillating nonetheless. The narrative is straightforward, circling around Interpol’s investigation of a smuggling ring, with Miles Edgeworth at the forefront. This is indeed a refreshing perspective away from Phoenix Wright, the typical main character. The most notable feature of the Investigations duology is the top-down overworld control of the protagonist, where players can openly walk around and interact with people and objects. This is quite different from the purer visual novel-likeness of mainline Ace Attorney games.
Prosecutor’s Gambit explores deeper topics, including Edgeworth’s identity crisis and life story; and each chapter keeps a steady tread going. Miles gets wrapped up in the “Prosecutor’s Purge” as well as the circumstances around his father Gregory Edgeworth’s final case before death, leaving Miles struggling with the meaning of his current job. Here, players get to see a lot of positive growth coming from Edgeworth and a further understanding of the IS-7 and DL-6 incidents.
Miles Edgeworth is an absolutely fun character to play as, with his charmingly awkward social skills, accidental humor, sharp wit, bluntness, and righteous attitude. It is pleasing to see his typical cold nature warm up a bit and how he interacts with others. There is also a wonderfully pleasant mix of both new and preexisting Ace Attorney characters, and while Investigations does not necessarily impact the narrative of the mainline games, it certainly fleshes things out a bit.
Eureka!
The collection is an upgrade from the original in every regard, plus the localization of Prosecutor’s Gambit is a big bonus.
As aforementioned, Investigations is different due to its top-down movement-based exploration. The sequence of events carries out similarly, with the visual novel-esq debates, rebuttals, and cross-examinations. However, a big difference is that Miles Edgeworth receives the option to manually look around areas, examine items and clues, and deduce information from that point.
Debates come in bursts rather than prolonged trial segments, which I personally consider a great way to pace the story (especially for newcomers to the series). Miles Edgeworth has a unique logic ability where players must manually piece together hints and clues to formulate new revelations. For example, in episode one of the first game, you find a handgun on the ground. Gumshoe informs Miles that this is the same model as the guns issued to detectives. Players will use the logic function to match this information up with the victim, which you have deduced is a local detective. Thus, Edgeworth realizes that the murder weapon was indeed owned by the fallen victim. The culprit must have stolen it from Buddy Faith and used it against him.
The truth will reveal itself
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection has the typical mechanics of presenting evidence and pressing on for more information. Players have a meter at the top left corner of the screen. Of course, there is also only one answer to everything. If you continue to fail, this meter will deplete and you will run out of time to solve the case. For example, Miles will be booted off of the airplane and arrested immediately if the meter depletes in episode two.
In Prosecutor’s Gambit, there is another new mechanic introduced: mind chess. During intense debates, Edgeworth and the opponent will be metaphorically placed in front of a chessboard background. Players must make quick choices in the correct order before time runs out. You can press for information or bide your time, hoping that silence will cause the opponent to crack. This is a timed activity so you must be fast, and observe specific character gestures to determine how they will react. This mechanic is . . . okay. Overall, I do not think it is necessary. These chess segments are not any more dramatic than regular debates, but it is still interesting to solve regardless. The downside to mind chess is how punishing a failure is. If players mess up, you have to begin the process all over again.
Something more incredible than lightening
Investigations1 and 2 looks better than ever. The updated UI is smooth and easy to navigate, and the refined art style is spectacular. Players are free to switch between the new chibi sprites and the old-school DS graphics at will. There is also a large character compendium for players to see new and old versions of the cast. Certain characters will have clips of “objections” if available.
The duology’s music is remastered, of course, and remains wonderfully dramatic and suspenseful. Some tracks are kind of hilarious with how over-the-top it is. Collection‘s music library also offers orchestrated versions of the soundtrack, providing hours of music to listen to.
Players can also unlock achievements, and none of them are particularly hard to get. Unlocking achievements can be as low-effort as progressing the storyline or as niche as selecting a certain piece of optional dialogue. The collection has a photo gallery and document library too, showcasing concept art of Investigations 1 and 2 as well as other Ace Attorney games! You have to play through all the episodes to unlock most of the art work.
Blue pawn is no match for the red knight’s might
Ace Attorney Investigations is also a pleasant deviation from the spiritual, supernatural side of things in the Ace Attorney series. If you are the see-it-to-believe-it type, Investigations isrefreshingly grounded in reality, devoid of spirit mediums and psychic twitches.
To be honest, despite Miles Edgeworth’s supposed knack for logic, some of the puzzles take strange logical leaps. Despite leaning towards the side of legalities rather than courtroom drama, the game can still be rather silly and far-reaching. There were times I absolutely could not figure out how to progress despite the best use of my own logic, but oh well. It is all humor and fun with Ace Attorney.
I highly recommend playing the game on increased dialogue speed. You can select “story mode” which makes it automated, or just play as normal. But, I read a bit fast, and having it on normal speed can be a drag. I also turned off the flashing and rumbling. Despite being nostalgic Ace Attorney aesthetical gimmicks, it kind of got on my nerves!
It’s all coming together . . .
To have all ten Investigations cases on modern hardware translated into English is an absolute blessing for Ace Attorney fans. Newcomers and fans alike will enjoy the drama, deductive reasoning, detective work, and interactions between an amusing cast of characters.
The stronger storyline falls within Prosecutor’s Gambit, but I find both plots to be enjoyable in their separate ways. Overall, the collection is incredibly accessible, easy to get into, and plays smoothly. There is a near-perfect balance of adventuring, puzzle-solving, and reading. I would highly recommend Ace Attorney Investigations Collection to anyone, whether you have never played Ace Attorney before, or even if you had played the original Investigations back in the day (if you were not a fan at the time, give this title another chance)!
The Apex Pro Gen 3 Keyboard from SteelSeries is a winner! This spectacular gaming peripheral will blow your mind. I’ve recently reviewed a lot of excellent accessories, but SteelSeries has kicked its peers into touch. Unfortunately, my RT100 from Epomaker is likely to be retired. Yet, this doesn’t make that a bad option. Instead, let’s think of that keyboard as a close runner-up.
This phenomenal gaming tool has it all. Customisable RGB, Hall-Effect switches, new Omnipoint 3.0 switches, durable keycaps, adjustable actuation distance, and incredible build quality. Additionally, it is versatile as it can be used with a PC, Mac, Xbox, or PlayStation. This makes it the perfect gaming companion. Whether you wish to type or play fast-paced FPS, this device will be for you.
What’s in the box of the Apex Pro Gen 3 Keyboard?
The packaging is up-market, alluring, and hard to resist. Moreover, the contents are well-protected and the box can be recycled.
The Apex Pro Gen 3 Keyboard has an understated appearance. However, once plugged in, it catches your eye like the Northern Lights.
A detachable wrist support is provided.
Connect the keyboard with the braided USB-C cable.
Pull the keycaps with the pulling tool.
Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
If you are like me, you are probably a lazy gamer. I love the best setup, but tinkering and jumping between settings bores me to tears. Luckily, the Apex Pro Gen 3 Keyboard does the heavy lifting for you. If you activate the GG QuickSet this intelligent peripheral identifies the game you are playing. With no effort, the keyboard adjusts your settings to create the perfect arrangement for your gaming experience. Now, I understand that some people will hate this, but lazy people will adore the perfect setup without effort.
If this isn’t enough for you, there is a vibrant OLED smart screen to highlight your important settings. Whether it is your system stats or your actuation distance, this screen shows the information. This is great as you can play with the core elements without leaving your game.
The Omnipoint 3.0 switches push things up another 10 gears! You’ll enjoy 11 times faster response and 20 times faster actuation. If I added emojis to my reviews, this line would be filled with shocked faces. This mind-blowing speed gives the user a match-winning edge. However, that is not all as SteelSeries has some more tricks up its sleeves.
Magical inputs.
Rapid Tap, Rapid Trigger, 2-in-1 action keys and Protection Mode are additional game-changing elements included with this device. Let me start with the easiest one to explain. The 2-in-1 action keys allow you to map 2 actions onto one input. Accordingly, you can press the key lightly to walk and press it hard to run. It’s pretty self-explanatory and takes a little getting used to. However, once you have things nailed, you’ll love the multifunctional design.
Rapid Tap is the ultimate tool for strafing, peeking or slide cancelling. It allows you to use multiple paired inputs without lifting both keys. Furthermore, it prioritises the last pressed key to rapidly move from instruction to instruction. This feature pairs up beautifully with the Rapid Trigger element. As you can guess, this reduces latency to give you that match-winning edge. Though it isn’t essential in every gaming genre, FPS fans will adore this beastly hack.
Finally, “fat fingers” are a thing of the past! (disclosure, you may still have fat fingers if you purchase this device.) Protection Mode reduces the sensitivity of redundant keys. Consequently, you lower the risk of misplacing your fingers and pressing the wrong buttons. This SteelSeries exclusive feature will bring great reassurance to clumsy gamers.
Build quality.
I could just put exceptional, or phenomenal and leave it at that. SteelSeries does not disappoint its fans. It doesn’t matter whether it is earbuds, microphones, headphones, gaming mice, or keyboards, you are never let down. This incredible keyboard is built with durability and style in mind. The RGB is vibrant, lively, and a joy to look at. It can be customised or you can use any of the preset arrangements. I stuck with the latter because if you remember, I’m lazy.
The switches have an impressive up to 100 million keystroke rating. Additionally, the keycaps are durable and will not fade or shine through use. However, if you wish to change them, they can be removed with ease. The dynamic RGB delivers almost endless customisation and it can be synced using Prism software.
Pre-key lubrication, sound-dampening layers and improved stabilisation complete the package. You no longer endure that uncomfortable wobbly edge. Instead, the inputs are razor-sharp and the audio profile is classic without being obnoxious. In short, it delivers a near-perfect experience every time.
Is the Apex Pro Gen 3 Keyboard worth it?
Market-leading gaming peripherals and SteelSeries go hand-in-hand. Unsurprisingly, the Apex Pro Gen 3 Keyboard doesn’t buck this trend. Everything about it screams top-end. The new features are remarkable and the display screen is useful and well-considered. Moreover, I love the RGB and the adjustable switches. Though I didn’t use the wrist support, it is a handy tool for marathon sessions. Accordingly, this is an amazing device and I recommend buying it here!
(More information on SteelSeries can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
Other World Computing(OWC), a trusted leader in delivering high-performance, secure, and sustainable technology solutions that enhance and extend the life of Macs and PCs, today announced its latest innovations: the OWC ThunderBlade X12, a game-changing professional-grade RAID solution – the next step in OWC’s Thunderbolt 5 solutions; and the OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable, for long-distance connectivity without compromising speed or reliability. OWC also announced the general availability (GA) of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub, redefining workflow efficiency with its unparalleled connectivity.
OWC ThunderBlade X12
The OWC ThunderBlade X12 is the answer to Motion Picture Professionals and DITs looking for a production shuttle RAID capable of offering large amounts of storage at blazingly fast sustained speeds in a portable solution. To be more specific, the biggest problem this product solves is the need for a RAID solution compatible with RAID 5 that offers large amounts of storage at blazingly fast sustained speeds to streamline ingestion and backup times on set while also having a small footprint so that can be used as a shuttle drive. Beyond that, it’s also considered a premium editing drive for video editors and VFX artists working with cutting-edge workflows such as multi-cam sequences at 4K and 6K, 8K and 12K RAW video, or stereoscopic 360 VR (Spatial Video). It’s the ultimate shuttle RAID for production use and the premium external editing drive for cutting-edge workflows.
– Speeds up to 6,500MB/s – double the performance of its predecessor
– Capacities from 12TB to 96TB with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configurations
– Premium build with dimmable LED lights and enhanced thermal stability
– Ideal for workflows involving 8K RAW, 16K video, or VR production
The OWC ThunderBlade X12will be available in March.
OWC Active Optical Cable
The OWC Active Optical Cable is the fastest, most powerful, and most reliable solution for cost-effective long-distance connectivity of Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 devices. It provides up to 40Gb/s of stable bandwidth, up to 240W of power delivery, and up to 8K video resolution at up to 15 feet. Featuring universal USB-C connectivity and optical fiber technology, it eliminates the 2-meter distance limit of traditional copper-based Thunderbolt and USB4 cables so devices can be placed further away for noise reduction, provide more convenient access, be hidden for a more aesthetic work environment, or enable more efficient cable management in professional settings.
OWC Active Optical Cable – Key Features/Functionality:
– Longer distance connectivity enables optimal placement of USB4 and Thunderbolt 4/3 devices for a highly organized, convenient, quieter, and productive workspace
– Work and play faster with up to 40Gb/s of stable data transfer speed over long-distance
– Connect to millions of Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 USB-C equipped docks, displays, eGPUs, PCIe expansion, external SSDs, RAID storage, and accessories
– Lab-certified to safely deliver up to 240 watts (3M) or 60 watts (4.5M) to charge your devices quickly
– Supports high-resolution displays up to 8K, including DisplayPort over Thunderbolt, Apple Pro Display XDR, Apple Studio Display, LG Ultrafine, and any display plugged into a Thunderbolt dock or hub
– Braided nylon exterior over advanced internal fiber optical cable for highly durable and consistent signal reliability immune to EMI/RFI interference
TheOWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable is now available in two lengths:
– 3 meters (9.8 feet) for $98.99
– 4.5 meters (14.76 feet) for $129.99
OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub
Now generally available (GA), the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub is the perfect compact connectivity solution to solve the big problem of not having enough Thunderbolt 5 ports. Now you can turn a single cable connection from your machine into three Thunderbolt 5 ports and one USB-A port. With up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed – up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 – and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs, you will redefine your productivity.
– Adds more universally compatible Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports to a Mac, PC, or iPad Pro to greatly expand device connectivity possibilities and productivity
– Work and play faster with up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs
– No worries or confusion…connect to Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, or USB-C machine or device with 100% compatibility
– Delivers the best performance of devices with today’s computers and the best speed possible in the future with any Thunderbolt 5 Mac or PC
– Create three separate daisy chains of devices – even bus-powered – and remove devices from one chain without affecting the other chains
– Safely delivers up to 140 watts to charge the most power-hungry notebook computer
– Connect to the latest and future Thunderbolt, USB-C, and DisplayPort displays for incredible 4K, 5K, 6K, and up to three 8K displays
– Built-in OWC reliability and dependability for Mac and Windows
– Fanless aluminum enclosure for quiet and cool operation
The OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hubis now generally available for $189.99
Here is our review of the OWC Thunderbolt Pro Dock.
Designed for pro creative workflows and features 10G Ethernet, frontside CFexpress and SD card readers, Thunderbolt (USB-C) device support, and peripheral ports.
Features
Fast & diverse: transfer files in a blink, daisy chain up to five Thunderbolt devices, use USB-C accessories, and add an HDMI display with two Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports
Full throttle bandwidth: share and stream up to 90% faster with a 10Gb/s Ethernet port
AVB ready: perfect for use in pro audio and video applications where synchronization of data streams is critical
Ingest content: easily handle multiple video and photo card uploads at up to 1630MB/s with CFexpress and SD card readers
Full speed connectivity: use your devices and accessories at their max speed with one USB-C and three USB Type A 10Gb/s ports
Add more viewspace: connect two 4K displays or up to a single 8K display via Displayport 1.4
Powerful: keep your notebook mobile use ready with 85W charging power
Silent and secure: fanless cooling mode and locking power connection for on-set use
Certified: Thunderbolt certified for Mac and Windows
Dante compatible: Easy Plug and Play – no software needed – into networks designed for bit perfect audio with super low latency and sample accurate synchronization
Worry-free: 2 Year OWC Limited Warranty
System Requirements
Operating System
Mac: macOS 10.14 or later
PC: Windows 10 or later
iPadOS: Latest version recommended
Linux: Latest version recommended
Hardware
Works with any Mac, PC, or iPad with a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port
Supported Flash Media
SD (up to 4.0 UHS-II) cards
CFexpress (Type B) cards
What’s in the box?
The box contains the Thunderbolt Pro Dock, power supply and a certified 0.7M OWC Thunderbolt Cable.
A Closer Look
Final Thoughts
The OWC Thunderbolt Pro Dock is a compact device that can easily sit on any desktop and provide a whole lot more ports that your desktop or laptop has! It looks really sleek and cool and the ports (and there quite a few of them) are easy to access.
The OWC Thunderbolt Pro Dock is perfect for giving you just about every piece of connectivity you are likely to need, including CFexpress if you need it.
Setting up the dock is simple – place it on a desk (or wherever you want to use it), plug in the power supply, connect the dock to your laptop using the supplied cable, and that’s it! Now you can use any of the ports on the dock.
Some devices need an additional driver in order to function correction but OWC have provided the driver online so if you have one of those devices then you just need to download and install the driver. There is also a compatibility list online too just so you can check.
For me personally, I have an Apple MacBook Air and a Mac Mini which means I am limited in what ports my laptop and desktop has available – there is no Ethernet port or SD card slot for example on the laptop, something I personally use a lot, so the OWC Thunderbolt Pro Dock is a lifesaver! Not only can I now use all those things I need without looking for extra connectors and unplugging whatever I already have connected, I can use other devices at the same time and even charge my iPhone and iPad too! You can use the dock with either Mac or Windows.
The dock also comes with a 2 year warranty so if anything goes wrong you are covered.
The OWC Thunderbolt Pro Dock is available now priced around $349.99 and is a fantastic addition to your desktop. If you do a lot of photo or video editing then this is a must have!
Neo Harbor Rescue Squad is a vibrant and engaging game that blends the fast-paced action of a paramedic simulator with the narrative depth of a visual novel. Developed by BancyCo and released on November 12, 2024, the game invites players to step into the shoes of Rookie, the newest member of the Neo Harbor Rescue Squad. With its bright, comic book-inspired visuals and a storyline filled with humor and drama, the game offers a unique experience for those interested in medical simulations and character-driven storytelling.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The core gameplay revolves around managing multiple patients through a series of minigames, each representing different medical procedures. Players must quickly assess patients’ conditions using a triage system, prioritizing treatments based on urgency. The minigames vary from defibrillation, which requires precise timing with shoulder buttons, to bandaging wounds that involve careful control stick movements. While the variety of minigames aims to keep the gameplay fresh, some players may find certain tasks repetitive over time.
The game also incorporates strategic elements, requiring players to decide the order of treatments and manage resources effectively. This adds a layer of depth, as making quick and accurate decisions is crucial to prevent patients’ conditions from deteriorating. However, some minigames, like bandaging, can feel arbitrary in their success, leading to occasional frustration.
Story and Characters
Set in the fictional city of Neo Harbor, the narrative follows Rookie’s journey as he integrates into the Rescue Squad, led by the determined Captain Queenie. The team faces challenges not only from the emergencies they respond to but also from a rival Fire Department and a sensationalist reporter, Betty Woo, who seeks to tarnish their reputation. The story is delivered through visual novel segments, featuring static comic book-style art and text dialogues. While the characters are colourful and the plot carries a light-hearted tone, the lack of full voice acting may leave some players desiring a more immersive experience.
Visuals and Audio
The game’s art style is bright and cheerful, employing a comic book aesthetic that complements its humorous and dynamic narrative. The visual presentation is consistent across both story and gameplay segments, maintaining an engaging atmosphere throughout. The soundtrack aligns well with the game’s tone, featuring upbeat and arcade-like music that adapts to the intensity of different scenarios. However, repetitive sound bites and limited voice clips can detract from the overall audio experience.
Conclusion
Neo Harbor Rescue Squad offers a unique and entertaining experience by combining fast-paced medical minigames with a humorous and heartfelt narrative. While it has areas that could benefit from refinement, such as the repetitiveness of certain tasks and the absence of full voice acting, the game’s charm and engaging mechanics make it a worthwhile play for fans of medical simulations and visual novels alike.
Flint: Treasure of Oblivion is a tactical role-playing game that whisks players away to a swashbuckling world of pirates, treasure, and betrayal. With its intriguing premise and narrative, the game aims to deliver an immersive experience for fans of both the genre and pirate lore. While its ambitions are clear, the execution leaves much to be desired in several areas.
Narrative and Presentation
The story follows the legendary pirate Captain James Flint on his quest for a fabled treasure, filled with danger, cunning rivals, and mysteries of the seas. The narrative unfolds through comic book-style panels, a unique and visually appealing choice that fits well with the adventurous theme. This presentation style sets a distinctive tone, blending traditional storytelling with modern artistic flair.
Gameplay and Combat
At its core, Flint: Treasure of Oblivion combines real-time exploration with turn-based tactical combat. Players manage a crew of diverse characters, each with unique skills and abilities, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay. Combat introduces a mix of card-based abilities and dice rolls, offering variety and unpredictability.
However, these mechanics can feel overly complicated, especially for new players. The lack of comprehensive tutorials often forces players to figure things out through trial and error, which can be frustrating. Controls, particularly on consoles, tend to feel clunky, further hampering the flow of gameplay.
The turn-based combat system offers strategic possibilities, with features like combo effects triggered by positioning characters adjacent to their allies. While this adds a tactical dimension, the unforgiving difficulty curve and sparse guidance can make the experience daunting for many. Players seeking a more accessible or streamlined combat system may find the game’s mechanics overwhelming. But the developers made it very clear plenty of times that reading through the tutorials carefully will result in a better experience. I understand that may deter some players but for me the game is well worth giving the attention to.
Visuals and Atmosphere
The game excels in its visual design, with vibrant colours and detailed environments that bring the pirate world to life. From bustling ports to mysterious islands, the settings are rich with atmosphere. However, performance can vary across platforms, with occasional frame rate drops and graphical glitches detracting from the otherwise immersive experience.
The soundtrack is a standout feature, featuring rousing pirate-themed tunes that enhance the game’s adventurous spirit. The sound effects, however, feel underwhelming and minimal, which reduces immersion during key moments. While the music sets the mood effectively, the lack of impactful sound effects is a missed opportunity to elevate the overall experience. The lack of voice acting is also a shame but is very understandable given the budget.
Conclusion
Flint: Treasure of Oblivion is a game of contrasts. Its captivating narrative, unique art style, and atmospheric music show clear potential. However, the clunky mechanics, steep learning curve, and inconsistent performance hold it back from being a standout title in the tactical RPG genre. While dedicated fans of pirate adventures and tactical games may find enjoyment in its offerings, the game may struggle to appeal to a wider audience without further refinement.
Few games in history can claim they wield enough power to threaten friendships and family relationships quite like the iconic Uno. Listed as the best-selling card game in history, with over 150 million units sold, the game is a staple in the games cupboard of almost every house.
Since the initial game was released in 1971, it has undergone several changes that have resulted in an estimated 718 different Uno variations. These range from themed games, such as Harry Potter, to games with completely new rules, such as Uno Flip.
Video games have also brought the classic card game to life with Uno With Friends, offering thrills similar to those experienced by gamblers who access slots apps to play for real money. The game’s continuous evolution has struck again with another new version that is sure to wreck a few relationships: Show ‘Em No Mercy.
Uno: Show ‘Em No Mercy
Released on November 23, 2023, Uno: Show ‘Em No Mercy brings a new level of action and ruthlessness to the classic game. Offering new ways to bury the competition, the game is packed with new features and rules that make playing a nail-biting experience that you’ll want to do again and again.
Since it is based on the classic game, many elements of the original Uno are present, including playing a card that matches the colour, number, or symbol currently at the top of the discard pile. Popular action cards like Skip, Reverse Direction, and Draw 2 also reappear, adding to the fun.
From here, however, things get a bit wild due to the newly added action cards and rules. These can help you bury the competition and cause you to go from riding high to the bottom of the pack quickly.
New Action Cards
Aside from new action cards, there are also significantly more cards in each Uno: Show ‘Em No Mercy deck. The game comes with 168 cards, which gives you an idea of how many cards you may need for each player.
Skip Everyone
Skip Everyone cards, represented by an almost complete circle with an arrow at one end, allow you to make every other player miss a turn—effectively making it your turn again immediately. Although the traditional Skip cards are still present in the game, these offer a new way to enrage your opponents and can lead to oodles of mischievous fun.
Draw Four Card
Unlike the regular Wild Draw 4 card in Classic Uno, this Draw 4 card doesn’t act as a wild and is colour-coded like the infamous Draw 2 cards we all know and love. This card works as usual, causing the next player to pick up four cards or play a counter-card. However, it no longer allows you to choose your desired colour.
Wild Reverse Draw 4 Card
Aside from regular Draw 4 cards, this iteration of Uno also features Wild Reverse Draw 4 options. These combine the effects of multiple action cards: reverse the direction of play, choose what colour is now in effect, and make your opponent pick up four cards.
Discard All Card
Another neat new card is the Discard All—represented by four cards with an arrow pointing at a discard pile. These cards, which come in one of the game’s four primary colours, let you take all cards of the corresponding colour, place them behind the Discard All card, and play them as a single card. This enables you to eliminate several cards in a single move and significantly boosts your chances of winning.
Wild Draw 6 Card
Replacing the regular Wild Draw 4 card is the new and intimidating Wild Draw 6. This card can be used at any moment to change the colour of play to one of your choices while making your opponent draw six new cards from the pickup pile. At the same time, the player drawing cards loses their turn.
Wild Draw 10 Card
If seeing a Wild Draw 6 card played against you would anger you, then the new Wild Draw 10 card will make you blow your top. This card causes your opponent to skip a turn, allows you to select the play colour moving forward, and forces the next player to pick up 10 new cards.
Colour Roulette Card
Almost as savage as the Wild Draw 10 card is the new Colour Roulette Card. When playing this, the next player must select the colour of play. They must then draw from the pick-up pile until they pick up a card in that colour (wilds don’t count). Once they draw a card of the correct colour, their turn is over, and play continues.
The catch to this card is that, depending on what colour you select, you could draw many cards before finding one of the corresponding colours. Therefore, this card should be played with caution so as not to upset somebody who may have one to play against you later on.
New Rules
Aside from the new action cards, which add unique twists to every round, several new rules also keep things interesting.
Stacking
Stacking relates to what cards you can play on top of a Draw card. Therefore, if an opponent plays a Draw 4 card on you (causing you to pick up four cards), stacking determines how you can counter this attack.
Unlike the classic Uno game, stacking can be done on any Draw card played in Uno: Show’ Em No Mercy. However, you can only play an equal or higher value. If you do so, what you play is added to the original card and moves to the next person.
7’s Swap
Each time you play a 7 card, you must swap your hand of cards with any player you choose. This is non-negotiable. Once you’ve swapped hands, play continues in the direction it was.
0’s Swap
Like with 7’s Swap, 0’s Swap shakes things up by causing all players to pass their hands to the player on their right or left (depending on the direction of play) each time a 0 card is played. Again, this is non-negotiable, and all players must swap their hands.
Mercy
Because of the likelihood of drawing many cards, Uno: Show ‘Em No Mercy comes with a new rule called Mercy. This rule stipulates that if, at any point, you have 25 or more cards in your hand, you are disqualified from the game.
Due to this rule, this new Uno iteration offers two possible ways to win. The first is the classic way: you discard all your cards and claim victory. The second is outlasting all the competition until everyone else has been eliminated due to the Mercy rule.
Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders instantly piqued my interest. I love winter sports and I adored its predecessor. As such, I knew this would be a winner. I admit, though, I was pretty awful at the first game. I crashed and crashed and crashed, repeatedly. Therefore, I knew my chances of success in the sequel would be slim. Luckily, it didn’t disappoint as I hit the deck repeatedly.
Megagon Industries developed and published this indie sports sim game. Additionally, it comes with a cooperative and competitive online mode. Now, I didn’t test this as I couldn’t find anyone to play with. But I reckon the online action will be spectacular. The ability to work together or race each other will create endless arguments.
Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders lacks a story but thrills in other ways.
I didn’t expect a story and didn’t care that it never materialised. Instead, Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders thrills you in other ways. The gameplay is split across 2 core single-player modes and 2 distinct difficulty settings. Alongside this, there are objectives to complete if you wish to unlock the hardest black run difficulty.
I’m no sadomasochistic gamer and I rarely push the envelope. Yet, when I ticked each time goal and stayed on my skis, the result was euphoric. Moreover, unlocking new gear and earning points to purchase the in-game cosmetics was fantastic. The drip-fed items keep you pushing and finding ways to get to the end quicker. Yet, speed = risk and risk = failure. Therefore, you must crawl before you walk and walk before you run if you wish to be successful.
Exploration is king.
Every element is beautifully executed. The crisp untouched snow falls away for rutted tracks as you explore. Furthermore, you are free to move and glide wherever you like. Some routes cut corners and others lead to death. However, what’s life if it isn’t dangerous?
As you hound down the mountain, you are free to be as stylish or dull as you wish. Flips, grabs, and turns are at your disposal. Additionally, you may change your grabs to mix things up. These moves took time to master as any errors can undermine your run. Consequently, a little caution goes a long way.
Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders looks incredible!
Every visual layer is pleasing to the eye. The grand environments glimmer and sheen as the sun reflects wildly. Moreover, the ice is alluring and dangerous in equal measure. I couldn’t get over how alive the world feels. The ruts and marks from your skis create a guide for your previous errors. Additionally, it ensures the world is ever-evolving. I can imagine that this mechanic is spectacular when playing with others.
I expected the audio to be a gnarly hellish mess. Thrash metal tunes making your ears bleed as you die once more. Instead, there is silence and the crunch of skis on snow. This peaceful design is perfect. Only you and the environment as you move from point to point. I applaud the developer and their understanding of the graceful nature of the winter wilderness.
Exceptional controls.
Your character moves through the world with undeniable grace. Heavy snow slows you, whereas ice and precut tracks help you to move at speed. This evolving control system will catch you out, but this doesn’t matter. You learn to adapt to the world and scan your route. Moreover, new equipment changes your style and this can be the difference between victory or failure.
Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders has to be one of my favourite indie games. I could and have played it for hours. The tough challenges and beautiful landscapes keep me coming back for more. Yet, it will be the multiplayer gameplay that gets me hooked. I cannot wait to play this with my friends and this will keep me playing long into the future.
Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is practically perfect.
A massive round of applause for the developer. Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is practically perfect in every way! It looks great and it handles even better. What’s more, there is loads of replay value and it is included as part of the Game Pass subscription. My only complaint is how difficult it is to complete. However, there will be people who love a challenge and will see this as a positive. Accordingly, it is amazing and a must-play game can that can be purchased here! Stay at home but hit the mountains in this near-perfect indie experience.
Developed by Julien Eveillé and Published by CRITICAL REFLEX, THRESHOLD is an unsettling Psychological horror game which is a satirical take on harsh work conditions.
There are many genres that games could be, and not every type of game has to be inherently fun. Sometimes we want to feel unforgettable, scared or even disgusted by our product. That is exactly what THRESHOLD tries to achieve.
Now, the question which arises is how do we judge this game. Well, I don’t think there is a fair way to assess THRESHOLD, especially when a point system is at play.
I, for one, did not enjoy my time with this game and had to turn away from the screen a couple of times to avoid tossing my cookies. Let’s discuss.
A Holding Thread
In THRESHOLD, you are a worker with an oddly specific and dangerous job. You need to keep track of a train’s speed, giving it a signal to speed up if it ever gets too slow. More on that later.
The area of your operations is a small, open factory-like location with limited oxygen. It creates a suffocating environment that forces you and your fellow worker to remain silent, communicating only through writing.
This reminds me, before the game starts, you’re asked to type a two-letter nickname for yourself and select your country. I was surprised to see Pakistan as one of the options, as you don’t often see the green and white flag in the media.
It was even more hilarious when the game began, and one of the first things you see is a white shirt with the words ‘I love Islamabad’ written boldly on it, completely out of nowhere.
In another playthrough, the selected country was Australia and it said ‘I love Canberra.’ I don’t know why I found this so funny.
Anyways, back to the gameplay.
The Placebo Nausea
Where the game takes its wings and flies into the sun for me is when the story takes the back seat and the gameplay takes hold.
In THRESHOLD, your main task is to whistle through a large sound amplifier, which signals a train to speed up. Oxygen is in short supply, so you must refill it repeatedly, especially after each whistle. Each time you whistle, you receive a card from the opposite side of the map, which you then insert into an oxygen machine to replenish your supply.
This cycle of whistling, card collection, and oxygen refilling is the core gameplay loop. All while you attempt to piece together the story hidden within the game’s unsettling atmosphere and minimalistic environment.
Now, how does this get creepy?
For starters, it’s the whole vibe of low oxygen that really gets nailed down by the game. Quite upsetting but realistic.
But what really gets you, is the method of consuming the oxygen. At the top left of the screen, there is a picture of your character’s mouth and it changes depending on what you are doing. The oxygen you must consume is made of glass. I think you get the picture.
It is a harrowing and disturbing sight with all the blood and gore on display. However, I just cannot give THRESHOLD a negative score for it- for not being fun, because in the end, harrowing and disturbing is exactly what it was intended to be.
An Uncomfortable Experience
So, there you have it, a game that perfectly captures the essence of making you uncomfortable. It’s not fun, it’s not pleasant, and it’s beyond disturbing.
Not for me but If you’re in the market for a game that’ll make you feel claustrophobic, nauseous, and perhaps a little bit disgusted, well, congratulations, you’ve found your match.
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