Jason, Author at Thumb Culture

26Nov

By JasonNo Comments

Anno 117: Pax Romana – PC Review

Every few years, the Anno series decides to take us somewhere new. We have built Renaissance trading hubs, industrial powerhouses, futuristic colonies in space, and deep-sea utopias. Anno 117: Pax Romana marks the first time the franchise marches back into ancient history and plants its eagle standard firmly in the Roman Empire. It is a bold move. Ancient Rome is one of the most overused settings in gaming, yet somehow rarely done justice on a strategic, city-building scale. Frontier provinces, political intrigue, marble megastructures, legions marching across dusty plains, it is all ripe for the taking. The question is whether Pax Romana manages to feel like a true Anno game while embracing the grandeur and brutality of the Empire it portrays. A Grand Strategy Worthy of an Emperor Th...

5Nov

By JasonNo Comments

PC Reviews

Jurassic World Evolution 3 – PC Review

Ever since the first Evolution game, dinosaur-park management sims have had a special place in my heart: equal parts “wow, a T-rex!” and “oh no, a T-rex!” With Jurassic World Evolution 3, Frontier asks: what if you could really play god over scaly, roaring beasts, sculpt your own island, and maybe, just maybe, watch your park go from pristine dream to absolute prehistoric meltdown? Released on October 21, 2025, for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, the game arrives with the promise of deeper systems, bigger creative freedom and, yes, more “life finds a way” moments than ever. "Oh, yeah. Oooh, ahhh, that's how it always starts. Then later there's running and screaming." It’s the third major chapter in the Jurassic World Evolution series, so naturally, I went in expecting a little more than ...

The Sims 4: Adventure Awaits Expansion Pack – PC Review

17Oct

By JasonNo Comments

PC Reviews

The Sims 4: Adventure Awaits Expansion Pack – PC Review

Every so often, The Sims 4 drops an expansion that makes you forget all about bills, deadlines, and whatever existential spiral your Sims were currently facing. Adventure Awaits is exactly that kind of escape. It bursts open the familiar suburban loop and hands your Sims a backpack, a bug net, and a suspiciously optimistic travel brochure. "It's a Quest. It's a Quest for Fun!" Suddenly, the world isn’t about upgrading bathrooms or perfecting grilled cheese recipes; it’s about chasing fireflies, camping under skies brighter than your Sim’s aspirations, and building stories that unfold far beyond the picket fence. It’s the expansion that says, “Put the phone down, we’re going outside.” Gameplay At its heart, Adventure Awaits is all about movement, not just through space, but through ...

12Oct

By JasonNo Comments

News & Updates

Soundcore Launches Nebula X1 Pro

Imagine rolling a single device into your garden, hitting one button, and suddenly having a full 4K laser cinema with surround sound that feels like you’ve stepped into an IMAX. That’s exactly what Soundcore, Anker’s entertainment brand, has unleashed with the brand-new Nebula X1 Pro, now live on Kickstarter. For movie lovers, gamers, and party hosts, this isn’t just another projector. It’s the world’s first Mobile Theatre Station, and it’s about to change how you think about movie night. A Cinema on Wheels The Nebula X1 Pro looks like a stylish rolling suitcase, but inside it hides an explosive 400-watt sound system and a blazing 4K laser projector. With a retractable handle and tucked-away compartments, it’s built to move wherever the action is. The projector blasts out 3,500...

24Sep

By Jason1 Comment

PC Reviews

Mars Attracts – PC Review

Imagine building a theme park where the roller coasters snarl, the popcorn is mildly radioactive, and the main attractions are human exhibits from every era of Earth's history. That’s the deliciously twisted pitch behind Mars Attracts, a park-management sim from developers Outlier that drops you into the martian shoes or rather, the bulbous helmets of, the classic Mars Attacks! aliens. Ack Ack! Your job is simple: abduct humans, curate exhibits, run a smooth (if morally questionable) operation, and keep your martian guests entertained while you tinker with ethically dubious experiments. Mars Attracts launched into Early Access on PC recently and arrives dripping with retro sci-fi charm and a wicked sense of humour. Gameplay At its core, Mars Attracts will feel comforting to fans of...

29Aug

By JasonNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Edifier ES60 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Some speakers look like boring black boxes that just happen to make sound. The Edifier ES60 is not one of them. This portable Bluetooth speaker is equal parts audio gear and stylish home décor. It brings a touch of retro personality while serving up surprisingly powerful sound for its size. With features like multi-device pairing, lighting effects, and a rugged build that can handle outdoor adventures, the ES60 is designed to slide effortlessly from kitchen counter to backyard patio to beach picnic without missing a beat. If you like your music with a side of style and convenience, this little unit has plenty to offer. Style & Sound Available simply in either black or white, I was sent out the black version to have a play with. Time to throw on a diverse playlist of music and get out...

Anker Nano Power Bank (5K,MagGo,Slim) Review

19Aug

By JasonNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Anker Nano Power Bank (5K,MagGo,Slim) Review

If power banks were shoes, most would be hiking boots, chunky, sturdy, and not something you slip into your pocket without a plan. The Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim)? It’s more like a pair of sleek loafers. It’s designed to disappear into your everyday carry, to sit quietly in your bag or even your jeans pocket until you need it, then leap into action to top up your phone. Wafer Thin Marvel With its slim MagSafe-compatible design, wireless charging, and just enough capacity to keep your phone alive through the day, this isn’t a heavy-duty backup battery. It’s a smart, stylish lifeline for people who like to travel light but hate the sight of the dreaded “1%” icon. Design & Features The first thing you notice is how little there is to notice. This power bank is only a f...

Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K,165W) Review

18Aug

By JasonNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K,165W) Review

If portable chargers were superheroes, the Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K, 165W) would be the one flying in with a cape, holding a laptop in one hand and a phone in the other, both charging at the same time. Packing a chunky 25,000 mAh battery, lightning-fast 165W output, and its own built-in retractable cables, it’s designed for people who don’t just carry gadgets, they run their lives on them. I've got the power! Whether you’re on a long-haul flight (I'm jealous), trapped in a conference with no free outlets (def not jealous), or simply binge-watching Netflix in a park (I'm with you on that one), this power bank promises to keep you plugged in without actually being plugged in. Design From the outside, the Anker Laptop Power Bank is unmistakably Anker: minimal, matte, and a litt...

5Aug

By JasonNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Swiftpoint Z2 Mouse Review

In a world of minimal mice and slick RGB clones, the New Zealand-based Swiftpoint's Z2 charges in like a Transformer. With 13 buttons, haptic feedback, gyroscopic controls, pressure-sensitive clicks, swappable parts, oh, and a tiny OLED screen, this is less of a “mouse” and more of a full-blown command centre for your desk. The Shape-Shifting Mouse Whether you're gaming, editing, 3D modelling, or automating complex workflows, the Kickstarter-funded Z2 aims to be your one-device-to-rule-them-all. So, is it a revolution or just a really expensive gadget? Let’s dig in. Design Right out of the box, the 65-gram Z2 feels like something out of a sci-fi prop room. Its angular chassis and layered surface elements make it look busy, because it is. This is not your everyday plug-and-play mous...

The Sims 4: Enchanted by Nature Expansion Pack – PC Review

23Jul

By JasonNo Comments

PC Reviews

The Sims 4: Enchanted by Nature Expansion Pack – PC Review

If you’ve ever wanted your Sims to ditch the digital rat race for a life among whispering woods, ancient ruins, and talking raccoons (yes, really), then The Sims 4: Enchanted by Nature Expansion Pack might just cast a spell on you. The latest DLC from Maxis and EA invites players to explore the enchanting side of Mother Nature. Blending fantasy elements with rustic living to deliver a magical and earthy gameplay experience. This magical DLC will set you back about £35 from Steam or EA store. Pixie Dust & Prosecco! But is this expansion worth venturing into the forest for, or is it just another mushroom ring on the Sims DLC lawn? Let’s dig in (with a fairy-forged shovel, naturally). Gameplay Enchanted by Nature adds a lush, new world called Sylvan Hollow, a living forest biome w...