Jason, Author at Thumb Culture

29Jul

By Jason1 Comment

JBL Quantum Duo Speakers Review

Landing on my desk today we have the vibrant JBL Quantum Duo PC Gaming speakers and boy am I excited! With the Quantum range released in April 2020, would JBL be able to convince the gaming market that this is a must-have product to adorn your gaming setup? First Impressions Standing at 210mm high, 89mm wide and 176mm deep they are not the most imposing speakers in the world to have on your desk. Finished in a mixture of matt and gloss black plastic you could easily be fooled into thinking that they are going to be light however once you pluck them from the vibrant orange box you will quickly realise that there is certainly some weight to be had at 1.4kg per speaker. Featuring its own separate power supply along with a 1.5m USB cable and audio-in lead it does not take long to cable...

Ubisoft Unveils New Tom Clancy Game XDefiant

19Jul

By JasonNo Comments

News & Updates

Ubisoft Unveils New Tom Clancy Game XDefiant

Well after the many countdowns, Ubisoft has finally unveiled the first looks for their first-person shooter entitled XDefiant. Coming to Xbox, Playstation, PC and Stadia (if it is still around by then), Ubisoft hopes that this free-to-play "high octane shooter" will have you begging for more. First looks on the reveal show 4 factions made up of various characters from other Tom Clancy games set in close-quarter combat. There are the Wolves, Outcasts, Cleaners and Echelon factions while the maps are all iconic locations that you will mostly recognise. Ubisoft plans to unveil further "Defiants" as they continue. Checkout Ubisoft's screenshots below: With teams of upto 6 players by the looks of the reveal, you get to mix and match your traits, abilities as well as select you...

5Jul

By JasonNo Comments

PC Reviews

Red Solstice 2: Survivors Review

Fresh from the loins of devs Ironward Games and published by 505 Games, Red Solstice 2: Survivors is one heck of a futuristic blood bath! Falling into the real-time top-down tactical genre there is a real feel for this sequel of a mash between Diablo and Xcom 2. The number of times I died I really want to add Cannon Fodder to that list. Red Solstice 2: Survivors - Real-Time XCOM I couldn't wait to see how this game played having heard a few good things from fellow writers. Time to blast some zombie mutant aliens! If you like what you see, remember to give us a like, share and follow so that you don't miss out on all things TC! Gameplay The year is 117 AE (After Earth). With a virus threatening to end mankind (sounding familiar?) it is down to you and your squad to fight mutants...

Win Your Very Own Noblechairs Gaming Chair!

2Jul

By JasonNo Comments

News & Updates

Win Your Very Own Noblechairs Gaming Chair!

Does your gaming chair look tired? Do you fancy something different to relax into as you unwind? Well, we might have just the thing for you! Yes, you can be the proud owner of a noblechairs Hero ST Limited Edition gaming chair! This is certainly our biggest ever giveaway to date! "This special edition has a skin-friendly fabric cover, which means users can rest assured that their new Gaming Chair is free of any harmful substances. Not only that, but as the next-gen HERO chair it is of course extremely comfortable, ideal for long gaming sessions." noblechairs. Main Features: Skin-friendly fabric cover New innovative design Stylish yet subtle anthracite colour Adjustable lumbar support for the lower back 4D armrests with cushioning for added comfort Designed for users up to 150...

29Jun

By JasonNo Comments

VR Reviews

Smash Drums VR Review

Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, it's Smash Drums time! The Oculus Quest 2 has come on with leaps and bounds as developers around the world get their VR mojo on! Thanks to devs PotamWorks SAS, Smash Drums is a prime example of the fun that can be had! Feel the awesomeness of Smash Drums! Fancy yourself as the next Phil Collins or Travis Barker? Keep on reading to see if this virtual drumming game is your next purchase! If you enjoy my review make sure to leave me a comment. Also check out the rest of the TC site! Hell, even join our Discord server :) Gameplay A while back I had the demo of Smash Drums installed via sidequest as the game was originally only available via this method. Thankfully due to the recent launch of App Lab on the Oculus, developers now have an ...

Police Simulator: Patrol Officers Preview

21Jun

By Jason1 Comment

PC Reviews, Previews & Early Access

Police Simulator: Patrol Officers Preview

Ever fancied being the next Jake Peralta shouting "Nine-Nine!" or perhaps you want people to "Respect my authoritah!"? Well, you are in luck as thanks to developers Aesir Interactive you can now have that experience with the all-new Police Simulator: Patrol Officers. Yippee Ki Yay Mother Buckets! Out now in Early Access on Steam, come and join me as a play in the day in the lift of a patrol officer in the fictional American city of Brighton! Gameplay My very first impression of Police Simulator: Patrol Officers was that this could be a very mundane sim and get boring very quickly. Let's face it, nobody likes people that give out parking tickets and that's where we begin! Selecting from eight female and male officers you begin by picking out the character that you want to use f...

9Jun

By JasonNo Comments

PC Reviews, Previews & Early Access

The Hand of Merlin Preview

Knights, archers and wizards circle around for I, Jas of House Thumb Culture, have been recently spending my time on turn-based rogue-lite RPG The Hand of Merlin. Currently available on Steam in early access, The Hand of Merlin is developed by Croatian-based Room-C Games and Croteam. Although loosely based around the Arthurian legend, this is certainly a game with a slight twist! The Hand of Merlin - Arise and arise a lot more! Can you make the treacherous journey with the holy grail or will you be killed by the local yobs or alien monsters? Yes, you heard me correctly! Game on! Gameplay When I first had the opportunity to review The Hand of Merlin, the first thought that I had was of commanding a gallant King Arthur and his comrades X-com style across an olde world land. Litt...

19May

By JasonNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Anker Webcam PowerConf C300 Review

For many of you, this pandemic has probably altered the way you work forever. My job has become a mixture of onsite and working from home. This has led to my gaming pc also becoming a workstation. With the uplift in the usage of video conference calls via apps such as Zoom and Teams as well as the fun that can be had streaming games in your downtime, investing in a decent webcam is paramount. Enter the Anker Webcam PowerConf C300! Perched on top of my monitor via a very adjustable mount the C300 webcam was not going to be falling down the back of the screen anytime soon thanks to its huge stability. For people that prefer tripod or boom arm setups, you will be pleased to know that the C300 also allows for a 1/4 inch screw point. Boasting a full 1080p HD resolution complete wit...

11May

By JasonNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Hood: Outlaws & Legends Review

Have you ever wanted to feel the rush of being Robin Hood and taking on the Sheriff of Nottingham? Well, wonder no more as you can in freshly released Hood: Outlaws & Legends! Developed by Sumo Newcastle and published by Focus Home Interactive, the game is available across Playstation, Xbox and PC complete with next-gen versions and cross-play. For the purpose of this review I have played on the PS5. Hood: Outlaws & Legends - A Medieval Bloodbath So who wants to join my band of merry men and take on the state? It's time to steal from the rich and give to the poor! Gameplay Hood: Outlaws & Legends is an online 4 player co-op game that also features both PvP and PvE warfare. Each match is known as a "Heist" and it begins with your team and an enemy team attempting to ...

6May

By JasonNo Comments

PC Reviews, VR Reviews

Maskmaker Review – Somebody Stop Me!

Imagine if there was a game that let you experience the thrill of donning a magical mask similar to Stanley Ipkiss! Well, thanks to French devs Innerspace VR you now can in Maskmaker. Published by MWM Interactive this VR game really is something else! Maskmaker P.A.R.T Why? Cos I gotta! VR is forever becoming more groundbreaking. Read on to see what I thought Maskmaker and make sure to send us your comments if you have had a chance to play it! Gameplay In a nutshell, Maskmaker is a VR puzzle adventure game. The game is available on PSVR, Oculus, SteamVR, and Viveport. I played via SteamVR using the virtual desktop to my Oculus Quest 2. Beginning as an apprentice in a small mask shop your quest starts here. The movement controls are typical for a VR game and allow both tele...