Author: Stuart

Been playing games since I can remember, from spectrum all the to current consoles. Always been interested in video game news and recently got the opportunity to head up a great team of eager people. I’m generally a man of many words but I try and be succinct and to the point in everything I write.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – Switch Review
Switch Reviews

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – Switch Review

Here at Thumb Culture, we covered the news of the launch of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom last month. Since then I've been taking my time with the game to make sure I give it a fair review. Why? Well, because I am not a Legend of Zelda fan. Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Link's Awakening back in 1993 on my Gameboy, but I haven't really touched a Zelda game since. No time like the present I guess! Here Come The Girls You can buy a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom right now on the Nintendo Store. Simple, you don't even need Navi to guide you! Gameplay As mentioned above, I've never been a massive Legend of Zelda fan, I've always dipped my toe in and tried the games just in case my feelings changed. Well, I can honestly say that after playing Echoes of Wisdom, I...
Edifier HECATE G5BT Headset Review
Hardware & Tech

Edifier HECATE G5BT Headset Review

First released in 2022, the Edifier HECATE G5BT wireless gaming headset are still some of the best selling Edifier gaming headsets available. The Thumb Culture team are no strangers to reviewing Edifier products, just check out this list, and so when Edifier once again landed in our inbox offering another headset to check out, of course the answer was yes. With a price point of £120 I was most intrigued to find if this gaming headset stood the test of time. Edifier HECATE G5BT - Gotta Get Yourself Connected! And what better way to get connected than with a headset so you can chat to your friends and game? Design and Control Opening up the box the Edifier HECATE G5BT are made up of a matte black band connected to two leather-effect plush-padded ear cups. To break up the matte look a...
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’s Post-Launch Overview
News & Updates

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’s Post-Launch Overview

One of the biggest Warhammer 40,000 games ever is getting bigger! After storming to millions of players, Space Marine 2’s post-launch offerings begin soon with new maps, modes, and cosmetics. Get a glimpse of what’s coming in the newest trailer below, focusing on the upcoming new Lethal Difficulty and new PvE operation: Termination, where you will face off against the largest threat the Tyranid swarm has to offer, the Hierophant Bio-Titan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aTR-9RYPu0 Free and Premium Content Coming Soon The first major update, featuring Termination and the new Lethal Difficulty mode, is coming for free and for all players very soon. For the rest of this year and throughout 2025, new content will keep coming to Space Marine 2. Free updates include the upcoming Neo-Volki...
Celebrate Classic Gaming In Style
News & Updates

Celebrate Classic Gaming In Style

Thumbs Up! The gift and gadget website has recently launched some incredible goodies. Namely Atari's Iconic Collection. So join us as we check out each one of the six collectables, and don't worry, they aren't all wall art. 80's Nostalgia Here We Come Join me on this short journey of discovery as we unpack the details of each piece of history. Official Atari 3D Wall Art - Cartridge Collection With nine cartridges on show the Cartridge Collection in Atari's Iconic Collection shows off some of the most popular games. Perfect for giving your gaming area a neat talking point for any visitors. The Cartridge Collection is available for £39.99, a link will be placed at the bottom of this article. Official Atari 3D Wall Art - Pong Collection If you have ever played Pong then you are o...
Maestro – Quest 3 Review
VR Reviews

Maestro – Quest 3 Review

Have you ever been sitting at the opera and always wanted to have a go at the stick? Well now is your chance, developed by Double Jack and VR label Creature bring you Maestro. After a hugely successful free demo, the full-length game will be released on the Quest 2, 3, 3s and Pro on October 17th, with SteamVR releasing on October 22nd. Musicality at its finest. So just what does that guy at the front of the orchestra do exactly? Well read on and you might just find out! Gameplay Maestro is, in essence, a rhythm game with a few differences. I won't tell you what they are yet, but stick around for the rest of the review, and all will become clear. When you start up for the first time, you are introduced to the game very gently. It is a nice, neat tutorial that takes you through the co...
GameSir Launches The Tarantula Pro
News & Updates

GameSir Launches The Tarantula Pro

GameSir, the world-renowned brand in the gaming peripheral market have released the Tarantula Pro. Don't worry, this latest controller doesn't bite, but what it does do is pack an impressive punch in the features department. GameSir Weaves A Web The Tarantula Pro features a myriad of features that personally I love to see on a controller. Standing out with its unique design and lightning-fast response times. It's the ideal controller for gamers who want to stand out from the crowd. Compatible with the Switch, iOS, Android, PC and Steam, there is plenty of opportunity to get to grips with your Tarantula Pro. Flipping from PC to Switch also brings in a neat feature that I've never seen before. A face button gear mechanism rotates the face buttons so that they are all in the right alignm...
Europa – PC Review
PC Reviews

Europa – PC Review

Fancy something a bit more peaceful? Fancy a game where the focus is on exploration and meditation? Well, Europa might be exactly what you are looking for. This is the creation of a small team led by the former Overwatch and Diablo3 Art Director, Helder Pinto. Then published by Future Friends Games Europa attempts to go against the grain and give you a more chilled experience. Chilled, Peaceful, Exploration So let's dive into this peaceful game of adventure. Join us on this journey. Gameplay I will start off by saying, the game is only around 4 hours long, Don't let that detract you from continuing your reading though, as it packs a lot into a small game. All in all Europa is an incredible game with simplistic controls, which leaves a smile on your face. Europa has a very touching s...
LEGO Fortnite Peely Bone Set Review
Features, LEGO

LEGO Fortnite Peely Bone Set Review

Back in July, we covered the exciting news that LEGO and Fortnite were bringing their collab outside of the virtual world and into the hands of brick lovers everywhere. As an avid Fortnite player and LEGO collector these sets made my little gamer's heart jump for joy. At least that's what I'm telling myself that's what those palpitations were. One set in particular immediately went on our must-have list. Ok, ok, one set in particular went to the top of our must-have list. This was of course the LEGO Fortnite Peely Bone set. And thanks to our friends over at LEGO we got our hands on it early! Fortnite (backstory) build mode If you're reading this, we're going to assume that you know who Peely Bone is. Just in case you don't, and you're here simply because you think this LEGO set looks coo...
Exploding Kittens VR – Quest 3 Review
VR Reviews

Exploding Kittens VR – Quest 3 Review

If you haven't heard of Exploding Kittens then where have you been hiding? Not only is it a popular physical card game but also a Netflix series. It is now, thanks to Asmodee Entertainment and Saber Interactive, a video game. I present to you Exploding Kittens VR! I know what an unexpected name. Released on the Meta store for Quest 3, Quest Pro as well as the Quest 2 you can take on friends, foe and AI in this heart stopping chaotic card game where the main aim is to blow up your friends. WARNING: HIGH LEVELS OF EXPLOSIVI-KITTY As someone who loves it when card games make the jump to VR I was super excited to play Exploding Kittens VR. So let's dive into the virtual world and see the experience. Gameplay The gameplay loop is quite straightforward in Exploding Kittens VR; Don't Blow Up!...
Ari Buktu and the Anytime Elevator – PC Preview
Previews & Early Access

Ari Buktu and the Anytime Elevator – PC Preview

When you get asked if you want to check out an upcoming 2.5D being developed by a former Disney Imagineer, I mean you have to say yes right? That's exactly what happened with Ari Buktu and the Anytime Elevator when an opportunity to check out it's Steam Next Fest demo early came across my desk. A Magical Ride Developed by Adventure Works, with one of the lead designers of the Millenium Falcon ride bringing cinematic moments, this 5 person team are trying to bring a fully voice-acted game that screams of nostalgia straight to you. But how are they doing so far? Lets find out! Gameplay Before we get into it, I want to make it really clear this is simply a preview of Ari Buktu and the Anytime Elevator. A wonderful fun preview nonetheless. This preview demo was purely the introduction to t...