Stuart, Author at Thumb Culture

15May

By StuartNo Comments

Edifier QD35 Speaker Review

When the PR for Edifier reached out and asked if we wanted to check out the QD35. I thought to myself, why would we want to check out a desktop speaker that was released back in 2023. That was until I checked it out on their website. I was left awestruck, a beauty of engineering, with a pretty decent spec sheet to boot. So I said yes, and within a few days, I was banging out tunes using the Edifier QD35 Speaker. The Lights Are On... Design As you can see, the design of the Edifier QD35 is certainly unique, with its futuristic-looking inlay, featuring a 3" mid-bass driver and a 1" tweeter. It looks the part on any desk, table, or even the floor. Flip the speaker around, and you are greeted with a number of ports. The standard charging port is there, however you also have an Aux port...

14May

By StuartNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Teevolution Terra Gaming Mouse Review

Recently, we got contacted by a new company, Teevolution, asking if we wanted to check out their new ergonomic gaming mouse. Obviously, as we are all fans of new tech here at Thumb Culture, we jumped at the opportunity. Fast forward a short period of time and we got our hands on the Teevolution Terra. A brand new gaming mouse, combining an ergonomic design, lightweight feel and cutting-edge precision. Or at least that's what all the buzzwords said. Here Comes A New Challenger! So, before we dive into the new mouse and what it brings to the market, let's take a little look at just who Teevolution are. Initially they launched a few years ago under Fantech, however, there were issues with the branding and the identity. They admitted their failures and went back to the drawing board. They ma...

2May

By StuartNo Comments

PC Reviews

Spreadcheat – PC Review

Working for a big national company, I get stuck into my fair share of spreadsheets. And I'm not even mad about it. Because I, Stuart, Co-Editor In Chief of Thumb Culture, love a good spreadsheet. So when we were approached to cover this completely different game, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. Spreadcheat by Games People Play and Rubarb is a puzzle game like no other. Although it's not releasing until the 5th May, so you'll need to add it your Steam Wishlist for now! Spread The Wealth This is not a long game and so this review is going to be a short. I'll tell you that straight away. But that doesn't mean this isn't the perfect formula for a fun little game. So sit back and let's head back in time to the 1990s. Gameplay Let's set the Spreadcheat scene. You're the new kid on c...

Rival Stars Horse Racing: VR Edition – Quest 3 Review

30Apr

By StuartNo Comments

VR Reviews

Rival Stars Horse Racing: VR Edition – Quest 3 Review

Rival Stars Horse Racing: VR Edition aims to recreate the thrills of the track. Developed by PikPok, this immersive simulation lets you live your dreams of becoming an equestrian champion right in your own home. It's available on the Meta Store for £16. Now, whilst I can appreciate the odd horse race now and again, I came into this review with an open mind. Yay or Neigh! How is this game going to line up against other simulation games? Is it going to run its course quickly? Let's find out as we await the starters orders. Gameplay So, firing up the game, you are greeted by a phone call from your “Mean Boss”. After a few minutes, you are then released into the main game. Follow a few prompts to get you to your first horse, and the dream is made a reality. You now have your very own horse...

25Apr

By StuartNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

Darkwater – PC Preview

Recently released in early access on the PC, Darkwater aims to deliver something new to what some may call an overcrowded survival genre. Targon Studios has opted to take some of the best features of a number of similar games, jiggle them all into a nice pie, then bake it for 20 minutes at 180 degrees. With the hope that a nice pudding comes out. Were they successful? To find out I assembled some other members of the Thumb Culture team to hold my hand fill all the crew spots. Watch Out For The Darkness So, are you a fan of this genre? The Steam page lists a number of genres, action, adventure, casual, indie, RPG and strategy all feature. How would you describe Darkwater? Let us know, once you've read the review of course. Gameplay Starting up the game for the first time, you are asked ...

25Apr

By StuartNo Comments

VR Reviews

Beatable – Quest 3 Review

You may have heard of XR Games. You may even be familiar with their work—Zombieland VR: Headshot Fever, Jurassic World Aftermath, even ForeVR Cornhole to name a few. Now, however, they venture into rhythm games with Beatable. Released on the Quest at the start of April, we were lucky enough to get some hands-on time. Literally. Un-BEATABLE Put down your controllers, get those hands warmed up, it's time to start tapping your desk! Although please remember to be considerate of your neighbours. This game gets rowdy. Gameplay When you first fire up Beatable you get the option to play through a very brief tutorial. It's worth it. The game isn't rich in depth when it comes to what you need to do, but does have a massive learning curve. Thankfully, tapping on the desk is something I do regula...

24Apr

By StuartNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

RIG 900 MAX HS Headset Review

The RIG Headset range from Nacon has always been about pushing boundaries. That is exactly what they are trying to do with the RIG 900 MAX HS headset. We were lucky enough to be sent a set to try out. So we unboxed it, fired up the headset, and away we went. Big RIG So, what do you look for in a headset? Is comfort the most important factor, or do you prefer to have deep, rich bass notes? Well, we will try to let you know just what makes the RIG 900 MAX HS worth your time. Design The RIG 900 MAX HS features the same aesthetic as the majority of the RIG headset line-up. A minimalist but futuristic headband featuring cut-out sections. As well as the lift-to-mute microphone. It looks like something out of Minority Report. Coming in a black colourway, the headset features a nice, comfortab...

17Apr

By Stuart1 Comment

Hardware & Tech

Thrustmaster Sol-R 2 Hosas Duo Review

Thrustmaster has been releasing flight sticks since its first launch in 1991. And as each year passes, the sticks got better and better. With some absolutely heavy-hitting sticks, such as the Warthog and the Viper, it was only a matter of time until space exploration was at the forefront. With the Sol-R you get exactly that. A stick specifically designed with space in mind. Let's see what it's all about, then, shall we! Space, But Not As You Know It Now, don't get me wrong, it isn't a cheap setup, retailing at £299.99 for the duo, or £159.99 for a solo stick. At this price point you are going to have to be an avid flight sim or space sim gamer. It's an investment, though, right? Getting a decent flight stick is the same as spending money on a brilliant GPU. Invest in your setup and it wi...

16Apr

By StuartNo Comments

VR Reviews

Mythic Realms – Quest 3 Review

Developed and published in partnership with Meta Oculus Publishing, Mythic Realms aims to bridge the gap between a full VR experience and a Mixed Reality world. Released in mid-March, the game scratches the itch of gamers wanting to experience a D&D-esque experience. Does it deliver? Let's find out. Roll For Initiative There are a lot of games out there on the Quest platform. What makes Mythic Realms worth your money? Gameplay Starting up the game, you step into the boots of your hero. Getting ready to play out an epic adventure of mythical proportions. You journey to new realms, choosing your own path as you try to build up your own town. Using a portal, you head into the mixed reality world to battle skeletons, dragons, and other enemies. It isn't all about killing enemies, th...

Train Sim World 5 DLC – Expanding Tracks

13Apr

By StuartNo Comments

PC Reviews

Train Sim World 5 DLC – Expanding Tracks

Train Sim World 5 is constantly getting new DLC packs added. Just take a look at all the ones I've reviewed! Improving the amount of track that you can cover. All while giving you more trains to drive. In this article, we're going to take a look at a couple of the latest packs to let you know just how this amazingly immersive game is expanding. Track Your Success Now I'm not a train spotter, but working on the railway for the last 15 years gives me an appreciation for these incredible machines. So let's check out our first pack in the Train Sim World 5 DLC. Cardiff City Network - 18th March 2025 Starting off in South Wales, you embark on Cardiff's city network, which features over 20 stations, each accurately modelled. These include stations such as Radyr, Coryton, Penarth, and Cardiff...