Olivia Houlton, Author at Thumb Culture

24Sep

By Olivia HoultonNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

NHL 27 Deluxe Edition – PS5 Review

From developers EA Vancouver, NHL 27 is the newest addition to this well-established series. Whilst I am the type of player who enjoys sports games, growing up in England means that I am not exposed to the likes of American Football and Hockey. However, because I am just a simple girl, TV shows such as Heated Riverly and Off Campus have introduced me to the world of hockey. Therefore, when NHL 27 was released, I wanted to experience playing hockey myself (within reason). Skating on thin ice Having been released on 11/09/2026, NHL 27 is available to buy now on both PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Whilst I was extremely lucky to be given the Deluxe Edition (which comes in at a whopping £99.99), the Standard Edition is currently available for £69.99. As stated above, NHL 27 is my first hockey ...

1Sep

By Olivia HoultonNo Comments

PC Reviews

Emergency Room Simulator – PC Review

When a new simulator game is released, I’m like a moth to a flame. This is no different with the recent release of Emergency Room Simulator. Developed by Caipirinha Games and published by Aerosoft, both of which are no strangers to simulator games. Emergency Room Simulator thrusts you into the chaotic role of an ER doctor. Emergency Room Simulator is available to buy now on Steam for £22.49. Welcome to the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital Now, I must tell you that my only experience with medicine or being a doctor comes from religiously watching Grey’s Anatomy. But I’ll try my best to see how realistic it is! Gameplay Emergency Room Simulator focuses on medical investigation rather than focusing solely on treatment. Like in real life, your patient care begins with the paramedics' or nu...

Emergency Call: The Fire Fighting Simulation 3 – PC Preview

28Aug

By Olivia HoultonNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

Emergency Call: The Fire Fighting Simulation 3 – PC Preview

Emergency Call: The Fire Fighting Simulation 3 is the newest instalment in the Fire Fighting Simulation series. Developed by Crenetic GmbH Studios and published by Aresoft GmbH, building on the foundations of its predecessors. This shouldn't be too hard, especially when you see Aresoft GmbH's catalogue in the simulation genre. Welcome, firefighter! Having been released in early access, this will be a preview of the game rather than a review. Crenetic GmbH plans for Emergency Call: The Fire Fighting Simulation 3 to be in early access for approximately 12 months. Using player feedback, they will continue to make changes where it matters, ensuring they listen to their player base. How well does the game play so far? Let's check it out! Gameplay After naming your player with the most G...

Forensics: Crime Scene Detective – PC Review

23Jul

By Olivia HoultonNo Comments

PC Reviews

Forensics: Crime Scene Detective – PC Review

Have you ever wanted to become a forensic specialist within the Police? Well, with the release of Forensics: Crime Scene Detective, you now have the chance. Developed by Binary Impact & Alchemical Works and published by Aerosoft GmbH, Crime Scene Detective is available to buy now. If you’re quick, you can buy Crime Scene Detective for £17.99. This 20% discount is available until the 27th of July. After this date, it is £22.49. Gameplay Based on the experience and insights of the State Criminal Police Office Rhineland-Palatinate, you become a forensic specialist in this realistic simulator. Investigate crime scenes, collect evidence, and identify perpetrators. Your work is purely based on fact, with several methods at your disposal. Beginning at your desk, you are handed a case...

28May

By Olivia HoultonNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

Better Than Dead – PC Preview

Kill your captors, rescue the others, and record every second of your revenge in Better Than Dead, the new release from developer Monte Gallo. With help from developer MicroProse Software, Better Than Dead delivers a brutal, bodycam-style first-person shooter. Revenge is a dish best served cold Better Than Dead is now available in Early Access. Monte Gallo has released the game in Early Access so that Better Than Dead will benefit from player feedback. The game is fully playable with 14 levels, with the plan to be in Early Access for approximately 6-12 months. How does Better Than Dead play so far? Let's find out. Gamplay Set in a world inspired by Hong Kong, Better Than Dead delivers a raw and brutal revenge story. A kill list and a gun are all you need, with there being no r...

14May

By Olivia HoultonNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

MOTOGP 26 – PS5 REVIEW

Lights out and away we go! MOTOGP 26 is the newest instalment in the well-established MOTOGP series. Developed and published by Milestone S.r.l., it aims to bring 'A new generation of riding physics'. You can buy this latest addition on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC now for between £50 and £ 60. How different is MOTOGP 26 from its predecessor? Let's take a look together. Gameplay I have played the MOTOGP games since 2013, with a current goal being to 100% all years from 2013 onwards. Therefore, I have seen a variety of changes that have been implemented throughout these years. There have been changes that have been both good and bad, so it will be interesting to see how 26 is different from its predecessors. The game mode I have put the most hours into is the career mode. I...

Cooking Simulator 2: Better Together – PC Review

10Apr

By Olivia HoultonNo Comments

Gaming For All, PC Reviews

Cooking Simulator 2: Better Together – PC Review

Big Cheese Studio know a thing or two about creating a good cooking simulator game. Building on the 2019 release of Cooking Simulator, Cooking Simulator 2 looks to build on the foundations set by its predecessor. Cooking Simulator 2 is available now to buy on Steam for £21.99. However, if you buy before the 14th of April, you will get an introductory offer of 15% off! How different is Cooking Simulator 2 from the original Cooking Simulator? Let's take a look! Gameplay Beginning in a small yet promising restaurant, Cooking Simulator 2 goes beyond just cooking. It expands to include all the trials and tribulations of owning your own restaurant. It includes buying stock, preparation, cooking, presentation, and finally serving. There is certainly plenty to explore, so let's get into it! ...

3Mar

By Olivia HoultonNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

EarFun Air Pro 4i Review

Finding good-quality but affordable earbuds has always been a challenge. There is a vast market of earbuds, and it is hard to know which ones are worth their money. The EarFun Air Pro 4i offer a new option within this market. It is the newer, slightly cheaper version of the EarFun Air Pro 4 that was released in 2024. At £49.99, is it an affordable, good-quality option? Is it really fun for your ears? Having suffered with the same earbuds for several years, I jumped at the opportunity to review the EarFun Air Pro 4i. Will these become a staple in your ears? Let's dive in and see why these are a great, affordable option. Design & Features The EarFun Air Pro 4i is a stem design, opposed to a bud. The silicon tips allow for a comfortable but secure fit. This is further amplified by the...

24Nov

By Olivia HoultonNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

Superhero Simulator – PC Preview

Superhero Simulator is a single-player simulation game that has entered early access, brought to you by developer and publisher mightyracoon! Studios, you are given the opportunity to become the hero that Goldpine City needs. Do you have what it takes to become a superhero? Is it a bird, is it a plane? Being an avid fan of Marvel, I jumped at the opportunity to play Superhero Simulator. While it doesn’t have the backing of the likes of Insomniac’s Spider-Man series, it could be a great addition to the superhero genre of games. While I will be talking about the positives and negatives of the game, it must be remembered that this game is in early access. I am reviewing the game based on what is there currently. However, the mightyracoon! Studios have a clear plan for their development, ...

22Nov

By Olivia HoultonNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Contraband Police – PS5 Review

Contraband Police is a first-person simulation game developed by Crazy Rocks, a small indie team from Poland. Transported back to 1981, it is your job to stop smuggling, corruption, and forgery. Contraband Police is available now on the PlayStation Store for £24.99. Ready for duty? Using my real-life skills as a Police Detective, will I be able to become the best border guard inspector the Acarist People's Republic has ever seen? Join me to find out & let me know how you've fared! Gameplay In Contraband Police, you are a young trainee officer assigned to work a border post in the mountain region of Karitkatka. The year is 1981, with entry into the Acarist People's Republic being strictly regulated. Every move is monitored. In this new post, it is your job to ensure that entry i...