Stuart, Author at Thumb Culture

14Oct

By StuartNo Comments

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...

11Oct

By StuartNo Comments

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...

11Oct

By StuartNo Comments

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...

10Oct

By StuartNo Comments

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

9Oct

By StuartNo Comments

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...

7Oct

By StuartNo Comments

News & Updates

Gaucho Coming in 2025!

Gaucho and the Grassland from Epopeia Games is heading to PC in February 2025. With a console release coming later, you can get your hands on a Steam Demo in November. Gaucho or Gaucha? Playing at Gaucho, you get to learn everything from the basics to crafting your own tools to help expand your farm. That's not all though, you will be able to explore nature. Go hunting for materials, or just buy them from a local vendor, it's entirely up to you. Using your helpful horse and faithful dog you will unlock and explore many different biomes, both at different times and in various weather conditions. You can help out local residents to increase your charisma, helping to unlock new paths and resources to continue to evolve your farm. There are also some supernatural encounters where you ...

PDP Release the Afterglow Wave Wireless Controller for Switch

7Oct

By StuartNo Comments

News & Updates

PDP Release the Afterglow Wave Wireless Controller for Switch

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation, and Performance Designed Products LLC (PDP) today announced the launch of the Afterglow Wave Wireless Controller with Motion for the Nintendo Switch system. Colour me Intrigued The new wireless controllers join the rest of the Afterglow Wave product family allowing Nintendo Switch owners to experience RGB lighting. Four new Afterglow Wave Wireless controllers in either black, white, purple or blue are coming in at a reasonable £49.99. A wired variant will be released at the end of October at half the price. Nintendo officially licenses the controllers which are compatible with all consoles in the Nintendo Switch family. With eight customisation RGB zones with four pre-set lighting modes. The Afternoon Wave will be a great ...

4Oct

By StuartNo Comments

VR Reviews

Starship Home – Quest 3 Review

Ever had dreams about your front room being a starship and journeying around space? Well, developer and publisher Creature have aimed to achieve just that. In Starship Home you set out on an expedition to discover new plants and maybe just maybe, restore balance to the universe. Sounds good right? InterPLANTary Journey Released on Quest 3, this mixed-reality game really sets the bar for what is possible. Now read on to find out just what happened when a little box got delivered to the middle of my front room. Gameplay Starting up the game you are launched straight into mixed reality and heading through the setup process. If you haven't set up your room space yet, now is the opportunity. I urge you to take your time and create the space as accurately as possible. Take extra care to add ...

3Oct

By StuartNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Funko Fusion – PS5 Review

If you have never heard of Funko, then you must have been hiding under a rock. Funko are the brand responsible for bringing to life your favourite franchises, but in vinyl figure form. The lovable big heads on small bodies are great to have on the shelf, and more recently in your gaming library. Funko Fusion is the creation of 1010 Games which both developed and published the game. Everyone is a fan of something This review is purposefully vague, there is so much to find and discover during your playtime with Funko Fusion that it would be wrong of me to give away too much! Enjoy! Gameplay Aside from all the cool collaborations and fan favourites, you may be wondering what exactly Funko Fusion is about. It all boils down to the game’s villain. Eddy. Eddy is everything that Freddy Funko ...

1Oct

By StuartNo Comments

VR Reviews

The Mixologist – Quest 3 Review

Ever fancied yourself a bartender? Well now is your chance with The Mixologist! Developed and published by Flat Hill Games, The Mixologist aims to deliver a real life experience for maximum VR immersion. What'll It Be? Whether playing in co-op with your friends or forging your own career, does The Mixologist deliver on its potential? Let's find out. Gameplay The gameplay loop to The Mixologist is very straightforward. You start a shift at a bar, make some drinks to earn some cash, and then the shift ends. In principle. Obviously nothing is ever as straightforward as it sounds. Starting the game you are given a brief tutorial by a gentleman behind the bar. After pouring a few drinks and following some instructions, you soon find yourself holding the keys to the place. From there on o...