Stuart, Author at Thumb Culture

26May

By StuartNo Comments

Fantech Tanto S Mouse Review

I'm going to start this review with this: yes, we got hold of a pink mouse. The great people over at Fantech got back in touch and offered us their new mouse, the Fantech Tanto S. Another day, but not just another mouse! With new peripherals like this come new responsibilities. That's the line, isn't it? Until recently, we hadn't heard much about the Fantech product line, but I am glad they dropped into our inbox. They are a brand that brings affordable, but decent-quality peripherals to you. So, just what does that mean for this new mouse? Shall we move on and find out? Design You could be mistaken in thinking that this is just another generic mouse. Whilst it may look like that, with its ambidextrous design, it really isn't generic. Featuring a standard button layout, with two button...

21May

By StuartNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

THRUSTMASTER HEART Controller Review

It's never a dull moment at TCHQ, and when we were asked to check out the new Thrustmaster HEART Controller, we jumped at the chance. Released back in November 2024, it brings some new technology into a smaller factor. Well, not only smaller, but cheaper as well. Retailing at around £90, depending on where you get it from, you get a decent bit of kit for your money. I'm going to dissect it and try to give you a bit more understanding on just what all these acronyms mean. H.E.A.R.T and Soul With a lot of experience in controllers and bringing new tech to the market. Thrustmaster keeps banging out great pieces of hardware, so let's hope this one follows the same vein... Design Ok, I'm going to address the elephant in the room. What exactly is H.E.A.R.T? No, it isn't the latest pop single...

20May

By StuartNo Comments

PC Reviews, Retro Reviews

Farming Simulator 16-Bit – PC Review

Now we all know that Farming Simulator games have been around for a long time. Now it's time for a new entry to the franchise, and whilst you've already guessed, just pretend you didn't know. We have gone old school, with Farming Simulator 16-bit Edition! Giants Software has released an absolutely iconic-looking game for new and old hardware. Featuring a limited run of a physical Sega Mega Drive cartridge, which, unfortunately, at the time of writing, was sold out. As well as the PC download if you want to give it a little play through on your computer. Farming, but not as we know it! I'm a big fan of the franchise and have spent many hours playing the fully fledged versions of the game both with friends and on my lonesome. Would the 16bit retro version keep me as occupied? It's time to ...

19May

By StuartNo Comments

PC Reviews

RoadCraft – PC Review

Ok, I'm going to lay it out straight away. Saber Interactive have done it again! They have created another absolute corker. Now if you think I've gone a little bit crazy, I can promise you I haven't. Saber Interactive, the wonderful people behind Mudrunner, Snowrunner and a whole host of other great video games. Bring to the world RoadCraft. Now, if you haven't seen the latest trailer, I'm going to do things slightly differently in this article. So watch the trailer and then I'll get on with the rest of this review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxMrSU9Czcc Chills right? You tell me that you have never played with a construction vehicle before, wishing it were real. Wait, I'm getting ahead of myself, we really should get back to the normal flow of our articles... Now what's next...

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – PS5 Review

16May

By StuartNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – PS5 Review

Released back in December last year on the Xbox and the PC, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has made its way to the PlayStation. Developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda, we join Indy somewhere between the Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. It's Whip-Cracking Time So, without further ado, let's head out into a brand new adventure for the intrepid explorer. Gameplay Picture the scene, the year is 1937, and a sinister force is searching the globe trying to find the secret to an ancient power. It's all linked to the Great Circle, as you might have guessed from the title of the game. The game is played out for the most part in first-person, however, there are a few instances where you get a third-person view. Proving that Indiana is well-represented at all times. ...

15May

By StuartNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

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 ...