REVIEW: Hot Rod Mayhem (2025 Video Game)

Review by Jon Donnis

Hot Rod Mayhem from Casual Brothers Ltd. brings lively racing action to Xbox, offering a colourful and lighthearted experience that is easy to jump into. It is a fun title aimed mainly at younger players or those looking for a laid-back racing game.

The game lets players race against tiny troublemakers across dozens of imaginative courses. Two modes are available, Racing and Campaign, each providing plenty of opportunities for chaotic fun. Campaign Mode stands out by challenging players to unlock and complete 10 unique championships, each beginning with a distinctive trial before moving on to full races.

Customization is a key feature, allowing players to pick helmets, outfits, faces, and colors to build an outrageous racing character. Vehicle choice is another highlight, with 15 different hot rods, such as the Blazing Bullet and Crimson Cruiser, each offering unique stats to suit different playstyles.

Races are spiced up with various collectible weapons, including Homing Darts to target leaders, Marbles to disrupt nearby racers, and sneaky Discs that slow down opponents. Defensive tools like the Shield and speed boosts add an extra layer of strategy. Special trial events also bring variety, featuring hoop jumps, electric orb dodges, and high-speed sprints that test both skill and creativity.

The track design in Hot Rod Mayhem is vibrant and playful, with settings like Snow Summit, Cyber City, and Mariachi Mile. Each course can be played in forward, mirrored, reversed, and twisted versions, keeping the action fresh and unpredictable. A nice visual touch is the miniature scale of the racing world, where everyday human environments seem enormous from the driver's tiny perspective.

In terms of presentation, the graphics are bright and detailed, and the controls feel natural and responsive, making the vehicles fun to handle. However, despite these positives, the gameplay pace sometimes feels a little slow, especially for players familiar with faster arcade racers. Additionally, the weapons and race structure, while enjoyable, do not bring much innovation to the genre. Inevitably, comparisons to bigger names like Mario Kart will arise, and Hot Rod Mayhem struggles to match that level of excitement and polish.

Despite its shortcomings, Hot Rod Mayhem succeeds as a colourful, easygoing racer suitable for a younger audience. It may not offer much challenge to experienced gamers, but it provides enough variety and charm to keep players entertained for a good while.

Score: 7 out of 10

Out Now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/hot-rod-mayhem/9p5twzn4g3fb

REVIEW: Razer Kishi V2 Pro Gaming Controller Accessory

Review by Jon Donnis

The Razer Kishi V2 Pro turns your smartphone into something much more than a basic gaming device. It gives your phone the feel and function of a handheld console, and after spending time with it using my POCO M7 Pro, I can safely say it's a piece of kit that truly elevates mobile gaming. Whether you're into native Android games or full PC and console-style experiences via streaming, this controller has you covered.

Razer Kishi V2 Pro Starting from £66.99 - Razer.com

From the moment you clip your phone into the Kishi V2 Pro's retractable frame, you can feel the quality. I used my POCO M7 Pro that I recently reviewed, It fit securely, thanks to its flexible but solid design, and the tactile buttons, responsive triggers, and smooth analog sticks all combine to give you the kind of experience you'd expect from a premium gaming controller. It connects directly via USB-C, so there's no Bluetooth delay or input lag. Everything just works, fast and fluid. I've tested a few mobile controllers before, and most of them felt like compromises. The Kishi V2 Pro doesn't.

One of the most impressive features is the HyperSense haptics. When playing action-heavy titles, these subtle but powerful vibrations make a difference. It's not just a gimmick, it genuinely adds to the immersion. I tried a range of Android games, including Genshin Impact and Real Racing 3, and they all handled beautifully. The controller helped unlock the full potential of these games, especially compared to frustrating touchscreen controls that tend to cover half the screen and miss half your inputs.

I also tested PC remote game streaming. While I couldn't get the Razer Cortex software to function correctly on my setup, Steam Link worked like a charm. I was able to stream my full PC library to my phone with zero noticeable latency, and the Kishi V2 Pro gave me full control. It felt closer to playing a game on a Switch or a Steam Deck than on a mobile phone. That said, it's worth noting that the streaming experience may vary depending on your PC setup and network.

Beyond Android games and streaming, the Kishi V2 Pro can double up as a regular PC controller. Just plug it in, and you're good to go. That versatility makes it a smart investment for gamers who want one device that does it all. And if you're looking at the newly released POCO F7 Pro (Available at mi.com), there's a bundle available that combines both devices, ideal for those looking to dive into high-end mobile gaming straight away. - https://amzn.to/42HP1AC

The accompanying Razer Nexus app is well-designed and lets you launch and manage your games with ease. It's not bloated and keeps things clean and functional. I just wish the same could be said for the Cortex software, which still needs refinement to offer a smoother streaming setup for users.

In the end, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro is a genuinely impressive piece of hardware. It takes the frustration out of mobile gaming and replaces it with precision, comfort, and control. It's well-built, looks great, and performs like a dream. While the software side still has room for improvement, especially for PC streaming, the core experience is excellent.

If you're serious about mobile gaming and want to ditch the clunky touch controls, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro is one of the best accessories you can get.

I score the Razer Kishi V2 Pro a solid 8.5 out of 10. 

Out now at https://amzn.to/4iCzkko

Thanks to Razer Inc for providing a review unit of the Razer Kishi V2 Pro

REVIEW: Commandos: Origins (2025 RTS Video Game)

Review by Jon Donnis

Commandos: Origins is a return to the gritty roots of real-time tactics, bringing the iconic World War II franchise back into the spotlight with a mix of stealth, strategy, and high-stakes planning. Developed for Xbox with modern sensibilities in mind, the game serves as a prequel that explores how the legendary squad of elite soldiers came together. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer with a curious mind for tactical challenges, Commandos: Origins offers a surprisingly fresh take on a very specific genre.

The game follows the formation of a six-man commando unit, each with their own specialties: the Green Beret, the Sniper, the Spy, the Engineer, the Marine, and the Driver. Missions span multiple continents, from the frosty plains of the Arctic to the desert heat of North Africa, giving players an impressive variety of settings to work through. The campaign includes 14 main missions with numerous optional objectives, and players are rewarded for careful planning and tactical execution rather than brute force.

Gameplay remains deeply strategic, with a strong emphasis on timing and stealth. The real-time tactics system allows for simultaneous actions using a Command Mode that queues up complex orders for different characters. So when you need different soldiers to act at the same, time, you act out each event for each character, and then when ready you basically press go, and sit back and watch as your orders are carried out simultaneously. Each commando has a unique skillset, and success often hinges on using the right character for the right job. For example, the Spy can disguise himself in enemy uniforms, while the Sniper can eliminate threats from a distance. The game rewards patience and foresight, but punishes mistakes harshly, especially on higher difficulties where enemies are much more responsive.

As you play you will learn that you can use buildings, terrain, shadows, and even footprints to outsmart enemy patrols. At night, enemy vision is reduced, which opens up new stealth opportunities, while multi-story buildings allow for more vertical tactics without breaking immersion. Vehicles, stationary guns, and usable objects like medkits and ammo add extra layers to mission planning.

Visually, the game looks sharp and detailed. The isometric 3D environments are well-crafted, with enough detail to feel immersive without cluttering the screen. Voice acting is solid across the board, and while the story isn't groundbreaking, the character interactions and mission briefings are handled with enough flair to keep the experience engaging. The soundtrack is appropriately moody, helping to set the tone for each covert operation.

That said, the game is not without its flaws. The mission design, while mostly strong, does start to feel repetitive during longer play sessions. Certain mechanics, like saving your game, are unnecessarily awkward. On more than one occasion, I found myself reloading a previous save by mistake, simply due to the poorly designed menu interface. Controls are a bit complicated for what is a console game, sometimes you just need things to be simpler. These small frustrations add up over time and can break the flow of gameplay. For example I am forever forgetting how to see the areas that the enemy are looking in, so I know what to avoid.

Commandos: Origins may not reinvent the wheel, but it doesn't need to. What it does is deliver a solid, enjoyable real-time tactics experience that balances nostalgia with thoughtful modern improvements. For someone who doesn't typically gravitate toward RTS games, I found myself enjoying the slower, more deliberate pace, once I realised that that was the best way to play. The co-op mode is a welcome addition, and the game's many approaches to problem-solving give it solid replay value.

Final Score: 7.5 out of 10

If you're looking for a tactical challenge that rewards brains over brawn, Commandos: Origins is a satisfying throwback that earns its stripes even if it doesn't really bring anything new to the genre.

Out Now on Consoles

https://amzn.to/4jauKuI

REVIEW: POCO M7 Pro 5G (12GB+256GB) - A Stylish Powerhouse That Punches Above Its Weight

Review by Jon Donnis

The POCO M7 Pro 5G is one of the most impressive smartphones currently available in the budget-to-midrange segment, in my humble opinion. Powered by the Dimensity 7025-Ultra processor and backed by 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, this device delivers a level of performance that rivals phones in much higher price brackets. With a generous 6.67-inch AMOLED display, dual speakers with Dolby Atmos, and strong camera specs, it offers excellent value for money. I've been using the POCO M7 Pro 5G daily, putting it through its paces with real apps and real-life tasks, not just synthetic benchmarks, and I'm confident in saying this phone deserves serious attention.

Performance and Everyday Use

The performance of the POCO M7 Pro 5G is the first thing that stands out. The Dimensity 7025-Ultra chipset is responsive, fast, and capable of running demanding applications without stutter. Paired with 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM, the phone easily handled multitasking, even with background apps like Sweatcoin and a gaming activity tracker running constantly. These are the kind of real-world scenarios that can slow many mid-range phones down, but not this one. App switching is smooth, there's no lag in normal use, and everything from social media to mobile gaming runs comfortably.

Games load quickly and run well, and with 5G support, online gaming and streaming are fluid. I tested several popular titles with high graphics settings, and the phone never struggled. Thanks to its Memory Extension feature, you also get up to 24GB of usable memory when needed, by borrowing from storage, which is great for future-proofing.

Design and Display

I have the green version of the phone, and it looks fantastic in person. It comes with a protective case included, which fits well and keeps the phone secure, and there's already a screen protector pre-applied. The design is slim at 75.7mm wide and weighs just 190g (215g with the case), with a comfortable curved back that gives the phone a more premium feel than expected. The camera module also looks stylish, with a clean layout and nice detailing. The camera lens do protude slightly, but the case helps protect any scratches with a slight raised area around the lens.

The display is one of the strongest features. The 6.67-inch AMOLED screen delivers a full HD+ resolution (2400x1080) and hits up to 2100 nits of peak brightness, not really sure what that means, but thats what the manual says, but in real terms I can confirm this makes it very usable even outdoors in bright sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate gives smooth scrolling and gaming visuals, and a 2160Hz instant touch sampling rate helps with fast response times during gameplay. Watching videos and playing games on this display is genuinely enjoyable, with vivid colours and sharp details. On top of that, it has certifications for low blue light, flicker-free viewing, and overall eye comfort, so it stays easy on the eyes during long sessions, and if you read my reviews regularly you will know I have issues with my eyes which is why I am always talking about gaming glasses or motion sickness. At no point using the POCO M7 did I have any issues with my eyes, no tiredness or problems, so for me that is a huge plus point.

Audio Quality

The dual speaker setup is excellent. Sound is loud and clear, with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support, which adds a sense of space and richness to music, video, and games. The phone also has a feature called 300% Volume Boost, which helps when watching videos with low native volume or in noisy environments. I used it regularly and it made a noticeable difference without distorting the sound.

Camera Performance

The POCO M7 Pro 5G has a 50MP Sony IMX882 rear sensor with a wide f/1.5 aperture and support for both OIS and EIS. This means you get clear, stable shots even in less-than-ideal lighting. The photos I took were sharp and had natural colour, especially in daylight. The 2x in-sensor zoom gives sharper images than basic digital zoom and worked well for snapping objects or people from a distance. The AI enhancements like AI Erase, AI Sky, and AI Bokeh help improve the photos automatically and add a little polish without looking overly processed.

Here is a simple photo I took this morning, no editing or after effects, just the raw photo. Open it up, and make your own mind up, I think it handles the colours very well.

And here is another photo, just a simple image, relatively close up one with multiple colours.

The 20MP front-facing camera also impressed me. Selfies were detailed and natural-looking, and the smart AI 0.8X wide-angle adjustment made it easy to fit everyone into the shot without fiddling around. Video calls were crystal clear, and feedback from family I called abroad confirmed that the camera quality was great on their end too.

Battery and Charging

Battery life is another strong point. The 5110mAh battery easily lasted through a full day of heavy use, even with gaming, streaming, and background apps active. When it was time to recharge, the 45W turbo charger brought the phone back to life quickly. From low battery to full charge took just under an hour in most cases. The phone's intelligent battery management system also learns your charging habits and optimises the charge cycle over time, which is a nice touch for long-term battery health, but I will only truly understand that after I have used the phone for months and months.

The battery system is TÜV Rheinland certified to retain 80 percent efficiency after 1600 charging cycles, which means it should last several years without degrading significantly.

Other Features

The POCO M7 Pro 5G includes essential extras that are sometimes missing at this price point. It has NFC for contactless payments via Google Wallet, and it worked perfectly every time I used it. It also supports dual SIMs, and switching between them was fast and problem-free. Bloatware is minimal, and anything you don't want can be uninstalled easily.

One personal note: I prefer a clean Android experience, so I made some changes to Xiaomi's HyperOS to make it look more like stock Android. It wasn't difficult to do, but it's worth noting if you also prefer a simpler setup. Maybe this is my age talking here, but as a man in his mid to late 40s, I hate change.

Final Thoughts

The POCO M7 Pro 5G is an excellent phone at a very competitive price. It delivers fast performance, a great screen, solid battery life, and good camera features, all wrapped up in a stylish and durable design. If you're buying this phone, I strongly recommend going for the 12GB + 256GB version over the lower spec model. It gives you more speed, more storage, and better long-term usability, and the price difference is usually minimal.

Whether you're upgrading from an older phone or just want something reliable without spending flagship money, the POCO M7 Pro 5G is a smart choice. It ticks nearly every box and does so with confidence.

I score the POCO M7 Pro 5G smartphone 12GB + 256GB a solid 9 out of 10.

The 12+256GB model is currently 25% off on Amazon (Prime members only) taking the price from the RRP of £239.00 to £179.00 which in my opinion is a no brainer!

https://amzn.to/4jtlJwx

NEWS: Clix and Gunnar Optiks Unveil Next-Gen Gaming Glasses for Serious Players

By Jon Donnis

Cody "Clix" Conrod, one of Fortnite's most electrifying players, has levelled up his partnership with Gunnar Optiks by launching his very own Clix Gaming Goggles. Priced at $74, these high-performance glasses are designed to enhance vision, reduce eye strain, and help gamers stay sharp during marathon sessions. The announcement, made during the Fortnite Grand Finals, marks the latest chapter in Clix's rise from teenage prodigy to esports sensation.

Clix first made waves in the Fortnite scene at just 14, becoming one of the youngest players to qualify for the Fortnite World Cup. His aggressive playstyle, lightning-fast reflexes, and strategic brilliance quickly made him a fan favourite. Now 19, Clix has built a massive following on Twitch and YouTube, where millions tune in to watch him dominate the competition. His influence extends beyond the game, with collaborations, merchandise, and now, his own line of gaming glasses.

The Clix Gaming Goggles are more than just a stylish accessory. They are engineered for peak performance, blending innovation with Clix's signature style. The frames are crafted from a hybrid of Premium Engineered Polymer (PEP) and stainless steel, balancing lightweight comfort with durable strength. The sleek, square design mirrors Clix's modern aesthetic, while multi-spring hinges ensure long-lasting flexibility for extended gaming sessions.

What sets these glasses apart is Gunnar's patented lens technology, which blocks harmful blue light and 100 percent of UV rays. The G-Shield Plus lens coating is anti-reflective, smudge-resistant, and oleophobic, keeping vision clear and focused even during the most intense matches. The lenses also enhance contrast and reduce eye strain, giving players a crucial advantage when split-second decisions can mean victory or defeat.

To celebrate the launch, the first 1,000 orders come with a limited-edition Clix case and an entry into a raffle to play Fortnite with Clix himself. Each pair also includes a collector's microfibre pouch, cleaning cloth, and a 12-month warranty, making the goggles as practical as they are powerful.

Clix's journey from gaming phenom to industry innovator is a testament to his dedication to the esports community. His collaboration with Gunnar Optiks reflects his commitment to helping fellow gamers perform at their best while protecting their vision. Whether you're grinding for the next Victory Royale or just looking to game in style, the Clix Gaming Goggles are built to help you play like a pro.

Check out the glasses at https://gunnar.com/products/clix

Thank you to Gunnar for providing us with a pair of the glasses for us to try ourselves. We are huge fans of Gunnar who continuously prove they are the market leaders in Gaming and Office Glasses.