REVIEW: GUNNAR Optiks Gaming/Office Glasses - Style MAMMOTH - Frame Onyx - Lens Amber

 

Review by Jon Donnis

There comes a point during a long gaming session where your eyes start fighting back. Colours feel harsher, brightness becomes tiring, and after a few hours you end up rubbing your eyes more than focusing on the game itself. That was exactly why I decided to put the GUNNAR Optiks Mammoth glasses to the test, and after several lengthy gaming sessions, I came away seriously impressed.

The Mammoth glasses sit within GUNNAR’s King Collection, and the name fits perfectly. These are bold, masculine glasses with a thick rectangular frame that instantly stands out without looking over the top. The Onyx frame colour keeps things stylish and professional enough for office use, but they still carry enough personality to feel right at home in front of a gaming setup.

Fit is one of the biggest selling points here. I have a slightly larger head, or so I keep getting told, and finding glasses that do not pinch around the temples can sometimes be frustrating. The extra wide dimensions on the Mammoth frame made a huge difference. They sit comfortably without feeling tight, and even after hours of use they never became uncomfortable. The lightweight polymer frame also helps more than expected. Despite the chunkier appearance, they never feel heavy on the face.

The amber lens tint works brilliantly during gaming sessions. I tested these while playing several colourful modern games on a large television, exactly the kind of setup that would normally leave me with noticeable eye strain after a few hours. The difference was immediately noticeable. Bright effects felt softer, menus were easier to focus on, and my eyes simply felt more relaxed throughout. Most importantly, I finished long sessions feeling exactly as I had when I started, with no tiredness or irritation creeping in later.

GUNNAR’s lens technology continues to be one of the strongest parts of the package. The claimed 65 percent blue light blocking feels genuinely useful in real world use, especially during late evening gaming. The anti reflective and smudge resistant coating also deserves praise because the lenses stay cleaner than expected, even after regular daily use.

Build quality is excellent throughout. The sturdy multi barrel hinges give the glasses a reassuringly durable feel, and nothing about them comes across as cheap or flimsy. These feel like glasses designed to last, which is exactly what you want from something you may end up wearing every single day.

As for negatives, honestly there are none worth mentioning here. They are comfortable, well made, stylish, and most importantly they actually do what they promise. Considering the quality on offer, they also feel reasonably affordable.

At this stage, most people probably already know I am a big fan of GUNNAR glasses, and the Mammoth model only reinforced that opinion further. The quality is exactly what you would expect from the brand, but the standout feature here is definitely the design and fit. They look fantastic, feel fantastic, and genuinely improve comfort during long gaming sessions.

Another excellent pair of glasses from GUNNAR Optiks.

Out now for under £50

https://gunnar.co.uk/product/gunnar-mammoth-computer-glasses-onyx-amber-gunnar-focus

Thanks as always to the great Gunnar Optiks for providing the glasses for review.

REVIEW: Tale of Dark Lands (2026 Video Game) on PS5

Review by Jon Donnis

Tale of Dark Lands arrives on PS5 as a low poly fantasy action RPG that tries to channel the feel of a modern fairy tale wrapped in darker myth. You play a mercenary pulled from simple village work into something far more ominous, as an ancient force begins to spread across the land. It is a straightforward setup, built around progression, gear upgrades and a steady climb towards becoming a legendary figure.

There is an immediate charm to the visual presentation. The low poly style gives the world a soft, storybook quality that suits the fantasy setting surprisingly well. Villages, forests and dungeons carry a certain handmade feel, and when the lighting hits right it does manage to look appealing in a stripped back way. The character editor and equipment variety also add a small layer of personalisation, giving you room to shape your mercenary and experiment with different builds and gear combinations as you progress.

Where the game struggles is in almost everything tied to moment to moment play. Combat quickly settles into repetitive attack spamming, with very little need for timing, dodging or tactical thinking until the very late stages. Encounters begin to feel routine long before the credits roll. Navigation is another weak point, with an awkward structure that funnels you through portals and narrow paths rather than encouraging any real exploration. The story also never rises above functional fantasy filler, lacking tension or intrigue despite its darker premise. Controls feel loose, which only adds to the sense that the systems are not quite as refined as they should be, and the overall experience is short, running for only a few hours without much variation along the way.

In the end, Tale of Dark Lands is a game that looks more interesting than it plays. The visual style carries it for a while, but the shallow combat, weak storytelling and restrictive design hold it back from anything memorable. It is a brief experience that feels underdeveloped, and while it has moments of charm, they are not enough to sustain the journey. I would score Tale of Dark Lands a disappointing 4 out of 10.

Releases 2nd June on PlayStation

https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/concept/10015595

REVIEW: Gunnar Pinnacles in Onyx/Silver with the Amber Lens

Review by Jon Donnis

Gunnar Optiks have been in this space long enough that expectations tend to be high, and the Pinnacles in Onyx/Silver with the Amber tint slot neatly into that reputation. The first thing that stands out is the design. The modified navigator style has a clean, modern edge without trying too hard, and the layered magnesium aluminium and stainless-steel frame gives it a more premium feel than many rivals in the same category. They sit lightly on the face at 29 grams, and that matters more than it sounds when you are several hours into a working day. The flexible spring hinges help them settle comfortably without constant adjustment, which is one of those small details that quickly becomes noticeable when it is missing.

Performance is where these glasses do their most convincing work. I tested them across a full day in a hot UK office, (Yes I am working during the UK heatwave!) with strong sunlight pushing through a side window and long screen exposure, they handled eye strain better than expected. By the afternoon there was a clear absence of the usual headache build up that tends to creep in during extended computer use. The Amber lens tint does its job without overly distorting the screen, and the G Shield Plus coating keeps reflections and smudging under control, which helps maintain visual clarity throughout the day. It feels like a straightforward case of the technology doing what it claims rather than overpromising.

There is also the practical side of the package that should not be overlooked. The included quad fold case, microfiber pouch and cleaning cloth give it a more complete presentation than many competitors, and it reinforces the sense that this is a product designed for regular daily use rather than occasional wear. The UV protection and blue light filtering are now expected at this level, but they are still reassuring to have working quietly in the background.

The negatives are difficult to find in any meaningful sense. The design will not suit every face shape, particularly if someone prefers a more subtle or traditional frame, and the navigator style does carry a slightly more pronounced visual profile than minimalist alternatives. That said, this is more about personal preference than an actual flaw in the build or performance. Personally I loved the shape and design of the frame, and I got a few compliments on them too.

Overall, the Pinnacles feel like Gunnar Optiks operating at full confidence. They are comfortable, effective, and visually sharp enough to double as both office and casual wear. In practical terms, they do exactly what they are meant to do, and they do it without fuss.

Available now at https://gunnar-optiks.eu/product/gunnar-pinnacles-computer-glasses-onyxsilver-amber-gunnar-focus

Thanks again to GUNNAR for providing the glasses for review.

REVIEW: R-Type Dimensions III (2026 Video Game) on PS5

Review by Jon Donnis

R-Type Dimensions III arrives on PS5 as a fully remastered return to one of shoot ’em up gaming’s most unforgiving traditions, and it wastes no time reminding you why the series has such a loyal following. This is the classic Bydo invasion story reborn, where humanity once again finds itself on the edge of extinction after its own experiments spiral into something far beyond control. You step into the cockpit of the R-90 Ragnarok and are thrown straight into hostile space where reality itself bends under the weight of biomechanical horror.

What immediately stands out is how strongly the game leans into its heritage while still trying to feel modern. Every stage, boss encounter and bullet pattern has been rebuilt with updated visuals and sound, yet the familiar structure of tight corridors, overwhelming enemy waves and near constant pressure remains intact. The option to switch instantly between the original presentation and the remastered version is one of the most striking features here, and it adds a layer of appreciation for how far the presentation has come without losing the identity of the arcade original.

The gameplay itself remains as demanding as ever. R-Type has never been subtle about difficulty, and Dimensions III continues that tradition with levels that rely heavily on memorisation, precise positioning and patience. It is the kind of game where success feels earned through repetition, and failure is a constant companion until patterns start to sink in. For newer players, the inclusion of an infinite mode softens the blow slightly, allowing progress even after repeated deaths, and it does change the overall rhythm of how approachable the game can feel without fully compromising its identity.

There is also a welcome range of modern additions that help smooth out the experience. Local co-op is included, giving the chaos a shared edge, while expanded scoring and survival mechanics add another layer for those chasing mastery. Customisable controls and a suite of quality of life options make the game easier to tailor to individual playstyles, and the inclusion of adjustable 3D camera settings gives a small but noticeable sense of flexibility in how the action is presented.

Despite these improvements, it is not without issues. There are noticeable bugs that can interrupt the flow of play, including hit detection problems and instances where bullets appear to pass through solid objects. In a series built so heavily on precision, these moments stand out more than they might in a less demanding shooter. It is the kind of flaw that ideally would be addressed through updates, but at launch it does affect the sense of polish.

There is also the question of value. At over £30, this remastered package may feel steep for what is essentially a revisited version of existing material, even with the added features and visual overhaul. Fans of the series will likely find more justification in the nostalgia and preservation effort, but newcomers might hesitate when weighing content against cost.

Taken as a whole, R-Type Dimensions III is a game defined by contrast. On one side, it is a loving restoration of a brutally iconic shoot ’em up, complete with enhanced presentation, flexible viewing options and modern conveniences that make it easier to engage with than ever before. On the other, it is still a punishing experience with technical imperfections and a price point that may not convince everyone.

For long time fans, it delivers exactly what it promises, a return to a familiar kind of chaos that demands memory, skill and persistence. For everyone else, it is a stark introduction to one of gaming’s toughest legacies, and one that does not soften its edges as much as you might expect.

Overall, R-Type Dimensions III lands as a solid but imperfect revival, best appreciated by those already invested in its history, and it earns a 7.5 out of 10.

Out Now on PlayStation

https://amzn.to/4duKXud

REVIEW: GUNNAR Monterey Office/Gaming Glasses

Review by Jon Donnis

GUNNAR have spent years building a reputation as one of the biggest names in gaming and office eyewear, and the Monterey glasses continue that trend with a product that feels premium from the moment you pick them up. Designed for people who spend long hours in front of screens, whether gaming late into the night or working through endless office tasks, the Monterey model combines comfort, style and practicality in a way that feels genuinely well thought out.

The Monterey style itself is one of the strongest aspects of the glasses. The sophisticated extra wide wayfarer inspired design gives them a modern, versatile appearance that works equally well at a gaming setup or out in public. Finished in a matte gunmetal titanium frame, they avoid the overly flashy look that often plagues gaming accessories. Instead, they come across as sleek, understated and surprisingly fashionable.

Comfort is another area where these glasses excel. The lightweight titanium construction makes them easy to wear for extended periods without becoming irritating or heavy. During long gaming sessions or full days sat in front of a PC screen, they remain comfortable throughout. The adjustable nose pads also help create a secure fit, which makes a noticeable difference over time.

As expected from GUNNAR, the lenses are the real focus here. The company’s patented blue light blocking technology is designed to reduce eye strain, headaches and poor sleep caused by excessive screen exposure, and in day to day use the effect is noticeable. After several hours in front of bright monitors, your eyes simply feel less fatigued. The amber lens tint may take a little getting used to initially, but it quickly becomes natural and helps improve contrast and visual clarity during extended use.

Text appears easier to focus on and long stretches of gaming feel more comfortable than they normally would without protection. Anyone who spends most of their day switching between monitors, phones and tablets will likely appreciate the reduction in eye stress. There is also something reassuring about wearing a product from a company that has specialised in this area since 2006 and remains one of the few gaming eyewear brands recommended by doctors.

The premium lens coatings add another layer of quality. Reflections are reduced nicely thanks to the anti reflective G Shield coating, while the smudge resistant finish keeps the lenses looking cleaner for longer. It all contributes to the sense that these are a genuinely premium pair of glasses rather than a cheap novelty item cashing in on the blue light trend.

Ultimately, the GUNNAR Monterey glasses deliver exactly what they promise. They look fantastic, feel genuinely premium and make long hours in front of screens far more comfortable. Whether for gaming, office work or everyday screen use, they tick virtually every box imaginable.

Once again, GUNNAR have produced an excellent pair of glasses that are very difficult to fault, and they are our go to brand for long sessions of reviewing the latest video games.

Available now at https://amzn.to/43p897b

Or through Gunnar's own site https://gunnar.com/products/monterey

Thanks to Gunnar for sending us the pair to review.