REVIEW: Morels: Out of This World (2026 Video Game) on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Morels: Out of This World is one of those games that immediately knows exactly what it wants to be. It does not chase action, major survival mechanics, crafting systems, or endless busywork. Instead, it leans fully into slow exploration, mushroom hunting, and wildlife photography across strange alien planets, and to its credit, it sticks to that vision from beginning to end.

Set across four handcrafted alien worlds, the game drops players into environments that feel genuinely unusual. One moment you are wandering through glowing jungles filled with strange plant life, the next you are crossing dusty desert landscapes or exploring forests where dinosaurs still roam freely. The variety in atmosphere is honestly impressive. Even when the actual objectives remain familiar, the visual creativity keeps things feeling fresh for quite a while.

The strongest part of the game is easily the atmosphere. Morels: Out of This World is incredibly relaxing. There is no combat, no danger constantly breathing down your neck, (except for running out of energy and the screen turns black and white) and no pressure to rush. You simply walk, observe, collect mushrooms, and photograph creatures at your own pace. It creates a calm and cosy experience that feels almost therapeutic at times. Sitting quietly while waiting for the perfect wildlife photo, or stumbling across a hidden patch of rare alien fungi, becomes strangely satisfying.

Visually, the game is pretty in places. The alien planets are packed with colour and imagination, and there is a real sense that the developer enjoyed creating these environments. Some locations genuinely feel otherworldly without becoming too chaotic or difficult to navigate. The lighting effects, unusual vegetation, and bizarre wildlife all come together nicely, making exploration rewarding even when you are technically doing very little.

The photography side of the game is probably the most engaging aspect overall. Hunting for the perfect creature shot gives you a reason to slow down and pay attention to your surroundings. Building up your photo book also adds a nice sense of progression. There is something satisfying about documenting creatures and slowly filling out your discoveries over time. For players who enjoy virtual photography in games, this may end up being the main reason to keep playing.

Seasonal changes also deserve praise. Mushroom locations shifting, wildlife behaving differently, and weather conditions changing between seasons help the worlds feel more alive. It stops the maps from becoming completely static, and it encourages repeat visits to familiar locations. Weekly tasks and unlockable hunter manual pages also add small goals that help give structure to the experience without ruining its laid back tone.

That said, the game absolutely will not appeal to everyone.

The slow pace can become repetitive surprisingly quickly. As beautiful as the worlds are, the core gameplay loop never really evolves beyond walking around, collecting mushrooms, and taking photographs. There are moments where the lack of variety starts to catch up with the experience, especially during longer play sessions. If the atmosphere does not fully grab you early on, the gameplay alone may struggle to hold your interest.

I also found that progression can feel a little too slow at times. It took me far too long to find my first proper Morels, and by that point I was already starting to lose interest. The game clearly wants players to embrace patience and careful exploration, but there is a fine line between relaxing and tedious. Morels: Out of This World occasionally drifts into the latter.

Some players may also find certain mushroom designs and alien textures uncomfortable to look at. The heavy focus on clustered fungi, organic growths, and unusual surface patterns could easily trigger trypophobia for some people. It is worth mentioning because the visual style leans heavily into that kind of imagery throughout the game.

Ultimately, Morels: Out of This World is an extremely niche experience. For the right audience, it could become a genuinely relaxing escape, a peaceful game where you slowly wander alien planets photographing weird creatures and searching for hidden mushrooms. There really are not many games doing exactly this right now, and that uniqueness works heavily in its favour.

At the same time, anyone looking for challenge, faster progression, or deeper gameplay systems may struggle to stay invested. The beautiful presentation can only carry the repetitive gameplay loop so far.

Morels: Out of This World feels designed for a very specific type of player, and those players will probably adore it. I just cannot see it attracting a massive audience beyond that niche.

I score Morels: Out of This World a fair 6 out of 10.

Out Now on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/4394020/Morels_Out_of_this_World/

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: 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.

GUIDE: How to make Age of Empires Collector’s Edition DVD-ROM work on Windows 10 and Windows 11

This guide explains how to install and run the original PC DVD-ROM version of Age of Empires Collector’s Edition on a modern Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer.

This guide should also work on individual games in this collection.

You can buy this classic game from amazon at https://amzn.to/4ubsNng

The game was originally designed for older versions of Windows, so a few extra steps are required on modern systems.

You will need:

The original Age of Empires Collector’s Edition DVD-ROM.

A DVD drive, either internal or USB external.

Your original CD key if prompted during installation.

Administrator access on the PC.

Step 1. Insert the DVD-ROM

Insert the Age of Empires Collector’s Edition DVD into your PC’s DVD drive.

Wait a few moments.

If the setup menu appears automatically, continue to Step 2.

If nothing appears:

Open “This PC”.

Double click the DVD drive.

Double click “Setup.exe”.

If Windows displays a security warning, click “Yes”.

Step 2. Install the game

Follow the installation process normally.

Choose the default installation location unless you specifically want the game installed elsewhere.

Allow the installation to finish completely.

Do not try to launch the game yet.

Step 3. Enable DirectPlay

The original DVD-ROM release requires an older Microsoft component called DirectPlay. Windows 10 and Windows 11 disable this by default.

To enable it:

Open the Start Menu.

Type: Turn Windows features on or off

Open the matching result.

Find: Legacy Components

Click the plus symbol beside it.

Tick: DirectPlay

Click “OK”.

Windows will install the required files automatically.

Once complete, restart the PC if prompted.

Step 4. Set compatibility settings

After installation, open: This PC

Then go to:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\

Open the Age of Empires folder.

Find the main game application file. This is usually: EMPIRES.EXE

Right click the file and select: Properties

Open the: Compatibility tab.

Tick: Run this program in compatibility mode for:

From the list, select:

Windows XP (Service Pack 3)

Also tick: Run this program as an administrator

Click: Apply

Then click: OK

Step 5. Launch the game from the DVD-ROM version

Insert the DVD-ROM if it is not already in the drive.

Double click the game shortcut or the game executable file.

The game should now launch correctly.

Some systems may take a little longer during the first launch.

Step 6. If the game will not launch

If the game does not open correctly, try the following:

Restart the computer.

Make sure the DVD is still inserted.

Try Windows 98 compatibility mode instead of Windows XP.

Tick: Disable fullscreen optimisations inside the Compatibility tab.

Run the game directly from the installation folder instead of using the desktop shortcut.

Step 7. Black screen or display issues

Some modern graphics cards can cause display problems with older DVD-ROM games.

If this happens:

Press Alt + Enter after the game opens.

Lower your desktop resolution temporarily before launching the game.

Make sure Windows is fully updated.

Update your graphics drivers.

Important note about SafeDisc protection

Some very old PC DVD-ROM games used copy protection systems such as SafeDisc, which modern versions of Windows no longer support for security reasons.

Age of Empires Collector’s Edition generally still works after installation because the game itself does not rely on the blocked SafeDisc driver in the same way some later PC games did, but behaviour can vary depending on the exact disc release and Windows version.

If the disc installs correctly but refuses to launch at all, the issue is usually related to compatibility settings or DirectPlay not being enabled properly.

REVIEW: Dialoop (2026 Video Game) - on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Dialoop arrives with a clear intention. It wants to shake up a very familiar formula and wrap it in something louder, brighter, and a bit more unpredictable. At its core it is still a puzzle game about matching and scoring, but the way it layers roguelite systems and deckbuilding on top gives it a different rhythm. Every run feels slightly reassembled, as if the game is constantly nudging you to rethink how you approach the board.

The most immediate draw is the presentation. The visuals are bold, colourful, and almost hypnotic in motion. Blocks shift, flash, and collapse in a way that feels satisfying on a basic level, even before the deeper systems start to click. The voxel character designs add a playful edge, and the customisation options give you a small sense of ownership over the chaos. There is even a strange tonal twist with the defeat animations. Losing a run triggers an unexpectedly intense voxel demise that leans into dark humour. It is a jarring contrast, but one that sticks in the mind.

Mechanically, the sliding grid is the big talking point. Instead of simply swapping pieces, you shift entire rows and columns. It sounds like a small tweak, but in practice it changes how you read the board. You are not just reacting to what is there, you are constantly planning a few moves ahead, thinking about how one shift will ripple into another. It can feel awkward at first, especially if you are used to traditional match three systems, but there is a quiet satisfaction when it starts to make sense. Whether it was necessary is another question, but it is at least an honest attempt to evolve something well worn.

The roguelite structure adds another layer of tension. Building a deck that shapes how the board behaves gives each run a sense of identity. Cards trigger chain reactions, relics stack into powerful combinations, and suddenly a simple match turns into a cascade of points. Some relics feel transformative, especially when they boost multipliers or reward specific patterns. When the synergies line up, the game hits a real high. It becomes fast, reactive, and genuinely exciting, particularly in competitive matches where quick thinking matters.

That speed carries into the multiplayer side as well. Head to head battles can become frantic, with large combos disrupting opponents and shifting momentum in seconds. It is here that the game feels most alive. The systems that might feel a bit abstract in solo play suddenly have clear purpose when you are trying to outplay someone else.

There are drawbacks, and some are hard to ignore. The same visual intensity that makes the game stand out can also be overwhelming. The constant movement and colour can feel like too much, and for some players it may go beyond discomfort into outright nausea. It is not just busy, it is relentless. That alone will limit who can comfortably spend long sessions with it.

There is also a lingering question about depth. While the deckbuilding and relic systems add variety, the core loop still circles back to a familiar place. After a few runs, you may start to wonder if the added layers are enough to sustain long term interest. The game thrives in short bursts, where the quick pace and bright feedback keep you engaged. Stretch those sessions out, and the cracks begin to show.

The attempt at narrative, tied to ancient ruins and powerful guardians, is present but not particularly strong. It adds context rather than meaning, giving you a reason to move forward without ever becoming the main attraction. The bosses themselves are more interesting as gameplay challenges than as characters.

Dialoop ends up sitting in an unusual space. It is inventive without being essential, energetic without always being comfortable, and engaging without quite becoming absorbing over the long haul. There is a lot to admire in how it tries to push a familiar genre in a new direction, even if not every idea lands cleanly.

In the end, it is a solid and often enjoyable experience that feels best when taken in small doses. The visuals will pull some players in and push others away, and the mechanics will either click or frustrate depending on your patience. It does enough to stand out, just not quite enough to fully redefine what it is building on.

Dialoop earns a respectable 7 out of 10.

Out Now on PC Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3020550/Dialoop_Roguelite_Puzzle/