Showing posts with label PC gaming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PC gaming. Show all posts

18 Dec 2025

UK Residential Proxies Explained for Gamers and Remote Workers

UK residential proxies are a type of online tool that lets you connect to the internet through a UK based address. You use them on your computer when you need to appear as if you are browsing or gaming from the United Kingdom. The way they work is simple in concept, even if the technology behind them is complex. Instead of your real internet address being shown to a website or game server, the address of the proxy is shown. This changes your online location to the UK. If you want to explore stable and reliable UK residential proxies, a good example is https://stableproxy.com/en/proxies/residential/gb which offers options that behave just like real UK broadband connections.

For many people this might sound technical or even a bit exotic, yet it has practical value in daily life for online workers and especially for gamers who live outside the UK. People who work online often need to access services that are limited to certain regions. Sometimes pricing for software tools or digital goods varies by country. If you live abroad but want to take advantage of a UK price or a UK only service, a UK residential proxy makes that possible. The proxy makes websites think your computer is based in Britain, so you can browse or sign up for services that are geographically restricted.

Gamers get a particularly clear benefit from using UK residential proxies when they play online games with regional pricing differences. Many major games have different prices in sterling compared with euro or dollar regions. If you live in a country with higher prices, connecting through a UK address could let you see the price available to UK players. That might save you money. On top of that, some game servers are region restricted. You might find a UK server that has better ping or a more suitable community for your play style. By connecting through a UK proxy you can make your game think you are in the UK, so you can join those servers without extra fuss.

Photo by RDNE Stock project

There is also an advantage in terms of latency and stability. If the UK servers for a game are physically closer to you than servers in other countries, a UK proxy can reduce lag. In a fast action game every millisecond counts. Lower lag can mean smoother movement on screen, quicker hit registration, or just a more enjoyable experience. Gamers who compete in online matches know that any edge that improves connection quality can have a real impact on performance and satisfaction.

Another reason people choose UK residential proxies is privacy. When you use a proxy address you are not sending your real IP address to every site you visit. That can protect you from certain types of tracking or targeted ads. It is not a complete cloak of invisibility, but it is another layer of control over the way your internet identity is presented. For gamers this might limit targeted marketing or reduce the risk of account linking across different platforms.

It is worth thinking about how proxies differ from virtual private networks or VPNs. Both can change your apparent location, but residential proxies use IP addresses assigned to real devices in the UK. That means they look more natural to websites and online services. There are fewer chances of being blocked just because the address looks like it belongs to a data centre. For gaming this is important because many game networks take action against connections that look suspicious. A residential proxy looks like a regular user, so it blends in more easily.

There are also practical issues to consider. Not all proxies are created equal. Some are slower or less reliable, others can drop connections. That is why it is sensible to choose providers with good reputations and clear documentation on how their services work. When the provider offers UK based addresses that are rotated or stable depending on your needs, you get flexibility. Some games require the same address each time you connect, while others work fine with rotating addresses. Reading the guidance from the provider and understanding your gaming needs makes a big difference.

For online freelancers who write code, manage social media, or operate remote services, UK residential proxies also open doors. You might need to test how a website looks in the UK, or reach services that show different content by region. That can be essential for quality assurance work or managing a global online presence. A proxy lets you do that testing from your home office without physically being in another country.

There are situations where proxies improve security too. If you connect to public wifi to game or work, your traffic could be exposed. Some proxy providers offer encrypted connections that help protect your data while in transit. That means even if someone on the same network tries to snoop on your activity, they see the proxy address and not your real connection. It is another layer of care for your online life.

If you live outside the UK and want to take advantage of games or work routines that are more accessible from a UK based connection, residential proxies provide a flexible and powerful tool. They let you bridge geographical gaps, explore regional offers, and improve your experience with gaming and online services. With thoughtful use and reputable providers, they can be an essential part of your computer setup for both work and play.

12 Dec 2025

REVIEW: Speed Rivals (2025 Video Game) - on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Speed Rivals takes the old slot car idea that so many of us grew up with and turns it into a digital toybox with a lot of charm. It brings that familiar Scalextric feeling back to life on your PC, only with sharper effects and a livelier sense of pace. The result is a racer that knows exactly what it is trying to be, and for the most part it hits the mark.


The strongest part of the game is how it captures that classic slot car rhythm. You only control your speed, so every lap becomes a small battle with the track rather than a test of steering skill. Ease off too late and you pop off the rail. Feather the throttle at the right moment and you glide through the bend with a bit of style. It feels simple, which is exactly the point. Anyone who grew up fiddling with Scalextric pieces on the living room floor will settle in quickly, and the game leans into that feeling with a nostalgic grin.

The short bursts of racing work nicely. You drop in, try to set a clean lap, fail, swear, retry, then nail it. 


The track editor itself deserves a bit of praise since it opens up a whole second layer of play. Building a circuit is good fun, and sharing your tracks online gives the whole thing a sense of community that helps a relatively small game feel much bigger.

The trouble starts when you veer away from the nostalgia. Players who have never touched a slot car in their life might find the lack of steering quite odd. It goes against everything you expect from a racing game, and that first hour can feel quite restricted. The bigger problem, though, is the camera work. None of the options feel fully comfortable. The top down view is the most workable, although you still end up sliding the camera about just to keep your car in sight. First person made me feel a bit queasy, and the other angles make it too hard to judge how fast you should be taking each corner. It gets in the way of the flow, which is a shame because the core loop is otherwise very smooth.


Speed Rivals is a good time if you already have a soft spot for slot car racing. It offers a bright set of tracks, lively time attack challenges, a hefty track editor and a community focus that should help it grow. It is still in early access, so there is room for improvement, especially with the cameras, but there is enough here already to keep fans entertained.

Right now it is a fun, slightly limited racer. A solid 7 out of 10.

Out Now on Steam


8 Dec 2025

REVIEW: CarCam (2025 Video Game) - On PC - Steam

CarCam

Review by Jon Donnis

CarCam arrives on Steam with a simple pitch that taps straight into childhood memory. You take control of a tiny remote-controlled car and see the world through a camera perched on top of it. The idea feels instantly charming. The living room turns into an enormous playground where a table leg becomes a hairpin corner and a cushion becomes a launch ramp. It is a clever viewpoint and it gives the game a distinct personality, helped along by the sight of full sized humans wandering about in the background while you tear around their floor. That little detail adds an odd sense of scale and, in a funny way, makes the whole thing feel more playful. The use of classical music as the soundtrack gives it a quirky edge as well. I suspect the choices are down to royalty free availability, though they work surprisingly well and give the races a slightly whimsical lift.


The problem is that the concept is stronger than the execution at the moment. This is an early access title and you can feel that roughness in nearly every corner. Online activity is thin, so the multiplayer features often sit gathering dust. Free roam should be the mode that lets you kick back and enjoy the setting, yet the constant need to recharge your car gets in the way. Stopping on a pad to refill the battery breaks the flow and feels like an unnecessary chore. 


The controls do not help either. Being locked to keyboard input makes the handling far more awkward than it should be, particularly for a game that asks for precision and quick reactions. Races can feel confusing as a result, partly because it is not always clear where you are meant to go and partly because the camera perspective demands crisp steering that simply is not there yet. Even the menus feel bare, with very few settings to tweak, which reinforces the sense that the game has not reached its full shape.


CarCam has the heart of a delightful idea. The joy of seeing a familiar room blown up to epic scale is real and the tiny-camera perspective is genuinely fun. It just needs far more refinement to match that promise. Right now it feels like a concept rather than a finished experience. For me it is a pass at this stage, though I would not rule out returning in a year if the developers keep chipping away at the rough edges. The potential is there, it simply needs time to find its polish.

Out Now on Steam



21 Nov 2025

REVIEW: VORON: Raven’s Story (2025 Video Game) By Merk Games on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

VORON: Raven's Story arrives on Steam with a clear sense of purpose. It wants you to feel what it is to be a raven in a world shaped by Norse myth, drifting through forests and ruins while tending to lost souls. Even before you reach the meat of the story, the premise gives the game a soft charm. You follow this young raven from his first clumsy flaps right through to the end of his life, and the journey comes with a steady mix of wonder and melancholy. It is all the more impressive once you remember that the entire thing is the work of a solo developer.


There is a warmth to the storytelling that carries the experience. Each soul you guide has a small tale to uncover, and these moments help the short runtime feel meaningful rather than rushed. The simple art style fits neatly with that tone. It never tries to dazzle, yet it has a quiet confidence and gives you enough beauty to enjoy as you skim above the landscape in search of secrets. There are small challenges and collectable bits tucked around the world too, just enough to keep you moving with purpose.


That said, the game stumbles in places that matter. My very first playthrough had me waddling about on the ground, confused and slightly irritated, because I had missed one brief chat with the parent bird. Without that moment the game never unlocked the ability to fly, and nothing explained what I had done wrong. It was an odd start that could easily put players off. Even when things were working as intended, the controls were never as smooth as you might expect. Flight should be the high point. Instead it often feels awkward, a little unpredictable, and occasionally more trouble than it is worth.


Moments like these make the game feel unfinished. The foundation is strong, the atmosphere is lovely, and the core idea is clever, yet the whole thing needs a bit more polish. You can see the ambition, though. You can feel the care behind it. For a short adventure built by one developer, it still delivers a couple of hours of pleasant escapism, carried by a thoughtful concept and a genuine attempt to do something different.


VORON: Raven's Story is a good effort that simply stops short of greatness. If the creator keeps going, each new project might grow a little sharper, a little bolder. For now, this is a small but likeable flight through myth and memory. I would call it a solid 7 out of 10.

Out Now on Steam


16 Nov 2025

REVIEW: Anima Gate of Memories I & II Remaster (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Anima Gate of Memories I & II Remaster

Review by Jon Donnis

Stepping into Anima Gate of Memories I and II Remaster feels a bit like opening an old storybook that has been given fresh ink and sharper illustrations. Everything is familiar to long time fans, yet polished enough for newcomers to feel right at home. The collection brings both Anima Gate of Memories and The Nameless Chronicles together in one place, now brushed up with cleaner textures, clearer menus, and tutorials that flow far better than before. It is a noticeable lift that smooths out the early learning curve and makes the whole experience easier to settle into.


The heart of the game sits firmly in its world of Gaia, which is drawn from the Spanish tabletop RPG Anima Beyond Fantasy. The remaster does a good job of capturing the tone of that universe, where ancient monsters, cursed souls and uncertain destinies collide. You follow the Bearer and Ergo Mundus in the first story, then move into the path of an immortal wanderer in the second. Both narratives twist around secrets hidden inside the Tower of Arcane, and you can feel the weight of that place in the way every room, corridor and memory shaped landscape is presented. There is a distinct atmosphere here. It has that dark fantasy edge with touches of an anime inspired mood, which gives the whole thing a dramatic, dreamlike quality.


Combat remains the strongest part of the experience. It is fast and fluid with a nice sense of rhythm once you settle into switching between the Bearer and Ergo. You can flick between them with a single button, and it never loses its thrill when a smooth combo comes together. Each character has their own set of skills, and shaping them to your liking gives the game a proper RPG feel. Exploring the interconnected locations inside the tower adds to that sense of discovery. Every area feels like it has been crafted with intention. The music reinforces that feeling with a haunting tone that settles into your head as you move from one fight to another.


The remaster's visual upgrades make a real difference. Textures are cleaner, animation transitions feel more natural, and the UI refresh helps navigation enormously. It gives the whole package a sense of confidence, almost as if the game finally looks the way it always wanted to. As a result, the pacing feels smoother and you are far less likely to become tangled in menus.


Not everything lands perfectly. Some of the voice acting leans into a slightly uneven performance and a few lines of dialogue can feel a bit too cheesy for their own good. These moments are never enough to break the experience, though they do stand out against the stronger storytelling beats.


Coming into this remaster, it surprised me how easy it was to get pulled into its mix of sharp combat, rich lore and striking style. It feels bold, sometimes strange, but always driven by a clear creative identity. Whether you are returning to rediscover the saga or stepping into Gaia for the first time, this collection feels like the right way to do it.

For me, Anima Gate of Memories I and II Remaster earns a confident 8.5 out of 10.

Out Now

25 Sept 2025

REVIEW: Disc Golf City (2025 Video Game) - On PC Steam

Disc Golf City

Review by Jon Donnis

Disc Golf City arrives on Steam with a clever pitch. Instead of the usual quiet woodland courses, this physics-based disc golf game takes you into a vibrant city built for trick shots. Every hole is set in a stylised low-poly playground of rooftops, alleyways and plazas. Baskets hide behind lamp posts, side streets open up unexpected angles, and bonus targets such as bins and signs tempt you into daring throws. On paper it is the perfect way to turn a familiar sport into something fresh.

The first thing that stands out is the look. The city is colourful without being noisy, with clean lines and a soft palette that makes every building feel like part of a giant model set. It is easy to relax into the atmosphere, taking your time to aim and explore. The music and sound effects match the laid back approach, giving the game a friendly tone. Landing a disc on a roof and watching it roll neatly into the basket feels genuinely satisfying. Even hitting an offbeat target like a traffic sign brings a small thrill that makes you want to keep experimenting.


The arcade spirit also works well. There are no timers, no heavy penalties for bad throws, just the challenge of mastering the physics and finding creative routes. When everything clicks the game captures the joy of a perfect shot, and the added achievements for unusual hits give you reasons to try bold angles rather than play it safe. For players who enjoy light sports games with a puzzle element, these moments are exactly what you hope for.

Unfortunately the road to those moments is rougher than it should be. The controls are far more demanding than the cheerful style suggests. Power, angle and spin must be judged with precision, and even after extended practice it is hard to predict exactly how a disc will fly. Instead of a fair test of skill it can feel like a battle against unpredictable physics. Nailing a clean shot should feel rewarding but too often feels like luck.

Progression is also an issuer. At launch only the tutorial is open. To reach the proper levels you need to score under par on every course. That requirement might look reasonable but paired with the tricky controls it becomes a grind. It blocks casual players from exploring the city courses and turns what should be a relaxed game into an uphill climb. The developer has said an update will unlock the first level without this restriction, which is welcome, but the current structure still limits enjoyment.


Free play mode sounds like a fix but does not fully deliver. Instead of offering a true sandbox it often restarts you from the same spot unless you land an almost impossible long hole in one. What should be a chance to experiment quickly turns repetitive and discouraging. It is easy to give up on this mode after a few attempts, which is a shame because the idea of open practice fits the game perfectly.

Despite these frustrations there is real potential here. The city environments are fun to explore, the concept of urban disc golf is fresh, and the visual style is consistently appealing. With more generous unlocking, smoother controls and a proper free play option, Disc Golf City could develop a dedicated following among fans of relaxed arcade sports games.

As it stands the game is enjoyable in bursts but too often undermined by its own rules. It is full of charm yet held back by progression hurdles and control quirks. With a few smart updates it could become something special. Right now it remains a promising but uneven experience. 

Out Now on Steam

UPDATE 26/09/25:
The latest Patch has dropped and the game has improved somewhat.
Here is whats been done. I have updated my score to reflect this update.
I give Disc Golf City a 7.5 out of 10.


✨ Improved audio – richer sound design and a wide range of new sound effects to bring the city to life.
🥏 Better “in basket” detection – more accurate scoring when you land the perfect shot.
🏆 New achievements – fresh challenges to unlock and show off.
📘 Improved Tutorial – clearer guidance to help new players get into the game.
🎮 Revised gamepad controls for throws – smoother, more responsive throwing experience.
⏸️ Improved Pause Menu – easier to navigate and packed with the options you need.


14 Aug 2025

REVIEW: Recharge (2025 Video Game) - Early Access Release on PC

Recharge

Review by Jon Donnis

Recharge drops you straight into the world of RC racing, but not the kind you remember from toy shop shelves. This is a sim-cade experience that blends the precision and realism of simulation with the immediate fun of arcade racing. The cars don't just look like their real-world counterparts, they behave like them too. Every twitch of the steering, every bump of the suspension and every bit of tyre grip is dictated by physics that make these tiny machines feel alive on the track. It's all wrapped in a visual package that's surprisingly striking for a game about cars you could pick up with one hand.


From the moment you line up on the grid, the presentation pulls you in. The graphics are sharp and detailed, from the shine of the paintwork to the spray of gravel under the wheels. The audio is spot-on too, with the high-pitched whir of electric motors and the crunch of tyres on different surfaces. You can pick your camera angle to suit your style, whether that's the classic behind-the-car view or a front-facing angle that ramps up the difficulty. A cinematic drone view is available for those who want to admire the action, though most racers will probably stick to something more practical when chasing lap times.

The game's current content is split between single-player racing and online multiplayer for up to 12 players. The multiplayer side should benefit from cross-platform play, meaning you can test your skills against racers no matter what system they're on, but for now you can stick with PC gamers since this is early access. The track list mixes professionally designed circuits that demand precision with more casual layouts that let you just enjoy the flow of driving. RC controller support is a smart addition, letting enthusiasts bring their own gear for an authentic feel, but traditional controllers still work well, even if some fine-tuning of the button mapping is still needed.


Customisation is another highlight, giving you a wide range of cosmetic and performance tweaks to make your RC car your own. Whether you're just adding a custom paint job or tuning the car for maximum speed and grip, there's enough depth here to make your build feel personal.

It's not without its early access rough edges. The menu system needs attention, particularly the lack of an option to turn off motion blur, which can be unpleasant for players sensitive to it. (The option is there, but wont save it) A few bugs crop up here and there, though nothing game-breaking, and controller settings still need a bit more refinement to feel fully dialled in.

The roadmap for the game is ambitious. Split-screen racing, custom track creation, drift modes, open-world areas to explore, car damage, pit stops and even combat racing are all promised for future updates. If the developers can deliver on that, Recharge could evolve into a uniquely deep RC racing experience that appeals to both casual players and hardcore hobbyists.


Right now, it's a fun, well-presented racer that already captures the essence of RC competition. The word that comes to mind is potential. As it stands, Recharge is an enjoyable, good-looking game that feels satisfying to control. Given what's on the horizon, it could well become the go-to title for anyone who's ever dreamed of mastering the perfect lap in miniature.

Out Now on Early Access on Steam




13 Aug 2025

REVIEW: The Karters 2: Turbo Charged (2025 Video Game) - A Kart Racer Built for Speed and Skill

The Karters 2: Turbo Charged

Review by Jon Donnis

The Karters 2: Turbo Charged has arrived on Steam early access, and even in this stage, it's already making a strong case for being one of the most exciting kart racers on PC. Developed by Pixel Edge Games, it leans into skill-based racing in a way that sets it apart from much of the competition. The drift mechanics, inspired by Crash Team Racing, are tight and responsive, but there's an extra hook with the reserve system. The more reserves you bank, the faster you go, with no speed cap to hold you back. It means races can flip in an instant, and those last-lap comebacks feel earned rather than lucky.


Right now, there's a generous amount of content to dive into. Sixteen tracks, six battle arenas, and modes that go beyond the usual. Road Breaker plays like a kart-racing take on Fall Guys' survival chaos, while Quick Cut throws procedurally generated tracks at you, keeping things fresh every time. Then there's the 1,500-plus mods already live via Steam Workshop, ranging from new tracks to completely different characters. The fact you can browse and install them directly in-game is a welcome touch that makes modding painless.

The game's multiplayer is just as ambitious. You can go split-screen with up to six players locally, jump into online matches, or combine the two with split-screen online support. Ranked matchmaking, tournaments, ELO leaderboards, and ghost races with downloadable data from the top players give it the kind of competitive backbone you don't often see in the genre. Dedicated servers keep things smooth, and there's even a Next Best Ghost feature to constantly push you against a close rival.


Even in early access, the polish is impressive. The karts handle beautifully, the visuals pop, and the performance feels solid. There's a single-player challenge campaign to tackle if you want to sharpen your skills, along with cups of up to 24 rounds for longer sessions. Replay and photo modes are already in place, which is great for sharing those over-the-top moments.

Looking ahead, Pixel Edge Games has more planned. A Story Mode is on the way, adding characters and a narrative layer, while an in-game track editor will let players create and share their own courses without leaving the game. Given what's already here, those updates could make an already robust package even stronger.


The kart racing genre is crowded, but The Karters 2 is carving out space with depth, variety, and sheer speed. If this is the early access build, the full release could be something special. Right now, it's already a blast to play, and the ceiling for where it can go is very high.

Out Now on Steam

Special Thanks to Pixel Edge Games for providing the game key.

2 Aug 2025

REVIEW: Killing Floor 3 (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

It's 2091. Horzine's created an unstoppable army of bioengineered monsters known as zeds, and Nightfall is the only thing standing in their way. That's the setup for Killing Floor 3, Tripwire Interactive's follow-up to 2016's Killing Floor 2. It sounds solid on paper. And at its core, it is: a first-person survival horror shooter where you take on waves of enemies, solo or in six-player co-op, trying to survive long enough to push back the threat. But this release isn't ready. Not even close.

You start in the Stronghold, a hub space where you pick your character and choose where to deploy. There are six specialist classes, each with unique weapons and special attacks. The Ninja, for example, uses a pair of swords and a grappling hook that pulls you straight into the action. You fight through waves of zeds, with their numbers scaling based on your team size. In between rounds, you restock ammo, buy resources, and use the Multi-tool to activate environmental defences like sentry guns or ziplines. The core loop is familiar, and killing zeds is still fun. But only once you've powered up. Until then, it's punishing.


Starting weapons feel weak. Really weak. You're thrown into the middle of it with underwhelming gear, and the game doesn't let up. The difficulty curve feels completely off, especially when you're new. You either run, or you die. That's the experience early on, and it's not encouraging. If you persist, the upgrades help, but it shouldn't feel like a chore to get there.

Combat has its moments. Zed Time returns, letting you slow everything down and see enemies lit up around you. The M.E.A.T. system is back too, with more dismemberment and persistent blood. There are a few great gory sequences. Visually, it looks good. The detail on the enemies and weapons is solid, though there are occasional glitches that break the immersion. The AI has been improved, with zeds moving more aggressively and in smarter patterns.


That said, the game triggered motion sickness during extended play, even with head bob, motion blur, and camera shake turned off. And while the environments are decent, the overall feel is unfinished. Despite being a full release, it plays more like a beta. Tripwire has said patches and content are coming, but that doesn't change what's on offer right now.

The optional narrative assignments add a bit more to each match, expanding the world and giving some background. You can also mod your weapons and unlock new skills, which helps give the specialists some variety. But the game needs more. More content, more polish, more care. The soundtrack is forgettable, and the whole experience lacks that punch you'd expect from a finished console release.


Right now, Killing Floor 3 feels rushed. There's a solid foundation underneath, and it's likely to improve over time. But at launch, it's not there. This should have stayed in development longer. Console players shouldn't be left hoping for fixes down the line, leave that for PC games.

Score: 5/10
Fun moments buried in an unfinished game. Not worth it yet.
Out Now on Xbox - https://amzn.to/4l6Eu9m