REVIEW: Jacked Up (2025 VR Game) For MetaQuest

Review by Jon Donnis

I've been interested to play Jacked Up ever since the first chaotic trailer dropped, and now that it's finally on my headset, I can say it's definitely a fun VR game, if not groundbreaking. The pitch sounds ridiculous on paper: you're a musclebound rabbit trying to climb a giant tower, live-streaming the whole ordeal to an in-game audience that cheers, heckles, and distracts you while you bounce from one block to the next.

The bouncing feels pretty decent. It's fast, simple, and addictive, I lost count of how many times I smacked into the same spinning bar thingy and tumbled right back to the bottom, only to instantly restart without hesitation. That's the magic here, the game doesn't frustrate too much, it teases you into having "just one more go."

What keeps it from getting stale are the gyms dotted through the tower. Every few hundred metres, you land in a checkpoint guarded by outrageously shredded animals. Ripped frogs, bulked-up chickens, dogs with more muscle than sense, all cheering you on. Make it to the fourth gym and you unlock a Gym Token, which means you don't always have to slog back through the very start again. It's a clever little system that makes progress feel rewarding while keeping the tension alive.

The optional challenges are where the game goes from silly to completely unhinged. One run I was trying to bounce while holding a motivational poster in front of my face, another time I downed a glowing protein shake that made my jumps unpredictable. These "Bro Lab" dares are interesting, especially when your in-game chat starts reacting in real time. That feature might sound like a gimmick, but it really adds to the atmosphere. Having fake viewers roast you mid-run makes the whole experience feel like part-game, part-comedy show.

It isn't all perfect. The visuals are extremely simple, almost bare-bones, and the environments don't change much as you climb. The core loop is strong, but it doesn't branch out into much variety yet. I'm banking on those promised mini-games in future updates to fill that gap. And a big word of warning: if you're even slightly prone to motion sickness, this one could mess you up. Looking down or up at the wrong time is an instant stomach churner.

Still, for the price (just under six quid), it's a brilliant little package. It doesn't overcomplicate itself, it makes the bouncing feel great, and it has enough personality to stand out from the usual crop of VR experiments.

Jacked Up won't win awards for originality or visuals, but it nails what it sets out to do. It's goofy, frustrating in the best way, and weirdly motivating. I'm giving it a solid 7 out of 10, with the feeling it could climb higher if those updates deliver.

Out Now at https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/jacked-up/9440539029392511

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NEWS: GUNNAR Optiks Raises the Bar Again with the Stunning Tioga Glasses

By Jon Donnis

GUNNAR Optiks has outdone itself again with the Tioga, and it is the kind of pair that makes you sit up and take notice. From the moment you pick them up, you can tell these are designed for people who care about both style and performance. They feel solid yet light in the hand, and once you put them on, the fit just clicks. It is easy to forget you are even wearing them, which is exactly what you want from glasses you plan to use all day.

The inspiration comes from Lake Tioga, and the clarity and purity of that image are reflected in the design. The frames are a modern round shape that manages to look bold without feeling flashy. Italian acetate combined with lightweight carbon fibre reinforced wood gives them a premium feel. The finishes, Maroon Rosewood and Gray Crystal Walnut, are rich and sophisticated, the kind of colours you notice but in a subtle way. You can imagine wearing them at work, in a cafe, or walking around the city. Flexible spring hinges make them comfortable on the nose and behind the ears, and at just over an ounce, you quickly forget they are even there.

Then there are the lenses. GUNNAR has long been known for its lens technology, and Tioga delivers it in full force. Optically pure mineral glass is incredibly scratch-resistant and durable, which is a relief if you are clumsy or like to toss your glasses in a bag. The G-Shield coating blocks blue light and UV rays, which makes a real difference for anyone who spends long hours at a computer or gaming late into the night. Whether you are streaming your favourite game, writing emails, or scrolling through social media, your eyes are under less strain, and everything looks sharper.

The lens options make them even more appealing. The 65 GBLF Amber lenses help reduce eye fatigue and glare for longer comfort, while the 20 GBLF Clear Pro lenses give unmatched clarity and colour fidelity. It is the kind of choice that feels like it was designed for real people with real lives, not just for the sake of a marketing claim.

The real highlight for me is that Tioga can be fitted with prescription lenses. That changes everything. These are not just gaming or office glasses anymore. They can become your everyday eyewear. You get the benefits of GUNNAR technology combined with your exact prescription, which means you do not have to compromise style for vision. You can wear them at work, at home, or out on the town and get the same comfort, clarity, and protection. That versatility is rare, and it is something GUNNAR has clearly considered.

It is also worth noting the attention to detail. Every curve, every angle, and every material feels carefully chosen. The frames are lightweight but strong, the hinges are responsive without feeling stiff, and the lens coating is smooth and effective. You do not have to fight with these glasses; they feel natural. They are functional, but also undeniably stylish.

After wearing the Tioga for a while, you start to appreciate how much thought has gone into making them feel premium in every sense. It is not just about looking good; it is about feeling good, seeing better, and reducing strain in ways that you notice almost immediately. That combination of practicality and elegance is hard to find.

GUNNAR has proven once again why they are number one on the field. The Tioga is more than just a pair of glasses. It is a tool, a fashion statement, and a reliable companion for gaming sessions, office hours, or everyday life. For anyone who cares about both performance and style, these glasses are an easy choice. They are versatile, protective, and genuinely exciting to wear. After seeing and trying the Tioga, it is hard to imagine wanting any other pair of glasses.

For more info check out https://gunnar.com/products/tioga

NEWS: Borderlands 4 - Limited edition gaming glasses collection from 2K Games and Gunnar Optiks

By Jon Donnis

To celebrate the launch of Borderlands 4 this September, 2K Games and Gunnar Optiks have teamed up to release a range of gaming glasses that every Vault Hunter is going to want.

The highlight is the Ripper Edition, a wraparound design that looks like it's been pulled straight out of the Borderlands universe. The frames have bold outlines and shading that give them a comic book feel, perfectly capturing the chaotic energy of the series. They look like pure Psycho gear, but they're built for comfort and long hours at the screen.

Gunnar has packed in all their signature tech. You get patented lenses that block harmful blue light, cut glare, resist smudges, and protect against 100% UV. The high-wrap polymer frame gives you full coverage, and the multi-barrel hinges keep the fit secure without losing comfort. Whether you're battling the Timekeeper or grinding for legendaries, these glasses keep your vision sharp and your aim locked in.

Each pair feels like its own loot drop. They come with an officially licensed Borderlands 4 pouch, a custom microfibre cloth, and a premium case, all stamped with game-inspired details that welcome you straight into Kairos.

Specs-wise, the Ripper Edition comes in at 60 mm lens width, 18 mm nose, 130 mm temple, and weighs just 2.57 ounces. Light, durable, and designed for marathons, not quick runs.

If you're a Borderlands fan, these aren't just glasses, they're part of the experience. The ultimate mix of style, performance, and fandom, ready for launch alongside Borderlands 4.

More info at https://gunnar.com/products/borderlands-4-ripper

REVIEW: Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi (2025 Video Game) on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi is a 2025 fantasy adventure from MarsLit Games, inspired by the works of Studio Ghibli and Studio Chizu. The game tells the story of Lili, who has no wish to follow her late mother's path as a Guardian, and Sadi, a Monk-in-training who believes their traditional partnership is the only way to stop the spreading corruption of the Void. Their reluctant alliance takes them across Atarassia, a world filled with corrupted shrines, dangerous monsters, and spirits waiting to be freed.

The narrative builds on themes of loss and reluctant duty, with Lili's grief and hesitation clashing against Sadi's belief in tradition. Their journey is framed through dungeons that combine puzzles, combat, and exploration. Players are encouraged to use both Guardian melee abilities and Monk magic to progress, with enemies and challenges often requiring both to overcome. The partnership is central to the design, and when it works, it gives a satisfying sense of cooperation and growth between the characters.

The visual style is one of the strongest aspects of Altheia. Its hand-painted look and expressive character designs capture the charm of the animation studios it draws from, giving Atarassia a rich and memorable atmosphere. The story has appeal too, offering emotional weight while still leaving room for moments of lightness and hope. Unfortunately, the technical side holds it back. Bugs are common, sometimes leaving players stuck without clear direction, and the control system often feels unintuitive. These issues are frustrating in a game so focused on dungeons and puzzles, where precision and flow are essential.

Sound design also needs more refinement. While the music supports the mood well enough, sound effects are inconsistent, with some environmental noises far too loud and others barely noticeable. These imbalances, combined with control and stability problems, make the experience feel rougher than it should be so close to release.

There is clear potential in Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi. The idea of pairing a Guardian and Monk to fight against the Void is strong, and the world itself is beautifully presented. Right now though, the game feels unfinished. Unless the upcoming update addresses the bugs, improves the controls, and balances the audio, it risks disappointing players who are drawn in by its promise. It is a fantasy adventure with a lot of heart and a striking style, but one that urgently needs polish to reach its full potential.

Fingers crossed for a nice big day one update.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1638160/Altheia_The_Wrath_of_Aferi/

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

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

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3225420/Recharge/