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/

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

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

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2269950/The_Karters_2_Turbo_Charged/

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