Friday, 17 October 2025

REVIEW: LEGO City Express Passenger Train Construction Set 60337 – A Stylish Ride for Young Builders

Review by Jon Donnis

The LEGO City Express Passenger Train Construction Set 60337 is one of those sets that immediately catches the eye. With its smooth, modern bullet-train design and Powered Up technology, it delivers an impressive blend of build quality and play potential. Designed for both new builders and seasoned LEGO train fans, it captures that balance between a detailed construction project and a fully interactive toy.


The build itself is straightforward and well-paced. Each section of the train feels satisfying to assemble, and the instructions are clear throughout. For a set with multiple cars, a working locomotive, and a station platform, it never becomes overwhelming. The 24 track pieces form a full oval, giving players a complete layout right out of the box. The six included minifigures, along with accessibility features such as a wheelchair ramp and bicycle space, make it ideal for creative play and storytelling.

Once assembled, the train looks superb. The sleek shape of the locomotive, the magnet buffers that connect the cars, and the attention to detail inside the passenger and bistro cars all stand out. The removable roofs and opening double doors make interior play easy, while the Powered Up system allows control through the remote or a smart device. The train glides smoothly on its tracks and the dimmable headlights are a neat touch, adding to the sense of realism.


There are, however, a few drawbacks. At £140, it's on the expensive side for a set aimed mainly at younger builders, however it is currently at £105.99 on sale on Amazon, so worth a look if you can get it discounted. It also lacks the complexity and intricate design of LEGO's more advanced Creator Expert trains, which could leave older collectors wanting more. Still, for children or families who want a hands-on, entertaining build with plenty of movement and imagination, it delivers exactly what it promises.

The LEGO City Express Passenger Train Construction Set 60337 is a strong entry in the LEGO City range. It's accessible, good-looking, and full of charm, even if the price will make some pause before purchasing.

Score: 8/10 – Simple to build, fun to run, and great for young train enthusiasts.

Buy from Amazon at https://amzn.to/4hlRS9y

Monday, 13 October 2025

REVIEW: GUNNAR Optiks Fallout Vault 33 Glasses – A Perfect Fit for Every Vault Dweller

Review by Jon Donnis

It's rare to find a gaming accessory that feels so effortlessly in sync with the universe it's inspired by, but GUNNAR's Fallout Vault 33 Glasses manage it with style. Released to celebrate Fallout's 28th anniversary, these glasses don't just pay tribute to the game's retro-futuristic charm, they embody it. From the square, stainless-steel and nylon frame to the olive metal temples, everything about their design feels like it belongs in a Vault-Tec laboratory. It's that classic Fallout blend of 1950s cool and post-apocalyptic grit, brought to life in eyewear form. The fit is light and comfortable, thanks to flexible hinges and smooth contours, and they sit snugly enough for marathon gaming sessions or long nights scrolling through Pip-Boy menus.


Performance-wise, GUNNAR's signature technology really earns its reputation here. The lenses block harmful blue light and 100% of UV rays, which makes a huge difference after hours spent in front of a screen. The G-Shield Plus coating also keeps things crisp and smudge-free, perfect for those who can't tear themselves away from the Commonwealth or the latest Fallout episode on Prime Video. They do exactly what you want them to: reduce strain, sharpen focus, and make gaming (or work) easier on the eyes. In short, they're as functional as they are stylish.

What makes them extra special is the sense of collectability and fan service woven into the design. Each pair comes with a collector's case, pouch, and cleaning cloth, all stamped with official Fallout and Amazon Studios branding. They're more than a gimmick, they're a piece of the Fallout world you can wear every day. Add to that the limited-time anniversary deal, and you've got a rare find: eyewear that looks incredible, performs brilliantly, and feels like a proper perk upgrade for anyone living in the digital wasteland. GUNNAR has done it again, proving that great design and gaming culture can coexist beautifully. For Fallout fans, this is as close as you'll get to real Vault-Tec tech.


GUNNAR Optiks has built its reputation on making some of the best gaming eyewear out there, and this latest release only strengthens that. The Fallout Vault 33 Glasses are more than a themed product, they're an ideal blend of comfort, craftsmanship, and fandom. Whether you're a hardcore Vault Dweller or a casual wasteland wanderer, they deliver on every front. Eye protection, aesthetic appeal, and a sense of immersion all rolled into one sleek pair of frames. In a world full of gimmicky gaming collaborations, this one feels genuinely special, a real-world upgrade that would make even Mr Handy proud.

Check them out at gunnar.com before the anniversary deal ends, and don't forget the promo code FALLOUT28 for the limited-time anniversary offer, dropping the price from $99 to $69.30. If Fallout has taught us anything, it's that good loot doesn't stay on the shelf for long.

Thanks to GUNNAR Optiks for the review sample.



Friday, 10 October 2025

REVIEW: Harry Potter Mystery Flying Snitch

Review by Jon Donnis

Catching the Golden Snitch at the final moment is a fantasy many Harry Potter fans cherish, and the Mystery Flying Snitch from WOW! Stuff captures that excitement in a way that feels surprisingly authentic. This isn't just a static replica; it's an interactive toy designed to mimic the Snitch's elusive, darting flight, offering a hands-on experience that fans of all ages can enjoy.

The Snitch itself is a visual treat. Its delicate wings flutter realistically, catching the light with a golden shimmer reminiscent of the films. The design conveys the same mischievous energy that made the Snitch such an iconic part of Quidditch matches on screen. Rather than relying on screens or apps, the toy uses invisible thread, a technique borrowed from professional stage magic, to create the illusion of flight. Out of the box, it can be a bit tricky to handle, but once you get the rhythm, it appears to hover, zip, and spin with what feels like pure magic.


The Mystery Flying Snitch rewards patience and creativity. Younger children may need a helping hand at first, but older kids and anyone who enjoys a performance challenge will find hours of enjoyment in mastering its movement. The included display stand allows it to be showcased neatly when not in flight, and the Quidditch at Hogwarts collector's poster adds an extra layer of charm, reinforcing the connection to the films.

This toy is a mix of performance and play. It encourages imagination, dexterity, and even a bit of showmanship, making it more than a simple gadget. For birthdays or Christmas, it offers a magical experience that goes beyond the usual toy, allowing fans to bring a little bit of Hogwarts into their own home. The Mystery Flying Snitch captures the playful spirit of the Wizarding World while giving fans a hands-on way to recreate one of the most thrilling elements of the Harry Potter universe.

Available on Amazon now at https://amzn.to/3KLDTgQ


Friday, 3 October 2025

REVIEW: Harry Potter RealFX Junior Invisibility Cloak

Review by Jon Donnis

Every generation of Harry Potter fans dreams of sneaking around Hogwarts under an Invisibility Cloak, and WOW! Stuff has found a way to make that dream tangible. The RealFX Junior Invisibility Cloak is not just a piece of fabric; it's an interactive experience that blends classic Harry Potter imagery with a touch of clever tech.

At first glance, it looks remarkably like the cloak Harry receives from Dumbledore in the first film. The outside features that familiar silvery pattern we've all seen on screen, while the inside is a rich green, hinting at the magic happening behind the scenes. The secret lies in the accompanying app. The cloak's inner lining acts like a portable green screen, so when you slip it on and activate your smartphone or tablet camera, you disappear from view, or at least on screen.


The cloak is designed with younger fans in mind, but it's versatile enough that older children and adults of smaller stature can also enjoy it. The app comes with backgrounds featuring iconic locations such as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and even the Forbidden Forest, making it feel as if you've stepped directly into the films. The play potential grows the longer you engage with it. You might start with simple disappearing tricks, but before long, you could be staging full wizarding scenes, creating videos, or snapping selfies that would make Fred and George proud.

Beyond the fun, there's a subtle educational angle. It introduces the concept of green screen effects in an approachable way, without ever feeling like a lesson. The included stand helps achieve the perfect shot, which is useful for both solo play and group scenes. At under £35, the cloak is not just a toy but a miniature portal into the world of Harry Potter. For Christmas or birthdays, it's a gift that promises genuine delight and plenty of magical memories.

Available on Amazon now at https://amzn.to/3KJurdZ