The first thing you'll notice about the Creative Sound BlasterAxx range is that it looks distinctly sci-fi, like a cross between the crystal structures in Superman's fortress and the control panel of a futuristic starship.

Actually, the first thing you'll notice is that it has a slightly silly name, but after that you'll notice the cool design thing. But it's not just the looks that feel like they're from the future here: when the Sound BlasterAxx performs its party tricks, it has the same kind of eye-opening effect as the first time we used an iPhone.

The feeling that you're seeing the way everything should be from now on. It's just a shame that the rest of it's a bit dodgy.