Jon Scarr's Reviews
NHL 26 feels sharper on the ice with smarter goalies, smoother stick handling, and stars that actually stand out. Be A Pro finally shakes things up with draft pressure and career consequences, while Hockey Ultimate Team adds Cup Chase and a salary cap to keep things balanced. Franchise Mode and presentation still feel behind, but the gameplay and mode updates make this a step forward. It isn’t a huge overhaul, but hockey fans will find plenty to dig into this year.
NBA 2K26 steps up with smoother gameplay, smarter AI, and a new shot system that makes every possession count. MyCareer, MyTeam, and The City all see meaningful updates, while presentation improvements bring the atmosphere closer to a live broadcast. VC reliance and balance issues still drag it down, but this year’s release feels like the most complete basketball experience the series has offered in years.
Lost Soul Aside finally arrives after years of waiting, and the combat makes it worth a look. Swapping weapons, nailing perfect blocks, and teaming up with Arena makes fights a blast. The problem is everything else can feel rough, from the story to the polish. It’s fun, just not the complete package many were hoping for.
Hell is Us takes a different path from most action-adventures. Instead of guiding you with waypoints, it leaves you to figure things out on your own. I found the mix of exploration, puzzles, and story really satisfying, even if I did get stuck more than once. Combat isn’t the strongest part, with only a handful of enemy types, but it’s serviceable. It’s not for everyone, but if you enjoy games that make you slow down, take notes, and work things out, Hell is Us is worth your time.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World brings the full original adventure with sharper visuals and smoother performance on Nintendo Switch 2. The Star-Crossed World expansion adds 12 remixed levels, new Mouthful transformations, and tougher bosses that give returning fans plenty to enjoy. Some recycled content holds it back from feeling brand new, but the mix of upgrades and fresh challenges makes it rewarding for those who already loved Kirby’s 3D debut.
Gears of War Reloaded brings back the original with sharper visuals, smoother performance, and cross-play. The campaign still delivers big moments, and co-op or multiplayer make it even better. A few rough edges remain, but it’s an easy reminder of why Gears is still fun to play nearly twenty years later.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance brings Joe Musashi back with fast combat, smooth platforming, and a sharp visual style. The story keeps things light but still adds personality, thanks to Joe’s silence and the over-the-top villains. Extra modes like boss rush and challenge stages give you plenty to do once the credits roll. A few small hiccups don’t change the fact that this is one of Sega’s best revivals in years.
Midnight Murder Club is all about flashlight duels and laughs in the dark. It’s a blast with friends, especially using proximity chat, but the single map and shaky matchmaking keep it from lasting too long. The sound design steals the show, while Graveyard Shift doesn’t add much. Still, at a budget price, it’s the kind of game you’ll want to break out for late-night chaos with your crew.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a faithful remake that sharpens the look and feel of a classic without changing its core. The story of loyalty and betrayal still hits just as hard, and the stealth gameplay remains rewarding with a few helpful tweaks. Some stiff animations and performance dips hold it back, but the strong audio, boss battles, and extras make it worth revisiting. Delta proves Snake Eater still matters twenty years later.
Operation Night Strikers contains four classic Taito arcade shooters with smooth emulation, solid controls, and plenty of variety. It’s missing extras, and the home console versions are sold separately as DLC, but the core collection still offers a fun way to enjoy authentic arcade action at home.
Tiny Bookshop is a cozy game with a calm shopkeeping loop, real-world books, décor perks, and interactions with Bookstonbury’s locals. Ten locations and seasonal events keep the routine varied, while decorating and matching genres add a small touch of planning. The slow pace suits the atmosphere, though repetition and random stock can limit progress. Its steady rhythm and small moments make running the shop satisfying.
Grounded 2 builds on the first game with a larger map, faster travel, and smarter tools that make survival more streamlined. Brookhollow Park feels alive with new creatures and biomes, while buggies and the Omni-Tool keep you moving and gathering without the grind. The story is clearer, and mutations give you more ways to play. Early Access bugs are there, but the improvements already make this a stronger, more focused sequel.
The Hinokami Chronicles 2 refines the arena fighter formula with smoother combat, new gear systems, and expanded modes. The story mode moves quickly through three major anime arcs, with flashy boss fights and a large cast of unlockable characters. Online play offers casual and ranked options, though the lack of rollback and crossplay still stings. It’s not a reinvention, but it’s a smarter, more complete sequel that delivers where it counts.
Gradius Origins is a solid way to revisit or discover some of the best arcade shooters from Konami’s past. It is not a full series collection, but what’s here is put together with care. The quality-of-life features help smooth out the difficulty without removing the challenge, and Salamander III feels like a real bonus instead of filler. I would have liked to see the console and MSX games included, but even without them, there is still a lot to enjoy. If you are into shmups or just curious about the roots of the genre, this is a great place to start.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound brings the series back to its 2D roots with tight controls, sharp level design, and satisfying challenge. The dual-character system, Guillotine Boost, and Hypercharge mechanics add variety without overcomplicating things. Combat and platforming feel smooth and skill-based, with modern touches that respect the NES originals. The campaign is short but focused, and extra modes offer reasons to replay. If you grew up on the classics, this one hits the right notes without feeling stuck in the past.
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV adds fun extras to an already packed party game. Carnival Coaster stands out as a fast, replayable mode, and the new mouse-based minigames bring something different. While Bowser Live doesn’t last long and there are no new boards, the added rule sets and hardware support give it replay value. If you skipped the original, this version is the better way to jump in.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it brings enough variety to stand out. The flexible skill tree, dodge-based combat, and mix of melee and magic give you room to experiment. Some balance issues and clunky animations hold it back, especially early on, but it builds into a solid Soulslike experience that makes the journey feel worthwhile.
Donkey Kong Bananza focuses on fast movement, fun destruction, and steady upgrades. It’s responsive, satisfying, and full of surprises. A few frame dips and camera slips don’t get in the way. Whether you’re playing by yourself or with a friend, it’s one of the best 3D platformers out there.
Out of Sight is a short, quiet horror adventure with clever puzzles and a unique perspective. Its story leaves questions unanswered, but the atmosphere and simple gameplay make it memorable.
RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business is a tighter, faster follow-up that cuts out the slow patrols and focuses on heavy combat. It’s not a full sequel, but it feels complete, even with some leftover bugs and reused assets. If you liked Rogue City’s core action, this short return to OmniTower delivers more of it with fewer distractions.