Jon Scarr's Reviews
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.
Edens Zero mixes quick story beats with easy-to-grasp combat and some fun team-swapping. There’s plenty to do in its open world, even if the environments feel empty and the performance takes a hit. Unlocking new skills and gear adds some variety to fights, but things stay pretty laid-back overall. If you’re into the series or just want something casual to mess around with, it might be worth a look.
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster brings this classic 3DS RPG back in a way that still works. The combat’s just as satisfying, the job system is still fun to mess with, and the upgraded visuals help it shine a little brighter. The new mini-games are small extras, but the heart of the game is as strong as ever.
Patapon 1+2 Replay brings back two of the PSP’s most unique rhythm-strategy games with sharper visuals, smooth performance, and a few helpful tweaks. The core gameplay is still fun and challenging, and Patapon 2 gives you more to mess around with. There’s nothing new in terms of content or story, but the rhythm-command loop still feels great.
Tamagotchi Plaza brings back classic characters in a bright, cheerful package, but it runs out of steam pretty fast. The minigames are fun at first, but they get old quick, and the grind doesn’t help.
Gex Trilogy brings back a cult platforming mascot with three TV-themed adventures and just enough modern tweaks to make them playable. From the 2D original to its two 3D sequels, each game keeps Gex’s sarcastic style intact, even when the humour doesn’t always hold up. The rewind feature, widescreen support, and bonus content add value without changing the core experience. Some camera issues and dated design show their age, but fans of the series will find a lot to appreciate.
Hogwarts Legacy delivers a rich open-world RPG with satisfying spellcasting, strong exploration, and detailed world-building. While the story falls into familiar patterns and some side content drags, the overall experience remains rewarding. It’s not flawless, but the blend of combat, puzzles, and Hogwarts charm makes it worth your time.
Monaco 2 brings back the heart of the original and builds something smarter and more flexible around it. The 3D shift helps with clarity, the level layouts feel more readable, and the ability to swap characters mid-mission makes experimentation easier. It still leans heavily on co-op, but there’s enough here for those who prefer to go it alone.
Little Nightmares II takes what worked in the first game and adds just enough to make everything feel a bit more intense. It doesn’t spell anything out. You figure things out on your own, whether that’s solving a puzzle, dodging something that wants you gone, or trying to piece together what’s happening. That kind of quiet approach works better here than it usually does.
If you’re hoping for a tough survival challenge, you won’t find it here. But if you’re after a short, puzzle-focused experience you can play alone or with others, Survival Kids fills that role well. It might not hold your attention for long, but it’s a calm, cooperative break from heavier games.
RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army updates a PS2 cult classic with better combat, voice acting, and visuals. It still shows some age, especially in its detective gameplay, but the improvements are significant. The fusion system is addictive, battles feel great, and the world has real charm.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach sticks close to the original’s formula, but tightens up the gameplay and expands your tools. The story leans into Kojima’s usual weirdness, with standout characters and a final act that delivers. It’s familiar in many ways, but still offers something different from anything else this year.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma reshapes the series with better structure, improved combat, and satisfying village building. Farming takes a step back, but there’s still plenty to do between quests, upgrades, and relationship building. A few pacing issues and simple AI hold it back slightly, but the overall experience feels more complete than past entries.
Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut brings the series’ best prequel to Nintendo Switch 2 with smoother performance, sharp visuals, and strong storytelling. The new cutscenes and Red Light Raid mode are minor additions, but don’t take away from the experience. Combat is still satisfying, and the side content holds up, even if some parts feel a bit dated. It’s not a must-have for returning fans, but for those new to the series, this is a great place to start.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition doesn’t change the story or core gameplay, but it runs better than ever. 4K resolution, 60FPS, HDR, and faster load times give it the technical upgrade it always needed. A second save slot is a nice addition, and the Zelda Notes app adds optional tools and lore, even if using your phone feels clunky. It’s not a new game, but it’s the best way to play this one.
Mindseye sets up a big, cinematic experience with flashy cutscenes and a futuristic world, but it doesn’t come together. The action gets repetitive fast, the world feels empty, and technical issues are hard to ignore. There are moments that show potential, especially in the visuals and voice work. But right now, it’s not something you’ll want to stick with for long.
Mario Kart World takes the series in a new direction with connected tracks, expanded online modes, and a massive open world. Knockout Tour is a highlight, delivering fast-paced chaos with 24 racers. While Free Roam feels underused, the core racing and presentation stay strong. Longtime fans will find plenty to enjoy, even if not every new idea lands.