Paul Farrelly's Reviews
Lumines Arise on PS5 is exactly the kind of follow-up that a game like Tetris Effect deserved to have at its side: a companion piece that riffs on the same synaesthetic ethos but leans into its own identity as a more aggressive, combo-hungry block puzzler. Even without strapping on a PSVR2 headset, this flatscreen version is a gorgeous, absorbing way to lose an hour to rhythm and light, backed by a generous suite of modes and some of the best audiovisual design in the genre.
If you want a few hours of low commitment demon slaying with friends, Painkiller does the job and does it with style where it counts most – in your hands and on your triggers. If you are hunting for something deeper, richer, or more distinct in today’s crowded shooter scene, this will probably feel like a stopgap rather than a staple.
Reus 2 on Xbox Series S is a rich and thoughtful god game that rewards careful planning, experimentation, and a love of emergent storytelling, offering hours of meditative world building for anyone willing to push through its initially daunting interface. Its evocative titans, evolving eras, and satisfying puzzle like approach to Biotica placement make it a standout in a niche genre, even if the console controls and occasionally awkward text scaling hold it back from true greatness on this particular platform.
Kentum is one of those rare games that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go. It’s funny, smart, and mechanically rich in ways that kept me playing well past when I intended to stop . If you’re a fan of survival crafting games like Terraria or Starbound, or if you love the exploration of Metroidvanias with a dose of dark humour, this is an easy recommendation. The combination of satisfying crafting loops, addictive exploration, stellar voice work, and a world that constantly challenges you creates something genuinely special. Yes, it can be grindy at times, and yes, dying far from home with a full backpack will make you want to scream, but those moments of triumph when everything clicks make it all worthwhile.
If you grew up manoeuvring pixelated corridors, juggling bullets, and cringing at brilliantly odd dialogue, Flesh Made Fear will feel like a dark homecoming. This is a game that rewards patience, curiosity, and a willingness to savour every tense moment rather than rushing to the end credits. Whether you are a long-time lover of survival horror or simply want a taste of what the genre was like before jump scares became a shortcut, Flesh Made Fear delivers a brooding journey that lingers long after you shut it down. Rotwood’s horrors may fade, but for those who truly appreciate its roots, the echoes of its atmosphere never really leave you.
Ale Abbey is that rare sim which doesn’t demand you worship at the altar of spreadsheets. It combines a fresh setting, digestible challenge, and a truly enjoyable pixel art aesthetic for a highly replayable (if not bottomless) PC experience. There’s enough novelty to keep beer enthusiasts and management fans busy, but it’s especially suited for those gaming sessions where you want to unwind and watch monks and your ales thrive. Rating: 8/10 – A joyful, sometimes hilarious, and gently challenging brewery sim with heart. If you want the Abbey Road to tycoon relaxation, pour yourself a pint of Ale Abbey.
I loved my time with this world and it’s cast of characters. I never got tired of the swordplay and feeling like a bad ass. I even played it to completion to stretch out my time in Yotei but it’s still a very solid second place for me this year. Hats off to an amazing experience. Ghost of Yotei scores a very high 9 out of 10 for me and I’m hoping we see perhaps an older Kiku in their next game? Or perhaps they’ll let us play as Mad Goro (AKA Trevor Philips) in some future DLC. Grand Theft Yotei here we come!
Score: 7/10 – Simon the Sorcerer Origins is far from magical, but it’s earnest, visually memorable, and occasionally joyful, despite its many missteps. There is a chance I’m just dumb (no need for comments on that one) but the puzzles are too frustrating to be enjoyable (IMO).
For anyone yearning for a return to old-school storytelling, moody graphics, and logical puzzles, The Jester and the Madman ticks all the right boxes. It’s clear the developers know exactly the kind of experience they want to offer. Even if the graphics are intentionally gritty and the story expects you to come in with a little background knowledge, the adventure succeeds by focusing on exploration and logic, not just superficial gloss.
Onirism is a game that simultaneously frustrates and fascinates, offering a vibrant dreamscape filled with chaotic combat, playful platforming, and vast exploration. Its rough edges and persistent bugs may test patience, but those same imperfections contribute to a unique charm that captivates players willing to embrace the challenge. The treasure trove of weapons, enemies, and modes promises many hours of enjoyable gameplay, especially for those who appreciate creativity over polish.
It’s a game filled with jaw-dropping highs and sequences that remind you exactly why you invested in VR in the first place, yet it occasionally forgets that less is sometimes more. Still, these criticisms come from a place of admiration. Very few VR titles dare to deliver this kind of cinematic ambition, this blend of parkour, combat, and storytelling all harmonised in first-person. Even if the pacing occasionally stumbles, Reach remains a shining example of what the future of VR gaming can look like when a studio truly swings for the fences.
Yooka-Re-Playlee is platforming joy refined, re-tooled, and ready for new audiences and old-school fans alike. It’s not just the best way to experience Yooka’s adventure—it’s a love letter to everything that made 3D platformers the kings of the N64 era. While it narrowly misses the crown thanks to Astro Bot’s PS5 flourishes, it earns an easy 9 out of 10 for sheer fun, magic, and replayability. Grab your quills, warm up that cuppa, and prepare to jump headfirst into the best buddy adventure Playtonic has ever made.
Dreams of Another on PS5 offers stunning visuals and soulful ideas, but its repetition and preachy tone make this artistic experiment feel lost in its own dream.
Blood of Mehran lands squarely in the mid card table with a 5 out of 10. The game’s heart is in the right place, but with shallow storytelling, repetitive combat, and a lack of originality, it’s a faint shadow of greater epics that came before.
Camille and Laura is a beautifully drawn, quietly powerful point-and-click adventure that lovingly explores the trials and small triumphs of single parenthood. Through its genuine narrative and warm visual style, it shines a much-needed spotlight on the heroics of everyday survival, inviting players to look for beauty in the ordinary and find meaning in the rhythms of real life.
Discounty shows excellence in atmosphere, narrative depth, and gameplay feel, while noting its limited game progression mechanics compared to peers like Stardew Valley. It’s a must-play for fans of cozy simulations seeking something a little different: familiar yet unsettling in its quiet complexity.
The Necromancer’s Tale isn’t flawless—its combat can be clunky, setups sometimes frustrating, and technical stumbles may irritate—but its strengths in narrative, atmosphere, and choice-driven gameplay make it a memorable experience for fans of story-rich CRPGs.
Not flawless, but consistently entertaining, and absolutely worth checking out if you love RPGs, parodies, or just want something a little offbeat.
Wildwood Down is more than a nod to the classics—it’s a love letter to friendship, mischief, and the golden summers of our youth. Crafted with genuine affection and wit, it showcases the power of inclusive storytelling and pure creativity. Wildwood Down is a reminder that games can still surprise, inspire, and leave a lasting mark on the heart.
Back to the Dawn is a rare example of a game that tackles the realities of incarceration with seriousness and respect. It offers a challenging, thoughtful RPG experience where every choice matters, and the consequences are tangible and often harsh. This is not a game for casual play or lighthearted escapism. Instead, it demands your full attention and empathy as it explores the complex human stories within prison walls. For gamers interested in deep narrative, strategic gameplay, and a sobering examination of justice and survival, Back to the Dawn on Xbox Series S is an essential experience.