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Rivenaar's Grove is a competent, well-crafted sliding puzzle game that balances simplicity with clever design. Its core mechanics are engaging, the puzzles are thoughtfully constructed, and the challenge modes provide satisfying depth for players who want more than casual play. However, its limited scope, short length, and minimal narrative prevent it from achieving greatness. That said, at just $4.99, it remains a worthwhile diversion for anyone seeking a light, portable puzzle game with a charming fantasy setting, offering short bursts of strategic fun. With expanded content, more complex levels, and additional customization or abilities, a sequel could easily elevate the crop collecting craze. Rivenaar's Grove is an enjoyable, if modest, addition to the puzzle genre and is a game that delivers solid mechanics, but leaves you wishing for a little more magic.
A lack of flair and features drag down this otherwise satisfying sports title.
Tales of the Shire is a Hobbit lifestyle cozy game Tolkien would be proud of and WETA Workshop clearly loved. Hardcore gamers may be confused by the seemingly inane life of Hobbits, also its limited presentation aspects. Still, if you're a Lord of the Rings fan wanting something truly different, this is a welcome change of pace. Note I experienced zero performance/glitch issues on the PS5 Pro (as other platforms weren't so lucky).
Madden 26 may literally be the best Madden game ever, and a must purchase for fans of the pro game. I haven't loved a Madden game this much since Sega Genesis. EA Sports rightly plucked from the best aspects of College Football 25 and 26, and created a world class professional gridiron offering. Don't skip this one.
An enjoyable experience for fans of the original Still Wakes the Deep
Perhaps my biggest takeaway from Wild Hearts S is that I didn't once find myself lamenting Monster Hunter. Wild Hearts was perhaps a risky endeavour but it's one that's paid off with impressive results. While genre newcomers can treat the land of Azuma as a gateway to monster hunting, long-standing genre fans will find plenty here to keep them happy until the next Monster Hunter adventure arrives. Best of all, this game is a fun experience on the Nintendo Switch 2, even with some of the graphical slowdown – it's portable monster hunter killer.
This all might sound like I'm a bit down on Dawn of War – Definitive Edition, but that isn't the case. I love the original releases, and this is that with some modern tweaks, and I've adored the time spent diving back into the games. If you already own the original releases and don't want to, or can't be bothered to mod them, this is certainly the best and most convenient way to play these games now. Those who do play and mod the original games, this is a bit of a harder sell.
Echoes Of The End does have a lot of good points. Visually it does not disappoint, the magic can be fun to wield, and the puzzles add a nice little change of pace. The combat is generally enjoyable enough, if a little awkward, especially targeting magic abilities with camera angles in the midst of battle. If you can put up with its little quirks and occasional glitches (I once seemed to manage to get myself stuck inside the landscape and was unable to move or even see the world properly), it does offer a nice little bit of fantasy storytelling and might be worth your while. If you are easily frustrated by games that sometimes seem to work against you, maybe give it a miss.
A gloriously gory glow up of a stone cold classic that suffers from irksome control issues
Slopecrashers embraces its arcade snowboarding identity with enthusiasm and charm. It's a game that understands its influences and target audience, delivering a colorful, silly, and engaging experience that thrives on multiplayer mayhem. While it doesn't reach the refined heights of the great arcade racers or snowboarding titles it takes cues from, it confidently delivers something unique in a space that doesn't see much attention anymore. At $17.99, it's a worthwhile pickup for players nostalgic for SSX, Snowboard Kids, or party-style racing games and one that delivers more than its surface-level whimsy might initially suggest. For all its quirks, Slopecrashers is a reminder that games can still be about pure, uncomplicated fun.
Hungry Meem is a unique, sometimes exhausting strategy simulation that blends chaos and charm in equal measure. It's the kind of game where watching your village slowly thrive feels satisfying, but getting there is a bumpy, often repetitive road. Between the Meems' antics, the overlapping progression systems, and the sheer weirdness of it all, there's a peculiar joy in trying to make everything work. It's not for everyone, but it might be exactly what you're looking for if you're craving something experimental, unpolished, and full of strange heart.
Hell Clock provides the thrill of Diablo II and PoE build craft with the rogue-like story elements and inter-run progression of Hades. It loses a little love in the grind for resources and progression and boring enemies, but the gameplay loop is addictive enough to make up for it in short intervals. Strongly Recommend.
A whimsical adventure that's more than the sum of its parts.
Ultimately, Day of the Shell is a compelling idea that doesn't fully realize its potential. It nails its core concept of accessibility and snappy tactics, but falters in the systems meant to support long-term engagement. For players seeking a bite-sized, brainy strategy game to play in short sessions, there's a lot to like here, but those hoping for deep progression, rich variety, or meaningful replayability may find themselves burning out quickly. It's not a bad game by any means; it's just one that feels like the first draft of something greater. With more content, balance tweaks, and expansion of its mechanics, it could become something special. As it stands, Day of the Shell is a promising and modest experience that is unique, but not unforgettable.
Furious combat and fiendish difficulty collide in this challenging yet satisfying revival.
In short, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Switch 2 Edition is a very worthwhile upgrade to the original. It improves on the base Switch version in every way, being every bit as engaging now as it was when it first launched in 2023. Owners of the original release can upgrade to the Switch 2 edition for £7.99/$20, and newcomers can pick up the game (that still works on Switch) for £66/$109.
For players craving a slower-paced, tactical squad-based shooter, Ready or Not is a must-play.
The new games delight, but the split between Jamboree and TV dulls the fun.
If you ever thought Resident Evil needed more felt My Friendly Neighborhood will be right up your Sesame Street.
Donkey Kong Bananza is a beautiful next-gen chapter of a gaming legend!