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Overall, Bubsy’s return after all these years isn’t a milestone in platform gaming history. It’s certainly great to see an icon from the 90s return for the modern age and Bubsy’s charm, wit and self-awareness (which is either a blessing or a curse depending on your sense of humour) is still in place which grants him a certain level of charm. The game doesn’t reinvent the wheel as far a platforming goes, however, this in my book is necessarily a bad thing. Gameplay is solid, with a good variety of worlds and the move to 3D, Sorry 4D this time around agrees with this Bobcat. Although it is easy to break the camera slightly during rolling segments at high speed, the game as a whole holds up well overall. The fact that you’re allowed you to complete each world using whatever type of movement and controls you want is a neat touch, despite the frustration of insta-death and respawn with a single misplaced step or hit as this could certainly frustrate and put off younger players new to the series. My only gripe really is that the worlds can often feel barren, with very little in the way of enemies initially. Although I only managed to complete the first world during play for the writing of this review, the levels, although varied, seem to have a lot more platforming than enemy encounters. This might change as the game progresses, but like I said, could be off putting to some people. The Baabot boss encounters provide a good challenge at the end of each world, meaning you have to master Bubsy’s full range of moves if you want to stand a chance. One of the best things for me though, is that the game isn’t charging full price on the Xbox Store at launch, meaning that it’s going to be a lot more tempting for the casual gamer to try. If you’re looking for a solid, fun, yet challenging, colourful slice of gaming goodness reminiscent of the old school platformers from the early days of 3D, then Bubsy 4D might just be the game for you to scratch that platforming itch (great, Bubsy’s humour has started to rub off on me too).
I understand that Riven will not appeal to everyone. The slow and methodical mentality will not suit those who want instant rewards in a short, casual time. Furthermore, if you do not like note-taking or you have a short attention span, this will not be for you! Yet, Riven is designed to consume and test you in equal measure. If you can give it the time it requires, the outcome is unbelievably positive. It will make you scream, shout, and want to quit. Moreover, the puzzles will push you to the breaking point. But this is half of the fun. It is this brutality and attention to detail that make it tick. Furthermore, the incredible world, stunning audio, and brilliant modern aesthetics ensure that you will not be disappointed. Accordingly, I love it and recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox store!
ZPF is a great addition to the shmup gernre, albeit it is quite brutal. This will test your metal and force you to get better. The shop is an interesting addition and will level the challenge as you unlock new perks. If you’re a fan of the genre, ZPF is an absolute blast and must play. If you have yet to dabble in the genre, I still recommend it, but get ready to die. A lot.
The first problem with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown is that our fast paced heroes doesn’t feel right working within a restrained grid. It feels off and unnatural having fast paced ninjas move at a slow pace. The game can also feel unfair and brutal at times as enemies can surround you really quick and kill you in a single turn. The game also has a steep learning curve. And completing a mission feels more luck based than actual skill. As a long time fan of TMNT, our heroes in a half shell doesn’t work as a TRPG. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown takes the effciency and typical fast paced action of the turtles and brings it down to a crawl. The learning curve is quite steep and completing a mission feels more like you got lucky than actual gaming skills. Unless you must own everything TMNT related, this is an easy pass.
Decline’s Drops is an incredibly charming, surprisingly deep, and meaty 7 to 10-hour adventure. Minor UI static-ness and finicky combo registrations aside, its stellar hand-drawn presentation, punchy brawler combat, and excellent stage design make it a must-play for platformer fans on Xbox.
Dracamar will appeal to a niche audience despite its colourful and simple design. Although I appreciated the nod to a bygone era, I’m not sure it will attract a large following. This is a shame, as I think the safe gameplay, smooth action, and interesting stage design make this a low-key but great addition to the genre. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox store!
Although it wasn’t long enough, I loved every minute. Adorable Adventures is a great indie title that will make your heart swell. It is undeniably cute, and the boars were lovely to look at. The world is a joy to experience, and I love the blend of side quests and core elements. Accordingly, I think it’s great, and I recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox store!
Directive 8020 is a decent atmospheric adventure that is a welcome branch off into the sci-fi setting. It’s an extremely well polished outing with magnificent attention to detail. There is scope for replayability if you fancy following any of the opposite paths to what you chose during the game. That said, this one didn’t have me on the edge of my seat as much as The Quarry. If you’re a fan of the Dark Pictures games then you’ll find everything familiar here. For me, I found the stealth aspects repetitive and everything seemed a bit too simple. Doesn’t make the game bad by any means and it’s still worth diving into the ten or so hours this game has to offer. Fancy playing it on Xbox Series X/S, then you can grab a copy HERE!
REPLACED is an amazing feat of art direction, story telling and world building. It isn’t trying to be a massive open-world RPG, it is a focused, 8-to-10-hour cinematic experience that wants to tell a specific story in a specific way and captivates you from the start. If you have Xbox Game Pass, this is a must download. Even if the weighty platforming isn’t your usual style, the sheer visual spectacle and the “Batman-lite” combat are worth the price of entry alone. It’s a bold, confident debut from Sad Cat Studios that have taken many inspirations of iconic gaming to prove that indie games are still the best place for artistic risk taking and this may be a cult classic Indie in the near future.
I liked the weird and wonderful nature of Super Adventure Hand. However, it lacks serious depth. Subsequently, it is more of a casual game that can be completed in around 2 hours. If you wish to find everything and collect 3 stars on every level, this extends to around 6 hours. I was okay with this, but many gamers will want much more for their money. Accordingly, despite this issue, I like it, and I recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox store!
If you’re looking to fill that Bioshock void, Crisol: Theater of Idols is the closest thing we’ll get as of this writing. The combat is unique and solid, the atmosphere is top notch, and the island is really fun to explore. Despite the little aforementioned nuisances it won’t hinder the experience. Combat is fun and unique, there’s lots to explore in each burrough and the game is atmospheric. Highly recommended.
Mixtape is an ambitious and a polarising piece of art. It is a game that is currently setting social media ablaze not because of bugs or broken promises as of recent, but because it challenges the very definition of what a “game” should be. It is a playable core memory, a montage or highlight reel of youth that is as breathtakingly gorgeous as it is mechanically thin. The game is more like a visual novel with a few actions here and there rather than something similar to a Life is Strange or a Wolf Among Us that offers a bit more direction and implication from choice. Mostly the narrative framework of Mixtape is enjoyable. Three best friends Stacey, Van Slater, and Cassandra are on a final, aimless drive through their hometown on the night of their high school graduation. The usual tropes are here which is cliché of one last party and painting the town red in traditional American graduation style in their last blaze of glory before disbanding and doing their own things and learning how tough it is to go through emotions and have a support unit of friendship before it is gone.
Beneath the surface of the record flipping sim lies a poignant story about the modern world. Repeater Records is under threat from corporate interests specifically a generic, soul sucking entertainment conglomerate that wants to replace the shop with something modern and upmarket. The game handles this stick it to the man story with a refreshing lack of sarcasm and more focuses on the regulars and togetherness. The regulars treat the shop like an escapism, teenagers looking to be influenced by music and a regular meeting spot for those with memories tied to the place. You get to learn and understand that the people you work with have seen things change and want to provide something for the community away from the shops and keep human connection fostered through the arts. Wax Heads is a triumph of focused love and labour it offers a musical imprint that stays with you long after the credits roll. Like buying your first album or your favourite this will be something in your collection that will stay with you and shape your enjoyment for the arts.
Sudden Strike 5 is a mammoth package that certainly delivers a well polished real-time strategy experience to console. I’m happy to say that it handles really well with a controller and whilst the mechanics do take a little getting used to, it does click pretty quickly. We don’t see many RTS games set in the World War II era, so to see a polished one with enough content to keep you going for a steady chunk of hours is fantastic. Replayability and longevity extends through the online multiplayer modes on offer. For enthuisasts it could keep you coming back time and time again. If you fancy a copy on Xbox Series X/S, you can bag the game HERE.
Hades II is as close to perfection as you’ll get. I know you’ve heard it before, but you will not be disappointed if you play this game. It is spectacular, and I loved everything about it. The story is great, the monsters are tough but fair, and the abilities are wonderful to master. Accordingly, it is fantastic, and I recommend getting a copy from the Xbox store!
I was worried that this would be hellishly overwhelming and time-consuming. Thankfully, I was wrong. Although there is plenty to learn, everything feels achievable. Additionally, working through every element doesn’t feel like a slog. Therefore, you can experiment and try out new characters without feeling like you are wasting your time. Accordingly, it is a great game, and I recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox store!
After extended time with Monster Crown: Sin Eater on Xbox Series X, it’s clear that this is a game driven by ambition. It takes familiar ideas and builds on them in ways that feel meaningful, even if not every element lands perfectly. The depth of its systems, particularly around monster creation and combat, gives it a strong foundation. Combined with a darker narrative tone and a focus on player-driven progression, it delivers an experience that stands apart from more traditional entries in the genre. It’s not flawless, but it doesn’t need to be. At its best, Sin Eater is about experimentation, strategy, and creating something that feels entirely your own.
As a casual racing fan, I wanted to like Screamer; it had been on my radar for a while. But your enjoyment of it will depend on your commitment to it. The game looks and sounds amazing, the controls overall feel tight, albeit a bit more complex than the typical racers. The twin stick mechanic feels counterintuitive and requires an adaptation period. If you’re conquered every Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsports, Forza Horizon, Assetto Corsa Competizione, or the Project CARS trilogy, Screamer is for you. Otherwise, if you’re looking to dab into the genre, this ain’t it. Only hardcore racing fans need apply.
After extended time with Bus Bound on Xbox Series X, it’s clear that this is a game built around a very specific vision. It doesn’t try to be everything, and it doesn’t chase complexity for the sake of it. Instead, it focuses on creating a consistent, rewarding experience that builds over time. There are flaws—repetition, presentation issues, and technical hiccups—but they don’t define the experience. Because when everything comes together, when the rhythm settles in and the city begins to feel like your own, it delivers something that feels genuinely special. Not loud. Not flashy. But meaningful.
After extended time with MotoGP 26 on Xbox Series X, it’s clear this is a game built on refinement rather than reinvention. It improves the riding experience, delivers a polished presentation, and remains consistently enjoyable for fans of the series. At its best, it captures the tension and precision of MotoGP racing with confidence. However, it also highlights the limitations of its approach. Because while it is refined, it is also familiar. While it is polished, it is also predictable. And while it is enjoyable, it rarely feels like it’s pushing the series forward in any meaningful way. Still, when you’re locked into a perfect lap, everything fades away except the track ahead. And in those moments, MotoGP 26 delivers exactly what it sets out to do.