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Dune: Awakening is an ambitious game, and ambition can sometimes be its greatest strength and its biggest weakness. There is an enormous amount to see and do across Arrakis, and Funcom has successfully turned one of science fiction’s most recognisable worlds into a survival playground that feels dangerous, atmospheric and genuinely worth exploring. The survival mechanics work because the environment itself is such an important part of the experience, while crafting, building, combat and character progression give you plenty of reasons to keep pushing further into the desert. The new single-player mode is perhaps the most important addition for Xbox players. It makes the entire experience considerably more accessible without stripping away what makes Dune: Awakening special. You can play alone, take your time and create your own adventure, or you can embrace the social side of the game and experience Arrakis alongside others. There are still frustrations. The menus aren’t always as controller-friendly as I’d like, the game can occasionally suffer from technical hiccups and the sheer number of systems can feel overwhelming. Some of the survival mechanics can also be brutally unforgiving, particularly when you’re still learning how everything works. But when Dune: Awakening gets it right, it gets it very right. There is something wonderfully immersive about standing alone in the middle of the desert, looking towards a distant objective while checking your water supply and wondering whether you can make it there and back. Then you hear the ground rumble. Suddenly, that objective doesn’t seem quite so important. Dune: Awakening is a huge, ambitious and atmospheric survival RPG that makes Arrakis feel like a character in its own right. It isn’t perfect, but for anyone willing to embrace its systems and give themselves time to learn the ways of the desert, there is an enormous adventure waiting beneath the sand.
iRacing Arcade is a game that is surprisingly easy to enjoy because it understands something that racing games sometimes forget: racing should be fun. It takes the iRacing name in a completely different direction and turns motorsport into something approachable enough for newcomers, while still retaining enough familiar racing ingredients to keep more experienced players interested. The driving is simple without feeling completely shallow, the career provides a reason to keep progressing and the Motorsport Campus gives that progression a little more personality. Fuel, tyres and damage demonstrate that there is more going on here than the colourful presentation initially suggests, while the different cars and circuits provide plenty of variety during those early hours. At the same time, I couldn’t help feeling that iRacing Arcade is holding something back. The career could make better use of its more interesting racing mechanics, the difficulty could be more consistent and the management elements could have been expanded further. There are times when the game gives you a glimpse of something deeper, only to pull back and return to its simpler arcade roots. Thankfully, the Xbox version has one particularly important trick up its sleeve: four-player local multiplayer. When you’ve got friends sitting beside you, iRacing Arcade suddenly becomes a wonderfully chaotic little racing playground. The forgiving handling becomes an advantage, the short races work brilliantly for quick competitions and the inevitable first-corner chaos can provide some of the best laughs you’ll have with the game. Ultimately, iRacing Arcade may not have quite enough depth to satisfy players looking for a serious long-term racing experience, but that isn’t really the audience it is chasing. This is a colourful, accessible and enjoyable arcade racer that wants to make motorsport fun rather than intimidating, and for the most part it succeeds. There is definitely more that could have been done, and hopefully the developers continue building on what is already a solid foundation. As it stands, though, iRacing Arcade is an enjoyable little racer that is particularly good fun when shared with friends, even if it occasionally leaves you wishing there was just a little bit more under the bonnet.
Speedrunners 2: King of Speed retains all of the qualities that the previous game mastered, but it hasn’t really evolved much either. But for serious fans, that probably won’t matter much. Replayability is there, with online multiplayer staying pretty active and the game available on Xbox Game Pass, which should boost server numbers. With cross-platform multiplayer also a feature, it should have good longevity for a good while, yet let’s just hope the developers at tinyBuild Games don’t leave it too long before the next one. If you’d like to pick up a copy for Xbox Series X/S, then you can do so HERE. If you’re on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, however, you can download and play as part of your subscription at the time of writing.
Train Sim World 7 is a fascinating example of a sequel that doesn’t need to reinvent its entire formula to feel worthwhile. Instead, Dovetail Games has concentrated on making Train Sim World more welcoming, more flexible and, in several areas, more immersive. The three new routes provide plenty of variety, with Yorkshire, Germany and Florida each offering their own distinct flavour, while Freight Hauler is the feature that could have the greatest long-term impact. There is still work to do. Some of the technical problems at launch are frustrating, and Freight Hauler in particular feels like a feature that will benefit enormously from continued refinement. But the foundations are extremely strong, and the willingness to continue updating the game gives me confidence that some of those rough edges will be smoothed out. Most importantly, Train Sim World 7 understands what makes this series special. It isn’t about rushing. It isn’t about constantly chasing the next objective. Sometimes it’s about leaving a station on time, watching the countryside disappear behind you, listening to the locomotive working and simply enjoying the journey. Whether you’re a railway obsessive or someone who just fancies seeing what all the fuss is about, Train Sim World 7 makes climbing into the cab remarkably easy. And once you’re there, you’ll probably find yourself saying the same thing I did more than once: “I’ll just do one more service.” That’s when you know a simulation is doing something right. Train Sim World 7 is a superb railway simulation that manages to make the series more accessible without sacrificing the depth that existing fans love. The new routes are varied, Freight Hauler is an excellent addition and Live Weather adds another layer of immersion. There are still some technical bumps to iron out, but when everything clicks into place, Train Sim World 7 delivers exactly what a great train simulator should: the freedom to slow down, sit back and enjoy the journey.
I adore a melancholy experience. It makes you reflect on life and brings you closer to your emotions. Woodo does just that with its excellent storytelling, fine visuals, and slow gameplay. It’s not going to be for everyone. However, if you want a change of pace and something that’ll touch your soul, this is the game for you. Tiny Monk Tales developed this artistic, diorama game. It is a single-player experience that is as supportive or hands-off as you want. Each of the levels has multiple layers that must be explored if you wish to move on. Furthermore, there are plenty of secrets to discover. Woodo is a story of reflection. Looking back on your life is something we all do. Occasionally, there is regret, but most of it is experienced through rose-tinted spectacles. The result is a warm feeling that leaves you smiling. This is exactly what happens when you play Woodo. It taps into that sense of nostalgia that keeps us all in a good place. You play the role of a cute and fluffy animal called Foxy. They are looking back at key moments in their life. However, their memory is fuzzy, and they need help to piece together key elements. As you drop the jigsaw pieces in place, the memories become animated. This simple layer of energy is cute, and I loved every second. Piecing things together. I’m not normally a massive fan of jigsaws. Nor do I like to search for the most minor of details. However, Woodo does this so well that it doesn’t feel like a chore. Instead, it has a magical edge that is rewarding and relaxing. Each of the levels asks you to build more complex pictures of the protagonist’s life. Friends come to call, geese become aggressive, and things get a little out of hand. However, at its core, it is beautifully calm and reflective. On top of this, the story punctuates key moments to great effect. The result is a gentle game that tells an amusing and touching story. Woodo looks great. Each stage starts out as a bland and colourless canvas. As you drop in pieces, you build up a new and vibrant world. Items can be interacted with, and creatures start to walk. The simple animation is truly fantastic, and I loved the cute and secretive moments. The audio is where Woodo thrives. The narration is warm and reassuring. Furthermore, it captures the on-screen vibes perfectly. Each level feels unique and personal. Although they are complex, they are never overwhelming or a chore to complete. The control system is understandably simple. You must rotate the camera, grab pieces, and work through the puzzles. It demands accuracy, but this wasn’t a problem. If you struggle, there is a hint system, and you can get automatic help as well. Replay value is sadly limited to achievement hunters. I flew through the levels, and I’m unlikely to return for more. If the developer incorporates new DLC, I would definitely want to dive back in. Woodo is fantastic. Woodo won’t be for everyone. It is too relaxing, calm, and deep for lovers of short, sharp action. However, if you want something that is reflective, wholesome, and safe to play, this is the game for you. I think it’s brilliant, and I recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox Store!
Blades & Battles wears its inspirations on its sleeves. It is nicely pixelated with a clean backdrop. Each location has a pleasant layer of details, and there is a moderate roster of monsters to overcome. I experienced no performance issues, and it runs at a consistent and smooth frame rate. The audio has a chiptune edge and many uncomfortable moments. There are dramatic elements and sombre tracks. Additionally, the sound effects are OTT and a little repetitive. The controls are a little clunky but simple to understand. The layout is refined, and the helpful tutorial gets you up and running in no time. Unfortunately, this is a short title. I completed everything in around 3 hours. My gaming partner made it considerably easier, but I wanted much more. Yes, there is a difficulty scale, but this wasn’t enough to push me all the way. Blades & Battles is a good indie experience. I loved every moment with Blades & Battles, but it was too short. I wanted so much more, but it wasn’t to be. A new set of characters would have been interesting, or some secrets to discover. Despite this, I enjoyed it, and I recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox Store!
Bus Simulator 27 is an interesting one to score because there are two very different stories surrounding it. One is the launch version, which had more technical and gameplay problems than it really should have. The other is the game sitting on Xbox after numerous hotfixes, where many of those frustrations have already been addressed and the underlying experience is much easier to appreciate. And it is that second version that matters to me. What remains is a sizeable, ambitious and surprisingly enjoyable bus simulator with a great selection of licensed vehicles, a varied open world, meaningful company management, multiple game modes, plenty of customisation and an excellent co-op option. It doesn’t reinvent the simulator genre, but it doesn’t need to. What it does is provide a convincing virtual bus-driving experience that can be as relaxing or as demanding as you want it to be. There are still rough edges. The AI can occasionally make you wonder what planet its drivers are from, the penalty system can still be a little too eager to punish mistakes and the occasional technical or visual oddity remains. But the important thing is that those issues no longer completely overshadow the experience. Bus Simulator 27 is at its best when you stop worrying about reaching the destination as quickly as possible and simply settle into the journey. Pick your bus, plan your route, watch the weather roll in, collect your passengers and become part of the rhythm of Felicia Bay. It might have taken a few trips around the block to get there, but Bus Simulator 27 is finally starting to feel like the bus simulator it always wanted to be. Final Thought Bus Simulator 27 has had a bumpy beginning, but the road ahead is looking considerably smoother. It isn’t perfect, and there are still areas that need refinement, but the combination of a huge world, excellent bus variety, enjoyable driving and surprisingly deep management makes this an easy recommendation for simulation fans. With the developers continuing to iron out the remaining problems, there is every reason to believe this is a game that will only get better with time.
NBA 2K27 is another impressive entry in a franchise that continues to find ways of keeping itself relevant. It doesn’t reinvent basketball, nor does it need to. Instead, it improves the areas that matter, adds some excellent new ideas and gives players an enormous amount of basketball to get stuck into. Fire and Concrete is a particularly welcome addition, the improved defensive gameplay makes every possession feel more satisfying, and Running Mate adds a genuinely enjoyable cooperative element to the career experience. MyNBA Legacy is packed with depth, The City continues to offer an almost ridiculous amount of content, and the presentation remains among the best you will find in a sports game. There are still frustrations, most notably the microtransactions, and some players may feel that the yearly nature of the franchise means the improvements aren’t quite substantial enough. But for anyone who loves basketball and wants a game that can provide hundreds of hours of entertainment, NBA 2K27 is incredibly easy to recommend. It might not be a revolution, but it is one hell of a basketball game.
Murder on the Yangtze River reminded me a lot of Ace Attorney, but outside of the courtroom. Each case is pretty meaty in terms of the story behind it and how things progress, with plenty of dialogue and avenues of discovery. I thought the writing and how they constructed the cases were exceptional, and with six in total to work through, there’s a good slog of gameplay here. For its price point, it’s well worth around sixteen quid. If you fancy picking a copy up for Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S, then you can do so HERE.
HOT WHEELS Infinite Rush is fun but very simple. HOT WHEELS Infinite Rush is a fun, family-friendly arcade racer. It is perfectly safe, clean, and vibrant. Additionally, it is ideal if you have kids who want to waste a few hours without the risk of violence. Although it lacks the depth of other racing games, it does exactly what you expect. Accordingly, it is good, and I recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox Store!
Ground Zero Hero is a fantastically fun time that has that addictive gameplay loop that many of these games bring. It’s an experience that I wished lasted a little longer as I ticked everything off within a few sessions, but it really is quality over quantity here. If you’re after a bullet-heaven style title that offers some different synergies and aesthetics, then you’ll absolutely love it. For less than ten quid, it’s well worth the reasonable cost for the return you’ll get. With the fact its Xbox Play Anywhere as well, it’s a game that you can also have on your handheld and won’t take up too much space. If you fancy picking up a copy for yourself on Xbox Series X/S or to add to that Xbox Play Anywhere library, you can purchase HERE. Big thanks to the lads and lasses from Acclaim Inc for the review copy for Xbox Series X/S
As with these Survivors-likes, there is the typical meta-progression chasing so you slowly feel more powerful and able to take on the harder dungeons. In the hub area you trade off bones for permanent ability increases like more health, damage and so on, and the Bunker holds the unlockable cast of characters. Despite the low detail, Newgrounds-esque, somewhat globular art style, the characters are all distinctive. The default Gunman wears a permanently worried look. The Barbarian is determined, and naked. The Baby has a massive face, crawls on all fours, and goos during action. Bit weird that one.Blood Dungeon is absurd both in it’s presentation, and in its addictiveness. Although it might not be everyone’s style, I could say the same for Vampire Survivors. I didn’t ‘get’ it until I played it for five minutes and then another 30 hours after that. It’s fast, has a dangerously addictive gameplay loop, and is bloody fun.
Gallipoli is a fantastic multiplayer shooter that isn’t your traditional run-and-gun affair. The development team have done amazing work to capture the atmosphere of the Gallipoli campaign with accurate environments and WW1 bolt-action gunplay. What I love about all of the titles that Blackmill Games have pushed out is how they nail the pacing and teamwork aspect. If you’re looking for a fast-paced shooter, then this might not be your bag, but the trade-off is satisfying, realistic warfare. If you fancy picking up a copy for yourself, which is discounted for a limited time on Xbox Series X/S, then you can do so HERE. Don’t forget that the game has Xbox Play Anywhere functionality, meaning you buy once and can play across Xbox Series X/S, PC and any handheld device compatible with your Xbox library.
NHL 27 is another solid, highly enjoyable entry in EA’s flagship hockey franchise. The inclusion of Connected Franchise answers a long standing community request, while arena overhauls and tactical playbooks bring much needed authenticity that is genuinely impressive to experience first hand. Plenty of game modes to get into and have a change of pace whether you want something a bit arcade and fast paced or trying to build a super team to lift the Stanley Cup there is enough here to lose countless hours. Accessibility features continue to welcome newcomers with open arms, and hardcore online league fans will be thrilled. Even if you are strictly a single player gamer with little interest in online leagues, you will be glad to know you can play alongside the CPU and still thoroughly enjoy the upgraded experience.
After years of wondering whether the latest annual release would provide enough reason to return, Madden NFL 27 genuinely surprised me. EA Tiburon has made some meaningful improvements without losing the foundations that make Madden enjoyable, and the result is a game that feels more confident, more detailed and, most importantly, more fun. Franchise Mode is undoubtedly the star. The Persona Engine gives players a reason to care about the individuals within their roster rather than simply looking at their ratings, while the additional depth surrounding contracts and team management makes building a franchise feel considerably more rewarding. On the field, things feel more physical and deliberate, with improved receiver and defensive-back battles, better tactical control and timing-based catching giving you more influence over what happens during the biggest moments. Add in the excellent presentation, dynamic weather and the atmosphere surrounding an NFL Sunday, and there are times when Madden NFL 27 genuinely feels like the closest thing to having the league at your fingertips. It isn’t perfect, though. The Amateur-to-Pro difficulty jump remains my biggest frustration, and I really do believe a Semi-Pro setting would make a massive difference for alot of players, trying to enjoy the Madden experience. There are also the occasional animation problems, some inconsistencies in gameplay balance and menus that could certainly be easier to navigate. But those issues don’t change the fact that I’ve had a thoroughly enjoyable time with Madden NFL 27. EA hasn’t reinvented Madden, but it has taken a series that had begun to feel a little predictable and injected some much-needed energy back into it. There is still work to be done, but Madden NFL 27 is absolutely heading in the right direction. For Xbox players who love their American football, this is a Madden experience that’s very easy to get excited about.
Lou’s Lagoon doesn’t try to reinvent the cosy adventure genre, and I don’t think it needs to. Instead, Tiny Roar has created a colourful, relaxing and surprisingly enjoyable adventure that understands exactly what makes these games so appealing. The combination of exploration, crafting, resource gathering, upgrading and rebuilding creates a wonderfully comfortable gameplay loop, while the mystery surrounding Uncle Lou gives you enough of a reason to keep pushing forward. VideoGames The Limbo Archipelago is a lovely place to spend time, and the different communities give the world a personality that makes exploring each island worthwhile. The Swirler is an enjoyable central mechanic, gadget upgrades provide a satisfying sense of progression, and the seaplane adds a distinctive element that helps Lou’s Lagoon stand apart from other cosy adventures. Most importantly, though, it is the game’s attitude towards the player that I enjoyed the most. Lou’s Lagoon doesn’t demand that you rush, It doesn’t constantly throw danger at you. It simply invites you to explore. Take a flight. Gather some materials. Help an islander. Upgrade your equipment. Decorate your home. Go fishing. Chase down another mystery. Then, when you’ve had enough, put the controller down and come back tomorrow. There are certainly areas where the experience could be smoother, and some repetition and progression frustrations occasionally take the shine off what is otherwise a wonderfully relaxing adventure. But those issues never managed to erase the biggest feeling I took away from my time with the game: I enjoyed being there. For Xbox players looking for something colourful, calming and packed with exploration, Lou’s Lagoon is an easy game to recommend. It may not deliver the biggest or most ambitious adventure you’ll play this year, but it doesn’t need to. Sometimes, you don’t need to save the universe. Sometimes, you just need a seaplane, a tropical island and somewhere beautiful to get lost, and Lou’s Lagoon gives you exactly that.
Defender of the Crown: The Legend Returns is a great walk down memory lane. My rose-tinted spectacles have been removed, and I still love this game! Defender of the Crown: The Legend Returns does a fantastic job of retaining the original charm and action while delivering a whole new experience. Yes, it is a little rough at times, but I don’t care. I think it’s great and you should grab a copy from the Xbox Store!
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is simply fantastic. There is some sense of repetition, but the exceptional story, impressive cinematic, amazing dual timeline, and other core elements make this a fantastic game. Yes, the step away from stealth mechanics and the rats may upset some people, but I didn’t mind. I think it is fantastic, and I recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox Store!
Hell Let Loose: Vietnam has the foundations and formula of everything that the Hell Let Loose experience strives to be. Sadly, during my twenty or so hours with the game so far, I’ve had more frustration than fun. Now, I do not doubt that over the course of a few weeks those issues will be ironed out, but at the time of writing, it plays like an early-access title. In my opinion, the game needed more time in the oven, so to speak, and despite extensive Alpha and Beta testing, there are still many issues. I do understand, though, that this year’s gaming calendar is heavily congested with big-hitting releases. This means that picking a window of opportunity without competition was paramount for Expression Games and Team 17. Computer& Video Games Despite my personal bugbears with the current state of the game, it is playable at least, and when everything works as it should, there are phenomenal moments. Once the performance and atmosphere are at the level that the original Hell Let Loose achieved, then it will be an absolute joy to play. If you’re willing to be patient and work through some potential annoyances, then there is still a cracking time to be had here. It’s fair to say, though, that the developers are working hard to fix the problems; a hotfix went live after a few days, and a patch is in the works to address over 500 bug fixes and more. If you fancy picking up a copy for Xbox Series X/S, you can grab one HERE. The game also features Xbox Play Anywhere functionality if you plan to play it on PC as well as Console.
After the main story of Reanimal comes ‘The Prisoner’, the first post launch DLC of three available to buy. With a full review of the base game of Reanimal already done when the game first was launched (go check it out on the Complete Xbox website now, if you already haven’t), this review will obviously only focus on the DLC story and gameplay. As such, it will be a somewhat shorter review.