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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.
Kusan: City of Wolves doesn’t attempt to reinvent top down action, but it polishes its core mechanics. By pairing lightning-fast twin stick shooting with kinetic melee parries, flexible modular upgrades, and a killer electronic soundtrack, CIRCLEfromDOT has delivered one of the most thrilling indie action games available on Xbox Series X|S this year. While its narrative over complications and occasional visual clutter hold it back from absolute perfection, its core combat loop is pure digital dopamine for reflex driven gamers and achievement / score hunters alike. If you have been waiting for a game to scratch that unrelenting Hotline Miami itch with a modern, stylish twist, Kusan: City of Wolves and fancy a challenge this definitely deserves a look in.
I love how the PS2 defined the 3D platforming era. It was exciting, original, and full of absolute belters! Accordingly, I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to try my hand at Duskfade. It is a PS2-inspired title that helps lovers of the genre get their nostalgia hit. More than that, though, it has a deep and meaningful story that drives many touching subjects.Sony PlayStation Weird Beluga Studios has developed this single-player 3D adventure platformer. It is brilliantly retro, as there are puzzles to complete, tight spaces to navigate, and plenty of familiar mechanics. However, it is nicely polished, and I love the theme-related settings, the drip-fed mechanics, and the almost never-ending combat.
I enjoyed Pro Jank Footy, but it isn’t the deepest sports game. Furthermore, the sense of randomness and the often challenging action make it a frustrating title. Despite this, I found it fun, comical, and enjoyable to play. Accordingly, I like it and recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox Store!
Mistfall Hunter is a great time on Xbox Series X/S and fantastic fun as a squad of three. If you’re a fan of extraction shooters, then you may appreciate the difference in this game. It’s atmospheric and can be tense, especially when encountering other solo players or squads. Its satisfying combat and runs that have that constant risk in return for reward are what keep the gameplay loop satisfying. The developers have recently unveiled a compelling roadmap that should keep things interesting. Overall, it’s well polished and will keep you coming back for countless hours if you love the concept of diving in and extracting loot and going back for more.
Escape to Umbra is a frustrating experience not because it is completely unplayable, but because it is aggressively mediocre. It possesses a solid conceptual foundation and a few mechanical ideas that could have shone brightly under the right creative direction. Instead, those ideas are smothered by dated graphics, uninspired puzzle design, and a punishing instant-death mechanic that drains the fun out of exploration. A horror game needs to feel alive, dangerous, and unpredictable. By spelling out the dangers in a found book and literally guiding the player by the hand with feline navigation, Escape to Umbra feels rigid, automated, and lazy. It earns a middle-of-the-road score simply because it functions, but it leaves absolutely no lasting impression. It is a budget-tier throwback that forgets to bring the passion of the eras it mimics
Kynseed is a nice addition to the genre. Although it has many similarities to its peers, it is massively unique as well. I love the layers of depth, business management, and the basic combat. Furthermore, the story is enjoyable, and I fell for its charms. Accordingly, I recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox Store!