Completexbox
HomepageCompletexbox's Reviews
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!
RV There Yet feels purposefully designed to make the most of the TikTok-ification of this genre, to generate viral clips that look so mental, and so fun, that you don’t need a marketing budget – just some mates barely scraping through. The flipside of this however are the periods of calm where there really isn’t much going on, so if you’re not in the driving seat things can feel very sedate. There is definitely some jankiness, and it can at points feel difficult to handle. Dropping a plank of wood to make a ramp in exactly the right spot can often feel like a war of attrition against your patience. Perhaps this is the point, the looseness of the physics engine purposefully feeling a bit iffy in order to manufacture more moments of stress and therefore fun. I did encounter a few bugs, with a snake managing to headbutt my RV off a bridge the most notable. Infuriating or hilarious, depending on the circumstance. If you consider the price point, and the fact it’s on Game Pass, RV There Yet is ultimately a very fun way to waste a few hours with your mates.
"Help Quill, a little mouse with a big taste for adventure rescue her Uncle and fulfil her destiny as the latest protector of the kingdom. Solve environmental puzzles in crumbling ruins, sprawling towers and ancient lands" https://completexbox.co.uk/featured-slider/moss-the-forgotten-relic-review/
Wall World 2 is a dreamy, pixelated experience. I’m a huge fan of pixelated games and Wall World 2 didn’t let me down. The vibrant colours, interesting backdrops, and different biomes make this a visual treat. Additionally, the smooth animation, easy-to-follow action, and refined enemies are pleasant to look at. This is complemented by a high-energy soundscape. The audio profile isn’t OTT or memorable, but it works well. The combination of music and sci-fi sound effects creates a sense of power and impending doom. The controls are easy to understand. The basic control layout and exceptional UI are supported by a simple tutorial. Consequently, if you haven’t played the original, you needn’t worry as Wall World 2 can be mastered in no time at all. I invested around 20 hours to see this through to its conclusion. However, I didn’t unlock every achievement. If that is your thing, you’ll need to spend around 35 hours of grinding to complete this title.
The Soccer Kid is a 2D action platformer series that first began way back in 1993 on the Amiga system. It was later ported to a myriad of consoles/home computers such as the Game Boy Advance, Super NES, Jaguar, MS-DOS; just to name a few. This newly released “collection” (should’ve been called a duology and not a collection) includes two games: the Super NES and MS-DOS versions. The Soccer Kid games tells the story of a young soccer player who must travel the world in order to recover the fragments of the stolen trophy. In order to accomplish his goal, our young protagonist uses, as you’d expect given the theme, a soccer/football ball as a weapon. Computer& Video Games
If you love the Metroidvania genre and you want something new to test you, you may wish to look at Winds of Arcana: Ruination. This almost Prince of Persia-like affair is a classic indie title. However, it has some minor, unique elements to keep you interested. With a nice blend of spells and melee combat, tough bosses, and the classic Metroidvania mechanics, this will keep you playing for around 15 hours. This 2.5D side-scrolling platform adventure was developed by Brewed Games. It is a single-player experience with some testing moments. Yes, it follows many tried and tested mechanics, but a blend of weapons and magical Soul Crests helps to keep things fresh.
Pure Pool Pro is a technical masterpiece in this genre. The moment you load up the game, you’ll see the strengths of the experience from the get-go. Exceptional presentation right across the board, deep focus on the mechanics of ball and cue movement makes for the most realistic pool simulation on the market today. The teams have taken on board lots of feedback so far and have been making fixes and tweaks consistently. Since I wrote my review for the Playstation 5 version, the game has seen the introduction of ranked mode with online leaderboards, allowing players to stay constantly competitive if they wish. Games If you’re into Pool or even Snooker, then I can highly recommend Pure Pool Pro, especially with a Snooker DLC very much in the works. You can pick up a copy on Xbox Series X/S HERE for £20.99 | $24.99 | €24.99, with a 20% launch discount in place for the first two weeks. The score has improved slightly versus my Playstation 5 review due to the addition of ranked modes and online leaderboards
The 7th Guest Remake is a rare thing: a modern reinterpretation that understands exactly what made the original special while refusing to be shackled by nostalgia. It’s atmospheric, clever, theatrical, and confidently strange. It’s a puzzle‑box wrapped in a ghost story wrapped in a mansion that feels like it’s watching you. On Xbox Series consoles, it’s a polished, stable, and visually striking experience that feels right at home on modern hardware. It’s not a loud horror game. It’s not a fast horror game. It’s a curious horror game — one that invites you to explore, observe, and think. And when you finally step back outside Stauf’s mansion, you’ll realise it’s the kind of game that doesn’t just stay in your memory. It lingers.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a beautiful rework which retains the legacy of the original game whilst bringing some meaningful additions and upgrades. Does it mimic the magic of the 2013 outing, however? I’d say that if you have never played Black Flag, then this will feel like a fresh game to you. If you completed it 13 years ago, then you’ll still find fun in reliving the memories with around six hours of new content. With a visual overhaul, updated combat and parkour mechanics, reworked naval combat and lots of quality-of-life improvements, this is an exceptional remake and not just a quick cash grab. For Assassin’s Creed fans out there, it is a must-buy. Alternatively, you could subscribe to Ubisoft Plus and try to smash out the campaign without investing in the game fully.