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Once again, it’s hard to really delve into 1000xResist without ruining the experience as the story is the main draw and driving force of the game throughout. It can get a bit confusing, and perhaps goes on a little too long at the conclusion, but all the same it is gripping and full of interesting twists and turns.
After jumping back into the Plants vs. Zombies world, I can safely say this is my favorite way to play the franchise, classic tower-defense style gameplay loop. Not third person shooting or open worlds, just six lanes, some plants and some zombies. An argue can be had to whether we needed this as there are older GOTY editions, but I can’t lie and say I wasn’t excited to earn new achievements for it again. There is a little bit of new content but all in all this is just another repackaging of PvZ which if you’ve never played before … I definitely recommend it.
EAFC 26 is still the leading football simulation game in the world, and it's not even close. It's a shame there is no real competition to keep them on their toes. They are keeping with the 'if it's not broke, don't fix it' mantra and appeasing their biggest money maker by putting a large amount of focus on the Ultimate Team game mode. They have made just enough graphical and gameplay changes so it can be considered a new game, but barely.
Here we are again, an absolute gorgeous game taken down a point or two by gameplay. If not for the bugs I encountered and the slowness that the game just seemed to me, this game could have been great. That said, I can realize when a game isn't meant for me and ultimately, I don't think this is a game I'd go in for myself after really thinking about it. But with visuals and audio like this, at least the ride was nice to look at it. I'd welcome a sequel even if we can just do without the sneaky, hide and seek bits.
All in all, Battlefield 6 feels very much like a game of two parts; the campaign is an exhilarating spectacle that lacks any narrative interest whatsoever, while the multiplayer is just all out chaos is the best way. It will have its learning curve for new players, but DICE certainly has a very good online shooter contender this time around, and it’s something that will keep drawing me back for some time as I attempt to get even remotely passable at it. Hopefully before the next game…
Hidden Cats in Tokyo is everything you need it to be. For older gamers familiar with Where’s Wally or Waldo, depending on where you are from, it's just a fun challenge to find everything. I find the game something you can play with younger kids, as they also enjoy the hunt. You can get a little extra knowledge about Japan and Tokyo, too, so learn whilst you hunt for cats.
When I looked at the trailer for Ball x Pit I was immediately intrigued but I didn't think it would grab my attention like it did. Whether it was getting a few more resources or inching closer to the end of the level it seemed like there was constant progression during my time with this one from beginning to end. Even if I failed a run, there was some kind of progression being made to make me have a better chance on the next go. It's not often I have to think about how a game was bad and I think that deserves some kudos. Ball x Pit has definitely solidified itself as one of my top games of 2025!
Metal Eden is a great first-person shooter with tons of great moments. A must buy for those that like a lot of cyber-punk themed violence.
If you enjoy arcade-style open-wheel racing, Formula Legends has something to offer you thanks to its retro presentation and its accessibility, along with some strategic nuance with regards to tires and fuel. There's plenty of content to get stuck into, which is quite surprising for an indie title, but Formula Legends is well stocked to keep you racing on and on. The question of whether you'll want to continue racing on and on is questionable due to the lack of a damage model and fairly non-dramatic races, but the straightforward arcade pleasures and those playful name spins of drivers, teams and tracks do give you reasons to keep your foot on the accelerator. Formula Legends is therefore competent and fine, though it is overlapped by its stern competition and some of its less-endearing archaic design choices.
Poor combat and stealth only serve to highlight the rest of the issues with Blood of Mehran, and far too soon does it become a slog to play rather than the epic Arabian adventure it could have been.
As much a victim of greater survival horror games as it is an oasis in a desert of unique survival horror experiences, Cronos: The New Dawn tries its best to evoke the atmosphere and dread that put the genre on the map. However, what lingers is the stench of a lack of effort, as there are various instances where you'll be reminded of the greatness of the survival horror classics that came before, while you discover the myriad of ways Cronos falters in its attempts to shock and scare you. There are decent boss fights, excellent presentation, and decent weapons, but its workmanlike protagonist and weak conventional enemies keep this promising double A horror on a leash, when it really should've broken the chains and unleashed itself impressively upon every genre fan. Cronos is good enough, but it really should've been so much more.
As mentioned in the video I love crossovers and nostalgia and this game combines both for me. The RPG mechanics may be a bit shallow but there is enough content and characters to keep you and your kids involved for hours. The voices may not be exactly as you remember but it doesn't take away from the feeling you are back watching a new episode of a cartoon you grew up with. This one was just a fun (albeit a repetitive at times but that's okay) adventure when you go in not expecting deep and complicated gameplay mechanics. So set your expectations and have some fun!
Borderlands 4 is easily the strongest entry in the franchise is years. It refocuses the core, fun gameplay, build creativity and exploration. The narrative is better anchored, and the polish in many systems shows growth. It's not without its blemishes, where it does have some performance and optimization issues, however overall it is a very, very good game.
I am not saying that Sonic games are back, but I am definitely saying that Sonic racing games are back. This is a game that loves accessible racing and has an adoration for its own franchise. It has elevated each part of what came before, and I don’t think Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds can be dismissed as the ‘other kart racing’ game anymore.
Bouts of input delay on Xbox ruin the experience, and it’s not something to play solo, but Wobbly Life, with co-op buddies, can be a surprising amount of fun. There’s a vast array of things to do, and the hilarity of the physics can make for some funny, rage-inducing moments.
Lego Voyagers is equal parts lovely to look at, simple yet engaging to play, and an all round good time for co-op players no matter their skill level.
Heading Out has a clear sense of style and carries the whole experience. It falters a little with the driving model and some small bugs.
After Streets of Rage 4, I wasn’t sure bringing back another of the 16-bit classics would have quite the same impact, but I was wrong. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is an incredibly fun action platformer, with fantastic combat design, enemy encounters, optional challenges, and the audio visual presentation to really make it sing. I’m done with the story but am already itching to get back and play the unlocked Arcade and Boss Rush modes, and whether you have nostalgia for the old days or not, this is quite simply one of the best games of the year, so get it played.
It takes something special for me to love a walking sim and trust me there are some really good ones out there. Arctic Awakening does fine, and I’d hear an argument to include it within top contenders. For me though, what holds it back is the length and the slowness that comes with it. Technical bugs aside, Arctic Awakening is worthy title in the genre however and fans should keep an eye out.
A bit of style over substance, with Zoe Begone!’s controls proving too big a hurdle in getting to the fun for my tastes.