Pragalicious

Onimusha: Way of the Sword is one of those games where, whilst playing, I found myself thinking time and again: “Blimey, this is phenomenal.” The combat, in particular, left a lasting impression on me. The combination of parries, dodges, Issen attacks and spectacular boss battles ensures that you’ll want to draw that sword time and time again. The Japanese atmosphere, music and visual splendour also make this a particularly atmospheric adventure. Unfortunately, the repetitive Malice and Rift missions, recurring sub-bosses and the inevitable back-and-forth running mean the game doesn’t quite reach perfection. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. Even when I got thoroughly beaten as Musashi, I found myself staring at the screen with a smile. Following Resident Evil 9: Requiem and PRAGMATA, Capcom proves once again that it still knows how to deliver top-class games. With Onimusha: Way of the Sword, the company has hit the bullseye once more.

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Gallipoli is not the next step up for the WW1 series. The authentic and realistic battles are still just as relentless and tactical as in previous instalments, but feel less varied and balanced. There are a few troublesome bugs, mediocre graphics and too many dull areas to call it a success. Although there is still plenty of challenge and fun to be had when playing as a team, Gallipoli fails to leave a lasting impression.

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The Blood of Dawnwalker is a game with tremendous potential. Whilst it’s impossible to ignore the significant influence of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, The Blood of Dawnwalker has established more than enough of its own identity to stand out. It’s a must-play for fans of the (dark fantasy) RPG genre.

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Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is a port full of compromises for a game that itself makes hardly any compromises. The 30 fps takes some getting used to, frame drops crop up from time to time, and anyone with a PS5, Xbox Series X or powerful gaming PC will undoubtedly find a technically superior way to explore The Lands Between. But there’s a great deal to be said for it. This is still Elden Ring: the 2022 Game of the Year, with a vast world, fantastic combat, unforgettable bosses and an almost ridiculous amount of freedom. What’s more, you get Shadow of the Erdtree thrown in, making this a particularly comprehensive package. And above all: you can now simply take that entire package with you. If the Nintendo Switch 2 is your only console, don’t let the technical caveats put you off. This remains absolutely one of the most impressive games you can play on the system and is well worth your time. Not the best version of Elden Ring, but a surprisingly good one nonetheless.

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With *Resonance*, the series takes a surprising new direction. This time, Sophia takes centre stage and leads you on an adventure that is very different from the previous two instalments. The famous stealth mechanics and controlling swarms of rats give way to a focus on ingenious puzzles and exploring impressive environments. Using the Minoan Sphere and the sunlight streaming in, you cleverly solve a series of successive puzzles, giving the gameplay a distinct Tomb Raider vibe. Although this change of direction takes some getting used to for those expecting a traditional Plague Tale, it does nothing to detract from the quality. The audio is superb, the locations on the island are breathtaking, and the mystery surrounding the Macula remains palpable in the background. Anyone open to this new approach will be treated to a compelling and atmospheric adventure that is absolutely worth experiencing.

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The Sinking City 2 isn’t a perfect game, but it certainly knows exactly what kind of experience it wants to deliver. Frogwares has largely swapped the detective work of the original for survival horror, and this turns out to work surprisingly well. The atmosphere is powerful, Arkham is delightfully unpleasant, and the combination of puzzles, investigation and Lovecraftian horror regularly creates moments where you think: this is exactly why I willingly let myself be scared. Not everything works equally well. The combat can be clunky, technical issues crop up now and then, and anyone who came primarily for the detective aspect of the first game will probably find something missing. The Sinking City 2 isn’t a revolutionary horror game, but it is an excellent, dark plunge into a world you definitely wouldn’t want to live in. Highly recommended for horror fans.

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The tactical depth of Hell Let Loose is once again at the heart of Vietnam, but it is marred by too many flaws. Graphically, this game is mediocre to poor, and the audio is even weaker. There are enough bugs and glitches to be a real nuisance. You get the feeling you’re playing an early-access game that still needs proper testing. There’s some fun to be had with the shooting, but at the moment it’s not enough to treat this title as a time-consuming behemoth for the coming months.

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In my view, Twisted Tower certainly bears a resemblance to BioShock and even a bit to The Backrooms. Yet this game has its own identity. The mystery and build-up of suspense, combined with excellent storytelling and humour, make for an ideal mix. This relatively short game is perfect for a quick play, and a real standout indie title. With his first 3D game (all his previous games were 2D), Thomas Brush has immediately delivered a real gem.

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In my humble opinion, Mortal Shell II surpasses the original. Whilst the first instalment made a particular impression with its Shell system, the second builds on that in an excellent way. The eight Shells, more extensive skill trees, Tarstones, Seals and sidearms give you a huge amount of freedom to create your own build. My Tiel, for example, evolved into a venomous shadow assassin who strikes from the darkness and can protect himself against poison. For me, that sort of experimentation is one of the game’s greatest strengths. On top of that, the combat feels a lot smoother than I remembered. The Posture mechanic gives parries more meaning, the Riposte remains delightfully brutal, and the sidearms add a fun extra dimension. Add to that the dungeons, puzzles and the many ways to further customise your Shell, and Mortal Shell II no longer feels like just another sequel, but like a game that’s finally starting to stand on its own two feet. And honestly? As far as I’m concerned, that Shell can stay wrapped around me for a while yet.

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Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls really took me by surprise. The anime style is stunning, the Marvel characters are brilliantly rendered, and technically the game runs exceptionally smoothly. Even when the screen descends into utter chaos with attacks, assists and combos, everything stays neatly in place. The accessible combat is also a major asset. You don’t need to be a fighting game expert to enjoy it straight away, whilst there seems to be plenty of scope to develop your skills further. The short Episode mode is undoubtedly a downside. An hour and a half is simply not enough. Whether the game remains engaging in the long term will depend mainly on the online community and how deeply players can delve into the combat.

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I can say with certainty that the Switch 2 version of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 does the game more justice than the Switch 1 version. All the technical upgrades simply do what they’re supposed to do. For new players, this is the version they should buy, and for those who already played the game back in 2017, the upgrade can only mean a deeper love for the franchise. Just make sure you’ve got enough storage space. I know I’ll definitely be returning to the world of Alrest and wallowing a bit more in that nostalgic blanket.

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Beast of Reincarnation feels like a game with two sides to it. On the one hand, you’re treated to an enjoyable action RPG with a mysterious story, challenging combat, a surprisingly extensive progression system and excellent teamwork between Emma and Koo. What’s more, it isn’t just another Souls-like clone, but fortunately carves out its own path. On the other hand, the technical quality is simply appalling. The massive frame drops, screen tearing, pop-ins, poor textures and the general lack of polish meant I could never fully immerse myself in the adventure. I still maintain that there’s a good game hidden beneath all this. It’s just constantly undermined by technical execution that simply doesn’t meet what you’d expect in 2026 – and certainly not on a PlayStation 5 Pro. Hopefully, Beast of Reincarnation will receive the updates it deserves. Today, unfortunately, I can only conclude that this beast should have stayed in its cage for a long while longer.

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UFC 6 proves to be well worth the wait and is superbly crafted for both fans and newcomers alike. The single-player modes are more compelling than ever, and thanks to the smooth gameplay, UFC 6 is set to provide several years of enjoyment.

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As a newcomer to the franchise, Splatoon Raiders has managed to draw me deeper into the game than I’d expected. It challenges you to constantly tweak your load-out, but not to the point of tedium. The mix of raids and dungeons provides just the right dopamine rush, making it hard to put Splatoon Raiders down. It takes you on a colourful adventure that’s perfect as a quick bit of fun. A must-play to add to your list.

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Halo: Campaign Evolved is a beautifully modernised version of an iconic adventure. The stunning graphics and smooth gameplay ensure that entertainment and challenge go hand in hand perfectly. A clever story, plenty of variety in enemies and environments, plus a brilliant soundtrack and audio, made my first encounter with Halo a glorious one. It’s only the many tighter, linear sections and the backtracking that make you realise this gem is already a quarter of a century old. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, this FPS guarantees hours of uncompromising shooting fun.

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Rhythm Paradise Groove is a rhythm-filled extravaganza that completely sweeps you away. That is, provided you’re prepared to put your ego aside and let your timing be put to the test. It’s charming, chaotic, musical and, at times, downright brutal. But when everything clicks, when you feel the beat and the mini-games become one fluid dance, this is exactly the sort of game that turns a dull evening into a rhythmic party.

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If you’re a fan of Counter-Strike, follow the professional esports scene, or are looking for a management game that offers something a bit different from football, then Esports Manager 2026 is definitely worth a try. Esports Manager 2026 isn’t quite on a par with giants like Football Manager just yet. If the developer continues to expand the game at the same pace, this title has everything it takes to become the benchmark within the esports management genre.

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Ultimately, there’s very little positive I can say about *The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu*. The madness mechanic does produce some hilarious and unexpected moments from time to time, particularly in co-op, but that’s not enough to mask the fundamental problems. The combat feels unpolished, essential gameplay features are missing, and the first few hours are marred by frustrating design choices and a lack of explanation. On top of that, there are technical issues, a clunky inventory system and characters who are barely distinguishable from one another. After a series of smaller indie projects, ACE Team has clearly bitten off more than it can chew with this more ambitious production, and as a result, they’ve completely missed the mark. The madness mechanic does provide a few memorable moments, but even that gimmick quickly loses its charm when you’re shot by a hallucinating teammate for the umpteenth time.

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DOOM: The Dark Ages – Revelations is a textbook example of how an expansion pack can add value without simply copying the formula of the base game. Thanks to the excellent Chain Spear, strong new levels and a campaign that offers a surprising amount of content, this is a DLC that fans absolutely must not miss. Although some puzzle sections slow the pace down a little at times, the positives more than make up for the negatives. Revelations delivers exactly what you’d expect from DOOM: spectacular action, brutal combat and an absurd amount of demonic carnage, complemented by enough new ideas to keep you glued to the screen for hours on end.

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Although I did enjoy most of *Observer: System Redux*, it’s a game I find hard to recommend to everyone. The game’s main appeal lies in its unique setting and atmosphere. And, of course, Rutger Hauer’s role as the main character is a definite plus. Gamers looking for something a bit different who love all things cyberpunk and sci-fi are sure to enjoy the game. However, anyone who wants answers to every question and is looking for plenty of action should steer well clear of this game.

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