Jon Scarr

“Monaco 2 brings back the heart of the original and builds something smarter and more flexible around it. The 3D shift helps with clarity, the level layouts feel more readable, and the ability to swap characters mid-mission makes experimentation easier. It still leans heavily on co-op, but there’s enough here for those who prefer to go it alone.”

“If you’re hoping for a tough survival challenge, you won’t find it here. But if you’re after a short, puzzle-focused experience you can play alone or with others, Survival Kids fills that role well. It might not hold your attention for long, but it’s a calm, cooperative break from heavier games.”

“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition doesn’t change the story or core gameplay, but it runs better than ever. 4K resolution, 60FPS, HDR, and faster load times give it the technical upgrade it always needed. A second save slot is a nice addition, and the Zelda Notes app adds optional tools and lore, even if using your phone feels clunky. It’s not a new game, but it’s the best way to play this one.”

“Neon Apex: Beyond the Limit is a flashy, fast-paced arcade racer with bold style and a wide mix of race types. Its cel-shaded visuals and anime flair make a strong first impression, but the messy handling, stiff combat events, and overwhelming effects often get in the way. There’s effort and variety here, especially for fans of futuristic racing games, but the lack of polish and inconsistent feedback keep it from reaching the finish line cleanly.”

“Assault Suit Leynos 2 Saturn Tribute brings back a challenging mech shooter with deep customization and tight, side-scrolling action.”

“Ninja Five-O delivers fast combat, grappling hook action, and modern features. Short but satisfying, it’s the best way to play this classic.”

“Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O refines the classic fighter with rollback netcode, balance updates, and sharp visuals. Its strategic combat remains strong, but missing single-player modes and the lack of crossplay hold it back from feeling like a full upgrade. While it’s the best version for competitive play, it still feels like a temporary step before a true sequel.”

“Mika and the Witch’s Mountain offers a cozy, laid-back adventure with bright visuals and simple gameplay. Flying, delivering packages, and meeting island residents create a relaxing experience, but limited gameplay and repetitive deliveries hold it back. While charming, it’s best for short, casual play sessions.”

“Double Dragon Neon reimagines the classic arcade beat ‘em up with bright, ‘80s-inspired visuals, over-the-top humour, and a unique mixtape-based combat system. Its slower pace and strategic gameplay set it apart from other brawlers. Although the style and pace may not appeal to everyone, Double Dragon Neon delivers a memorable, fun experience for fans of retro-inspired action games.”

“Metal Slug Attack Reloaded is a decent, nostalgic experience with noticeable flaws. It’s best suited for hardcore fans of the franchise or those willing to tolerate its mobile-game roots.”

“ANTONBLAST delivers fast-paced platforming with chaotic energy, creative level design, and a bold personality. Inspired by retro classics, it balances humour, challenge, and satisfying gameplay. While its steep learning curve and visual clutter might not appeal to everyone, those who embrace the chaos will find an unforgettable experience. This is a must-play for fans of Wario Land and frantic platformers alike.”

“Starship Troopers: Extermination brings the chaotic, large-scale battles of the franchise to life through cooperative gameplay. While the visuals lack polish and the solo campaign falls flat, the multiplayer experience offers dynamic missions, teamwork, and unique mechanics like corpse permanence. Despite technical issues, the game delivers exciting and chaotic fun, making it a decent choice for fans of the Starship Troopers universe.”

“Sumerian Six blends stealth-tactics gameplay with creative abilities and detailed level design. Its story and cutscenes may fall short, but the challenging missions and unique character abilities make it a rewarding experience. Fans of Shadow Tactics and Desperados III will find this a strong addition to the genre.”

“Slime Rancher offers a fun and relaxing experience with its simple yet satisfying gameplay loop. You’ll explore the vibrant Far, Far Range, capturing slimes, and managing your ranch. The game’s colourful world, charming slimes, and soothing soundtrack create an immersive and enjoyable atmosphere. While there are challenges in managing your ranch, the game’s relaxed pacing allows for a stress-free, exploratory adventure. Slime Rancher is perfect if you are looking for a light, and creative experience to escape into.”

“The Lake House is a tightly crafted DLC that bridges Alan Wake 2 with Remedy’s broader universe. Its layered narrative and resourceful gameplay showcase Remedy’s strengths in storytelling and design, while some trial-and-error moments and a shifting layout can occasionally frustrate. Though short, it delivers a memorable experience, leaving you eager for what’s next in the ever-expanding Wake-verse.”

“If you enjoy cooperative survival games, No More Room in Hell 2, even in early access, offers plenty of replay value. The randomized elements and vast maps keep each session fresh, ensuring that no two runs are the same. While the game’s roguelike structure and lack of a save feature might not suit everyone, the evolving mechanics and setting create a rewarding experience for survival horror fans.”

“Lost Eidolons is a turn-based tactical RPG that draws players into a medieval fantasy world torn by war. With grid-based combat, a morally complex story, and intricate strategy mechanics, it’s a journey for fans who enjoy detailed planning and decision-making. Minor technical issues aside, it’s a worthwhile adventure for tactical RPG enthusiasts.”

“MechWarrior 5: Clans offers a mix of intense mech battles and character-driven storytelling. You play as Jayden, a rookie pilot leading a team against the Great House Lords. While the game features impressive customization options and engaging combat, some missions can feel repetitive and the story has familiar clichés. Overall, it’s a solid addition to the series that balances action and story, making it enjoyable for both new and returning fans.”

“Wargroove 2 is a fun sequel that expands on the original game’s charm and strategy. You can explore three different campaigns filled with quirky characters and tactical challenges. The new Conquest mode adds variety with roguelike elements, keeping gameplay fresh and exciting. While it has a steep difficulty curve and long missions, the colourful pixel art and multiplayer options make it a great choice for strategy fans.”

“XIII is a remake of the 2003 classic shooter that brings back its unique comic book style. You play as a man with amnesia, uncovering a conspiracy. While the game has solid action and stealth options, it suffers from outdated graphics, uneven pacing, and clunky controls. Fans of the original may enjoy the nostalgia, but others might find the flaws hard to overlook.”