REVIEW: Static Dread: The Lighthouse (2025 Video Game) - on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Solarsuit Games has put together a curious mix of tension and sorrow with Static Dread: The Lighthouse. It is a psychological horror adventure wrapped inside a resource management loop, and at its best it feels like a slow descent into a brine soaked nightmare. You play the lone keeper of a forgotten lighthouse on a broken coastline, armed with little more than a temperamental radio and a beacon that seems to fight the darkness as much as illuminate it. Each night you wait for transmissions from ships in trouble, and every reply feels like it could drag you closer to the truth or tip you over the edge.

The atmosphere is the first thing that lands. The visual style is wonderfully unsettling. It gives the island and its waters a sense of rot and despair that never quite lets you breathe. The world feels steeped in folklore and unspoken rituals. You piece it together through static drenched calls, strange logs, and small glimpses of villagers who seem too calm about the things that move beneath the waves. The game takes cues from the clipped tension of Papers, Please and the creeping cosmic dread of old Lovecraft tales, yet it still manages to hold its own identity.

There is real strength in the branching story. Your decisions shape who survives the nights and what truths rise to the surface. Some of the endings veer wildly away from one another, which makes each run feel like a distinct journey. The writing leans heavily on dread rather than shock. It is slow, claustrophobic, and often quietly emotional, especially when reminders of the protagonist's family cut through the storm sounds and scratched out radio signals. It is a clever touch that gives weight to even the smallest choices.

That said, the game does stumble. The moment to moment play can drag. Once you settle into the rhythm of tuning frequencies and responding to distress calls, the repetition becomes obvious. It never quite pushes you hard enough. The danger feels more suggested than experienced, and players who prefer sharp jumps and sudden frights might be left wanting. The tension rises, but it rarely breaks in a way that truly shocks. As a result the nights start to blend together, and the challenge never reaches the heights the atmosphere promises.

It is a shame, because when the game hits its stride it is genuinely compelling. The unsettling art direction, the layered worldbuilding, and the moral grey areas all point toward something special. There is a good story here. The choices you make can twist it in surprising ways. You can feel the pressure building as one odd transmission follows another, and there are moments when the island feels alive with things you are not meant to understand. It just lacks that final spark to lift it from good to unforgettable.

Static Dread: The Lighthouse remains an intriguing attempt that offers tension, style, and a memorable premise, even if it sometimes circles the same waters for a little too long. It delivers an interesting experience with bright flashes of brilliance. It simply feels like it is missing a final layer of bite. For me it lands at a generous 7 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/static-dread-the-lighthouse/9NFNS6H0BN4H

REVIEW: VORON: Raven’s Story (2025 Video Game) By Merk Games on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

VORON: Raven's Story arrives on Steam with a clear sense of purpose. It wants you to feel what it is to be a raven in a world shaped by Norse myth, drifting through forests and ruins while tending to lost souls. Even before you reach the meat of the story, the premise gives the game a soft charm. You follow this young raven from his first clumsy flaps right through to the end of his life, and the journey comes with a steady mix of wonder and melancholy. It is all the more impressive once you remember that the entire thing is the work of a solo developer.

There is a warmth to the storytelling that carries the experience. Each soul you guide has a small tale to uncover, and these moments help the short runtime feel meaningful rather than rushed. The simple art style fits neatly with that tone. It never tries to dazzle, yet it has a quiet confidence and gives you enough beauty to enjoy as you skim above the landscape in search of secrets. There are small challenges and collectable bits tucked around the world too, just enough to keep you moving with purpose.

That said, the game stumbles in places that matter. My very first playthrough had me waddling about on the ground, confused and slightly irritated, because I had missed one brief chat with the parent bird. Without that moment the game never unlocked the ability to fly, and nothing explained what I had done wrong. It was an odd start that could easily put players off. Even when things were working as intended, the controls were never as smooth as you might expect. Flight should be the high point. Instead it often feels awkward, a little unpredictable, and occasionally more trouble than it is worth.

Moments like these make the game feel unfinished. The foundation is strong, the atmosphere is lovely, and the core idea is clever, yet the whole thing needs a bit more polish. You can see the ambition, though. You can feel the care behind it. For a short adventure built by one developer, it still delivers a couple of hours of pleasant escapism, carried by a thoughtful concept and a genuine attempt to do something different.

VORON: Raven's Story is a good effort that simply stops short of greatness. If the creator keeps going, each new project might grow a little sharper, a little bolder. For now, this is a small but likeable flight through myth and memory. I would call it a solid 7 out of 10.

Out Now on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2245180/VORON_Ravens_Story/

REVIEW: Anima Gate of Memories I & II Remaster (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Stepping into Anima Gate of Memories I and II Remaster feels a bit like opening an old storybook that has been given fresh ink and sharper illustrations. Everything is familiar to long time fans, yet polished enough for newcomers to feel right at home. The collection brings both Anima Gate of Memories and The Nameless Chronicles together in one place, now brushed up with cleaner textures, clearer menus, and tutorials that flow far better than before. It is a noticeable lift that smooths out the early learning curve and makes the whole experience easier to settle into.

The heart of the game sits firmly in its world of Gaia, which is drawn from the Spanish tabletop RPG Anima Beyond Fantasy. The remaster does a good job of capturing the tone of that universe, where ancient monsters, cursed souls and uncertain destinies collide. You follow the Bearer and Ergo Mundus in the first story, then move into the path of an immortal wanderer in the second. Both narratives twist around secrets hidden inside the Tower of Arcane, and you can feel the weight of that place in the way every room, corridor and memory shaped landscape is presented. There is a distinct atmosphere here. It has that dark fantasy edge with touches of an anime inspired mood, which gives the whole thing a dramatic, dreamlike quality.

Combat remains the strongest part of the experience. It is fast and fluid with a nice sense of rhythm once you settle into switching between the Bearer and Ergo. You can flick between them with a single button, and it never loses its thrill when a smooth combo comes together. Each character has their own set of skills, and shaping them to your liking gives the game a proper RPG feel. Exploring the interconnected locations inside the tower adds to that sense of discovery. Every area feels like it has been crafted with intention. The music reinforces that feeling with a haunting tone that settles into your head as you move from one fight to another.

The remaster's visual upgrades make a real difference. Textures are cleaner, animation transitions feel more natural, and the UI refresh helps navigation enormously. It gives the whole package a sense of confidence, almost as if the game finally looks the way it always wanted to. As a result, the pacing feels smoother and you are far less likely to become tangled in menus.

Not everything lands perfectly. Some of the voice acting leans into a slightly uneven performance and a few lines of dialogue can feel a bit too cheesy for their own good. These moments are never enough to break the experience, though they do stand out against the stronger storytelling beats.

Coming into this remaster, it surprised me how easy it was to get pulled into its mix of sharp combat, rich lore and striking style. It feels bold, sometimes strange, but always driven by a clear creative identity. Whether you are returning to rediscover the saga or stepping into Gaia for the first time, this collection feels like the right way to do it.

For me, Anima Gate of Memories I and II Remaster earns a confident 8.5 out of 10.

Out Now

https://amzn.to/4oJhTSM

Why Bubble Game Is a Great Way to Spend Time With Family

Spending time with the people we love is a must. But in today word  everyone is busy with work studies, or daily tasks. Sometimes it becomes hard to find simple activities that bring families together. One fun and easy option is enjoying the Bubble Game mainly when everyone wants a calm and happy moment at home. It is a gentle game that brings smiles and creates small memories in a special way.

Fun Activity for All Ages

Many games are made for only kids or only adults but Bubble Game is friendly for everyone. Parents teenagers and grandparents can enjoy it together. Since it does not need fast skills or deep thinking nobody feels left out. Everyone can join in at their own pace.

So it makes it perfect for family time. You can sit together, take turns cheer for each other and laugh when someone makes a funny move. These small moments help families feel closer and create warm memories.

An Ideal Way to Relax Together

After a long day of school or work families often feel tired. Instead of turning on loud videos or watching something stressful, Bubble Game gives a quiet and peaceful experience. The colors are soft the movements are gentle and the whole activity feels calming.

When families relax together it becomes easier to talk, share thoughts and connect. Some parents like to play it with their children before bedtime. Why is that so? It is because it creates a peaceful mood. It is a simple way to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Encourages Good Conversations

Sometimes families want to talk but they do not know where to start. Bubble Game helps start small conversations naturally. As everyone watches the screen people comment on the colors the bubbles or a funny moment during the game.

These little conversations help open the door to bigger ones. Kids may start sharing about their school day. Parents may share stories from their childhood. Even grandparents join in with fun memories. A simple game becomes a bridge for communication.

A Safe Choice for Family Time

Finding safe activities online can be hard. Many games have loud sounds, fast action or content that is not suitable for younger children. Bubble Game is simple, clean and safe for all ages. There are no scary photos, no harmful messages and nothing confusing.

Families can enjoy it together without worrying about anything negative. Parents feel comfortable letting kids play and kids feel happy knowing they can enjoy something fun without stress.

Easy to Play Anywhere and Anytime

Sometimes families plan fun activities but can not  do them because of time, place or cost. Bubble Game does not need planning. You can enjoy it while sitting in the living room, waiting at a restaurant or taking a break during a long trip.

Its simple nature makes it a perfect anytime activity. Even if you have only five minutes together you can still enjoy it. These small shared moments help families feel connected each day.

Why Families Should Try It

In a world full of busy schedules and digital noise families need small gentle activities to bond. Bubble Game offers exactly that a peaceful colorful mean to spend time together. It encourages smiles, conversations, relaxation and memories that families can enjoy no matter how busy life gets.

If you are looking for a fresh and easy way to spend time with your family try sitting together and enjoying Bubble Game. You may be surprised by how these simple activity brings so much joy.

REVIEW: Echoes of the End: Enhanced Edition (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Echoes of the End had a rough start last August, but the overhaul that arrived with the Enhanced Edition feels like the work of a studio that actually listens. Myrkur Games took every gripe to heart and rebuilt the game from the inside out. That effort shows the moment you step back into Ryn's shoes. Combat feels sharper, animations flow with far more confidence, and the new difficulty options finally let players decide how tough they want the journey to be. It all sits within a world shaped by Iceland's raw beauty, where glaciers and volcanic light give every chapter a sense of scale and danger.

The story carries a steady pull. You guide Ryn, a powerful vestige whose ancient magic is tied to a homeland on the brink of collapse, as she sets out to rescue her brother and face the conflict closing in around her. Abram serves as a grounded presence throughout. He fights with you, supports you in battles, and brings a bruised history that adds weight to their partnership. Their bond forms the heart of the narrative. It grows in small moments during quiet travel as much as in the chaos of combat, and the improved pacing makes their journey flow more naturally than it did at launch.

The biggest change lies in the moment to moment fighting. Sword strikes hit harder, parries land with a clear rhythm, and Ryn's magic feels genuinely dangerous. You can throw enemies into hazards, drain their strength to survive a tight scrap, or chain abilities across four upgrade paths that let you shape your approach. Abram's abilities complement yours by knocking enemies off balance or creating the perfect opening for a finishing blow. It all feels precise and satisfying.

Exploration sticks to a linear structure, which may disappoint those expecting an open world. The crafted path still looks stunning though. Each environment stands apart with its own visual identity and puzzle mechanics, from energy powered ruins to warped volcanic chambers. The platforming sections give a welcome burst of movement and variety. You leap across broken ground, twist through odd gravity shifts, and use Ryn's growing magical tricks to reach new spaces. Hidden chests add a bit of incentive to poke around side paths, even if you never wander too far from the main route.

Character work remains the area that holds the game back. Ryn's personality can feel harsh in ways that make her harder to connect with, and the script never quite digs deep enough into what drives her. The supporting cast also could have used more time to breathe. It is telling that the landscapes feel richer than some of the people you meet along the way. The story still entertains, but you get the sense that a little more patience with character development would have lifted the whole thing.

Get past that and you find a confident action adventure that looks gorgeous and plays even better. The upgrade system is generous, the outfits and relics add genuine variety to your builds, and the New Game Plus option gives the combat depth more room to shine once you have mastered the basics. The Journey difficulty is a smart touch for newcomers, offering a smoother introduction without stripping away tension.

Echoes of the End is still a linear experience with no side quests, so what you see is what you get. The difference now is that what you get is genuinely good. The Enhanced Edition turns an underwhelming release into a polished and engaging adventure, carried by its striking world, improved flow, and tight combat.

I had a great time with it from start to finish, and I would happily recommend it. A solid 8.5 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox - www.xbox.com/echoes-of-the-end