REVIEW: Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks Stunt Mayhem on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Hot Wheels™ Monster Trucks Stunt Mayhem aims to bring the thrill of monstrous trucks, wild stunts, and epic crashes to your Xbox, but it doesn't quite reach the heights you'd hope for. Developed by 3D Clouds and published by GameMill Entertainment, this game is visually impressive and certainly has the charm that fans of the Hot Wheels brand might expect. The trucks themselves, featuring fan-favourites like Bone Shaker and Bigfoot, look great, and the environments pop with bright colours and larger than-life arenas.

At first glance, the gameplay is fun,  throwing your massive monster truck into backflips, barrel rolls, and huge stunts is satisfying, and there's an undeniable pleasure in smashing through obstacles and racking up scores. The signature moves of each truck add a flashy element that's cool to see the first few times, but honestly, after a while, I found myself forgetting they even existed. The novelty wears off quickly, with little reward for using these special moves other than a few more points.

Unfortunately, once you get past the initial excitement, the cracks start to show. Career mode is where things get repetitive fast. While there are different arenas, there's not much variety in the actual gameplay across them. Every arena starts to feel the same, with little challenge to keep you hooked. The different trucks, while visually distinct, don't really offer a unique driving experience, which is a big letdown. You'd expect Bigfoot and Bone Shaker to feel different when tearing around the arena, but no, they all handle pretty much the same. This takes away from the potential excitement of unlocking and using new trucks.

Then there's the issue of the physics, which feel a bit off at times. For instance, you're controlling a massive monster truck that should be able to plough through small obstacles without a care, but instead, you'll find yourself over-correcting your steering every time you hit something minor. It makes things more frustrating than fun. The upside-down loop you unlock is another oddity, it looks cool, but you don't really get to do much as the camera cuts away, and you're just a passive spectator at that point.

At £39.99, it's hard to recommend Hot Wheels™ Monster Trucks Stunt Mayhem at full price. It might be competitive when compared to other branded games, but the actual gameplay doesn't justify the cost. There's just not enough here to keep you coming back, and the lack of variety or challenge makes it feel like the developers knew they couldn't charge more. If this game were priced at £19.99 or included in Xbox Game Pass, it would find a more forgiving audience, but as it stands, it's hard to recommend unless you're a young Hot Wheels fanatic.

For me, Hot Wheels™ Monster Trucks Stunt Mayhem is a missed opportunity, offering a decent but shallow experience. It's fun for a while, but lacks the depth or innovation to hold your attention long-term. I'd give it a disappointing 6 out of 10.

Out Now on Consoles and PC https://amzn.to/4dVJxGb

REVIEW: Silent Hill 2 (2024 Game Remake) - On Playstation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

The 2024 remake of Silent Hill 2 by Bloober Team is a real treat for fans of the original, and it holds up surprisingly well in a modern setting. They've managed to capture the atmosphere that made the 2001 version so special while giving it a much-needed update in terms of visuals and gameplay. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the graphics are absolutely stunning. Everything from the fog-choked streets of Silent Hill to the eerie interiors feels incredibly immersive. Play it with a good pair of headphones or a surround sound system, and the audio design really pulls you into the creepy, unsettling world. It's an experience that plays heavily on your senses, with every creak and distant moan building tension perfectly.

The story is still the same haunting narrative of James Sunderland, receiving a letter from his dead wife and being drawn back into the nightmarish town of Silent Hill. It's a tale of grief, guilt, and human frailty that resonated back in 2001 and still does today. Luke Roberts and Salóme Gunnarsdóttir bring solid performances to the roles, and the voice acting helps add depth to the emotional weight of the story.

The modernised third-person camera and improved combat system are welcome changes, making movement and battles feel a lot more fluid and manageable than the old tank controls. That said, combat still isn't the main draw here, it's the sense of dread and the psychological tension that keeps you hooked.

However, there are a few nitpicks. While the remake does a good job of expanding the game in the right places, with new areas to explore and extra content, it does lose some of the claustrophobic horror that made the original so intense. There's more space to wander and more frequent cutscenes, which can break up the fear a bit. The story, as compelling as it is, still feels a bit thin at times, especially if you've already played through it before.

For die-hard fans, this is probably the best version of Silent Hill 2 you could ask for. It's faithful to the original in all the ways that matter, while giving the game just enough polish and additions to make it feel fresh. For newcomers, it might not be as groundbreaking, especially compared to more recent horror titles, but it's still a chilling experience with a timeless story.

Overall, Bloober Team has done a stellar job delivering one of the better remakes in recent memory. It's not perfect, but it's a must-play for anyone who loves psychological horror or wants to revisit one of the genre's best stories. I'd give it a solid 8.5 out of 10, better than the original in some ways and certainly the definitive way to experience Silent Hill 2 today.

Out now on PS5 at playstation.com/en-gb/games/silent-hill-2/ and PC at cdkeys.pxf.io/EKQMe2

REVIEW: The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak (2024 Video Game) - On Playstation

Review by Jon Donnis

"The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak," developed by Nihon Falcom and released in 2024 for the PlayStation, is a remarkable addition to the beloved "Trails" series. This action role-playing game introduces players to a new story arc set in the Calvard Republic, a nation grappling with rapid economic growth and societal unrest in the year 1208. The game's protagonist, Van Arkride, is a 24-year-old who operates Arkride Solutions Office, taking on morally ambiguous jobs that often place him at the crossroads of legality. His work as a "Spriggan", a fixer navigating the grey areas of the law, sees him cooperating with a variety of factions, including the police, mafia, and mysterious groups with their own hidden agendas.

The game's plot kicks off when Van is approached by Agnès Claudel, a high school student and daughter of the new Calvardian president. She seeks his help to locate the Oct-Genesis, orbments created by her late great-grandfather, the renowned scientist Claude Epstein. As their quest unfolds, they are joined by an eclectic group of allies, including Feri Al-Fayed, a warrior from the Kruga clan; Aaron Wei, a performer with a secret past; Risette Twinings from a private military company; and others, each bringing unique skills and backstories that enrich the narrative.

One of the standout features of "Trails Through Daybreak" is its seamless blend of real-time action and turn-based combat. The game allows players to switch between these modes freely outside of boss battles, which remain strictly turn-based. This duality offers a dynamic and strategic combat experience that feels both fresh and familiar. The traditional turn-based system, beloved by series veterans, is now complemented by real-time field battles, adding a new layer of excitement and immediacy to encounters.

Gameplay is structured around a chapter format, with each chapter focusing on a day in the sprawling city of Edith. Players can explore the city, interact with a diverse cast of characters, and undertake side missions that add depth to the story and world. The game boasts a larger overworld than previous entries and eliminates load times when entering or exiting buildings, creating a more immersive and fluid experience. Additionally, "Trails Through Daybreak" introduces an alignment system based on law, chaos, and a mix of both. This system influences the player's ability to ally with different factions, unlocking unique events and dialogues, though it does not alter the main story or its ending.

Visually, the game is a feast for the eyes, featuring bright and colourful graphics that bring the world of Calvard to life. Character designs and environments are detailed and vibrant, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. The controls are intuitive, allowing players to navigate and engage in combat effortlessly, whether they are series veterans or newcomers.

But not everything is perfect, the detailed world-building and extensive dialogue, while a strength for many, did feel slightly tedious at times, mainly as I prefer a more action-packed experience. The game also has a deep lore and references to previous entries that did go a bit over my head. Some of the side quests did feel a bit repetitive after a while, and lacked any real meaning, and felt a bit like filler.

With that said, the deep storyline, characters and complex themes do show a lot of effort by the game makers, and for those who really want to feel immersed into a game, this really does deliver. I also enjoyed the music which effectively sets the tone and atmosphere throughout the game.

"Trails Through Daybreak" excels in delivering a rich and engaging JRPG experience. Its blend of traditional and modern gameplay mechanics, combined with a deep and compelling story, makes it a standout title in the genre. Fans of the series will appreciate the refinements and new features, while newcomers will find themselves drawn into the intricately built world and well-designed combat systems. This game ticks all the classic boxes for a JRPG and stands as a testament to Nihon Falcom's storytelling prowess and dedication to the "Trails" series.

I am a fan of JRPGs and enjoyed Trails through Daybreak, and as such score it a healthy 8.5 out of 10.

Out Now on Playstation at https://amzn.to/4dl1Uob

REVIEW: #DRIVE Rally (2024 Arcade Rally Game) - On PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

"#DRIVE Rally" brings a nostalgic thrill to the world of racing, perfectly capturing the essence of 90s rally driving while giving it a modern edge. From the moment you start your engine, it's clear that this game is a loving tribute to the golden era of racing, with its arcade-style gameplay designed to be both accessible and endlessly enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned rally enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "#DRIVE Rally" offers an experience that is simple to pick up but has layers of depth waiting to be mastered.

The environments are varied and visually striking, offering everything from sun-soaked deserts to misty forests and frozen landscapes. Each course feels distinct, creating a sense of progression as you move through different locations. The clean, minimalist graphics are a nice nod to the arcade aesthetic, bringing a charming simplicity that enhances the overall experience without overwhelming the player.

What really sets "#DRIVE Rally" apart is its car handling. Every vehicle has its own personality, requiring you to adjust your driving style to get the most out of each one. Whether you're behind the wheel of Das Holzwagen, The Doggo, or one of the other 90s-inspired rides, the game's driving mechanics are intuitive yet challenging enough to keep you coming back. The option to personalise and customise your cars only adds to the fun, allowing players to tweak their rides to match their racing preferences.

One of the interesting features is the dynamic between you and your co-driver. Their calls are critical for navigating tight turns and sudden changes in terrain, and while their enthusiasm sometimes verges on overzealous, it's this partnership that really enhances the rallying experience. Personally I prefer an onscreen map.

Being in Early Access, "#DRIVE Rally" does have some limitations. At present, the game focuses solely on point-to-point rallying with no competitive racing against other cars, which might disappoint some players looking for head-to-head action. However, the sheer joy of racing through beautifully crafted environments with your co-driver keeping you in check more than makes up for this. The developers have already shown a strong commitment to the game, quickly addressing bugs and improving the overall performance, which is a promising sign of what's to come.

There are only two camera views, inside the car which is horrible, and outside the car which is perfectly fine, a few more options would be welcome, as would an onscreen map, not everyone likes to play with the sound on, some of us like to play with music on, to relax to, and with no onscreen map, it can make it tricky to know when the next turn is coming, especially if playing with the in car view.

Despite its early access status, "#DRIVE Rally" feels impressively polished. The early bugs have been handled swiftly, and it's clear that the developers are dedicated to delivering a smooth, enjoyable experience. There's still room for growth, especially with the potential for additional content and features in future updates, but even at this stage, the game is a blast to play.

"#DRIVE Rally" is a must-try for anyone who enjoys the arcade racing genre or has fond memories of 90s rally games. It offers a refreshing blend of nostalgia and innovation, with smooth gameplay, diverse environments, and a handling system that balances simplicity with depth. Even in its current Early Access form, it delivers a highly enjoyable experience and promises to get even better. With that in mind, I'd give "#DRIVE Rally" a solid 8 out of 10, a fantastic start with a bright future ahead.

Check it out at

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2494780/DRIVE_Rally/

REVIEW: Antstream Arcade on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Antstream Arcade brings a unique offering to Xbox players: a streaming service that hosts over 1,300 retro games, allowing players to relive the glory days of classic arcade, console, and computer gaming. From the golden age of gaming in the 80s and 90s to early 2000s titles, Antstream is a celebration of gaming history, packaged in a sleek and accessible service. But is it worth your time and subscription fee?

Antstream is a cloud-based retro gaming service that launched on Xbox in 2023, after its success on PC and other platforms. Instead of downloading games, everything is streamed directly to your console, meaning you can jump into a game without waiting for it to install. The library includes a variety of well-known titles from companies like Atari, Commodore, and Sega, alongside lesser-known gems from the arcade era.

The service itself is free to download and explore, but accessing most of the games requires a subscription. The cloud-streaming nature of Antstream means that even with a large library, there is no need for local storage, making it convenient for players who don't want to sacrifice precious hard drive space for retro titles.

The sheer number of games available on Antstream is impressive, covering all sorts of genres from platformers and beat 'em ups to shooters, puzzles, and more. Iconic games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Mortal Kombat sit alongside more obscure titles that will appeal to hardcore retro enthusiasts. However, one downside is the absence of big-name Nintendo and Sega classics like Super Mario or Sonic the Hedgehog. While this may be a licensing issue, it leaves a noticeable gap in what could be considered a complete retro library.

One of the most enjoyable features Antstream offers is its challenge system. You can participate in timed or score-based challenges, either solo or against friends and global leaderboards. This gives classic games an added layer of competition and replayability, which helps these older games feel fresh again. Additionally, the integration of Xbox achievements brings modern gaming elements to titles that are decades old.

When it comes to performance, Antstream holds up surprisingly well, but this is largely dependent on your internet connection. Since it is cloud-based, a stable and fast connection is essential for smooth gameplay. The service streams games at a high quality, I found minimal latency or input lag during play. However, those with slower connections or inconsistent internet may find some titles harder to play smoothly, particularly fast-paced games that require quick reflexes.

That said, one of the benefits of streaming retro games is that they are less graphically demanding than modern titles, making the overall experience more stable. Unlike modern cloud gaming services which can struggle with high-definition graphics, retro games tend to run more seamlessly in this format.

The user interface on Xbox is intuitive and easy to navigate. Games are neatly categorised, and searching for your favourites is straightforward. Each game comes with a brief description, adding context and sometimes even tips for playing, which can be helpful if you're unfamiliar with some of the older titles.

One slight drawback is that navigating the massive library can be a bit overwhelming, especially for new users. While the layout is generally user-friendly, some may find themselves spending more time browsing than actually playing if they aren't sure what they're looking for. An improved recommendation system could help guide players towards new games they might enjoy.

Antstream offers a free tier, but this only gives access to a limited selection of games. The subscription plan, which unlocks the full library, is priced competitively, but it may seem steep for some players who aren't deeply invested in retro gaming. For fans of classic games, however, the service offers fantastic value, especially when considering the cost of individually purchasing these games elsewhere.

It's also worth noting that the subscription covers cloud saves, multiplayer challenges, and regular updates to the game library, making it more than just a collection of old titles. If you're a retro enthusiast or simply curious about classic gaming history, the cost could easily justify itself.

Antstream Arcade on Xbox is a fantastic service for retro gaming fans, offering a vast library of titles, engaging challenge modes, and a smooth streaming experience. While it's not perfect, lacking some of the most iconic titles and being dependent on a strong internet connection, it is an enjoyable and accessible way to explore gaming's past.

One of my all-time favourite arcade games, Rygar by Tecmo is there, this was literally the first game I searched for on the service, and it is the full arcade version, not the inferior home console release, so this made me happy. I have been wanting a proper port of this game for ages, and although it was available on PC in various forms, I wanted to play it on a proper console, with my arcade control stick, to get the closest to the feeling of the arcade as you can get.

If like me you are a man who grew up in the 1980s playing classic arcade games, you might just be able to find a lost classic and relive your youth. For me personally that alone is worth the price of subscription.

Anyone with a deep appreciation for arcade classics and retro gaming, Antstream is an excellent addition to the Xbox ecosystem. If you're looking to relive some childhood favourites or discover hidden gems from gaming's early days, Antstream Arcade is well worth your time.

Check out https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/antstream-arcade/9N0BXMRL9X66