REVIEW: Ed & Edda: GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions (2025 Racing Video game)

Review by Jon Donnis

Tie-in games don't always have the smoothest track record, but Ed & Edda: GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions makes a solid attempt at bucking the trend. Released alongside the animated film GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE, and celebrating 50 years of Germany's Europa-Park, this cheerful kart racer brings two of the park's well-known mascots into a fast-paced, family-friendly spin across Europe.

The game lets you pick from eight playable characters, including Ed and Edda, each with their own vehicles, strengths and quirks. That makes the choice of driver more than just cosmetic. Some racers feel nimbler, others heavier but harder to knock off track, and that variation keeps things reasonably fresh across the different race modes. There's a basic but decent mix on offer: standard races, point-based competitions, time trials and the full Grand Prix circuit.

Visuals are bright, punchy and colourful (They do feel a little last generation though). Each track is themed around recognisable European landmarks, and though the detail isn't exactly stunning, it works well for the game's tone. It's clearly aimed at a younger audience, but not in a way that excludes older players from getting something out of it. The music's catchy too, and the general presentation is polished and lively enough to feel welcoming.

The game's strongest point is its simplicity. If you've ever played a kart racer before, this one won't take long to learn. Drift, boost, pick up power-ups, dodge hazards, then try to hold your position until the final lap. It's easy to get into, especially with the option for up to four players in local multiplayer. That mode alone adds a lot of value for families, especially younger kids who just want a quick and silly race with familiar characters.

That said, the simplicity is also part of the problem. For all the charm, Ed & Edda: GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions doesn't really bring anything new to the table. The boost system leans a little too heavily on endgame bursts, which means most races come down to timing your final sprint rather than outdriving the competition. For younger players, that's not necessarily an issue. For anyone older or more experienced, it gets predictable fast.

There are also some noticeable performance hiccups. Frame rate drops do show up, which is frustrating on a console release, especially one priced at £34.99. Considering there are free kart racers offering similar gameplay, the price feels steep unless you or your kids are already invested in the GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE film or Europa-Park itself.

Still, for what it is, the game does a decent job. The tie-in angle is niche, especially outside of Germany, but if the film lands well, there's every chance kids will want to jump in and play as characters they've just seen on screen. It's a colourful, well-intentioned racer with a few technical stumbles and a price tag that could use a second look.

Ed & Edda: GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions won't knock Mario Kart off its podium, but as a themed kart racer for younger players, it crosses the finish line without too many bumps. A few updates could smooth it out further. For now, it's a decent if slightly overpriced entry in a crowded genre.

I score it a safe 7 out of 10.

Pre-Order from Amazon now at https://amzn.to/3UcSIdK

REVIEW: Razer Kishi V2 Pro Gaming Controller Accessory

Review by Jon Donnis

The Razer Kishi V2 Pro turns your smartphone into something much more than a basic gaming device. It gives your phone the feel and function of a handheld console, and after spending time with it using my POCO M7 Pro, I can safely say it's a piece of kit that truly elevates mobile gaming. Whether you're into native Android games or full PC and console-style experiences via streaming, this controller has you covered.

Razer Kishi V2 Pro Starting from £66.99 - Razer.com

From the moment you clip your phone into the Kishi V2 Pro's retractable frame, you can feel the quality. I used my POCO M7 Pro that I recently reviewed, It fit securely, thanks to its flexible but solid design, and the tactile buttons, responsive triggers, and smooth analog sticks all combine to give you the kind of experience you'd expect from a premium gaming controller. It connects directly via USB-C, so there's no Bluetooth delay or input lag. Everything just works, fast and fluid. I've tested a few mobile controllers before, and most of them felt like compromises. The Kishi V2 Pro doesn't.

One of the most impressive features is the HyperSense haptics. When playing action-heavy titles, these subtle but powerful vibrations make a difference. It's not just a gimmick, it genuinely adds to the immersion. I tried a range of Android games, including Genshin Impact and Real Racing 3, and they all handled beautifully. The controller helped unlock the full potential of these games, especially compared to frustrating touchscreen controls that tend to cover half the screen and miss half your inputs.

I also tested PC remote game streaming. While I couldn't get the Razer Cortex software to function correctly on my setup, Steam Link worked like a charm. I was able to stream my full PC library to my phone with zero noticeable latency, and the Kishi V2 Pro gave me full control. It felt closer to playing a game on a Switch or a Steam Deck than on a mobile phone. That said, it's worth noting that the streaming experience may vary depending on your PC setup and network.

Beyond Android games and streaming, the Kishi V2 Pro can double up as a regular PC controller. Just plug it in, and you're good to go. That versatility makes it a smart investment for gamers who want one device that does it all. And if you're looking at the newly released POCO F7 Pro (Available at mi.com), there's a bundle available that combines both devices, ideal for those looking to dive into high-end mobile gaming straight away. - https://amzn.to/42HP1AC

The accompanying Razer Nexus app is well-designed and lets you launch and manage your games with ease. It's not bloated and keeps things clean and functional. I just wish the same could be said for the Cortex software, which still needs refinement to offer a smoother streaming setup for users.

In the end, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro is a genuinely impressive piece of hardware. It takes the frustration out of mobile gaming and replaces it with precision, comfort, and control. It's well-built, looks great, and performs like a dream. While the software side still has room for improvement, especially for PC streaming, the core experience is excellent.

If you're serious about mobile gaming and want to ditch the clunky touch controls, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro is one of the best accessories you can get.

I score the Razer Kishi V2 Pro a solid 8.5 out of 10. 

Out now at https://amzn.to/4iCzkko

Thanks to Razer Inc for providing a review unit of the Razer Kishi V2 Pro

REVIEW: Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders (2025 Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders, released in 2025 for Xbox, is a downhill skiing game that finds an interesting balance between challenging gameplay and a laid-back vibe. From the moment you start slicing through thick snow, gliding over icy lakes, or launching off jumps, the game feels like a fresh winter escape, especially with friends by your side.

One of the biggest new additions to this installment is the online multiplayer mode, which offers both cooperative and competitive play for 2 to 8 players, complete with multiplatform crossplay. You can work together to descend the mountain, sharing limited checkpoints carefully, or go head-to-head in a fast-paced race to the bottom. It's a neat way to bring the Lonely Mountains world to life in a social setting, even if the "Lonely" part of the title feels a bit at odds with this multiplayer focus.

Graphically, the game is excellent. The mountains look stunning, and the snowy landscapes are immersive, creating a convincing winter playground. The gameplay itself strikes a good balance: the faster you go, the more you need sharp reflexes to avoid wiping out, making it genuinely rewarding when you nail a run. For those who prefer to take it easy, the Freeplay mode removes the pressure of racing or beating times, letting you explore and enjoy the slopes at your own pace. This chilled-out option is a welcome counterbalance to the more intense challenges.

That said, the game isn't without flaws. The camera viewpoint, which the game controls, can sometimes become a real obstacle. It can make it difficult to see where you're headed, forcing you to rely on ski tracks from your previous attempts, which isn't always reliable. This can be frustrating, especially when precision is crucial. Additionally, once you've completed a track's challenges, there isn't much incentive to return to it in single-player mode, as the content feels limited. Given the game's relatively short length, about five hours to complete, the replay value is fairly low unless you're keen on multiplayer.

Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is a solid and enjoyable game, though it could benefit from more content and variety. It's easy to imagine future downloadable content expanding the experience, though it's unlikely to be free. While the multiplayer feature adds a fun social layer, it somewhat contradicts the game's "lonely" theme. Despite these issues, the game remains a satisfying ride for anyone who loves skiing or simply wants a winter-themed challenge.

The game is fun, visually appealing, and offers a decent challenge, even if its brevity and camera quirks hold it back a bit. Overall, it's a good pick for a quick, enjoyable skiing experience on Xbox.

Out Now - https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/lonely-mountains-snow-riders/9pf3mc3v9q27

REVIEW: Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition (2025 Backworms Compatible Update)

Review by Jon Donnis

Twenty-five years after it first wriggled into the strategy game scene, Worms Armageddon returns in a newly packaged Anniversary Edition for the Nintendo Switch. First released in 1999 by Team17, this fan-favourite entry in the long-running Worms series is back with a faithful update that stays true to its original charm while adding a few welcome extras.

If you've never played it before, Worms Armageddon is a turn-based strategy game where players control teams of cartoon worms across destructible 2D landscapes. Every match becomes a mix of tactical play, slapstick humour and outright chaos, thanks to the game's huge arsenal of bizarre weapons. The Anniversary Edition brings all of that back, just as it was, but with better compatibility for modern displays and consoles.

One of the biggest additions is the digital museum, which acts as a playable tribute to the history of Worms. It features a timeline of the series and an interactive documentary, giving fans a look behind the scenes at how Worms Armageddon was made and how it fits into the wider legacy of Team17's work. The new edition also includes emulated versions of earlier Worms titles: the Game Boy Color version of Worms Armageddon, Worms World Party for Game Boy Advance, and the original Worms for both Super Nintendo and Mega Drive.

Gameplay-wise, not much has changed, and that's entirely the point. Each match is still played turn by turn, with one worm from each team acting at a time. Movement is deliberately clumsy in a way that adds to the tension, and combat remains a test of both precision and mischief. Players still get to pick from over 55 weapons and tools, from classics like the Bazooka and Holy Hand Grenade to the truly strange, such as the French Sheep Strike. There's also a cheat toggle for the fan-favourite 'Boggy B' code, which instantly unlocks all content if you want to dive straight in.

The single-player campaign includes over 40 missions, but the real joy of Worms is always in multiplayer. This version keeps popular features like Handicapping, Allied Teams and the infamous Worms Disease mode. Whether you're playing with friends on the sofa or solo against the AI, the balance between tactics and chaos is still exactly right.

What also makes this release stand out is the Backworms Compatible Update, a free addition that celebrates the visual styles of the series' early years. It includes 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit variations that tap into the nostalgia of older consoles, without taking anything away from the updated experience on Switch.

There's no gimmick here, no forced reinvention. This is Worms Armageddon as you remember it. And for those who were there the first time round, that's probably all they want. As someone who spent a good part of their teen years glued to the Amiga playing the original Worms, this version feels like a return to form. Worms Armageddon was where everything clicked. The physics, the tone, the pacing. Later versions tried to shake things up but never quite landed the same way.

Yes, the bonus versions from other consoles are a nice touch. You'll likely fire them up once for curiosity's sake, but it's the core 1999 game you'll keep coming back to. The humour still lands, the chaos still builds, and the satisfaction of a well-placed banana bomb is as good now as it ever was.

For new players, this is the ideal place to start. For returning fans, it's a reminder of why Worms Armageddon has never really gone away. And if you're still on the fence after all this time, ask yourself: if Worms Armageddon isn't in your collection yet, where have you been?

It might not be cheap, but it's hard to think of many games that have held up this well. A quarter of a century later, it still delivers.

Out Now on Nintendo Switch and all consoles.

https://amzn.to/4k8e46B

REVIEW: Antro (2025 Video Game) - On Playstation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

Antro wastes no time pulling you into its world. One minute you're watching Nittch, a cynical delivery runner scraping by in the lowest levels of a ruined underground city. The next, you're sprinting through a collapsing tunnel to a pounding hip hop beat, every jump and dodge locked to the rhythm of the track. This is a game that knows exactly what it wants to be. Stylish, bleak, and fast.

Set in a post-collapse future where humanity survives in the dark strata beneath Barcelona, Antro throws you into a society split by class and crushed by a totalitarian regime known as the Dome. Music is banned, art is gone, and the city is split into layers where the poor suffer and the powerful control, basically a Communist hell hole. You play as Nittch, alone and bitter, until a routine delivery sends him colliding with a rebellion known as the Discordants. From there, it's a mix of exploration, puzzle solving, and sharp, unforgiving parkour, all driven by a soundtrack that never stops moving.

The game shifts between control styles in clever ways. Some levels let you explore at your own pace, solving environmental puzzles and absorbing the atmosphere as well as finding collectables. Others throw you into autorun segments where every jump, slide or wall-hop has to be timed to the music. One mistake and you're back to the start. It's frustrating in the right kind of way, and when it clicks, it feels great. The rhythm puzzles are also well executed, asking you to press buttons in sync with the beat. They're simple, but satisfying.

What really gives Antro its edge is the music. The blend of Spanish hip hop, drill, R&B and electronic tracks gives each level its own identity, and helps tell the story without saying much at all. The sound design ties into the gameplay closely, not just guiding your actions but shaping the emotional weight of each scene. It's a rare case where the soundtrack isn't just a feature, it's the spine of the game.

The biggest problem is that it's all over far too soon. You can finish the entire game in just over an hour, maybe closer to two if you take your time or replay sections. At £13 on PlayStation 5, that feels like a steep ask for something that ends before it really finds its groove. There's a free demo that captures the tone and mechanics well, and honestly, it gives you most of what the full game offers. That's a shame, because the potential here is obvious.

Some players might also prefer more traditional control. The sections where you guide Nittch freely through the city are the most engaging. They're slower, more thoughtful, and let you appreciate the world building. The autorun levels look great and feel intense, but the trial-and-error loop can get tiring fast. If you've played something like American Arcadia, you might find yourself wishing Antro leaned more in that direction.

Still, there's no denying the creativity on display. The visuals are bold, the setting is rich, and the way the music feeds into the action makes it stand out. Antro delivers something memorable, even if it ends too soon.

It's an easy game to recommend to fans of rhythm-based gameplay or anyone looking for something short and striking. Just know what you're getting. I score Antro a solid 7 out of 10. The ideas are strong, the execution is sharp, but the length holds it back from being something more.

Antro is out now on PS5

https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/product/EP6325-PPSA26056_00-0760564794314778

Thank you to Selecta Play for providing the game key.