REVIEW: Disgaea Mayhem (2026 Video Game) - on PlayStation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

Disgaea Mayhem takes the long-running Disgaea franchise in a completely different direction, swapping the traditional tactical RPG gameplay for a more direct action RPG experience. The result is a game that keeps much of the charm, humour and over-the-top personality that fans know and love, while offering a much more accessible way to experience the series.

The story sees players take control of N.A., a mercenary with a love for sweet treats and a desire to earn some money, as he joins forces with Princess Tichelle, who has an important craving for pudding. It is a typically silly Disgaea setup, filled with exaggerated characters, ridiculous situations and the kind of playful humour that has helped the franchise stand out for years.

The biggest change is the move away from turn-based strategy into fast-paced hack-and-slash combat. Instead of carefully planning every move on a grid, players jump straight into the action, taking on huge groups of enemies with a range of weapons. This change works surprisingly well, especially for those who have struggled to get into the more complex tactical systems of previous Disgaea games.

Combat is easily one of the highlights. The ability to switch between different weapon types keeps battles feeling fresh, with swords, bows, guns, fists and axes all offering different ways to approach fights. These are not simply cosmetic differences either, as each weapon changes the way you play. Some favour close-range attacks, while others encourage a more defensive or ranged approach.

The game also successfully carries over one of the most enjoyable parts of the franchise, the feeling of becoming ridiculously powerful. Level grinding, upgrading equipment and improving weapons creates that familiar Disgaea satisfaction of watching damage numbers grow to absurd levels. The ability to strengthen equipment and push character power further gives players plenty of motivation to keep improving.

Fans of the series will also appreciate that the personality of Disgaea remains intact. The humour, colourful presentation and bizarre world design all feel familiar, even though the gameplay has changed. Classic elements such as recruiting demons like the Prinny help make this feel like a genuine part of the franchise rather than just a separate action game with a familiar name.

However, the biggest issue with Disgaea Mayhem is that it feels far too small for the Disgaea name. While the gameplay is enjoyable, the experience feels much shorter and simpler than many fans will expect. The main story can be completed in under 10 hours, which feels disappointing considering the usual depth and longevity associated with the series.

The lack of extra modes and meaningful post-game content is another major weakness. Traditional Disgaea games are known for offering huge amounts of additional content once the main story is complete, but here the experience feels much more limited. Once the main adventure is finished, there is not a great deal left to keep players coming back.

The hack-and-slash combat is fun, but it can become repetitive over time. The mission structure does not always offer enough variety, and fighting through similar groups of enemies repeatedly can start to lose its appeal. Having only one playable character also limits the experience, especially compared with the huge variety of characters and play styles usually available in the franchise.

This is where the price becomes difficult to justify. At around £49.99, Disgaea Mayhem feels more like a smaller budget spin-off rather than a full-priced release. The core gameplay is enjoyable, but the short length and limited content make it difficult to recommend paying the full asking price.

After a slightly rough start, Disgaea Mayhem eventually won me over. I have never been a huge Disgaea fan, mainly because the tactical RPG style could sometimes feel overwhelming, but this action-focused approach made the series much easier to enjoy. It keeps the humour and charm while offering a more straightforward experience.

There is definitely fun to be had here. The combat is flashy, the weapon variety is enjoyable and powering up your character delivers the satisfying feeling of becoming unstoppable. The problem is that the adventure ends far too quickly and does not offer enough content to match its launch price.

Disgaea Mayhem is a fun spin-off that introduces the franchise to a wider audience, but it is best enjoyed when bought during a sale or after a price reduction. At the right price, it is an enjoyable action RPG with plenty of personality.

Score: 7.5 out of 10

Deluxe edition available from Amazon at https://link.amazon/B0fmDLacD

REVIEW: Assoluto Racing (2026 Video Game) - on Nintendo Switch

Review by Jon Donnis

The famous mobile racing simulator finally arrives on Nintendo Switch, bringing with it over nine years of development, more than 35 million downloads, a huge selection of licensed cars and the ability to continue your progress across platforms. Assoluto Racing has built a strong reputation on mobile as a more serious driving experience compared to many arcade-style racers, and the Switch release gives players a new way to experience the game with proper physical controls.

The biggest improvement is immediately obvious. Playing Assoluto Racing with a controller feels significantly better than using the touchscreen controls on mobile. Racing games rely heavily on precision, and having analogue sticks and physical buttons makes controlling cars much more natural. Steering feels more responsive, braking is easier to manage and the overall experience feels closer to what players expect from a console racing game.

The Switch version also benefits from being portable. On the standard Nintendo Switch it provides a more traditional console experience, while the game also works well on the Switch Lite. Being able to take a racing simulator like this on the go is a major advantage, especially for players who enjoy shorter races without needing to sit at a television.

Performance is generally stable during races, with the game handling the action well. Online multiplayer also works effectively, allowing players to compete against others across platforms. The inclusion of cross-play and cross-save is one of the strongest features of the release. Being able to connect your mobile account and continue your garage progression on Switch is a welcome addition, especially for long-term players who have already invested time into building up their collection.

The Switch version also attempts to justify its price with additional value. While the original mobile version is free, the Nintendo Switch release includes extra cars and in-game currency. When comparing the included resources to what the same amount would cost through mobile purchases, the Switch version actually provides a sizeable starter package. A reasonable estimate is that buying roughly equivalent resources on mobile could cost somewhere around £30 to £50, potentially more depending on how lucky you are with certain car draws. This means the Switch version is not simply charging players for a basic port, it does provide a substantial amount of content from the start.

However, this is where some of the biggest problems with Assoluto Racing appear. Despite being released as a paid Nintendo Switch game, it still feels very much like a mobile title that has been moved onto another platform rather than a game specifically designed for Switch.

The user interface is the clearest example. The menus are obviously built around touchscreen controls, yet the Switch version does not support touchscreen input. Instead, players have to navigate with a cursor, which feels slow and awkward. There is an option to quickly move the cursor to the next selectable area, but it is not always accurate, meaning players will often find themselves manually moving around menus in a much slower way than should be necessary.

The presentation also feels behind the times. For a Nintendo Switch release arriving in 2026, the graphics are underwhelming. The cars themselves are recognisable and the tracks are functional, but the overall visual quality does not feel like a modern console racing game. The engine sounds are another weak point, with many vehicles producing fairly generic audio that lacks the character and realism expected from a serious racing simulator.

Another issue is that outside of the additional cars and currency, there is very little that separates the Switch release from the mobile version. There are no major upgrades or features that make it feel like a completely new experience. This is still the same Assoluto Racing players have known for years, simply adapted for a new platform.

The biggest concern for some console players will be the monetisation. Assoluto Racing uses gacha mechanics, where certain rewards and vehicles can be obtained through random paid draws. This system is common in mobile games, but it feels less comfortable in a paid console release. Players have already paid £16.99 for the game, so being faced with heavy monetisation systems afterwards may leave some feeling that the experience is still designed around mobile spending habits.

Ultimately, Assoluto Racing on Nintendo Switch is a difficult game to judge. As a racing game, it is genuinely enjoyable. The driving feels good, the car selection is impressive, the online features work well and the ability to carry progress between mobile and Switch is excellent.

However, the question is whether it offers enough to justify buying it if you already own the mobile version. For existing players who have spent years building their garage, there is little reason to purchase the Switch version unless they specifically want a bigger screen and controller support. Even then, the older visuals may make the upgrade feel less impressive than expected.

For newcomers, however, Assoluto Racing is one of the better driving games available on Nintendo Switch. It offers a more serious racing experience than many arcade racers and provides plenty of content straight away. The gacha mechanics and mobile-style monetisation may put some console players off, especially after paying an upfront price, but if you can accept those systems, there is a lot to enjoy.

Assoluto Racing is a great racing game that has finally found its way onto Nintendo Switch. It is not a perfect port, and it sometimes feels like a mobile game wearing a console jacket, but the strong driving model, large car collection and excellent cross-platform features make it a worthwhile addition for the right audience.

Looking at Assoluto Racing purely as a standalone Nintendo Switch game, it earns a fair score of 8 out of 10

Available at https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Assoluto-Racing-3131589.html

Currently on offer, £13.99(-17%) until 13/08/2026

REVIEW: Irusu Cricket VR (2026 Video Game) on MetaQuest VR

Review by Jon Donnis

Cricket has always been a sport that relies heavily on timing, patience and instinct, so bringing it into virtual reality makes a lot of sense. After spending time with Irusu Cricket VR, the biggest impression is that it captures the feeling of being at the crease better than many traditional cricket games can. Picking up the bat, watching the ball come towards you and trying to time the perfect shot creates a genuine sense of involvement.

That does not mean it is a perfect cricket simulation. As an early access release, Irusu Cricket VR still feels like a game with plenty of room to grow. There are moments where the experience feels convincing and immersive, but there are also areas that need more polish before it can truly compete with the best VR sports experiences.

The strongest part of Irusu Cricket VR is the simple enjoyment of batting. There is something satisfying about physically swinging the "bat" and seeing the results of your own movement.

(You will need an attachment so your controller feels more like a bat. See https://amzn.to/4yBuTiI)

A well-timed shot feels rewarding, especially when you connect cleanly and watch the ball race away. The motion controls work well for creating the feeling of actually being involved rather than just pressing buttons and watching an animation play out.

The stadium environments also help make the experience more immersive. Being surrounded by a cricket ground, with the atmosphere and crowd reactions around you, adds to the feeling that you are actually participating in a match. For cricket fans who have wanted a more active and physical experience, this is where Irusu Cricket VR has its biggest appeal.

The game is also easy to pick up and play. You do not need to spend hours learning complicated controls before enjoying it, making it accessible for both experienced cricket fans and people who are simply curious about trying a VR sports game. The different match lengths and practice options provide a good starting point, while the customisation features give players something to work towards.

However, there is still a noticeable gap between what Irusu Cricket VR is now and what it could become. The batting physics need further improvement, with more consistency needed in how the game interprets swings and contact with the ball. When it works, it feels great, but there are times when the experience does not quite match the realism it is aiming for.

The AI also needs more development. Facing different bowling styles adds variety, but the bowlers, fielders and overall match behaviour need to become more intelligent to make games feel less predictable. Improving these areas would make every match feel more competitive and rewarding.

The biggest issue at the moment is replay value. While the core batting experience is enjoyable, more modes and additional ways to play would help keep players coming back. A deeper career structure, more challenges and greater variety would help turn Irusu Cricket VR from a promising VR experience into a complete cricket game.

At this stage, Irusu Cricket VR feels like a strong foundation rather than a finished product. The developers have created something that gets the most important part right, making cricket feel fun and physical in VR. There is genuine potential here, but the final quality will depend on how much further development and refinement the game receives.

For cricket fans with a Meta Quest headset, there is already enjoyment to be found, but this feels like the beginning of the journey rather than the finished article.

Score: 7 out of 10

A promising early access cricket experience with great potential. The foundation is there, but it needs more polish, more content and further improvements to reach its full potential.

Out now on MetaQuest for about £7

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/irusu-cricket-vr/35374249182188461/

REVIEW: Monopoly: Star Wars™ Heroes vs. Villains (2026 Video Game) on PlayStation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs Villains is one of those games that is likely to divide opinion before players even reach the first match. The reason is simple. Despite carrying the Monopoly name, this is not a traditional digital version of the famous board game. Anyone expecting classic Monopoly with a Star Wars coat of paint is likely to be surprised by just how different this experience actually is.

Instead of focusing on buying properties, collecting rent and driving opponents into bankruptcy, Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs Villains takes a team-based approach. Players join forces in competitive 2v2 and 3v3 matches, selecting characters from across the Star Wars universe and using their unique abilities to gain the upper hand. Battles, changing property ownership and dynamic events all play a major role, creating a game that feels very different from what the Monopoly name would normally suggest.

For Star Wars fans, there is plenty to enjoy. The presentation is excellent throughout. The graphics are fantastic, with characters and locations looking great, while the sound effects and voice overs feel accurate to the licence. The game does a good job of capturing the atmosphere of Star Wars, helping to make the matches feel more engaging.

The large number of unlockables also adds some extra motivation to keep playing. There is always something new to work towards, which helps give the game a sense of progression beyond simply winning matches. Another welcome feature is the ability to choose the length of games. This allows players to tailor the experience to the amount of time they have available, making it possible to enjoy shorter sessions rather than being locked into a lengthy gaming marathon.

Where Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs Villains performs best is when it is played with other people in the same room. Local multiplayer is clearly where the game shines. Having friends or family gathered around creates a far more entertaining experience than playing alone, and the team-based gameplay feels designed with this sort of setting in mind.

Unfortunately, the game becomes less impressive when there are no human players involved. Single-player matches against AI opponents are simply not much fun. A lot of time is spent waiting for computer-controlled players to take their turns, and while there are some options to skip parts of their actions, they only go so far. The result is a mode that often feels slow and lacks the energy that makes multiplayer enjoyable.

There are also some limitations that may disappoint certain players. The absence of a 1 vs 1 mode feels like a missed opportunity, especially for those who prefer direct competition. Online multiplayer is available, but PlayStation users will need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to access it, creating an additional barrier for anyone planning to play primarily online.

The menus are another weak point. Setting up games and selecting players can be more confusing than it should be. The layout is not always clear, and navigating through the options can feel unnecessarily awkward.

The biggest issue facing Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs Villains is expectation. Many players will approach the game expecting Monopoly with Star Wars characters and locations. That is not what they are getting here. This is a reimagined version of Monopoly that takes the basic idea and builds something very different around it. Players who specifically want a faithful Monopoly experience may well come away disappointed.

On the other hand, players looking for a fresh take on the formula, particularly those who enjoy Star Wars and regularly play with friends, may find a lot to like. The strong presentation, unlockable content and flexible game lengths all work in its favour, while the multiplayer-focused design delivers its best moments when real people are involved.

This is ultimately a difficult game to score because so much depends on what the player wants going in. Fans of classic Monopoly may struggle with the changes, while Star Wars fans looking for a social multiplayer experience are likely to have a better time. It is certainly not a game built around single-player content, and the requirement for PlayStation Plus for online play will not appeal to everyone.

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs Villains succeeds more as a Star Wars party game than as a Monopoly game. If you understand that before you start, there is fun to be found. If you are hoping for traditional Monopoly, you may want to look elsewhere.

Score: 7 out of 10.

Out Now on PlayStation 5

https://amzn.to/3QT7Mzg

REVIEW: Echoes of Aincrad (2026 Video Game) - on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Echoes of Aincrad is a new action RPG from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment that returns players to the iconic world of Sword Art Online, but with a major change. Instead of simply retelling Kirito’s journey, players are given the opportunity to create their own hero and experience the world of Aincrad from a fresh perspective.

The idea behind Echoes of Aincrad is an exciting one. A floating castle filled with danger, mystery and adventure provides the perfect setting for an RPG, and the game does capture some of that sense of stepping into a vast fantasy world. Unfortunately, while there are plenty of good ideas here, the final experience often feels like it falls short of its potential.

One of the strongest aspects of Echoes of Aincrad is its presentation. The game looks fantastic, with colourful environments, impressive character designs and a vibrant interpretation of the Sword Art Online universe. The soundtrack is arguably the highlight, delivering memorable themes that help create the feeling of a grand adventure. It is an area where the game consistently impresses.

The decision to allow players to create their own character is also a welcome one. Rather than simply following an established character's story, you are able to design your own avatar and become part of the Aincrad world. This gives the adventure a more personal feel and makes progression feel like your own journey.

The RPG systems offer some enjoyable depth as well. Customising your character, experimenting with different weapons, improving equipment and creating builds around different playstyles are all satisfying elements. The variety of weapons and upgrade mechanics are among the better parts of the experience, giving players reasons to continue improving their character and adapting their approach to combat.

The original storyline and introduction of new characters are also positive additions. For fans of Sword Art Online, seeing a different perspective on Aincrad is much more interesting than another retelling of familiar events. The game has the foundations of something that could have been a memorable adventure.

Unfortunately, many of those foundations are let down by design choices that hold the game back. The pacing is one of the biggest problems. Too often, the game feels sluggish, with long pauses and animations that slow down the experience. Instead of maintaining momentum, the adventure frequently comes to a stop.

Combat is another area where Echoes of Aincrad struggles. While the game presents itself as an action RPG, the combat mechanics are incredibly basic. Battles lack the depth and excitement expected from a modern action RPG, making encounters feel repetitive rather than thrilling.

Exploration also suffers from missed opportunities. The world may look impressive, but much of it feels empty. For a game set in such a famous location, there are surprisingly few interesting things to discover or interact with. The lack of meaningful exploration makes travelling through the world feel more like moving between objectives rather than uncovering a living environment.

The loot system is another disappointment. Equipment is not randomly generated, which removes much of the excitement from exploring areas and defeating enemies. Instead of wondering what valuable item might be waiting around the next corner, players will often find themselves simply following a guide to locate specific rewards.

The NPCs also leave a lot to be desired. Characters are often boring, with poor animations making conversations feel lifeless. The game also struggles to make player choices feel meaningful, with decisions having little impact on the overall experience.

Echoes of Aincrad feels like a game with a great idea at its core, but one that does not always deliver on its ambition. Those looking for a huge open world to freely explore may come away disappointed, but players who prefer a more focused quest based RPG will find plenty to enjoy. The character creation, upgrade systems, soundtrack and visual presentation all provide genuine highlights.

However, at £55, it is difficult to ignore the feeling that this is an opportunity missed. The world of Aincrad deserved a deeper and more engaging adventure, and while Echoes of Aincrad has some enjoyable moments, it ultimately feels like it needed more time and ambition.

There is a free demo available on Steam, and it provides a very good idea of what the full game offers. The gameplay loop is clear from the demo, so it is worth trying before purchasing. If you enjoy the demo, you will likely find more to enjoy in the full release.

Personally, Echoes of Aincrad was a little underwhelming. I wanted more from a game set in such an interesting world, and while there are enjoyable elements here, the overall experience never reaches the heights it could have.

Score: 6 out of 10.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2244210/Echoes_of_Aincrad/