REVIEW: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025 Video Game) - on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

After months of hearing the buzz, I finally gave in and dived into Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the 2025 role-playing game from French studio Sandfall Interactive. Set in a dark fantasy Belle Époque world, the game throws you into the shoes of Expedition 33, a group tasked with destroying the Paintress, a mysterious being behind the yearly Gommage that erases anyone at or above a certain age. The story is compelling and grimly imaginative, and it keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Visually, the game is striking. The switch in graphical style when moving from level to continent view is breathtaking, giving a fresh perspective that makes exploration feel special. The character designs are excellent, and the environments ooze atmosphere, whether you are navigating bustling towns or dark, shadowed forests. The turn-based combat is where the game really shines. Influenced by the Final Fantasy series, it introduces several real-time elements, such as dodging, parrying, and quick time events that add dynamism to what could otherwise be a static system. Each character has distinct mechanics, from Lune's elemental Stains to Sciel's magical cards and Verso's Perfection rank system, keeping combat varied and strategic. While the complexity can be overwhelming at times, the learning curve is fair, and the core mechanics work smoothly.

The RPG elements are robust. Leveling up offers meaningful choices with attribute points, and the Picto and Lumina systems give depth to character progression. Collecting Chroma Catalysts to upgrade weapons adds an extra layer of engagement for those who like to optimise their builds. Exploration, though linear, has rewarding side paths, optional bosses, and hidden collectibles that encourage players to take their time. The camp and Expedition Flags system is well implemented, allowing convenient management of the party and skills.

However, the game is not without flaws. There is no mini map, which is baffling given the occasional maze-like nature of levels. Even in a linear game, I often found myself turning in circles, unsure whether I had already explored an area. Some levels feel repetitive, and the lack of visual or navigational aids makes it easy to lose track of where you need to go. Combat can also become tedious against weaker enemies, as you are forced to go through the full routine even when victory is a given. I also missed the lively, densely populated environments of the opening town. Once the main Expedition begins, areas feel emptier and less alive, which is a shame considering the strong initial impression.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out as one of the stronger linear RPGs released recently. Its turn-based combat system differentiates it from other titles like Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden and even Echoes of the End, although I personally found Echoes of the End a more polished experience. Fans of Final Fantasy-style combat will find plenty to enjoy here, and the story is engaging enough to carry you through the rougher spots. The game does not quite live up to the hype, but it is a solid and memorable experience with enough depth to satisfy RPG enthusiasts. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox

https://amzn.to/4tGJVRO

REVIEW: Ys X: Proud Nordics (2026 Video Game) on Playstation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

Ys X: Proud Nordics arrives on PlayStation 5 as the complete and refined edition of this entry in Nihon Falcom's long running action RPG series, bringing back all of the fast paced combat and character driven storytelling of the original while layering in meaningful new content. Rather than feeling like a simple reissue, it plays like a fuller, more confident version of the same adventure, with extra mechanics, a fresh storyline, and several practical improvements that make it easier and smoother to enjoy from start to finish.

The story still sits between Ys II and Memories of Celceta, following a younger Adol Christin during one of his early voyages. He is pulled into conflict between the seafaring Normans and the monstrous Griegr, with the open sea shaping both the tone and the structure of the journey. Proud Nordics folds in a brand new chapter set on Öland Island, where Adol teams up with the Shield Siblings, Canute and Astrid. Their mystery is woven directly into the main plot rather than tacked on at the side, so it feels like a natural extension of the adventure instead of optional filler.

Combat remains the centrepiece. The game keeps its streamlined approach with two playable characters, Adol and Karja, instead of a larger party. Duo Mode allows you to switch between them or fight in tandem, which keeps battles lively and reactive. Encounters move quickly, with plenty of dodging, countering, and ability use, and the Mana based skills continue to add tactical depth. These powers are not just for fighting. They help with traversal too, letting you move through the environment in creative ways.

This edition introduces the new Mana Hold ability, which lets you manipulate the world around you. It adds extra layers to both exploration and puzzles, encouraging you to think about the environment rather than simply running through it. Alongside that comes Muspelheim, a timed dungeon designed to be far more demanding than the main campaign. It is tough and clearly aimed at players who want a real challenge, providing a tense, high difficulty test of everything you have learned.

Naval exploration across the gulf returns as a major feature. Sailing the Sandras between islands creates a welcome sense of scale and discovery, breaking up the on foot action with travel and ship based encounters. The concept still feels ambitious, even if the ship combat can become repetitive at times. Even so, these sections give the adventure breathing space and reinforce the idea that you are on a long sea journey rather than moving through a string of disconnected levels.

On PlayStation 5, the improvements are immediately noticeable. Performance is smoother, the visuals are cleaner, and the general quality of life updates make menus and progression feel more convenient. It is simply a more comfortable way to play. Environments are broad and inviting, though some islands share similar scenery, while character designs remain colourful and expressive. The soundtrack continues to stand out, with energetic battle themes and sweeping melodies that perfectly match the pace of the action.

Narratively, the game balances light hearted adventure with quieter character moments. Adol's growing connection with Karja, along with his exposure to Norman culture, gives the story an emotional core. The added Öland Island storyline strengthens that focus rather than distracting from it. Some twists are predictable, but the journey itself stays engaging and sincere.

Taken as a whole, Ys X Proud Nordics feels like the definitive version of this chapter in the series. It keeps the strong combat, maritime atmosphere, and engaging characters of the original while adding worthwhile extras and technical polish. A few rough edges remain, particularly in the naval sections and repeated island aesthetics, yet the strengths clearly outweigh the flaws. For newcomers and returning players alike, this PlayStation 5 edition is the best way to set sail with Adol, and it remains a very solid 8.5 out of 10.

Released on February 20^th on PS5 - https://amzn.to/4axDt6S

GUIDE: How to Run Flight Simulator 2004 on Windows 10 or 11

Flight Simulator 2004, also known as Century of Flight, still runs surprisingly well on modern Windows systems. It just needs a little coaxing. Nothing technical or scary, just a few small tweaks to help an older bit of software behave on a newer machine.

Start with the installation itself. Put the disc in or mount your digital copy, then open the installer manually rather than relying on autoplay. Right click the setup file, usually called setup.exe, and choose Run as administrator. This avoids permission problems that can quietly break older games during installation. Let it install to the default location unless you have a reason not to. It keeps things simple.

Once installed, go to the main game folder. This is often in Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Games\Flight Simulator 9. Find fs9.exe. Right click it and open Properties, then the Compatibility tab. Tick Run this program in compatibility mode and choose Windows XP (Service Pack 3). After that, tick Run this program as administrator as well. Click Apply and OK. These two settings fix most launch issues straight away.

If the game refuses to start or crashes instantly, install the official 9.1 update patch for Flight Simulator 2004. It improves stability and fixes several old bugs that show up more often on modern systems. Download it from a reputable archive or official mirror, run it, and point it to your Flight Simulator 2004 folder.

On Windows 10 or 11, sometimes the game struggles with fullscreen mode. If you see black screens or flickering, launch the game, go into the graphics settings, and switch to windowed mode first. After it runs properly, you can try fullscreen again. Windowed mode is often more stable on newer graphics drivers anyway.

If performance feels odd or stuttery, lower anti aliasing and filtering inside the game and let your graphics card software handle those instead. Older engines were not designed with modern GPUs in mind, so keeping settings modest usually gives smoother results.

Finally, if you use discs, keep in mind some very old copy protection systems do not work properly on modern Windows. If the game fails to recognise the disc even though it is inserted, you may need a legitimate digital version or a no disc executable from your own legally owned copy. This is simply because Windows removed support for certain outdated protection drivers.

After these steps, it should launch cleanly and run just like it did years ago. It is an old sim, but still charming and perfectly playable once set up.

You can buy Flight Simulator 2004: Century of Flight PC from Amazon at https://amzn.to/4rNezra

REVIEW: Salmon Man (2026 Video Game) - on MetaQuest VR

Review by Jon Donnis

Salmon Man is a physics-based VR platformer for MetaQuest that surprises you with how much depth it hides behind a simple concept. You play as Salmon Man trying to make your way upstream using nothing but your paddle, and at first glance, it might look like a straightforward, even quirky, arcade challenge. But as you progress, the layers of design, precision, and difficulty become immediately clear. Every jump, swing, and manoeuvre requires thought, timing, and skill, and the game does an excellent job of making both victories and failures feel meaningful.

The core gameplay revolves around your paddle, which is both your lifeline and your main source of tension. It reacts precisely to your hand movements, with no noticeable lag, allowing you to pull off daring jumps or risky maneuvers with confidence. The physics are demanding yet fair, making every interaction feel grounded and intentional. It's particularly satisfying when you manage a difficult sequence perfectly, and equally frustrating when a single slip sends you tumbling back, forcing you to start again. This high-stakes loop gives the game a thrilling sense of challenge, especially when water transforms into lava and mistakes can cost you dearly.

Level design is another standout. Each stage is packed with creative obstacles, from swinging platforms to absurd environmental hazards, and the layout encourages experimentation and repeated attempts. The game constantly teases you with "just one more go," making it difficult to put down once you get going. The world itself is colourful, lively, and full of absurd touches that inject humour into the intense platforming. For speedrunners, Salmon Man is particularly well-suited. The leaderboard encourages replayability, and unlocking new paddles or completing side challenges adds extra goals for those who enjoy perfecting their runs.

That said, the game is not without its limitations. The graphics are fairly plain, reflecting the small studio behind the project, and while this doesn't impact gameplay, it does make the world feel a little less immersive at times. Players who dislike highly challenging or rage-inducing games may find it frustrating, as some sections require repeated attempts and precise timing to overcome. Motion sickness is generally mild but can occur during certain fast or awkward movements.

Salmon Man is a simple but deeply satisfying VR experience. It combines challenging physics-based platforming with playful, absurd environments and finely tuned controls. Each success feels earned, and the game rewards patience, skill, and persistence. For anyone who enjoys difficult games, precise movement, and the thrill of competing for the fastest times, Salmon Man delivers in spades (oars?).

I score Salmon Man a solid 8 out of 10.

Out Now on MetaQuest

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/salmon-man/24064765919861785/

REVIEW: MAVRIX by Matt Jones (2026 Video Game) - Early Access on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Mountain biking games rarely get the space to breathe, but MAVRIX by Matt Jones goes big straight away. This is not a tight circuit racer or a handful of curated trails. It throws you into a sprawling 100 square kilometre playground and simply says go. Downhill tracks, slopestyle lines, bike parks and open stretches of wilderness all sit side by side, inviting you to carve your own routes instead of following a prescribed path. It feels loose, free and refreshingly confident.

At its heart, MAVRIX is a mix of racer, trick sandbox and social space. One minute you are blasting down a timed downhill run chasing a leaderboard spot, the next you are stitching together your own line over jumps and berms just to see what works. Then a mate drops in and suddenly you are riding together, hunting hidden challenges or trying to sync huge sends for the laugh of it. That sense of shared play gives the world a bit of life. It never feels like a sterile menu driven experience.

The physics system is easily the headline act. Dual stick controls split braking and body movement in a way that takes a little learning, but once it clicks, it feels great. You feather the brakes, shift your weight, and manage the suspension with a surprising level of intention. Landings have heft. Drifts feel earned. Even a simple bunny hop has a bit of character. The recent console updates help too, with the bike and rider feeling more grounded thanks to suspension tuning and improved turning physics. Being able to move the rider's body to tighten a corner adds just enough finesse to separate good runs from great ones.

Tricks and the new Slopestyle mode are another strong addition. Three fresh slopestyle courses join the existing jump trails, and the fact that those older trails can now host competitions makes the whole map feel more useful. Instead of isolated arenas, everything connects. You start looking at the landscape differently, spotting transfers and creative lines that were not obvious before. It leans into the playful side of mountain biking, which suits the game well.

There is a pleasing layer of authenticity running through the rest of it. Real world brands let you tweak frames, components and clothing, and the sponsorship system, including the new Red Bull deal, pushes you to grind for contracts like a pro rider would. Add global rankings and competitions with genuine prizes and you have a clear reason to keep pushing for cleaner, faster runs. It is not just messing about in the dirt. There is a bit of purpose behind it all.

Visually and sonically, it does the job nicely. The landscapes are broad and inviting, the parks look the part, and the sound of tyres on dirt and suspension chatter sells the speed. More importantly, it is simply fun. That is the thing that kept pulling me back in. Even after a messy crash or a failed trick line, you just want one more run.

Still, this is early access, and it shows. Bugs crop up, rough edges remain, and there are moments where systems feel unfinished. You can sense that the foundation is strong but the house is not fully built yet. It also wobbles a bit between simulation and arcade. For something marketed as serious and authentic, it sometimes drifts into slightly exaggerated, gamey behaviour. Personally, I did not mind the lighter touch, but hardcore riders looking for a strict sim might raise an eyebrow.

Having played the early access version on PC before this console release, the improvements are obvious. It feels smoother, more considered and generally better put together. The steady updates and clear signs that the developers are listening to players give it a lot of goodwill. You get the sense this is a project that will keep evolving rather than sitting still.

Right now, MAVRIX by Matt Jones is not perfect, but it is promising and already genuinely enjoyable. With its huge world, flexible riding, strong physics and regular updates, it has every chance to cement itself as the go to game for this niche. A bit more polish and it could be something special.

I score MAVRIX by Matt Jones a solid 7.5 out of 10. I look forward to seeing what they have planned next.

Out Now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/mavrix-by-matt-jones-game-preview/9nzx67j81x6f