REVIEW: Ayasa: Shadows of Silence (2026 Video Game) - on PlayStation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

Ayasa: Shadows of Silence is a dark, surreal puzzle-platformer with an impressive visual style, an eerie atmosphere and a world that immediately sparks curiosity. Drawing comparisons with Little Nightmares III and Inside, it combines environmental puzzles, platforming and exploration with a story told through imagery, music and character movements. Unfortunately, while the presentation is often excellent, the gameplay is let down by poor controls, technical problems and some incredibly frustrating platforming. There is a good game buried somewhere beneath these problems, but finding it requires considerably more patience than it should.

The adventure takes place in the Inverted World, a once-balanced place where light and shadow existed in harmony under the watchful presence of Tas, the Absolute. Following a devastating war, darkness has spread across six symbolic lands representing Faith, Hope, Love, Greed, Indifference and Betrayal. Playing as Ayasa, you must explore these corrupted environments in search of the remnants of Tas's light. Your actions and how you treat the world around you can also influence the outcome of your journey.

There is no spoken dialogue, with the story unfolding through surreal imagery, character movements and environmental storytelling. I actually like this approach. It encourages you to pay attention to your surroundings and piece together what is happening rather than having everything explained. The strange creatures and unusual environments also maintain a sense of mystery, making exploration one of the more enjoyable aspects of the game.

Visually, Ayasa is easily at its strongest. The graphics are very good, with imaginative environments, distinctive character designs and a wonderfully unsettling atmosphere. The restrained colour palette works particularly well, while the use of light and shadow gives each location its own identity. There are some genuinely impressive scenes, and I regularly found myself appreciating the creativity behind the world design.

The soundtrack and sound effects deserve similar praise. The music complements the surroundings beautifully, while the various environmental noises help create an unsettling atmosphere. Combined with the visual presentation, they give the game a distinctive personality that makes exploring its strange world genuinely appealing.

Gameplay combines platforming, environmental puzzles and stealth, with light playing an important role in revealing paths, activating machinery and overcoming obstacles. As you progress through Faith, Hope and Love, you unlock additional abilities that introduce new ways to interact with the environment. These powers are a welcome addition, providing some variety and allowing you to approach certain obstacles differently.

Unfortunately, the actual gameplay is where my enjoyment starts to fall apart.

The biggest problem is the jumping mechanics. There is a noticeable delay between pressing the jump button and Ayasa actually responding. It might only be a fraction of a second, but when attempting precision jumps, that delay feels like an eternity. Platforming requires accurate timing and responsive controls. Unfortunately, neither is particularly reliable here.

What makes this especially frustrating is that the problem has reportedly existed in the PC version for at least six months. To see the same issue carried over into the PlayStation 5 release is simply unacceptable. This isn't a minor technical annoyance that occasionally gets in the way. It affects the very foundations of the gameplay and regularly turns otherwise straightforward sections into exercises in frustration.

The camera makes matters worse. Angles frequently make it difficult to judge distances and positioning, while character movement and collision detection lack the precision needed for a platformer. There were several occasions when repeated failures felt less like mistakes on my part and more like the game simply wasn't responding as it should.

Other problems include technical glitches, inconsistent stealth encounters and puzzles or interactions that don't always provide enough guidance. Loading times are another irritation, particularly when repeated deaths force you to sit through them again. When the controls are already making progress unnecessarily difficult, having to wait before attempting the same section again does little to improve the experience.

And that is what makes Ayasa so disappointing. I genuinely enjoyed exploring its strange environments, appreciated the visual design and found the soundtrack particularly effective. The developers have created an intriguing world that deserves to be explored, but too often I found myself fighting the controls rather than enjoying the adventure.

Games such as Little Nightmares III and Inside demonstrate what can be achieved with this style of atmospheric puzzle-platforming. Ayasa has similar ambitions, but it lacks the polish, responsive controls and technical consistency needed to deliver the same level of enjoyment.

Ultimately, Ayasa: Shadows of Silence feels like a game that should still be in beta testing on PC rather than receiving a full console release in its current condition. I would genuinely like to revisit it in a year's time to see whether the developers have addressed the problems, because the visual presentation and underlying concept deserve a better game. However, given how long some of these issues have apparently persisted on PC, I am not particularly confident that meaningful improvements will arrive.

For now, I cannot recommend Ayasa without significant reservations. It has the atmosphere, creativity and visual identity to be something special, but the poor controls and technical problems constantly undermine those strengths. Fix the jumping mechanics, improve the overall responsiveness and address the loading times, and I would happily reconsider my score. Until then, this is a disappointing experience that falls well short of its potential.

I score Ayasa: Shadows of Silence a disappointing 6 out of 10

Out Now on PS5

https://store.playstation.com/en-ca/concept/10018080

How to Progress Faster in PUBG Mobile

Progressing in PUBG Mobile takes more than playing match after match. Each type of progression has different requirements. Ranked matches reward effective survival and combat decisions, seasonal missions help you unlock pass rewards, and account experience accumulates through gameplay. 

Here are practical ways to progress faster in PUBG Mobile without turning every match into a grind.

1. Understand the Different Types of Progression

Before choosing a strategy, identify what you want to achieve. PUBG Mobile has several progression systems, and each requires a different approach.

Progression Goal	Best Approach	Main Focus
Account Level	Consistent gameplay	Earn available account XP
Ranked Progression	Classic ranked matches	Survival, positioning, and combat
Royale Pass	Daily and weekly missions	Complete seasonal objectives
Combat Skills	Training Ground and fast-paced modes	Aim, recoil control, and movement

These goals require different approaches. A player trying to reach a higher rank should prioritize positioning and survival, while someone completing weapon-specific missions may need to take more fights. Decide which objective matters most before starting a session.

2. Choose a Landing Spot That Matches Your Goal

Your landing location affects how the rest of a match unfolds. A popular location can provide immediate combat experience and valuable loot, but it also increases the likelihood of encountering multiple opponents before you are properly equipped.

If you want to improve your fighting skills, landing in a contested area can be useful. You will face pressure early, learn to loot quickly, and gain more opportunities to practice close-range combat. However, repeated early eliminations can become counterproductive when your primary goal is ranked progression.

For a safer rank-pushing strategy, choose a location with enough buildings and loot to prepare for the next phase. Ideally, it should offer access to vehicles, useful equipment, and several possible rotation routes.

Pay attention to the plane's flight path before jumping. Locations directly beneath it may attract more players, while areas farther away can offer a quieter start. Mark your destination on the map and consider the distance before leaving the plane.

3. Prioritize Survival When Pushing Rank

One of the most common mistakes in ranked matches is treating every enemy encounter as a fight that must be taken.

Eliminations are valuable, but unnecessary fights can cost you an entire match. If your goal is to climb the ranked ladder, consider the potential reward and risk before engaging.

To gain rank more consistently:

• Choose your landing spot carefully. Balance loot availability against the risk of encountering multiple enemies immediately.
• Loot efficiently. Collect essential weapons, ammunition, armor, and healing items without spending too long searching every building.
• Rotate early. Move toward the safe zone before the blue zone forces you to leave your position.
• Prioritize favorable fights. Engage when you have useful cover, a good angle, or a clear advantage.
• Know when to disengage. Avoid chasing enemies when doing so could leave you exposed or outside the safe zone.
• Review your results. Check your placement and rating changes to identify which decisions helped or hurt your progress.

Try to combine sensible survival with opportunities for eliminations. Avoiding every fight can leave you underprepared for the final circles, but chasing every opponent makes consistent rank progression difficult.

4. Improve Your Aim and Recoil Control

Better shooting skills make almost every match more productive. You do not need to master every weapon immediately. Start with a small selection that covers the distances you encounter most often.

Assault rifles are versatile choices for many situations, while submachine guns can be effective in close-range encounters. A suitable designated marksman rifle or sniper rifle can help when you need to engage opponents from farther away.

Spend time in the Training Ground practicing recoil control. Fire at stationary targets with different weapons, then repeat the exercise at several distances. Begin with short bursts and gradually work toward longer sprays as your control improves.

Practice tracking moving targets, adjusting your aim between opponents, and maintaining accuracy while changing position. These skills are particularly important when an enemy moves unpredictably or when several opponents attack your squad.

Your sensitivity settings also deserve attention. Camera sensitivity, ADS sensitivity, and gyroscope sensitivity can affect how easily you track targets and control recoil.

Avoid copying a professional player's settings and changing them every few matches. A configuration that works well on another device may feel uncomfortable on yours. Choose a reasonable starting point, practice consistently, and adjust only when you identify a specific problem.

If you use a gyroscope, introduce it gradually and practice controlling your aim through small device movements. A three- or four-finger control layout can also make it easier to move, aim, and fire simultaneously, provided it feels comfortable.

5. Use Training Modes With a Clear Purpose

Training is more effective when every exercise has a specific objective. Instead of spending time in a shooting range without a plan, identify the skills that cause you the most trouble during real matches.

A simple 20-minute training routine can help you build consistency:

1. Recoil control - 5 minutes: Practice spraying with your preferred assault rifle at different distances.
2. Target tracking - 5 minutes: Follow moving targets while maintaining accurate aim.
3. Close-range combat - 5 minutes: Practice hip-fire accuracy, movement, and switching weapons.
4. Grenade practice - 5 minutes: Work on throwing angles, timing, and using cover effectively.

Team Deathmatch and other available fast-paced modes provide repeated opportunities to practice combat mechanics. They can help you become more comfortable with aiming under pressure without requiring you to play through a full Classic match each time.

6. Complete Royale Pass Missions Efficiently

If your goal is to unlock seasonal rewards, treat Royale Pass progression as a separate task from ranked climbing.

Review the available missions before playing. Some objectives may require specific weapons, particular actions, vehicle travel, or participation in certain modes. Completing several compatible objectives in the same match can save considerable time.

For instance, if a mission requires using a particular weapon, choose a landing location where you can reasonably find equipment and complete the objective without unnecessarily compromising your match.

Faster modes can be useful when the mission rules allow them. However, always check the requirements because not every task can be completed in every mode.

Daily and weekly missions should guide your session rather than determine every decision. If a mission requires an action that puts your ranked performance at risk, consider completing it in a separate session.

You should also check the current pass structure and reward rules before spending resources. Mission availability, progression requirements, and premium benefits can change between updates and seasons.

A simple routine works well: review the mission list, group compatible objectives, complete them in the most suitable modes, and check your progress before logging off.

7. Make Better Use of Your PUBG UC

PUBG UC is the game's premium currency, used for eligible purchases such as Royale Pass options, cosmetics, and other available items. It can help you access certain premium content, but it should not be confused with a direct method of improving your combat ability.

Before purchasing PUBG UC, decide what you actually want to unlock. If you are interested in seasonal rewards, compare the available pass options and review their current benefits. If you mainly want a particular cosmetic, consider whether it is worth the cost compared with other items you could purchase.

Players looking for a top-up option can visit https://topupcheap.com/ to explore the available PUBG Mobile top-up offerings. 

8. Communicate Clearly With Your Squad

Good communication can improve your results even when your individual shooting skills are still developing.

When you spot an enemy, communicate their direction and approximate distance. Compass directions, map markers, and clear descriptions are more useful than vague warnings such as "Someone is here."

Share information about your equipment, available ammunition, healing supplies, and plans to rotate. If your squad needs to move, agree on the destination and avoid leaving teammates behind without a clear reason.

Team fights also require coordination. If one player knocks an opponent, the squad should consider whether to secure the elimination, reposition, or prepare for a counterattack. Charging forward without information can turn a favorable situation into a disadvantage.

Throwables need communication as well. Let teammates know where you intend to throw a frag grenade or Molotov so they can avoid the area and coordinate their movement.

Playing with a consistent squad can make this process easier because teammates become familiar with one another's playstyles. If you frequently play with random teammates, use simple callouts and focus on decisions that do not depend on perfect coordination.

9. Learn to Use Grenades and Change Positions

Weapons are not your only tools for winning fights. Frag grenades, smoke grenades, and Molotov cocktails can help you control space, pressure opponents, and create opportunities to move.

Practice cooking frag grenades and estimating their timing before throwing them. Learn how different angles and obstacles affect their trajectories. With enough practice, you can become more confident when attacking opponents behind cover or inside buildings.

Smoke grenades are useful for obscuring sightlines, supporting revives, and creating opportunities to cross exposed areas. Molotov cocktails can restrict movement through doorways and narrow spaces, although their effectiveness depends on the situation.

Repositioning is equally important. After firing repeatedly from one location, opponents may identify your position and prepare a counterattack. Moving to another angle can make it harder for them to predict your next action.

Do not reposition automatically after every shot, however. Consider the enemy's location, available cover, and the possibility of exposing yourself to another team. Good positioning means choosing movements that improve your situation, not simply moving more often.

10. Optimize Your Device and Game Settings

Technical performance can influence how consistently you aim, move, and react. A stable frame rate generally provides a smoother experience, while high latency can make interactions feel less responsive.

Use the highest stable frame-rate option supported by your device and the current game version. Higher graphics settings are not necessarily better for competitive play if they cause overheating, frame drops, or inconsistent performance.

Keep your device adequately charged, maintain sufficient free storage, and avoid running unnecessary background applications during long sessions. If your device becomes hot, take a break and allow it to cool.

Check your network connection as well. A stable connection is preferable to one that frequently fluctuates, particularly during close-range fights. If you experience persistent lag, investigate your connection before changing your aiming settings in response to what may actually be a network problem.

Once your settings are comfortable, keep them consistent long enough to build muscle memory. Make gradual adjustments when necessary instead of rebuilding your entire configuration after a bad match.

REVIEW: Frankenstein: Awakening of Horror (2026 Video Game) - on PlayStation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

Frankenstein: Awakening of Horror has an interesting premise, taking one of literature's most recognisable horror stories and placing it against the backdrop of the Crimean War. Set in an alternative version of 1855, this third-person survival horror adventure combines exploration, limited resources, environmental puzzles and combat. There is plenty of potential here, but unfortunately, the finished game struggles to deliver on its promising foundations.

The story begins with a soldier waking up in an Edinburgh military hospital with no memory of what has happened to him. The British government has turned to Victor Frankenstein and his controversial experiments in the hope of creating a new weapon. However, the project has gone horribly wrong, leaving something far more dangerous behind. The protagonist is tasked with finding Frankenstein and putting an end to his work.

It is an interesting twist on the familiar Frankenstein mythology, particularly with the military setting providing a different angle on the consequences of scientific ambition. The mystery surrounding the protagonist's missing memories also gives players a reason to keep exploring, especially when certain creatures appear to recognise him.

Atmosphere is one of the game's strongest qualities. Abandoned medical facilities, Victorian interiors, snow-covered villages and gothic castles provide suitable surroundings for a horror adventure. Dark corridors and unsettling locations help establish a suitably sinister mood, while the soundtrack does a decent job of reinforcing the tension.

Gameplay follows a fairly traditional survival horror formula. Ammunition and medical supplies are limited, meaning players must think carefully about when to fight and when it is better to avoid confrontation. Combat centres around a revolver and melee weapons, while exploration rewards players with supplies, clues and documents.

This resource management adds some welcome tension, particularly during the earlier sections. Knowing that ammunition is scarce makes every encounter a decision, rather than simply encouraging players to shoot their way through everything. Environmental puzzles, hidden passages, traps and boss encounters also provide some variety beyond the usual combat.

There is an appealing old-school survival horror feel to the experience, with a vulnerable protagonist and an emphasis on careful exploration. Unfortunately, the gameplay does not always work as well as the concept suggests.

Combat is a particular weakness. Controls can feel clumsy and unresponsive, making encounters unnecessarily frustrating. Character animations are often stiff, and movement lacks the fluidity expected from a modern PS5 release. Instead of making enemies feel genuinely threatening, some encounters become irritating because of the limitations of the combat system.

Enemy encounters also become repetitive, with limited variation in how players approach certain situations. The puzzles are similarly inconsistent. Some provide a welcome change of pace, but others feel uninspired, offering little satisfaction beyond getting in the way of progression.

The visuals are another mixed bag. Some indoor environments look suitably atmospheric, making good use of the gothic setting, but the overall presentation lacks consistency. Character models and animations are particularly disappointing, while certain locations lack the detail and visual personality needed to make exploration interesting.

The problems become much more noticeable once you venture outside. The atmosphere that works reasonably well in the earlier interiors begins to disappear, replaced by bland environments that look and feel considerably dated. At times, it genuinely feels like stepping back 20 years in gaming technology.

The storytelling also fails to make the most of its promising premise. The military's involvement in Frankenstein's experiments and the protagonist's missing memories provide plenty of opportunities for an engaging narrative, but the execution is uneven. Dialogue and voice acting can be unconvincing, while the pacing occasionally drags, making certain sections feel longer than necessary.

Ultimately, Frankenstein: Awakening of Horror feels like a game that needed more development time. Its setting, soundtrack and survival mechanics provide a reasonable foundation, but the technical shortcomings and inconsistent gameplay repeatedly undermine what could have been an enjoyable horror experience.

The game starts reasonably well, and there is enough atmosphere and mystery to overlook some of its early problems. However, as the adventure progresses, the weaknesses become increasingly difficult to ignore. The bland outdoor environments, awkward animations and frustrating combat eventually take their toll.

There is potential here, and I genuinely wanted to enjoy Frankenstein: Awakening of Horror more than I did. Sadly, what begins as an intriguing journey into a dark Victorian nightmare turns into a disappointing experience that struggles to maintain its initial appeal.

I score Frankenstein: Awakening of Horror a disappointing 5 out of 10.

Out now on PlayStation

https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/concept/10017279

REVIEW: POCO M8 5G (2026 Smartphone) - 8GB ROM, 512 GB RAM

Review by Jon Donnis

Using the POCO M8 5G over the past week has been surprisingly enjoyable. It has a way of feeling reliable and capable without drawing too much attention, quietly handling everything thrown at it. Everyday tasks, from messaging and scrolling through social feeds to watching videos and snapping photos, all feel effortless. It is the kind of phone that settles into daily life so smoothly, and when you need it to perform, it does so without fuss.

The first thing that struck me was the design. At just 7.35mm thick and weighing 178 grams, it feels slim and light without feeling fragile. The curved front and clean camera layout give it a look that would not feel out of place on a phone twice the cost. It actually reminds me a lot of the Redmi Note 15 5G I reviewed last year, which is no bad thing. In the hand it is comfortable, easy to pocket, and just looks smart.

The 6.77 inch Flow AMOLED display is easily the star of the show. A 120Hz refresh rate keeps everything smooth, from scrolling through social feeds to gaming, and the 2560Hz touch sampling makes it feel properly responsive. It reacts instantly. The headline figure is the 3200 nits peak brightness, and while you will not be staring at that number day to day, you definitely notice how visible the screen remains outdoors. Even under harsh daylight it stays clear and colourful. Blacks are deep, colours pop, and it is simply a pleasant panel to use.

Photo of my colourful Playstation Controller, taken with the POCO M8

Performance is handled by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, built on a 4nm process. In everyday use it feels quick and efficient. Apps open without fuss, multitasking is generally smooth, and gaming runs better than you might expect at this price. I threw a few heavier mobile titles at it and it never stuttered or complained. It just got on with the job. Nothing flashy, just reliable.

Battery life is another highlight. The 5520mAh cell easily stretches through a full day and often well into the next. For most people this is a charge once and forget about it situation. When you do need to top up, the included 45W turbo charger gets you moving again quickly. It is also handy that the phone supports 18W wired reverse charging. More than once I have used it to give my wife's dying phone a quick boost. It sounds like a small thing, but in real life it is surprisingly useful.

Durability deserves a mention too. POCO uses high durability glass on the front and claims it can survive face down drops from 1.7 metres onto marble. I had no intention of testing that. Still, I have accidentally dropped it a few times and it has come away without a mark. That kind of peace of mind matters on a daily driver.

Storage is generous, which I really appreciate. Moving over from last year's POCO M7 5G Pro, the added ROM meant plenty of room for photos, videos and games. The full transfer from my old phone took around three hours over WiFi, but everything came across cleanly. No starting from scratch. That alone saved me a lot of hassle. Nothing go lost in the process, and considering the sheer amount of photos and videos I have on the phone, I was surprised how well it all worked. All the settings easily were moved across, passwords, logins and so on. Makes life with a new phone a whole lot easier.

Photo of my newborn child's Hello Kitty toy taken on the POCO M8

The 50MP AI dual camera system is solid rather than spectacular, but that is perfectly fine for this class. In dull winter weather there has not been much to shoot, yet even so the photos look sharp and balanced. Blacks in particular come out deeper and richer than I remember on the M7 or the Redmi Note 15. There is 4K video support as well, and footage looks clean and detailed. It is not a flagship camera, but it is more than capable for everyday use and social media.

Of course, it is not perfect. The usual bloatware shows up during setup, which is always irritating. A handful of apps you never asked for quietly install themselves. The good news is that I was able to remove everything I did not want without any trouble. It takes a few minutes, but once cleaned up the experience is much better.

Available in Black, Silver or Green. The Silver versions looks incredible!

The other downside is RAM. This model comes with 8GB, which is fine for most people, but I was slightly spoiled by the 12GB on the previous Pro model. If you are a heavy multitasker or constantly juggling loads of apps, you may notice the difference. In that case the Pro version might be worth the extra spend. For anyone coming from 8GB or less, though, this will feel absolutely fine.

All told, the POCO M8 5G feels like a genuine step forward from the M7. It looks better, feels sturdier, and the screen alone makes the upgrade worthwhile. Despite similar specs to the Redmi Note 15, this one just feels nicer to live with day to day. Sometimes that intangible bit of polish makes all the difference.

At around the £230, it is very hard to fault. It is fast, bright, long lasting and tough enough to survive real life. For most people, this is more phone than they actually need.

I would happily recommend it to anyone shopping on a budget. A strong, dependable all rounder that does nearly everything right. A very easy 9 out of 10.

Thank you to the good people at  Xiaomi for providing the phone for review.

Out Now in the UK at

https://www.mi.com/uk/product/poco-m8-5g/

POCO M8 5G is available in three colours: Green, Black, and Silver, with the following

storage variants:

- 8GB+256GB, priced at £229

- 8GB+512GB, priced at £259

POCO M8 Pro 5G is available in three colours: Silver, Black, and Green, with the

following storage variants:

- 8GB+256GB, priced at £299

- 12GB+512GB, priced at £349

REVIEW: FIRE AND ASHES (2026 Video Game) - on PS5

Review by Jon Donnis

FIRE AND ASHES is a first-person psychological survival horror game that mixes disturbing imagery, a sinister psychiatric hospital and a mystery surrounding its protagonist, Henry Gray. Set in 1977, the game opens with Henry waking up in a bathtub filled with blood inside a psychiatric ward. It is an unsettling introduction to a nightmare involving deranged patients, secret experiments and horrors that may have as much to do with Henry's past as the world around him.

There is a decent game here, but FIRE AND ASHES never quite fulfils its potential. It gets plenty right when it comes to atmosphere and storytelling, yet some questionable design choices and a lack of polish hold it back.

The atmosphere is easily one of its strongest features. The hospital feels threatening, with dark corridors, unsettling surroundings and effective lighting that helps build tension. I particularly liked the way the game uses its environments to create a sense of unease, making exploration feel dangerous even when there is no immediate threat in sight.

The sound design also contributes to the experience, reinforcing the disturbing atmosphere without relying entirely on jump scares. There is a persistent feeling that something is not quite right, which suits the psychological horror setting nicely.

Henry's story provides another reason to keep playing. As you explore locations connected to his past, clues gradually reveal more about the tragedy that led to his confinement. The mystery is intriguing, and the suggestion that Henry's own mind may be as dangerous as the creatures pursuing him adds another layer to the narrative. Although some developments are difficult to follow, I found the central mystery interesting enough to maintain my curiosity.

There is also a reasonable variety of enemies, ranging from crazed patients and cannibals to experimental subjects and stranger creations. This gives the game a suitably disturbing collection of threats, although encounters can become repetitive, particularly when combat starts to feel more like an inconvenience than a genuine test of survival.

Unfortunately, combat is one of the areas where FIRE AND ASHES feels rough around the edges. Fighting lacks the polish and responsiveness I would expect from a more accomplished survival horror game, and some encounters become unnecessarily clumsy. The game is generally straightforward to play, which makes it accessible, but simplicity is not always a substitute for satisfying mechanics.

The puzzles are another mixed bag. They provide a welcome break from exploring and fighting, but most are fairly straightforward and rarely offer much of a challenge. The pacing can also be uneven, with quieter stretches occasionally taking the momentum out of an otherwise tense experience.

My biggest disappointment, however, is the voice-based mechanic. This is presented as one of the game's defining features, with players supposedly able to use their breathing, whispers and other vocal sounds to influence encounters. You can attract enemies, distract them or create opportunities to escape, while a microphone is recommended for the intended experience.

The idea sounds promising, but the execution left me disappointed. There is no genuine voice recognition in the experience I played. When presented with dialogue choices, I instinctively spoke my answer aloud, expecting the game to recognise what I was saying. Nothing happened.

Instead, the mechanic is essentially about producing sounds at the appropriate level, rather than actually understanding your voice. While it is an interesting gimmick initially, the novelty wears off quickly. Before long, pressing a button to achieve the same result feels like the more sensible option.

It is a shame because proper voice recognition could have made encounters far more immersive, particularly when trying to remain quiet while enemies are nearby. As implemented, the mechanic feels underused and ultimately adds much less to the experience than I had hoped.

Visually, FIRE AND ASHES has its moments. The lighting works well, and some environments are genuinely unsettling, but the presentation is inconsistent. Certain areas lack detail, while character animations and enemy behaviour can occasionally undermine the atmosphere. These issues are not disastrous on their own, but they become harder to overlook when the game depends so heavily on immersion.

The story also relies on familiar horror conventions. There is nothing inherently wrong with secret laboratories, disturbing experiments and sinister medical facilities, but FIRE AND ASHES does not always do enough with these ideas to make them feel fresh. Some narrative developments could also have been explained more clearly, leaving parts of the experience feeling underdeveloped.

Despite these shortcomings, I did find things to enjoy. The atmosphere is effective, Henry's story gives you a reason to keep exploring, and the combination of investigation, puzzles and survival provides a decent foundation. It is also relatively easy to pick up, without demanding extensive experience with the genre.

My main frustration is that FIRE AND ASHES feels like a game with better ideas than execution. The developers have established an interesting setting and introduced a potentially distinctive mechanic, but the combat, presentation and underwhelming voice system prevent the experience from reaching the next level.

For a PS5 game released in 2026, I would have liked to see more polish. That said, this is not a complete failure. There is an engaging story beneath the familiar horror tropes, and the unsettling atmosphere makes the journey worthwhile if you can overlook its rougher edges.

FIRE AND ASHES is a decent survival horror game that shows flashes of promise without delivering anything particularly special. I enjoyed parts of it, but I came away feeling that a little more refinement and a more ambitious approach to its central mechanic could have made a considerable difference.

I score FIRE AND ASHES a fair 6 out of 10

Out Now on PlayStation

https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/concept/10019396