REVIEW: Spirit of the North 2 (2025 Video Game) on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Spirit of the North 2 builds upon the charm and beauty of its predecessor, offering a visually stunning but mechanically flawed follow-up. You once again take control of a lone fox, now accompanied by a raven companion, (so he is not a lone fox any more!) as you travel through an ancient world in search of the lost guardians. The core themes of solitude, discovery, and quiet resilience remain, though not always with the same impact.

The world itself is still the star. From frozen peaks to forgotten crypts, each biome offers something visually compelling. There is a relaxing rhythm to the experience, and the soundtrack enhances this beautifully. The environments encourage exploration and reflection, with plenty of hidden lore for those willing to read and dig deep. For fans of tranquil single-player adventures, it delivers some strong moments.

Unfortunately, this sequel also introduces several frustrating elements. Performance issues are noticeable, which should never be an issue on consoles, since it is not like you can upgrade the graphics card on an Xbox Series S. The new jump mechanic requires directional aiming before you leap, which feels awkward and interrupts natural movement. It's a step backward that I found frustrating.

There are also bugs. Some are minor visual glitches, but some can impact navigation or puzzle completion. The early cave section alone can take far too long due to lack of clear direction. Unlike the original, which had better flow despite its simplicity, this game often leaves you unsure of what to do next, look I get it, the developers want people to figure things out without a deep rule set of what to do, but give the player the option, some people just want to know where to go and what to do next.

The raven companion also disappoints. While useful in concept, it suffers from clunky animation and feels more like a distraction than a helpful partner. Given how elegant the fox itself looks and moves, the disparity is stark.

Spirit of the North 2 isn't a bad game, but it does feel unfinished. The new abilities and expanded world should make it superior to the original, but instead, several design choices make it feel less polished. There's still plenty here to enjoy, especially for those who loved the first game, but expect more frustration and less magic this time around.

Score: 6.5 out of 10

 

Out Now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/spirit-of-the-north-2/9MTFLR6C8RQ2 

REVIEW: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (2025 Video Game) - Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Bethesda and Virtuos have teamed up to deliver a remastered version of one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is not a remake, and it doesn't try to be. Instead, it brings the classic game into the modern era with improved visuals, audio enhancements, and much-needed tweaks to the user interface and controls, all while keeping the original experience mostly intact.

For returning players, this is a direct hit of nostalgia. From the winding paths through the West Weald to the haunting gates of Oblivion, everything looks richer and more immersive. The use of Unreal Engine 5 gives the world of Cyrodiil a whole new level of depth and atmosphere. Lighting effects, ray tracing, updated textures, and improved animations all contribute to a world that feels more alive, though some aspects like character close-ups still feel dated.

Gameplay-wise, most of what defined the original remains. Real-time combat, skill-based levelling, and open-ended faction questlines all return, as do the quirks that longtime fans will either smile at or sigh over. There are some tweaks to the levelling system, but issues with scaling persist. The notorious bugs and exploits are also still here, including the infamous early chest trick that can rocket you to level 100 in minutes.

The redesigned menus and updated controls make the experience far smoother on modern platforms. AI behaviour for non-playable characters has been improved, though the world still occasionally feels artificial in its routines. Audio updates are subtle but meaningful, with re-recorded environmental effects that help sell the sense of place. Some voice work has been refreshed, but many of the original lines remain, including the odd outtake or awkward delivery that fans of the original might actually welcome.

The inclusion of the Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansions adds value, especially as both have received the same graphical and interface improvements. These remain two of the strongest pieces of content Bethesda ever produced, and having them bundled in makes this a definitive edition.

However, this is not a version designed to address every flaw. New players coming to it fresh may be confused by its eccentricities, from awkward facial animations to dated combat mechanics. For them, it may feel like stepping into a time capsule. But for those who were there in 2006, it feels like being welcomed home.

Oblivion Remastered is best seen as a tribute. It preserves the identity of the original game while enhancing it in just enough ways to make it worth revisiting. Despite its lingering flaws, it remains one of the finest role-playing experiences around, now with a fresh coat of paint and a few welcome quality-of-life upgrades.

This remaster stays loyal to the source material. Fans of the original will find plenty to enjoy, while newcomers may need patience to look past the creaks of age. It's a solid example of how to modernise a classic without erasing its personality.

8.5 out of 10

 

Available on Xbox at

https://www.xbox.com/el-GR/games/store/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-remastered/9NQR437K7PQH