REVIEW: Formula Legends (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Formula Legends is clearly the type of game made by people who love motorsport, developed by 3DClouds, it's a bold attempt to bottle up six decades of open-wheel racing and hand it to Xbox players in one stylised package. At first glance, it feels like a real celebration of the sport, though a few frustrations hold it back from becoming the classic it wants to be.

Hungary Modern Early 20s

Visually, the game is a treat. The art style has a sharp, almost painterly edge to it that gives every circuit and car personality. The variety helps too. One moment you're hurtling through a sunlit marina in a car that looks like it's been lifted straight out of the 1960s, the next you're strapping into a futuristic machine bristling with energy recovery systems and digital dashboards. It's playful rather than hyper-realistic, but that's part of the charm.

The circuits are another highlight. Fourteen locations, each inspired by historic venues, evolve as the decades roll by. You notice the little changes, from broadcast overlays to trackside details, and it all feeds into the sense of travelling through different eras of racing. When the tracks open out, they flow brilliantly, offering a decent challenge without feeling unfair.

Italia Modern Early 00s 

Where Formula Legends really shines is in its atmosphere. There's something genuinely fun about recognising which legendary driver a fictional rival is meant to resemble. Story Mode makes good use of history too, letting you dip into key eras and stringing it together with enough narrative to keep things moving.

But then you hit the handling. And this is where the excitement wobbles. The cars never quite feel right. Cornering is heavy, almost sluggish, while straights feel oddly floaty, as if grip comes and goes without warning. It makes racing inconsistent, which is a problem for a game that's trying to find a balance between simulation and arcade thrills. The "sim-cade" approach is a tricky line to walk, and here it feels like the game hasn't quite nailed either end of the spectrum.

Mexico Modern Mid 10s

Another drawback is the lack of official names. This isn't a licensed product, and while the fictional universe has its charm, some players may find themselves wishing for the authenticity of real drivers and teams. The game's reinterpretations are often clever, but they never fully replace the thrill of seeing familiar legends officially represented.

Even so, there's plenty here to enjoy. Formula Legends is fun, it looks great, and it's stuffed with neat touches that show real affection for motorsport. The core issue is that the handling holds it back. If 3DClouds can fine-tune the driving model, this could go from being a solid racer to something special. Right now, it's close but not quite there.

Score: 6 out of 10, a stylish love letter to racing history that just needs better driving feel to match its ambition.

Out Now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/formula-legends/9p9vj822jrh9

REVIEW: Car Driving School Simulator (2025 Video Game) - On PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Car Driving School Simulator from BoomBit manages to strike a pretty decent balance between education and entertainment. On paper, a game that asks you to follow traffic rules sounds like it could be dry, even tedious. In practice, it's surprisingly engaging. The eight environments are impressively detailed, each offering its own quirks and challenges. From sunny Californian streets to snowy Aspen roads, and the busy avenues of New York, Tokyo, and Las Vegas, the variety keeps the experience fresh.

The game's vehicle roster is a definite highlight. Thirty cars range from everyday sedans and rugged 4x4s to muscle cars and even a supercar, giving players plenty of options to suit different missions or moods, driving with a trailer presents a definitive challenge. Handling feels solid across the board, and the optional first-person mode puts you firmly in the driver's seat, however its basically unplayable in my opinion, and doesn't really work, back to the old behind the car viewpoint for me. Traffic and pedestrian AI add another layer of tension, though it can be inconsistent. Sometimes it feels like everyone else is bending or outright ignoring the rules, which can be frustrating but also a little amusing once you get the hang of it.

Dynamic weather changes are another touch that keeps driving from feeling repetitive. Rain or snow can drastically alter handling, forcing you to adjust your approach rather than just barreling down the same streets mindlessly, remember to put your wipers on, or turn them off if needed, or else it will be marked against you. Free roam mode is a welcome addition for anyone who just wants to explore the maps at their own pace, offering a more relaxed counterpoint to the structured lessons and challenges.

On the downside, the AI's unpredictability can be jarring, especially when a pedestrian or car behaves erratically. It is arguably part of the challenge, but it occasionally feels unfair. The lack of UK-specific levels is also noticeable, particularly for players used to left-hand driving.

Car Driving School Simulator delivers a solid, fun experience that stands out in the driving sim genre. The balance of challenge, variety, and accessibility makes it appealing to both casual players and those seeking a bit more structure. It's not perfect, but there's enough thought and polish here to make it a satisfying drive.

I would give Car Driving School Simulator a 7.5 out of 10. With expanded content or additional maps, it could easily become a staple for fans of driving sims.

Out Now on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3563700/Car_Driving_School_Simulator/

REVIEW: Disc Golf City (2025 Video Game) - On PC Steam

Review by Jon Donnis

Disc Golf City arrives on Steam with a clever pitch. Instead of the usual quiet woodland courses, this physics-based disc golf game takes you into a vibrant city built for trick shots. Every hole is set in a stylised low-poly playground of rooftops, alleyways and plazas. Baskets hide behind lamp posts, side streets open up unexpected angles, and bonus targets such as bins and signs tempt you into daring throws. On paper it is the perfect way to turn a familiar sport into something fresh.

The first thing that stands out is the look. The city is colourful without being noisy, with clean lines and a soft palette that makes every building feel like part of a giant model set. It is easy to relax into the atmosphere, taking your time to aim and explore. The music and sound effects match the laid back approach, giving the game a friendly tone. Landing a disc on a roof and watching it roll neatly into the basket feels genuinely satisfying. Even hitting an offbeat target like a traffic sign brings a small thrill that makes you want to keep experimenting.

The arcade spirit also works well. There are no timers, no heavy penalties for bad throws, just the challenge of mastering the physics and finding creative routes. When everything clicks the game captures the joy of a perfect shot, and the added achievements for unusual hits give you reasons to try bold angles rather than play it safe. For players who enjoy light sports games with a puzzle element, these moments are exactly what you hope for.

Unfortunately the road to those moments is rougher than it should be. The controls are far more demanding than the cheerful style suggests. Power, angle and spin must be judged with precision, and even after extended practice it is hard to predict exactly how a disc will fly. Instead of a fair test of skill it can feel like a battle against unpredictable physics. Nailing a clean shot should feel rewarding but too often feels like luck.

Progression is also an issuer. At launch only the tutorial is open. To reach the proper levels you need to score under par on every course. That requirement might look reasonable but paired with the tricky controls it becomes a grind. It blocks casual players from exploring the city courses and turns what should be a relaxed game into an uphill climb. The developer has said an update will unlock the first level without this restriction, which is welcome, but the current structure still limits enjoyment.

Free play mode sounds like a fix but does not fully deliver. Instead of offering a true sandbox it often restarts you from the same spot unless you land an almost impossible long hole in one. What should be a chance to experiment quickly turns repetitive and discouraging. It is easy to give up on this mode after a few attempts, which is a shame because the idea of open practice fits the game perfectly.

Despite these frustrations there is real potential here. The city environments are fun to explore, the concept of urban disc golf is fresh, and the visual style is consistently appealing. With more generous unlocking, smoother controls and a proper free play option, Disc Golf City could develop a dedicated following among fans of relaxed arcade sports games.

As it stands the game is enjoyable in bursts but too often undermined by its own rules. It is full of charm yet held back by progression hurdles and control quirks. With a few smart updates it could become something special. Right now it remains a promising but uneven experience. 

Out Now on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3753060/Disc_Golf_City/

UPDATE 26/09/25:

The latest Patch has dropped and the game has improved somewhat.

Here is whats been done. I have updated my score to reflect this update.

I give Disc Golf City a 7.5 out of 10.

✨ Improved audio – richer sound design and a wide range of new sound effects to bring the city to life.

🥏 Better “in basket” detection – more accurate scoring when you land the perfect shot.

🏆 New achievements – fresh challenges to unlock and show off.

📘 Improved Tutorial – clearer guidance to help new players get into the game.

🎮 Revised gamepad controls for throws – smoother, more responsive throwing experience.

⏸️ Improved Pause Menu – easier to navigate and packed with the options you need.

Eyes of the Banshee Queen: GUNNAR and Blizzard Unveil Sylvanas Glasses

By Jon Donnis

For anyone who has spent late nights chasing raid bosses across Azeroth, the idea of wearing a slice of World of Warcraft in everyday life feels like loot worth rolling on. GUNNAR Optiks and Blizzard Entertainment clearly understand that thrill, teaming up to create a pair of glasses that mix style with lore. The World of Warcraft: Sylvanas glasses are here, and they look as if they could have come straight from the Banshee Queen's own armoury.

The frame follows a slimmer Wayfarer style (basically a smart round style) with a sharp, refined edge that suits Sylvanas Windrunner's deadly elegance. Built from premium engineered polymer, it carries a deep battle-worn colour that feels fit for the Horde. Sleek silver accents flash like the glint of her arrows, and sturdy multi-barrel hinges give a sense of quiet strength worthy of the former Warchief.

Slip them on and the signature GUNNAR amber lens tint stands out. The patented technology blocks harmful blue light and helps guard against digital fatigue, so you can grind mythic dungeons or tackle long work sessions without feeling as if you have stared into the Maw for hours. The lenses also feature G-Shield coating to resist smudges and reflections, keeping your view of Azeroth or your inbox crisp.

Each pair arrives with a Sylvanas collectors case, pouch and soft cleaning cloth, all officially licensed by Blizzard. A prescription option is available for those who need it.

Priced at $84, the World of Warcraft x GUNNAR Sylvanas glasses capture the spirit of one of Warcraft's most complex leaders while giving your eyes serious protection. Stylish enough for city streets and practical for long nights in front of a raid frame, they carry just enough drama to remind you who once stood atop the Frozen Throne.

More details at

https://gunnar.com/products/world-of-warcraft-sylvanas

Thanks once again to GUNNAR Optiks.

Please check out our new Toy review website at www.playwithtoys.co.uk

REVIEW: GUNNAR Optiks’ White Wolf and Ciri Glasses - Bringing The Witcher World to Life

Review by Jon Donnis

Getting to try GUNNAR's new Witcher Collection felt like stepping into a small corner of Geralt's universe without leaving my desk. I spent most of my time with the White Wolf frames and they're every bit as striking as the name suggests. The brushed nickel aviator design has a cool, muted sheen that avoids looking flashy, while the leather-wrapped temples add a rugged texture that fits the Witcher theme. The Wolf School emblem is etched just deeply enough to catch the light if you tilt your head, a quiet nod to fans who will recognise it straight away.

Comfort is always the question with metal frames, and these passed with ease. The stainless steel build feels strong but light, spring hinges give a bit of flex, and the fit stayed secure without squeezing even after a full day of use. GUNNAR's patented lenses have a slight amber tint that takes the edge off blue light from screens, and the barely noticeable 0.2 diopter boost makes text look that bit sharper. There is also the "sun" version, which has the blue lens, which is what I tried, these have the same benefits as the amber lens. After hours of writing and a late-night gaming session, my eyes felt less dry and tired than usual. Fingerprints were easy to wipe away thanks to the G-Shield coating, and glare was minimal even under bright lights.

Alongside the White Wolf is the Ciri frame, aimed more towards women but stylish enough for anyone who prefers a softer shape. It swaps the aviator look for a round brushed-gold frame wrapped in leather, with temples marked by a delicate sword motif inspired by Ciri's blade, Zireael. The result is equal parts elegance and edge, regal and rebellious in a way that suits the character perfectly.

Both pairs come with thoughtful extras: a weathered leather-style case embossed with Witcher symbols, a collector's cloth, and a matching pouch that make the set feel special right out of the box. After testing the White Wolf, I can say these aren't just themed merchandise. They're well-made, genuinely comfortable glasses that cut blue light and carry just enough Witcher lore to make everyday screen time feel like a small adventure.

GUNNAR Optiks' never seem to fail with their glasses, it is no wonder that major gaming developers are desperate to collaborate with them.

A massive thanks to GUNNAR Optiks' for providing a pair of the The White Wolf glasses for me to try out.

Check them out at https://gunnar-optiks.eu/product/gunnar-the-witcher-sunglasses

NEWS: GUNNAR x 2K Launch Mad Moxxi Glasses for Borderlands 4

By Jon Donnis

GUNNAR Optiks' have done it again. Time after time they prove why they sit at the top of the pile when it comes to gaming eyewear, and their latest collaboration with 2K Games is no different. The new Borderlands 4 inspired design, built around the larger-than-life character Mad Moxxi, is as bold and unapologetic as the woman herself.

The first thing that hits you is the look. Steampunk at heart, the glasses come with a round stainless steel frame finished in gold, complete with removable mesh side shields that add a mix of style and practicality. Subtle details like heart engravings on the lenses and temple tips nod directly to Moxxi's signature flair, while the deep red arms echo her unmistakable colour scheme. It's the sort of design that manages to be playful and daring at the same time, exactly what fans would hope for in a Borderlands tie-in.

Of course, with GUNNAR it's never just about appearance. Their patented lens technology is the benchmark for gamers, offering protection from digital eye strain, blocking harmful blue light, and shielding against glare and smudges thanks to their G-Shield coating. The slight magnification is a clever touch, sharpening focus and reducing fatigue over long sessions. Add in the wraparound style that helps keep eyes from drying out during those marathon raids and you have a pair of glasses that are as functional as they are striking.

Every pair comes packaged with the attention to detail you'd expect from both GUNNAR and 2K. There's a collector's case, a pouch decorated with Borderlands motifs, and even a cleaning cloth featuring Moxxi herself. It feels more like an exclusive loot drop than just another accessory.

The tie-in with Borderlands 4 makes perfect sense. This isn't a quick licensing deal, it's a genuine celebration of a character that's become iconic in gaming. Moxxi's charisma, her edge, her sense of theatre, it's all there in the design. For fans, it's a chance to carry a bit of Pandora's chaos into everyday life.

GUNNAR Optiks' have repeatedly proven they make the best glasses for gamers, and the Mad Moxxi release underlines that reputation. Stylish, protective, and built with players in mind, this is an accessory that feels essential rather than optional. And for Borderlands fans, it's about as epic a crossover as you could hope for.

Check out https://gunnar.com/products/borderlands-4-moxxi

REVIEW: Call of the Sea (2025 Video Game) - on Nintendo Switch

Review by Jon Donnis

Call of the Sea is a first-person adventure from Out of the Blue, published by Raw Fury. You play as Norah, voiced by Cissy Jones, who travels to a remote island in the South Pacific during the 1930s to track down her missing husband, Harry, voiced by Yuri Lowenthal. There's no combat here, the focus is on exploring the island and working through puzzles.

The setting is the first thing that stands out. The island looks beautiful, with its bright colours, strange ruins and hidden corners that keep you curious about what's next. The presentation has real character, and Norah herself is a big part of that. Jones gives her a voice that feels warm and believable, and the story carries both mystery and emotion as it unravels.

Most of your time is spent solving puzzles. They come at a steady pace, usually clever and well thought out, and when they click they feel rewarding. The game clearly has a lot of care behind it, both in how the puzzles are built and in how the story pushes you forward.

Not everything lands perfectly. Some of the puzzles are tough, even with the hints available, and a few times I ended up checking online to figure out the solution. That can be a slippery slope, because once you've done it once it's tempting to do it again rather than wrestle with the harder sections. Playing on a Nintendo Switch Lite also showed up a few technical hiccups, with some stuttering in the animation, though it was never enough to ruin the experience.

Call of the Sea isn't the sort of game you'll replay often, but as a one-off adventure it works well. The combination of its striking island setting, its story full of heart, and a run of puzzles that mostly land makes it worth picking up if you enjoy thoughtful puzzle-driven games.

I score Call of the Sea a solid 7.5 out of 10.

Out Now on multiple formats

https://amzn.to/3Vk6Rq9

And on Nintendo Digital

https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Call-of-the-Sea-2904504.html

REVIEW: Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek is a surprisingly solid and enjoyable entry in the long-running franchise, and it does a good job of translating the spooky, playful tone of R.L. Stine's books into a game. You step into the shoes of Sloane Spencer, a young teen trying to unravel the eerie mysteries lurking in the town of Little Creek. From fog-filled streets to abandoned theatres and dark, cluttered libraries, the environments are small but well designed, giving players plenty of corners to explore without ever feeling lost. The game balances exploration and narrative nicely, letting younger players wander, discover secrets, and uncover the town's supernatural happenings at a comfortable pace.

The stealth mechanics are a highlight, and they work better than you might expect from a game aimed at children. Timing your movements to avoid monsters, making clever use of your haunted book, and occasionally defending yourself with a slingshot all keep the gameplay engaging. There's a nice variety of creatures to contend with, each with its own behaviour, and the occasional jump scare, while mild, adds tension in just the right way for the target audience. Puzzles and interactive contraptions also provide a good challenge, encouraging players to think without feeling frustrated.

Visually, the game leans into a cartoony style that suits the Goosebumps universe well. Characters and monsters are designed to be creepy without being genuinely frightening, and the environments have enough detail to feel alive. Sound design complements this, with plenty of ambient noise, creature sounds, and spooky effects that heighten the sense of mystery. The learning curve is gentle, so players can pick up the mechanics quickly, and the gameplay loop of exploring, solving puzzles, and avoiding monsters is straightforward but fun.

The main downside is that the game is short. Most players will finish the story relatively quickly, which is understandable given the younger audience it targets, but it does limit replayability. There's also a sense that some areas and encounters could have been expanded to give the map more depth, but the game still manages to deliver a satisfying experience in its compact form.

Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek is a fun, well-paced adventure that does a good job of introducing stealth and puzzle mechanics to younger players while staying true to the franchise's signature blend of spooky thrills and playful twists. It's not a long or complex game, but it doesn't need to be: it's entertaining, easy to pick up, and full of the Goosebumps charm that will appeal to fans old and new. For what it sets out to do, it's a strong effort and deserves recognition. I'd give it a solid 8 out of 10.

Out Now - https://amzn.to/4n2b9Pe

REVIEW: Dixotomia (2025 Video Game) Released in Early Access on MetaQuest

Review by Jon Donnis

VR is littered with ambitious shooters, but Dixotomia stands out because of its odd mix of gritty sci-fi and supernatural menace. You're dropped into a crumbling colony, stuck between androids, mercenaries, and a cult of vampires who are all too happy to tear you apart. On paper it sounds a little wild, but in practice it works surprisingly well.

When Dixotomia hits its stride, it's a blast. The shooting feels weighty, the vampiric powers give you a fun edge in battle, and the freedom of movement across large industrial sites, Martian quarries, and neon towers makes it feel bigger than many VR games manage. It's easy to pick up and play, with straightforward controls that don't overwhelm you, and the visuals, when they're polished, look strong for a standalone headset. The sound design deserves credit too, with plenty of bite and atmosphere that sells the dystopian mood.

The flipside is the state of the game as it stands. Early Access is always a mixed bag, and Dixotomia is no exception. You'll run into bugs, rough edges in the visuals, and a general lack of polish that reminds you it isn't finished yet. Weekly patches are rolling out, which is encouraging, but that doesn't stop the frustration when a promising mission collapses under technical hiccups. There's also the fact that some boss fights and environments feel more like sketches of ideas than fully fleshed-out moments, which can be jarring in a VR game that leans on immersion.

Still, the potential here is undeniable. The combination of brutal sci-fi gunplay and bloodthirsty vampiric abilities is a clever hook, and the upgrade trees suggest the developers are serious about depth as well as spectacle. If Deep Matrix can tighten the rough spots, squash the bugs, and add a layer of polish, this could end up being one of the more interesting VR shooters out there.

Right now Dixotomia is a work in progress, and you have to treat it as such. There's fun to be had, but it's also frustrating in equal measure. The big question is whether the team can follow through and realise the potential that's clearly baked into the design. For now, it's one to watch.

Score: 6.5 out of 10, not quite there yet, but with time it could be something special.

Check it out on MetaQuest

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/dixotomia/8341732499261883/