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28 Feb 2026

REVIEW: Resident Evil Requiem (2026 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Resident Evil Requiem arrives as the ninth main entry in Capcom's long running survival horror series, following the events of Resident Evil Village from 2021. Rather than simply continuing the formula of its immediate predecessors, the game takes a slightly different path. It introduces a new central character, FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, while also bringing back one of the franchise's most recognisable figures in Leon S. Kennedy. The result is a game built around two distinct perspectives, both in terms of gameplay and tone, and it makes for one of the most confident entries the series has produced in years.


The story alternates between Grace and Leon in a structure reminiscent of Resident Evil Revelations and its sequel. Grace's sections lean heavily into survival horror. Resources are limited, danger feels close at hand, and every movement through the environment demands caution. Much of her story unfolds inside a hotel where she is relentlessly pursued by a monster that behaves in a way fans will immediately recognise. Much like the intimidating stalkers seen in earlier games, the creature hunts the player throughout the environment, appearing at unpredictable moments and forcing constant awareness. Hiding under tables, crouching through dark corridors, and slipping quietly past danger becomes essential. Even simple tools can create tension. Grace carries a lighter to illuminate dark areas, but the faint glow can attract the attention of the creature stalking her.


Capcom reinforces that sense of vulnerability with mechanics that reward patience and observation. Players can collect glass bottles scattered around the environment and throw them to create distractions. At times it feels like a careful puzzle, balancing visibility, noise and movement while the monster creeps somewhere nearby. The threat is heightened by the creature's ability to track the player through walls and ceilings, which keeps the pressure firmly in place even when the immediate path appears clear. These sequences capture the uneasy atmosphere that defined Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village, and they provide some of the most nerve fraying moments the series has produced.


Leon's chapters sit on the other end of the spectrum. Where Grace spends much of her time avoiding danger, Leon runs directly towards it. His gameplay leans into action, drawing clear inspiration from Resident Evil 4. Firearms take centre stage, but Leon is equally capable in close combat. His hatchet serves as a melee weapon with limited durability and can be used to parry incoming attacks, adding a satisfying layer of timing and precision during fights. Enemies can also be disarmed, allowing Leon to grab their weapons and use them against them. These sequences move at a faster pace and provide explosive encounters with zombies that contrast sharply with the slow burn tension of Grace's storyline.


One of the most notable design choices is the ability to switch between first person and third person perspectives at any time. Grace's sections default to first person, which heightens the sense of vulnerability and makes every shadow filled corridor feel oppressive. Leon's sections default to third person, a perspective that suits the more action focused gameplay and provides better spatial awareness during combat. The flexibility to switch between these viewpoints works surprisingly well. It allows players to tailor the experience to their own preferences without disrupting the flow of the game.

What ultimately makes Resident Evil Requiem stand out is how effectively its two protagonists complement one another. Grace's cautious survival horror creates tension and dread, while Leon's action driven chapters deliver spectacle and release. The contrast keeps the pacing fresh across the entire campaign. Capcom has clearly embraced the dual protagonist structure as the backbone of the experience, and it results in storytelling that feels more deliberate and more cinematic than many previous entries in the series.


The game also plays heavily on the history of the franchise without slipping into empty nostalgia. Familiar ideas return, yet they are presented with confidence and polish. Strong set pieces and explosive combat moments appear throughout Leon's story, while Grace's quieter sequences capture the eerie atmosphere that has always defined the best Resident Evil titles. It feels like a genuine love letter to the series rather than a simple attempt to repeat what worked before.

That said, the story itself can occasionally feel like little more than a framework for the spectacle. While the dual protagonist structure works well for gameplay, the narrative sometimes serves mainly as an excuse to move the characters between dramatic encounters. The game borrows liberally from past ideas, and although it executes them with skill, some players may notice how familiar certain elements feel.


Even with that minor criticism, Resident Evil Requiem stands as a remarkable achievement for Capcom. It blends survival horror and high intensity action in a way that feels both fresh and faithful to the series. Grace Ashcroft proves to be a strong addition to the franchise, Leon's return adds weight and familiarity, and the flexible perspective system allows both styles of gameplay to shine.

Resident Evil Requiem feels like the series operating at full confidence. It is tense, thrilling and surprisingly balanced in its approach. For long time fans it feels like a celebration of everything the franchise has done well, and for newcomers it offers an accessible entry point into one of gaming's most enduring horror series.

Resident Evil Requiem earns a strong 9 out of 10.


24 Feb 2026

GUIDE: How to Get Call of Duty Game of the Year Edition PC DVD Working on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Installation Guide by Jon Donnis

This guide explains how to install and run the original DVD version of Call of Duty Game of the Year Edition on a modern Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC. The DVD release uses an older disc protection system called SafeDisc, and Windows 10 and 11 no longer support that system. Because of this, the game will not launch from the disc without updating it. The steps below use the final official patch released for the game, which removes the need for the DVD to be in the drive.

First, insert the Game of the Year Edition DVD and install the game as normal. If the installer does not start automatically, open This PC, double click your DVD drive, and run Setup.exe. Follow the on screen instructions and install the game to the default location unless you have a reason to change it. Once installation finishes, do not try to launch the game yet.

Next, install the official 1.5 patch for Call of Duty. This is the final update released for the original 2003 version of the game and it removes the disc check that causes problems on Windows 10 and 11. Make sure you download the correct 1.5 patch specifically for the original Call of Duty, not United Offensive. Run the patch file and allow it to update the installed game. When it completes, the game no longer requires the DVD in the drive to start.

After patching, it is important to make sure certain Windows features are enabled. Press the Windows key, type Windows Features, and open Turn Windows features on or off. In the list that appears, find Legacy Components and make sure DirectPlay is ticked. Click OK and allow Windows to install it if prompted. This helps older games run correctly.

You should also install the DirectX 9.0c runtime, as Call of Duty was designed for that version. Windows 10 and 11 include newer DirectX versions, but they do not automatically include all older components. Installing the official DirectX 9.0c End User Runtime ensures the required files are present.

Now locate the game's main executable file. By default it is found in C, Program Files or Program Files x86, Call of Duty. Right click cod.exe, choose Properties, then open the Compatibility tab. Tick Run this program as an administrator. If the game still refuses to launch, also tick Run this program in compatibility mode and select Windows XP Service Pack 3. Click Apply, then OK.

You should now be able to launch the game directly from cod.exe without the DVD in the drive. If everything has been done correctly, Call of Duty should start normally on Windows 10 or Windows 11.

This guide applies specifically to the original 2003 release of Call of Duty in its Game of the Year Edition PC DVD form.


Links:
Buy the game from Amazon at https://amzn.to/4tTKXKe

Call of Duty 1.5 Patch file for the original game executable update:


This is the official patch that updates Call of Duty to version 1.5, which removes the DVD check and lets the game launch on newer versions of Windows.

DirectX End-User Runtimes (June 2010):


This package from Microsoft's archived download centre adds the older DirectX 9.0c side-by-side libraries that many older games need to run on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

If you cannot reach that archived package for DirectX, Microsoft's official DirectX web installer links can be found by searching for "Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer" on Microsoft's download site.

These URLs are correct as of the time this was checked and match the files needed to update the original Call of Duty PC DVD release to work on current versions of Windows.

17 Feb 2026

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

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

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

13 Feb 2026

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

Ys X: Proud Nordics

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


11 Feb 2026

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

10 Feb 2026

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

Salmon Man

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

7 Feb 2026

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

MAVRIX by Matt Jones

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

5 Feb 2026

REVIEW: Assassin's Creed Shadows - Revisiting the Game with Updates and Claws of Awaji

Assassin's Creed Shadows

Review by Jon Donnis

Assassin's Creed Shadows has changed a lot since its 2025 release. Initially, the game felt rushed and uneven, with delays and criticism about pacing, narrative, and character execution. Now, with multiple updates and the first paid DLC, Claws of Awaji, the game has matured into a more polished and engaging experience. Ubisoft has added meaningful content and quality-of-life improvements that make revisiting the game worthwhile.


Claws of Awaji, released in September, takes players to Awaji Island with Naoe and Yasuke. The new region is distinct from the main Japanese provinces, offering fresh environments, hidden treasures, and a story campaign lasting around ten hours. The DLC introduces ambushes from enemies hiding in bushes, traps along roads, and missions that require more tactical attention, making travel between areas far less passive than in the base game. New gear and abilities, including a new weapon type for Naoe, expand combat options and give the expansion its own identity. The missions feel more challenging than the base game, and the combination of exploration, combat, and narrative keeps the experience engaging.

Updates to the base game have also improved the core gameplay. New Game+ allows players to restart the main story with all gear, hideout progression, and skills intact while facing tougher opponents. The level cap has been raised, and skill trees have been expanded, pushing players to experiment with more advanced combat tactics. The forge system has been upgraded, allowing weapons and equipment to be enhanced beyond previous limits. The "Corrupted Castles" activity provides replayable zones with altered enemy patrols and stronger foes, offering meaningful rewards and making revisits feel worthwhile. Combat animations have been expanded with new finisher moves for both protagonists, giving encounters more variety and visual flair. Updates to the Animus meta-layer, including rifts and projects, add small puzzle-like challenges with their own rewards. Access to story logs and the Vault has been streamlined, while quality-of-life improvements like skill tree resets, quieter horse auto-follow paths, clearer visual options, bug fixes, and stability improvements have refined the overall experience.

Despite the improvements, Shadows is not without flaws. The Claws of Awaji DLC introduces Nowaki, a boss that is arguably the trickiest and most frustrating in any Assassin's Creed game. The fight is designed in a way that tests patience rather than skill, and its mechanics are widely irritating. Yasuke remains a mixed experience. Playing as him can be chaotic fun, allowing players to smash through enemies, but the historical liberties taken with his character are hard to overlook. Naoe remains the more enjoyable and classic Assassin's Creed experience, with refined stealth and combat options that feel true to the series' roots.

Since release, Assassin's Creed Shadows has shed much of the criticism it initially faced. While there are narrative choices and "woke" elements that some players may not enjoy, these can often be navigated through player choice. Naoe continues to embody the series' core gameplay, and even Yasuke, despite being over-the-top and historically inaccurate, can be entertaining if approached casually. The main drawback remains that five years earlier, Ghosts of Tsushima offered a similar setting with arguably stronger execution, although Shadows benefits from being available across all platforms rather than restricted to PlayStation.

With the updates and Claws of Awaji, Assassin's Creed Shadows is far stronger than at launch. The game feels more stable, rewarding, and replayable than it did in 2025. While it may never surpass Odyssey or the series' most beloved entries, it is now a solid and entertaining game, deserving of recognition for the improvements Ubisoft has made. My original score of 6 out of 10 now feels outdated. In 2026, a score of 7.5 out of 10 reflects the game's growth, its expanded content, and the enjoyment it offers through both the base game and its DLC expansion. Shadows is no longer a disappointment but a worthwhile addition to the Assassin's Creed catalogue, proving that patience and continued support can turn a flawed launch into a genuinely rewarding experience.