REVIEW: Mirage 7 (2026 Video Game) - Released on Playstation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

Mirage 7 on Playstation 5 is a dark fairytale adventure that blends fantasy and sci‑fi in a striking way. Players follow Nadira, a young girl traversing a harsh desert with her pet lizard Jiji, in search of the fabled oasis of Jala. The story spans multiple timelines or worlds, as Nadira attempts to find Princess Taishma in the Moon Palace to save her sister. From the very start, the narrative draws you in with its mythic tone and a sense of mystery, mixing human emotion with fantastical and technological elements.

The game excels visually. The desert landscapes are wide and imposing, with clear skies, shimmering sands, and ruined temples that reward careful exploration. Character models are expressive, and environmental details make the world feel lived‑in. Small touches, like Jiji's movements or how the environment reacts to Nadira's presence, add to the immersion. There is a sense of loneliness in the vast desert that is balanced with moments of wonder when hidden secrets or ancient temples are discovered.

Puzzle‑solving is where Mirage 7 really shines. The game encourages observation and creativity without ever feeling punishing. Jiji's abilities add a clever layer of strategy. You can send the lizard ahead to trigger switches, collect items, or even eat deadly scorpions to protect Nadira while she rests. These mechanics are introduced early and remain useful throughout, offering a unique hook that keeps exploration feeling fresh. Unlocking secret passages or piecing together environmental puzzles gives a real sense of accomplishment.

Combat is serviceable but occasionally underwhelming. Nadira wields a dagger and slingshot, and encounters range from small desert creatures to monstrous foes in underground caves and temples. While the mechanics are solid, combat rarely feels challenging or varied enough to match the rest of the game's depth. At times, the pacing slows during long stretches of travel or exploration, which can make the gameplay feel sluggish, though it allows the story and world to breathe.

One of the strongest aspects of Mirage 7 is the narrative. The dual timelines, the secrets of the underground military base, and the quest to bring Nadira's sister back create a story that is both engaging and emotionally resonant. Players uncover layers of myth and mystery at a measured pace, and the combination of atmospheric exploration and environmental storytelling makes each new discovery satisfying. The writing and pacing support the visual and gameplay design, making it feel like a complete, carefully crafted experience.

Overall, Mirage 7 is a visually appealing and narrative‑driven adventure that rewards patience, curiosity, and creativity. The dual gameplay with Jiji, the puzzle design, and the richly imagined desert and temple environments make it stand out, even if combat could be stronger. For those willing to persevere through the slower sections, the game offers a memorable journey full of secrets and surprises. I score Mirage 7 a solid 7 out of 10.

Out on Playstation from 6^th of March

https://store.playstation.com/en-au/concept/10005852/

REVIEW: Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi (2025 Video Game) on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi is a 2025 fantasy adventure from MarsLit Games, inspired by the works of Studio Ghibli and Studio Chizu. The game tells the story of Lili, who has no wish to follow her late mother's path as a Guardian, and Sadi, a Monk-in-training who believes their traditional partnership is the only way to stop the spreading corruption of the Void. Their reluctant alliance takes them across Atarassia, a world filled with corrupted shrines, dangerous monsters, and spirits waiting to be freed.

The narrative builds on themes of loss and reluctant duty, with Lili's grief and hesitation clashing against Sadi's belief in tradition. Their journey is framed through dungeons that combine puzzles, combat, and exploration. Players are encouraged to use both Guardian melee abilities and Monk magic to progress, with enemies and challenges often requiring both to overcome. The partnership is central to the design, and when it works, it gives a satisfying sense of cooperation and growth between the characters.

The visual style is one of the strongest aspects of Altheia. Its hand-painted look and expressive character designs capture the charm of the animation studios it draws from, giving Atarassia a rich and memorable atmosphere. The story has appeal too, offering emotional weight while still leaving room for moments of lightness and hope. Unfortunately, the technical side holds it back. Bugs are common, sometimes leaving players stuck without clear direction, and the control system often feels unintuitive. These issues are frustrating in a game so focused on dungeons and puzzles, where precision and flow are essential.

Sound design also needs more refinement. While the music supports the mood well enough, sound effects are inconsistent, with some environmental noises far too loud and others barely noticeable. These imbalances, combined with control and stability problems, make the experience feel rougher than it should be so close to release.

There is clear potential in Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi. The idea of pairing a Guardian and Monk to fight against the Void is strong, and the world itself is beautifully presented. Right now though, the game feels unfinished. Unless the upcoming update addresses the bugs, improves the controls, and balances the audio, it risks disappointing players who are drawn in by its promise. It is a fantasy adventure with a lot of heart and a striking style, but one that urgently needs polish to reach its full potential.

Fingers crossed for a nice big day one update.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1638160/Altheia_The_Wrath_of_Aferi/