REVIEW: Echoes of Aincrad (2026 Video Game) - on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Echoes of Aincrad is a new action RPG from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment that returns players to the iconic world of Sword Art Online, but with a major change. Instead of simply retelling Kirito’s journey, players are given the opportunity to create their own hero and experience the world of Aincrad from a fresh perspective.

The idea behind Echoes of Aincrad is an exciting one. A floating castle filled with danger, mystery and adventure provides the perfect setting for an RPG, and the game does capture some of that sense of stepping into a vast fantasy world. Unfortunately, while there are plenty of good ideas here, the final experience often feels like it falls short of its potential.

One of the strongest aspects of Echoes of Aincrad is its presentation. The game looks fantastic, with colourful environments, impressive character designs and a vibrant interpretation of the Sword Art Online universe. The soundtrack is arguably the highlight, delivering memorable themes that help create the feeling of a grand adventure. It is an area where the game consistently impresses.

The decision to allow players to create their own character is also a welcome one. Rather than simply following an established character's story, you are able to design your own avatar and become part of the Aincrad world. This gives the adventure a more personal feel and makes progression feel like your own journey.

The RPG systems offer some enjoyable depth as well. Customising your character, experimenting with different weapons, improving equipment and creating builds around different playstyles are all satisfying elements. The variety of weapons and upgrade mechanics are among the better parts of the experience, giving players reasons to continue improving their character and adapting their approach to combat.

The original storyline and introduction of new characters are also positive additions. For fans of Sword Art Online, seeing a different perspective on Aincrad is much more interesting than another retelling of familiar events. The game has the foundations of something that could have been a memorable adventure.

Unfortunately, many of those foundations are let down by design choices that hold the game back. The pacing is one of the biggest problems. Too often, the game feels sluggish, with long pauses and animations that slow down the experience. Instead of maintaining momentum, the adventure frequently comes to a stop.

Combat is another area where Echoes of Aincrad struggles. While the game presents itself as an action RPG, the combat mechanics are incredibly basic. Battles lack the depth and excitement expected from a modern action RPG, making encounters feel repetitive rather than thrilling.

Exploration also suffers from missed opportunities. The world may look impressive, but much of it feels empty. For a game set in such a famous location, there are surprisingly few interesting things to discover or interact with. The lack of meaningful exploration makes travelling through the world feel more like moving between objectives rather than uncovering a living environment.

The loot system is another disappointment. Equipment is not randomly generated, which removes much of the excitement from exploring areas and defeating enemies. Instead of wondering what valuable item might be waiting around the next corner, players will often find themselves simply following a guide to locate specific rewards.

The NPCs also leave a lot to be desired. Characters are often boring, with poor animations making conversations feel lifeless. The game also struggles to make player choices feel meaningful, with decisions having little impact on the overall experience.

Echoes of Aincrad feels like a game with a great idea at its core, but one that does not always deliver on its ambition. Those looking for a huge open world to freely explore may come away disappointed, but players who prefer a more focused quest based RPG will find plenty to enjoy. The character creation, upgrade systems, soundtrack and visual presentation all provide genuine highlights.

However, at £55, it is difficult to ignore the feeling that this is an opportunity missed. The world of Aincrad deserved a deeper and more engaging adventure, and while Echoes of Aincrad has some enjoyable moments, it ultimately feels like it needed more time and ambition.

There is a free demo available on Steam, and it provides a very good idea of what the full game offers. The gameplay loop is clear from the demo, so it is worth trying before purchasing. If you enjoy the demo, you will likely find more to enjoy in the full release.

Personally, Echoes of Aincrad was a little underwhelming. I wanted more from a game set in such an interesting world, and while there are enjoyable elements here, the overall experience never reaches the heights it could have.

Score: 6 out of 10.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2244210/Echoes_of_Aincrad/

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/