REVIEW: Racer Overdrive (2026 Video Game) - A Flashy Throwback That Needs Fine-Tuning

Review by Jon Donnis

Racer Overdrive, the upcoming 2026 arcade racer from IntActive, is a game that wears its influences on its sleeve. It's loud, brash and packed with enough colour and chaos to keep adrenaline junkies glued to the screen. Beneath the noise, though, it's a familiar experience that struggles to balance its nostalgic energy with modern polish.

The premise is pure arcade fantasy. You start as a rookie desperate to prove yourself, climbing the ranks of a global racing tournament that hops between Japan, China, America, Europe and Africa. There's a storyline too, which is rare for this kind of game. It adds a layer of intrigue with talk of rogue AIs, mysterious conspiracies and cyber-races that take you beyond traditional circuits. It's over-the-top but enjoyable, giving the endless tournaments a clearer sense of purpose.

Where Racer Overdrive shines is in its sense of speed. The drift system, once mastered, can deliver some genuinely satisfying moments. Pulling off a clean corner before blasting past rivals with a nitro boost feels great, and the catch-up system means races never feel decided too early. Even when you're behind, the game gives you just enough power to keep hope alive. The variety of modes also helps. Standard races, eliminations, and duels keep the pace fresh, while quirky side missions, like assisting police chases or starring in a sci-fi movie, add personality.

The problem is that everything looks and feels dated. Visually, it's more 2010 than 2026. Lighting effects and particle bursts do their best to liven things up, but most environments look flat and lack detail. For a game built around spectacle, it needs sharper edges and more style. The controls also leave something to be desired. There's almost no point braking during corners, as the drift mechanic dominates everything. Unfortunately, it's far too sensitive, turning every bend into a gamble. That lack of control can quickly sap the fun, especially for players who prefer precision over chaos.

Despite its flaws, Racer Overdrive has heart. It's rough, sure, but there's promise beneath the surface. The developers have shown they're open to feedback, and with a little refinement, it could evolve into a solid budget racer. At £9.99, it doesn't need to reinvent the wheel, but it does need a smoother ride before launch.

Racer Overdrive is fast, flashy and full of potential. It just needs a bit more grip on the corners.

Wishlist now

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3756020/Racer_Overdrive/

REVIEW: Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (2025 Video Game) - On Playstation 5

Review By Jon Donnis

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater arrives on PlayStation 5 with a weighty legacy on its shoulders. The 2004 original was not only a fan favourite but also the first story chronologically in the Metal Gear saga, setting the stage for everything that followed. Set in 1964 at the height of Cold War paranoia, you step into the boots of FOX operative Naked Snake, tasked with extracting a Soviet rocket scientist, dismantling the nuclear superweapon Shagohod, and facing off against his mentor turned traitor, The Boss. It's a tale of betrayal, loyalty and politics, wrapped in Kojima's familiar mix of high drama and eccentric detail.

At its core, Delta is faithful to what Snake Eater already was. You sneak through jungle and industrial environments, avoid guards and traps, and scavenge weapons and gadgets to survive. The survival mechanics return, where treating cuts, bruises and bullet wounds becomes part of the immersion. In fact, this time, Snake's injuries leave permanent marks, scars that stay with him throughout your playthrough. The camouflage system has been given an extra layer too, with mud, dirt and falling leaves sticking to his gear and leaving him battered and worn as the mission drags on. The Survival Viewer reflects all of this in vivid detail, and the presentation is undeniably impressive.

Delta also caters to both newcomers and veterans with two styles of play. The "New Style" borrows from modern action games with contemporary controls and a free camera, while the "Legacy Style" keeps the fixed camera angles and systems from the original, a nostalgic nod for long-time fans. Even the odd little "Snake vs Monkey" mini-game makes its return on PS5, a quirky reminder of the series' playful side.

The problem, though, is that for all the polish, nothing feels truly new. Underneath the shiny coat of paint, this is still very much a 2004 game, and in 2025, that shows. Some may see that as a positive, after all, it preserves the original vision, but others will feel short-changed. With a 90GB install size and a £60 price tag, it's hard not to question whether this is a remake in spirit or more of a remastered cash grab.

To be fair, Delta is the best way to experience Snake Eater today if you've never played it before. It looks stunning, the mechanics feel tighter, and the atmosphere holds up. But if you already loved the original, you may be left wishing for something braver, something that truly reimagined the game rather than just dressing it up.

I'd call it a good but safe update, one that plays well and respects the source material, but ultimately feels dated. For me, it lands at a 6 out of 10. A solid experience, but not the fresh take many of us were hoping for.

Out Now - https://amzn.to/3UQJZhV

REVIEW: Razer Kishi V2 Pro Gaming Controller Accessory

Review by Jon Donnis

The Razer Kishi V2 Pro turns your smartphone into something much more than a basic gaming device. It gives your phone the feel and function of a handheld console, and after spending time with it using my POCO M7 Pro, I can safely say it's a piece of kit that truly elevates mobile gaming. Whether you're into native Android games or full PC and console-style experiences via streaming, this controller has you covered.

Razer Kishi V2 Pro Starting from £66.99 - Razer.com

From the moment you clip your phone into the Kishi V2 Pro's retractable frame, you can feel the quality. I used my POCO M7 Pro that I recently reviewed, It fit securely, thanks to its flexible but solid design, and the tactile buttons, responsive triggers, and smooth analog sticks all combine to give you the kind of experience you'd expect from a premium gaming controller. It connects directly via USB-C, so there's no Bluetooth delay or input lag. Everything just works, fast and fluid. I've tested a few mobile controllers before, and most of them felt like compromises. The Kishi V2 Pro doesn't.

One of the most impressive features is the HyperSense haptics. When playing action-heavy titles, these subtle but powerful vibrations make a difference. It's not just a gimmick, it genuinely adds to the immersion. I tried a range of Android games, including Genshin Impact and Real Racing 3, and they all handled beautifully. The controller helped unlock the full potential of these games, especially compared to frustrating touchscreen controls that tend to cover half the screen and miss half your inputs.

I also tested PC remote game streaming. While I couldn't get the Razer Cortex software to function correctly on my setup, Steam Link worked like a charm. I was able to stream my full PC library to my phone with zero noticeable latency, and the Kishi V2 Pro gave me full control. It felt closer to playing a game on a Switch or a Steam Deck than on a mobile phone. That said, it's worth noting that the streaming experience may vary depending on your PC setup and network.

Beyond Android games and streaming, the Kishi V2 Pro can double up as a regular PC controller. Just plug it in, and you're good to go. That versatility makes it a smart investment for gamers who want one device that does it all. And if you're looking at the newly released POCO F7 Pro (Available at mi.com), there's a bundle available that combines both devices, ideal for those looking to dive into high-end mobile gaming straight away. - https://amzn.to/42HP1AC

The accompanying Razer Nexus app is well-designed and lets you launch and manage your games with ease. It's not bloated and keeps things clean and functional. I just wish the same could be said for the Cortex software, which still needs refinement to offer a smoother streaming setup for users.

In the end, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro is a genuinely impressive piece of hardware. It takes the frustration out of mobile gaming and replaces it with precision, comfort, and control. It's well-built, looks great, and performs like a dream. While the software side still has room for improvement, especially for PC streaming, the core experience is excellent.

If you're serious about mobile gaming and want to ditch the clunky touch controls, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro is one of the best accessories you can get.

I score the Razer Kishi V2 Pro a solid 8.5 out of 10. 

Out now at https://amzn.to/4iCzkko

Thanks to Razer Inc for providing a review unit of the Razer Kishi V2 Pro