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: Romancing SaGa-Minstrel Song-Remastered International (Video Game on Nintendo Switch)

Review by Jon Donnis

A role-playing game that refuses to hold your hand can feel refreshing in a way most modern releases no longer risk. Romancing SaGa Minstrel Song Remastered International on the Nintendo Switch leans into that philosophy completely. It expects patience, experimentation and a willingness to get lost. Sometimes literally. That will either feel exciting or exhausting depending on what you want from an RPG.

Originally released as a PlayStation 2 remake of the 1992 Super Famicom title, this remastered version by SQUARE ENIX and Red Art Games brings the cult classic to a new audience with upgraded visuals, gameplay refinements and added French, German, Italian and Spanish text localisation options. The ability to switch between Japanese and English voice acting is also included, which long time fans will appreciate.

From the opening music alone, the game sets a theatrical and slightly surreal tone. Mardias feels ancient, mysterious and unpredictable. The story revolves around scattered Fatestones and the return of long sealed evil gods, but the narrative is not really the focus. The real emphasis is the path you choose to take through it.

The free scenario system remains one of its most distinctive features. You select one of eight protagonists, each with their own background, motivations and starting circumstances, then explore a world that rarely guides you in a straight line. It creates a genuine sense of adventure that many modern RPGs struggle to replicate. You are not simply moving from objective to objective. You are exploring, experimenting and sometimes walking into situations you are not ready for.

That freedom is both its greatest strength and its biggest weakness.

There is real satisfaction in slowly learning how everything works. The combat system, built around Glimmer and Combo mechanics, has considerable depth. Learning abilities during battle feels rewarding, and linking attacks between party members can turn difficult encounters into something far more dynamic. Battles demand attention and planning rather than repetition.

At the same time, the game can feel deliberately unclear. Quest progression is often vague, and there are moments where direction is almost entirely absent. It is easy to spend long stretches unsure whether you are progressing correctly. Some players will find that liberating, others will find it frustrating.

Progression can also be slow. Grinding is part of the experience, and difficulty spikes appear without warning. The game does not adjust itself to your readiness. It will punish poor preparation and force you to rethink your approach. There is a deliberate old school harshness to its design that can feel tiring during longer sessions.

Even so, there is a strong sense of charm running through the whole experience. The visual presentation holds up well thanks to the remaster, with stylised character models and colourful fantasy environments that suit the tone. Performance on Switch is stable in both docked and handheld play.

The soundtrack is another highlight. Several tracks stay with you long after playing, particularly the opening theme, which gives the game a strong sense of scale and identity. Voice acting is solid in both language options, even if it occasionally feels uneven by modern standards.

What stands out most in Romancing SaGa Minstrel Song Remastered International is how uncompromising it remains. Many modern RPGs are built to smooth over friction and keep players constantly moving forward. This game does the opposite. It slows you down, confuses you, challenges you and sometimes frustrates you. When it clicks, though, it becomes deeply absorbing.

It is not a game for everyone. If you prefer clear direction and steady progression, it will likely feel rough. If you enjoy experimentation and systems that do not immediately reveal themselves, there is a lot to dig into here.

Romancing SaGa Minstrel Song Remastered International preserves the identity of a cult classic while making it accessible to a wider audience. It is still tough, still uneven in places, and still unapologetically old fashioned, but it also offers a level of freedom and personality that few RPGs match.

A difficult but fascinating RPG that rewards patience and curiosity with a long, memorable journey.

7 out of 10.

Out Now on Nintendo Switch

https://amzn.to/4u3dT2r

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

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