REVIEW: The Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire (2026 Video Game) - Out On Early Access on Steam

Review by Jon Donnis

The Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire sits in that hybrid space between simulation, RPG and open world crime strategy, where management and mayhem are constantly pulled together. It builds its identity around the idea of running a glamorous nightclub empire while also steering a criminal operation that stretches into gang wars, bribery and street level control. It is an early access release, and that context matters when judging how far it currently reaches and where it still stumbles.

At its best, the game presents a clear and easy to grasp loop. You meet the main figure of authority, take on some starting funds, and begin building your nightclub empire from the ground up. From there, it expands into hiring staff, improving your venue and managing the flow of guests and money. It never feels overly complicated in those early hours, and there is a certain satisfaction in how quickly it lets you get into the rhythm of building and upgrading.

The presentation also helps carry the experience. The top down view will feel familiar to anyone who remembers older crime management games such as Gangsters Organized Crime. There is a similar sense of overseeing a living system from above, watching your influence spread across a city that feels like it is constantly shifting between business and violence. Visually, it does enough to make the world readable and appealing, and the soundtrack, made up of custom in game tracks, does a solid job of supporting the nightlife atmosphere without becoming intrusive.

Where it becomes more ambitious is in its mix of systems. The game pushes you to juggle club management with criminal activity, from handling VIP guests and running your venue to dealing with rival gangs, illegal trading and corrupt officials. It wants you to move between legitimate business and organised crime almost seamlessly, and when it flows properly, that combination gives the game its identity. There is a clear attempt to make your decisions matter across both sides of the empire you are building.

It is also worth noting how straightforward the core structure feels at its best. You are essentially growing a business while building a criminal family, assigning roles, upgrading your influence and expanding into new areas of the city. There is a sense of progression that is easy to follow, even when the systems begin to stack up.

However, the early access label is impossible to ignore, especially when it comes to usability. The controls are one of the biggest barriers right now, feeling fiddly and inconsistent in places. There is also a surprising lack of clarity around them, with no option to review controls in the menu, which leads to unnecessary confusion early on. Even simple things like adjusting the viewpoint take longer than they should, which interrupts what is otherwise a fairly smooth gameplay loop.

There are also moments where the ambition outpaces the current polish. The idea of switching between nightclub management and open world missions without loading screens is strong on paper, but in practice the experience can feel uneven depending on what you are doing at any given time. It is a game that clearly has systems with potential, but they are still settling into place.

As it stands, The Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire feels like a solid foundation rather than a finished statement. It has a strong concept, a readable structure and enough variety in its systems to suggest something much bigger underneath. The presentation and atmosphere already work in its favour, even when the mechanics are not fully refined.

There is a good game here waiting for more time and development to bring everything into sharper focus. It is ambitious, occasionally messy, but built on an idea that is strong enough to carry it forward if the rough edges are smoothed out.

Out Now on Early Access

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2774040/The_Boss_Gangster_Criminal_Empire/

REVIEW: Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition (On PS5)

Review by Jon Donnis

Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition arrives with the weight of a decade behind it, and that history matters. This is not a reinvention or a bold reboot. It is Bethesda Game Studios gathering everything Fallout 4 has become and presenting it as a single, definitive package. For newcomers in particular, that context shapes the experience from the moment you step out of Vault 111 into a Commonwealth still scarred by nuclear fire.

The core of Fallout 4 remains exactly as it always was. You are the Sole Survivor, emerging into a broken world driven by survival, choice and consequence, with the personal thread of searching for your missing son guiding the wider journey. The open world is vast and flexible, packed with locations, characters and quests that allow you to shape your own path. You can align with factions, forge alliances, or deliberately stand apart. That freedom is still one of the game's greatest strengths, and it gives the Commonwealth a sense of place that feels reactive rather than staged.

Character progression continues to be handled through the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system, which remains approachable while still offering depth. Whether you build a silver tongued negotiator, a stealth focused sniper, or a walking tank wrapped in Power Armor, the game supports that choice without pushing you into rigid class structures. Combat sits comfortably between real time gunplay and the tactical pause of V.A.T.S., letting you decide how much control or spectacle you want in any given fight. That flexibility helps Fallout 4 appeal to a wider range of players than many traditional role playing games.

Visually, the lighting and graphics still impress, even ten years on. The ruined streets of Boston, the blasted forests, and the quiet horror of abandoned interiors all retain a strong sense of atmosphere. It does not feel cutting edge, but it does feel confident and cohesive. The game also deserves credit for offering both first and third person perspectives. For players who struggle with motion sickness, that option can make the difference between playing comfortably and not at all, even if it occasionally complicates shooting and disrupts the flow of transitions and cut scenes.

Where the Anniversary Edition truly earns its name is in its sheer volume of content. This release includes the full base game alongside all six official add ons, from the story driven Far Harbor and Nuka World to the various Workshop expansions that deepen settlement building and crafting. On top of that, more than 150 pieces of Creation Club content are bundled in. These additions range from new weapons and power armour to building packs, player homes, gameplay tweaks, quest expansions, and even cosmetic changes such as alternative Dogmeat breeds. None of it fundamentally rewrites Fallout 4, but collectively it adds texture and variety that makes the world feel fuller.

The introduction of a dedicated in game Creations menu also makes a real difference. It simplifies discovery and access to content created by both professional developers and passionate community contributors. For players who have never engaged with mods or Creation Club material before, this integration removes much of the friction and makes experimentation feel safe and supported.

That said, the Anniversary Edition does raise an awkward question. If you already own Fallout 4 and its major expansions, is there enough here to justify buying it again. For many existing players, the answer will be no. Some were clearly hoping for hours of entirely new story content rather than a comprehensive bundle of existing add ons and curated community creations. Those expectations were likely unrealistic, but the sense of underwhelm in parts of the community is understandable.

For those who never played Fallout 4 at release, however, this edition is difficult to fault. It offers the complete experience, polished by time and packed with content, without the need to piece it together from multiple purchases. As a snapshot of one of the most celebrated open world RPGs of its generation, it feels generous and confident rather than indulgent.

Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition is not about surprise. It is about completeness. If you are new to the wasteland, this is the version to play. If you already know every inch of the Commonwealth, it may feel more like a respectful archive than a revelation. Either way, the game still holds up, and it remains easy to lose dozens of hours rebuilding, exploring and surviving on your own terms.

Score: 8.5 out of 10

Available now at https://amzn.to/3Nc6Mnu

Check out our other Fallout coverage

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Watch Fallout Series 2 on Prime Video at

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REVIEW: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and the new "The Order of Giants" DLC on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has set a high bar for licensed action-adventure games, and MachineGames delivers a truly cinematic experience that feels faithful to the films while offering depth for players. The game's story, set between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, sees Indiana Jones chasing a mysterious power connected to the Great Circle across iconic locations including Vatican City, Giza, the Himalayas, Shanghai, and Sukhothai. The mix of first-person exploration with third-person contextual sequences may initially feel unusual, but it allows for precise puzzle-solving, engaging stealth sequences, and fluid combat. The whip is brilliantly implemented, serving as a traversal tool, combat weapon, and puzzle-solving mechanic, and every movement or swing of it feels satisfying and cinematic.

The world design is a highlight. Large sandbox levels like Vatican City and Giza encourage exploration, with hidden relics, collectibles, and optional Fieldwork missions that reward curiosity. Adventure Books offer permanent boosts, incentivising careful observation, while the "Lucky Hat" mechanic keeps the action flowing without excessive frustration. Stealth mechanics are particularly strong, letting players sneak past enemies, hide bodies, or use disguises strategically. Combat feels weighty and responsive, with stamina management, melee, firearms, and explosives all requiring thought. Voice acting is superb across the board, with even Indiana Jones himself sounding convincingly like Harrison Ford. Cutscenes are smooth, beautifully animated, and bring the story to life.

The Order of Giants DLC expands this foundation impressively. Set in Rome, it immerses players in a fresh story that feels connected yet distinct. Indiana is called to help Father Ricci track a Roman artifact, but the quest quickly escalates into a perilous journey involving sinister plots by Emperor Nero, gladiator games, and the mysterious Cult of Mithras. The cultists, clad in dark red robes, strike from the shadows, adding tension to both stealth and combat encounters. The DLC opens up new areas across Rome, from the crumbling Colosseum ruins to the serene Vatican Gardens, then descending into the foreboding Cloaca Maxima and hidden crypts below the city. The sense of verticality and layered design in the catacombs and sewer systems adds depth to exploration, and the puzzles, while sometimes easy, are integrated naturally into the environment and story.

Graphically, both the base game and DLC are striking, with detailed environments, well-animated characters, and atmospheric lighting that enhances the sense of adventure and danger. If you have the Xbox Series X make sure you download the extra graphics/textures pack, yes I know it is another 40gb, but if you have room on your hard drive it is worth it, if you are on Xbox Series S, it wont make too much of a difference.

Combat and stealth remain as satisfying as in the main game, and new encounters with cultists and complex traps give players more opportunities to test their skills. The DLC is best enjoyed after a fresh playthrough or at least following the Vatican level, as it picks up the narrative seamlessly and adds layers of intrigue without feeling tacked on.

Minor criticisms remain. The DLC is relatively short, leaving players wishing for more content, and some puzzles lack challenge. For the main game, the shift between first- and third-person perspectives can feel jarring at times, and a full third-person option might have suited players used to that viewpoint in action-adventure titles. These, however, are small blemishes on an otherwise polished experience.

Overall, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an outstanding action-adventure game, blending cinematic storytelling, engaging gameplay, and faithful franchise recreation. The Order of Giants DLC complements the base game beautifully, delivering new locations, intriguing characters, and fresh challenges. Together, they create an experience that both long-time fans and newcomers can enjoy. Base game: 9/10. With the DLC included, the adventure only becomes richer and more satisfying, cementing the series as a benchmark for licensed games done right.

Out Now on Xbox, get the Premium version and you will get this and any future DLCs included.

https://amzn.to/4nmuM4d

The Order of Giants DLC is available separately at 

Xbox.com

REVIEW: EDENS ZERO (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

EDENS ZERO brings Hiro Mashima's space fantasy manga and anime into a 3D action role-playing format, and it does so with a lot of energy and style. At the heart of the game is Shiki Granbell and his friends, setting out on a cosmos-spanning adventure that mixes the familiar storyline with original content created under Mashima's supervision. For fans, it means a chance to step back into a world they know, while also experiencing quests and scenarios unique to the game. For newcomers, it is a polished, action-heavy RPG with plenty to discover.

The game opens at a measured pace, and the graphics at first feel a little underwhelming. Stick with it, though, and the scope soon reveals itself. Blue Garden, the planet of Adventurers, is fully explorable, and the freedom to wander, collect cards and notes, and uncover secrets makes the setting feel alive. Across that journey, there are more than 700 equippable items to find, and the customisation system is generous. You can alter appearances with accessories and gear without changing stats, letting you design characters to your taste while keeping their builds intact.

Combat is the real highlight. You take control of eight playable characters, including Shiki, Rebecca, Weisz, and Homura, each with their own Ether Gear abilities and unique fighting style. Close-range brawlers, long-range shooters, weapon specialists, and magic users all play differently, and switching between them mid-battle feels natural. The controls are easy to pick up, and experimenting with different line-ups adds variety. Boss fights, in particular, stand out, demanding focus and rewarding you with the satisfying rush that only a tough win delivers.

Visually, once the game opens up, it comes alive. The vibrant anime aesthetic, bold character designs, and flashy combat effects look striking, and when paired with smooth controls, it feels built for high-energy sessions. The inclusion of Jiggle Physics, while not essential to gameplay, adds to the sense of leaning fully into the anime style. It is light-hearted, playful, and consistent with the tone fans expect.

If there is a criticism, it is a minor one: the map could do with improvement. With so much ground to cover and so many items to find, a larger or more detailed map would make exploring less fiddly. That aside, the game runs smoothly, feels polished, and offers enough depth to keep players engaged for hours.

What makes EDENS ZERO work is that it manages to appeal beyond the existing fanbase. Even if you have never read the manga or watched the anime, it plays as a strong action RPG with character variety, a vast world, and rewarding combat. For long-time fans, the blend of canon story and new material makes it feel like an expansion of the universe they already love.

I went in unsure whether it would be for me, but it won me over. It is packed with content, stylish to look at, and consistently fun to play. A few small flaws aside, it is a confident and polished adaptation. I score EDENS ZERO a strong 8 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox - https://amzn.to/4p9XZ3U