REVIEW: Recharge (2025 Video Game) - Early Access Release on PC

Review by Jon Donnis

Recharge drops you straight into the world of RC racing, but not the kind you remember from toy shop shelves. This is a sim-cade experience that blends the precision and realism of simulation with the immediate fun of arcade racing. The cars don't just look like their real-world counterparts, they behave like them too. Every twitch of the steering, every bump of the suspension and every bit of tyre grip is dictated by physics that make these tiny machines feel alive on the track. It's all wrapped in a visual package that's surprisingly striking for a game about cars you could pick up with one hand.

From the moment you line up on the grid, the presentation pulls you in. The graphics are sharp and detailed, from the shine of the paintwork to the spray of gravel under the wheels. The audio is spot-on too, with the high-pitched whir of electric motors and the crunch of tyres on different surfaces. You can pick your camera angle to suit your style, whether that's the classic behind-the-car view or a front-facing angle that ramps up the difficulty. A cinematic drone view is available for those who want to admire the action, though most racers will probably stick to something more practical when chasing lap times.

The game's current content is split between single-player racing and online multiplayer for up to 12 players. The multiplayer side should benefit from cross-platform play, meaning you can test your skills against racers no matter what system they're on, but for now you can stick with PC gamers since this is early access. The track list mixes professionally designed circuits that demand precision with more casual layouts that let you just enjoy the flow of driving. RC controller support is a smart addition, letting enthusiasts bring their own gear for an authentic feel, but traditional controllers still work well, even if some fine-tuning of the button mapping is still needed.

Customisation is another highlight, giving you a wide range of cosmetic and performance tweaks to make your RC car your own. Whether you're just adding a custom paint job or tuning the car for maximum speed and grip, there's enough depth here to make your build feel personal.

It's not without its early access rough edges. The menu system needs attention, particularly the lack of an option to turn off motion blur, which can be unpleasant for players sensitive to it. (The option is there, but wont save it) A few bugs crop up here and there, though nothing game-breaking, and controller settings still need a bit more refinement to feel fully dialled in.

The roadmap for the game is ambitious. Split-screen racing, custom track creation, drift modes, open-world areas to explore, car damage, pit stops and even combat racing are all promised for future updates. If the developers can deliver on that, Recharge could evolve into a uniquely deep RC racing experience that appeals to both casual players and hardcore hobbyists.

Right now, it's a fun, well-presented racer that already captures the essence of RC competition. The word that comes to mind is potential. As it stands, Recharge is an enjoyable, good-looking game that feels satisfying to control. Given what's on the horizon, it could well become the go-to title for anyone who's ever dreamed of mastering the perfect lap in miniature.

Out Now on Early Access on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3225420/Recharge/

REVIEW: The Karters 2: Turbo Charged (2025 Video Game) - A Kart Racer Built for Speed and Skill

Review by Jon Donnis

The Karters 2: Turbo Charged has arrived on Steam early access, and even in this stage, it's already making a strong case for being one of the most exciting kart racers on PC. Developed by Pixel Edge Games, it leans into skill-based racing in a way that sets it apart from much of the competition. The drift mechanics, inspired by Crash Team Racing, are tight and responsive, but there's an extra hook with the reserve system. The more reserves you bank, the faster you go, with no speed cap to hold you back. It means races can flip in an instant, and those last-lap comebacks feel earned rather than lucky.

Right now, there's a generous amount of content to dive into. Sixteen tracks, six battle arenas, and modes that go beyond the usual. Road Breaker plays like a kart-racing take on Fall Guys' survival chaos, while Quick Cut throws procedurally generated tracks at you, keeping things fresh every time. Then there's the 1,500-plus mods already live via Steam Workshop, ranging from new tracks to completely different characters. The fact you can browse and install them directly in-game is a welcome touch that makes modding painless.

The game's multiplayer is just as ambitious. You can go split-screen with up to six players locally, jump into online matches, or combine the two with split-screen online support. Ranked matchmaking, tournaments, ELO leaderboards, and ghost races with downloadable data from the top players give it the kind of competitive backbone you don't often see in the genre. Dedicated servers keep things smooth, and there's even a Next Best Ghost feature to constantly push you against a close rival.

Even in early access, the polish is impressive. The karts handle beautifully, the visuals pop, and the performance feels solid. There's a single-player challenge campaign to tackle if you want to sharpen your skills, along with cups of up to 24 rounds for longer sessions. Replay and photo modes are already in place, which is great for sharing those over-the-top moments.

Looking ahead, Pixel Edge Games has more planned. A Story Mode is on the way, adding characters and a narrative layer, while an in-game track editor will let players create and share their own courses without leaving the game. Given what's already here, those updates could make an already robust package even stronger.

The kart racing genre is crowded, but The Karters 2 is carving out space with depth, variety, and sheer speed. If this is the early access build, the full release could be something special. Right now, it's already a blast to play, and the ceiling for where it can go is very high.

Out Now on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2269950/The_Karters_2_Turbo_Charged/

Special Thanks to Pixel Edge Games for providing the game key.

REVIEW: Killing Floor 3 (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

It's 2091. Horzine's created an unstoppable army of bioengineered monsters known as zeds, and Nightfall is the only thing standing in their way. That's the setup for Killing Floor 3, Tripwire Interactive's follow-up to 2016's Killing Floor 2. It sounds solid on paper. And at its core, it is: a first-person survival horror shooter where you take on waves of enemies, solo or in six-player co-op, trying to survive long enough to push back the threat. But this release isn't ready. Not even close.

You start in the Stronghold, a hub space where you pick your character and choose where to deploy. There are six specialist classes, each with unique weapons and special attacks. The Ninja, for example, uses a pair of swords and a grappling hook that pulls you straight into the action. You fight through waves of zeds, with their numbers scaling based on your team size. In between rounds, you restock ammo, buy resources, and use the Multi-tool to activate environmental defences like sentry guns or ziplines. The core loop is familiar, and killing zeds is still fun. But only once you've powered up. Until then, it's punishing.

Starting weapons feel weak. Really weak. You're thrown into the middle of it with underwhelming gear, and the game doesn't let up. The difficulty curve feels completely off, especially when you're new. You either run, or you die. That's the experience early on, and it's not encouraging. If you persist, the upgrades help, but it shouldn't feel like a chore to get there.

Combat has its moments. Zed Time returns, letting you slow everything down and see enemies lit up around you. The M.E.A.T. system is back too, with more dismemberment and persistent blood. There are a few great gory sequences. Visually, it looks good. The detail on the enemies and weapons is solid, though there are occasional glitches that break the immersion. The AI has been improved, with zeds moving more aggressively and in smarter patterns.

That said, the game triggered motion sickness during extended play, even with head bob, motion blur, and camera shake turned off. And while the environments are decent, the overall feel is unfinished. Despite being a full release, it plays more like a beta. Tripwire has said patches and content are coming, but that doesn't change what's on offer right now.

The optional narrative assignments add a bit more to each match, expanding the world and giving some background. You can also mod your weapons and unlock new skills, which helps give the specialists some variety. But the game needs more. More content, more polish, more care. The soundtrack is forgettable, and the whole experience lacks that punch you'd expect from a finished console release.

Right now, Killing Floor 3 feels rushed. There's a solid foundation underneath, and it's likely to improve over time. But at launch, it's not there. This should have stayed in development longer. Console players shouldn't be left hoping for fixes down the line, leave that for PC games.

Score: 5/10

Fun moments buried in an unfinished game. Not worth it yet.

Out Now on Xbox - https://amzn.to/4l6Eu9m

REVIEW: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (2025 Video Game) - Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Bethesda and Virtuos have teamed up to deliver a remastered version of one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is not a remake, and it doesn't try to be. Instead, it brings the classic game into the modern era with improved visuals, audio enhancements, and much-needed tweaks to the user interface and controls, all while keeping the original experience mostly intact.

For returning players, this is a direct hit of nostalgia. From the winding paths through the West Weald to the haunting gates of Oblivion, everything looks richer and more immersive. The use of Unreal Engine 5 gives the world of Cyrodiil a whole new level of depth and atmosphere. Lighting effects, ray tracing, updated textures, and improved animations all contribute to a world that feels more alive, though some aspects like character close-ups still feel dated.

Gameplay-wise, most of what defined the original remains. Real-time combat, skill-based levelling, and open-ended faction questlines all return, as do the quirks that longtime fans will either smile at or sigh over. There are some tweaks to the levelling system, but issues with scaling persist. The notorious bugs and exploits are also still here, including the infamous early chest trick that can rocket you to level 100 in minutes.

The redesigned menus and updated controls make the experience far smoother on modern platforms. AI behaviour for non-playable characters has been improved, though the world still occasionally feels artificial in its routines. Audio updates are subtle but meaningful, with re-recorded environmental effects that help sell the sense of place. Some voice work has been refreshed, but many of the original lines remain, including the odd outtake or awkward delivery that fans of the original might actually welcome.

The inclusion of the Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansions adds value, especially as both have received the same graphical and interface improvements. These remain two of the strongest pieces of content Bethesda ever produced, and having them bundled in makes this a definitive edition.

However, this is not a version designed to address every flaw. New players coming to it fresh may be confused by its eccentricities, from awkward facial animations to dated combat mechanics. For them, it may feel like stepping into a time capsule. But for those who were there in 2006, it feels like being welcomed home.

Oblivion Remastered is best seen as a tribute. It preserves the identity of the original game while enhancing it in just enough ways to make it worth revisiting. Despite its lingering flaws, it remains one of the finest role-playing experiences around, now with a fresh coat of paint and a few welcome quality-of-life upgrades.

This remaster stays loyal to the source material. Fans of the original will find plenty to enjoy, while newcomers may need patience to look past the creaks of age. It's a solid example of how to modernise a classic without erasing its personality.

8.5 out of 10

 

Available on Xbox at

https://www.xbox.com/el-GR/games/store/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-remastered/9NQR437K7PQH