REVIEW: Sonic Wings Reunion (2025 Video Game) - For Nintendo Switch

Review by Jon Donnis

There's something oddly comforting about a game that still looks and feels like it just rolled out of a 90s arcade cabinet. Sonic Wings Reunion, or Aero Fighters Reunion if you prefer the Western name, is exactly that. A throwback to the days when your job was simple: fly up the screen, shoot anything that moves, and try not to blink.

I'll admit, as someone who sank hours into the SNES version back in the day, as well as spending a fair wodge of coin in the arcade game, firing this up gave me that instant jolt of nostalgia. The pixel art isn't trying to impress anyone, and maybe that's what I like about it. It's rough in places, sure, but it's faithful to what those games looked like. You can almost hear the hum of an arcade cabinet behind it.

To its credit, there's a decent amount packed in. You've got more than eight characters, each flying their own aircraft with little quirks, and eight stages that whisk you around the world in rapid bursts of colour and chaos. 

The local co-op is still a joy, especially if you've got someone who remembers how to weave through a wall of enemy fire. And the Tate Mode, where you can flip the screen into a proper vertical setup, is a thoughtful touch for purists.

But let's be honest, the price hurts. Somewhere between £25 and £33 for what's essentially an old-school shooter feels off. Nostalgia only stretches so far, and this one pushes it. The soundtrack doesn't help much either. It's serviceable, but there's not a single tune that sticks. You'll hear it once and forget it ten minutes later.

That said, I still found myself having a good time. Maybe that's habit talking, maybe it's comfort. There's something satisfying about that familiar panic when the screen floods with bullets and you somehow scrape through untouched. It's not thrilling in a modern sense, but it scratches a very specific itch.

Sonic Wings Reunion isn't going to win over anyone new, and maybe it doesn't care to. It feels made for the people who were there the first time round. I can't quite decide if that's charming or lazy, but it works well enough.

Score: 7 out of 10.

Out Now on Nintendo Switch

https://amzn.to/3W7oEkP

REVIEW: GUNNAR Optiks’ White Wolf and Ciri Glasses - Bringing The Witcher World to Life

Review by Jon Donnis

Getting to try GUNNAR's new Witcher Collection felt like stepping into a small corner of Geralt's universe without leaving my desk. I spent most of my time with the White Wolf frames and they're every bit as striking as the name suggests. The brushed nickel aviator design has a cool, muted sheen that avoids looking flashy, while the leather-wrapped temples add a rugged texture that fits the Witcher theme. The Wolf School emblem is etched just deeply enough to catch the light if you tilt your head, a quiet nod to fans who will recognise it straight away.

Comfort is always the question with metal frames, and these passed with ease. The stainless steel build feels strong but light, spring hinges give a bit of flex, and the fit stayed secure without squeezing even after a full day of use. GUNNAR's patented lenses have a slight amber tint that takes the edge off blue light from screens, and the barely noticeable 0.2 diopter boost makes text look that bit sharper. There is also the "sun" version, which has the blue lens, which is what I tried, these have the same benefits as the amber lens. After hours of writing and a late-night gaming session, my eyes felt less dry and tired than usual. Fingerprints were easy to wipe away thanks to the G-Shield coating, and glare was minimal even under bright lights.

Alongside the White Wolf is the Ciri frame, aimed more towards women but stylish enough for anyone who prefers a softer shape. It swaps the aviator look for a round brushed-gold frame wrapped in leather, with temples marked by a delicate sword motif inspired by Ciri's blade, Zireael. The result is equal parts elegance and edge, regal and rebellious in a way that suits the character perfectly.

Both pairs come with thoughtful extras: a weathered leather-style case embossed with Witcher symbols, a collector's cloth, and a matching pouch that make the set feel special right out of the box. After testing the White Wolf, I can say these aren't just themed merchandise. They're well-made, genuinely comfortable glasses that cut blue light and carry just enough Witcher lore to make everyday screen time feel like a small adventure.

GUNNAR Optiks' never seem to fail with their glasses, it is no wonder that major gaming developers are desperate to collaborate with them.

A massive thanks to GUNNAR Optiks' for providing a pair of the The White Wolf glasses for me to try out.

Check them out at https://gunnar-optiks.eu/product/gunnar-the-witcher-sunglasses

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