REVIEW: Lou’s Lagoon (2026 Video Game) on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Lou’s Lagoon has a lot going for it. The Limbo Archipelago is colourful and varied, the relaxed atmosphere suits the gameplay, and there is a good mix of exploration, crafting, fishing and platforming to keep things moving. Add in character customisation, seaplane customisation and the ability to build and decorate your own home, and there is a decent amount to get involved with.

Unfortunately, the game does not make enough of those ideas.

The islands are enjoyable to explore, particularly when you are free to decide what you want to do rather than being pushed constantly towards the next objective. The game is at its best when it lets you wander around, gather materials, fish or work on your own base without worrying about progression.

Resource gathering is helped considerably by the Resource Sucker, which makes collecting and processing materials pleasantly straightforward. It is a useful tool in a game that asks you to gather a lot of resources, and the different activities provide some welcome variety. Fishing, platforming and exploration give you something different to do alongside crafting, while upgrading your gadgets gradually expands what you can do.

Building and decorating your own home is also worthwhile. There is a genuine appeal to having your own space to customise, particularly when combined with the game's character and seaplane customisation options.

The mystery surrounding Uncle Lou gives the adventure a central thread, with clues and his trail leading you across the archipelago. 

Unfortunately, the problems start to pile up once the game asks you to work through its progression systems.

Inventory management is one of the biggest frustrations. Storage is limited, which is particularly inconvenient when gathering resources is such an important part of the game. The lack of useful storage containers makes the situation worse. You are encouraged to collect materials, yet there is not enough practical storage to make doing so comfortable.

The game also does not give you enough information about what resources you will need for upcoming assignments. That leaves you with an awkward choice. Either keep materials you might eventually need and quickly run out of space, or get rid of them and risk having to go and collect them again later.

Then there are the crafting timers. They are simply too slow, and rather than adding anything meaningful, they mainly delay progression. When combined with the repeated resource-gathering errands, this can make the game feel unnecessarily drawn out.

The errands themselves become repetitive. You are frequently sent away to gather materials for another assignment, which can interrupt the story rather than move it forward. The Uncle Lou mystery suffers because of this. Instead of always feeling like you are following an intriguing trail, it can feel as though the story is being used to justify another trip to collect something.

The islanders do not add enough personality to compensate for that. They feel more like quest dispensers than fully developed characters, while the limited voice acting makes conversations less engaging. Interactions can become something to click through rather than something you want to pay attention to, and I often found myself simply spamming the X button to get through them.

Platforming is another weak point. Some areas require precise jumping and landing, but the character feels very floaty. That makes basic jumps more frustrating than they should be, particularly when you are trying to reach a specific area and the movement does not feel precise enough.

Exploration is pleasant, but there is very little meaningful danger. Without much to threaten or challenge you, travelling around the islands can start to feel more like looking for resources than going on an expedition.

The seaplane is perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the game. It is an enjoyable way to travel between the islands, but the flying itself is not particularly exciting. Take-offs and landings are not shown, and the plane ultimately functions as transportation rather than the substantial flying experience the premise suggests.

Repeated journeys between islands are also made less appealing by lengthy loading times. When a quest sends you back and forth for resources, having to wait through those loading periods adds another layer of frustration.

These issues became particularly noticeable during my own playthrough. I eventually reached an area I needed to access but was unable to get there. At that point, I simply did not have the motivation to start another quest or spend time trying to work out what I had missed. I did not even feel compelled to look for a video online to find a solution. I had just lost interest.

That is a real shame because there are aspects of Lou’s Lagoon that I genuinely enjoyed. The colourful islands work well, the relaxed pace is appropriate, the Resource Sucker makes gathering easier, and the combination of activities gives the game plenty of variety. Building and decorating a home is another worthwhile addition, and the freedom to play at your own pace is exactly what you would want from this sort of experience.

Sadly, those positives are not enough to overcome the frustrations.

The limited voice acting makes the interactions dull, the platforming can be awkward, inventory management becomes a constant nuisance, crafting takes too long, and the game repeatedly sends you out to gather resources without giving you enough information about what you should be keeping.

The Uncle Lou storyline should provide the motivation to keep exploring, but too often it feels secondary to completing errands. Meanwhile, the seaplane, which could have been one of the game's defining features, ends up being little more than a way to travel between islands.

Lou’s Lagoon looks good and has plenty of appealing ideas, but I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated rather than relaxed. By the time I stopped playing, I was no longer interested in pushing through another quest simply to see what came next.

For a game built around exploration and discovery, that is difficult to overlook. Maybe I will revisit the game after a year of updates and bug fixes and rewrite this review.

Lou’s Lagoon is a disappointing 5 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox for around £20

https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/lous-lagoon-deluxe-edition/9pdgqpbsrr0m

REVIEW: Monopoly: Star Wars™ Heroes vs. Villains (2026 Video Game) on PlayStation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs Villains is one of those games that is likely to divide opinion before players even reach the first match. The reason is simple. Despite carrying the Monopoly name, this is not a traditional digital version of the famous board game. Anyone expecting classic Monopoly with a Star Wars coat of paint is likely to be surprised by just how different this experience actually is.

Instead of focusing on buying properties, collecting rent and driving opponents into bankruptcy, Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs Villains takes a team-based approach. Players join forces in competitive 2v2 and 3v3 matches, selecting characters from across the Star Wars universe and using their unique abilities to gain the upper hand. Battles, changing property ownership and dynamic events all play a major role, creating a game that feels very different from what the Monopoly name would normally suggest.

For Star Wars fans, there is plenty to enjoy. The presentation is excellent throughout. The graphics are fantastic, with characters and locations looking great, while the sound effects and voice overs feel accurate to the licence. The game does a good job of capturing the atmosphere of Star Wars, helping to make the matches feel more engaging.

The large number of unlockables also adds some extra motivation to keep playing. There is always something new to work towards, which helps give the game a sense of progression beyond simply winning matches. Another welcome feature is the ability to choose the length of games. This allows players to tailor the experience to the amount of time they have available, making it possible to enjoy shorter sessions rather than being locked into a lengthy gaming marathon.

Where Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs Villains performs best is when it is played with other people in the same room. Local multiplayer is clearly where the game shines. Having friends or family gathered around creates a far more entertaining experience than playing alone, and the team-based gameplay feels designed with this sort of setting in mind.

Unfortunately, the game becomes less impressive when there are no human players involved. Single-player matches against AI opponents are simply not much fun. A lot of time is spent waiting for computer-controlled players to take their turns, and while there are some options to skip parts of their actions, they only go so far. The result is a mode that often feels slow and lacks the energy that makes multiplayer enjoyable.

There are also some limitations that may disappoint certain players. The absence of a 1 vs 1 mode feels like a missed opportunity, especially for those who prefer direct competition. Online multiplayer is available, but PlayStation users will need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to access it, creating an additional barrier for anyone planning to play primarily online.

The menus are another weak point. Setting up games and selecting players can be more confusing than it should be. The layout is not always clear, and navigating through the options can feel unnecessarily awkward.

The biggest issue facing Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs Villains is expectation. Many players will approach the game expecting Monopoly with Star Wars characters and locations. That is not what they are getting here. This is a reimagined version of Monopoly that takes the basic idea and builds something very different around it. Players who specifically want a faithful Monopoly experience may well come away disappointed.

On the other hand, players looking for a fresh take on the formula, particularly those who enjoy Star Wars and regularly play with friends, may find a lot to like. The strong presentation, unlockable content and flexible game lengths all work in its favour, while the multiplayer-focused design delivers its best moments when real people are involved.

This is ultimately a difficult game to score because so much depends on what the player wants going in. Fans of classic Monopoly may struggle with the changes, while Star Wars fans looking for a social multiplayer experience are likely to have a better time. It is certainly not a game built around single-player content, and the requirement for PlayStation Plus for online play will not appeal to everyone.

Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs Villains succeeds more as a Star Wars party game than as a Monopoly game. If you understand that before you start, there is fun to be found. If you are hoping for traditional Monopoly, you may want to look elsewhere.

Score: 7 out of 10.

Out Now on PlayStation 5

https://amzn.to/3QT7Mzg

REVIEW: Gecko Gods (2026 Video Game) - on Nintendo Switch

By Jon Donnis

Gecko Gods is a straightforward puzzle adventure that puts players in control of a small gecko exploring a forgotten archipelago filled with ancient ruins, puzzles, hidden relics and collectables. Built around exploration and movement, the game offers a relaxing experience that encourages players to take their time, search every corner and uncover the many secrets hidden across its islands.

The biggest strength of Gecko Gods is simply how enjoyable it is to play. Controlling the gecko feels fun throughout the adventure, helped greatly by the freedom of movement. The ability to climb almost every surface allows exploration to feel natural and rewarding, whether scaling walls, traversing ceilings or searching for hidden areas. The game constantly encourages curiosity, and there is always the feeling that something interesting might be waiting just out of sight.

The scenery is another major highlight. Gecko Gods presents a vibrant and attractive world that is enjoyable to spend time in. Exploring the various islands, ruins and caves is consistently engaging, and the world itself feels interesting from start to finish. Sailing between islands on a small wooden boat helps break up the gameplay and provides access to new locations filled with secrets to discover.

Collectables play a significant role in the experience. Relics can be found hidden throughout secret areas across the islands, while insects can be collected by dashing into them and adding them to a growing collection. Players can also smash objects with a dash attack to earn currency, which can then be spent on cosmetic options. These additional activities give players plenty of reasons to thoroughly explore every location.

The puzzle design deserves praise as well. This is a solid little puzzle adventure that understands how to challenge players without becoming frustrating. The puzzles are just difficult enough to require some thought, but never so demanding that progress becomes irritating. As a result, solving them remains satisfying throughout the game's relatively short running time.

There are also some nice visual touches. As the gecko takes damage, its colour changes to reflect its condition. Take too much damage and its tail can even fall off. Thankfully, the tail regenerates over time, keeping the mechanic light-hearted and in keeping with the game's charming presentation.

While Gecko Gods gets a lot right, it does have a few issues. The biggest problem comes from the climbing system. Because the gecko can move across so many different surfaces, controls can sometimes become confusing. Depending on the surface being climbed and the angle of the third-person camera, movement can feel inverted, making certain sections more awkward than they should be.

Navigation can also become a challenge for the wrong reasons. Although the environments are vibrant and visually appealing, many of the structures and landscape features look quite similar. This makes it easy to get turned around while exploring and can occasionally make it difficult to remember where you have already been.

The game's length may also disappoint some players. The main story can be completed in around four to six hours, with full completion taking a little over seven hours. While the adventure remains enjoyable throughout, there is not a great deal of replayability once everything has been found and completed. At around £16.75 on Nintendo Switch, the price feels a little high for the amount of content available.

Gecko Gods is a fun, straightforward puzzle adventure with an adorable main character, enjoyable exploration, challenging but fair puzzles and nice clear graphics. Despite some occasional control frustrations, similar-looking environments and a lack of replayability once completed, it remains an entertaining experience that is easy to recommend to fans of relaxed exploration games.

Score: 7.5 out of 10

Out Now on Switch

https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/Gecko-Gods-2480777.html

REVIEW: Sudden Strike 5 (2026 Video Game) on PlayStation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

Sudden Strike 5 arrives on PS5 as a large scale real time tactics experience set firmly in the Second World War, pushing players into sprawling battlefield scenarios where timing, positioning and planning matter just as much as raw firepower. Built around a campaign spanning 25 missions across Europe and North Africa, it offers a sizeable package, backed by more than 300 units and a focus on layered strategic options. On paper, it is the kind of game that rewards patience and careful thought, with every engagement designed to feel like a puzzle of movement, supply lines and opportunity.

One of the game’s clearer strengths is how it leans into moment to moment battlefield storytelling.

"Somewhere near Remagen, Germany

We’ve just taken the bridge at Remagen, made a breakthrough they never saw coming. Speed was our ally. The day was chill, no snow luckily, but nevertheless our breath was forming clouds in the crisp air. And yet, we took to action, flanked their Pak 40 positions with our Shermans, locked down the east bank with a barrage by 75mm M1 Howitzer and pushed forward before they could react.

The whole thing was wired to blow, but we moved too fast. They didn’t have time. This wasn’t about firepower, but timing. Planning. Discipline. Every move counted, and we made it to the other side! This could well be the beginning of the end for this gruesome war."

In terms of gameplay depth, there is plenty to appreciate for genre veterans. The sheer variety of units, from Sherman tanks and T 34s to German Messerschmitt fighters, gives battles a broad tactical palette. Capturing and holding key points such as depots and rail stations adds an extra layer of decision making, while commander abilities allow for small but meaningful shifts in strategy. The camera flexibility also helps, allowing a wider strategic overview or a closer look at frontline engagements, which suits the scale the game is aiming for.

The problems begin when the game asks too much of the player too quickly. The tutorial is limited, and the learning curve is steep enough that newcomers are likely to feel lost within the first few missions. Rather than easing players into its systems, it assumes familiarity with the series and with RTS conventions more broadly. This makes the opening hours feel more like trial by fire than structured learning, which can be off putting for anyone without prior experience in the franchise. On top of that, the visual presentation struggles to justify its price point, with graphics that feel underwhelming for a modern £45 release on PS5.

Ultimately, Sudden Strike 5 is a demanding and intricate RTS that clearly knows its audience. It is detailed, methodical and often rewarding when everything clicks, but it is also unwelcoming to anyone outside its established player base. The complexity is part of its identity, yet it comes at the cost of accessibility. For experienced RTS players, there is likely a deep and challenging system to master here, but for newcomers it can feel overwhelming and poorly introduced. As a result, it lands at a 6.5 out of 10, interesting in design, but difficult to fully embrace.

Out Now for £44.99 on PS5

https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/concept/10012979

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