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

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