REVIEW: Noir Mafia Simulator 1960s American Crime (2026 Video Game) - on PC (steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

There is a clear sense of ambition running through Noir Mafia Simulator, even in its current Early Access form. Set against the smoky backdrop of 1960s America, the game drops you into a criminal underworld built on risk, improvisation, and split second decisions. It promises freedom in how you approach each job, and to its credit, that part mostly holds up.

The core loop revolves around planning and executing heists across a mix of locations, from banks to museums and even police stations. Each environment presents its own layout and set of risks, which gives the game a welcome bit of variety early on. The choice between stealth and outright aggression is always there. You can creep through corridors with lockpicks and forged documents, or walk in armed and deal with resistance as it comes. That flexibility is one of the game’s stronger points, even if the systems behind it feel a little thin.

One small highlight is the lockpicking. It is not reinventing anything, and feels very familiar, almost lifted from other games in the genre, but it works. It is simple, responsive, and adds just enough tension in the moment. It is the sort of mechanic you do not think too much about, which in this case is a good thing.

The ability to take hostages adds another layer. It is a straightforward system, but it creates moments where you can control a situation that might otherwise spiral. Moving through an area with a hostage in tow, knowing it is the only thing stopping you from being shot on sight, brings a bit of edge to proceedings. It is one of the few mechanics that genuinely changes how you think in the moment.

Where things begin to fall apart is in the presentation and overall feel. The visuals are a real sticking point. For a game releasing in 2026, even in Early Access, it looks dated to the point of distraction. Character models, environments, and animations all feel like they belong to a much older generation. It makes the world harder to invest in, especially given the strong theme it is aiming for.

Controls are another issue. The lack of gamepad support is difficult to overlook. For a third person action game, it feels like a basic expectation, and its absence makes the experience more awkward than it should be. It is the kind of omission that stands out immediately and never quite stops being noticeable.

Combat does not help matters. Shooting lacks impact and precision, and the decision to require multiple shots for something as simple as a headshot undermines the feel of the gunplay. It turns what should be tense encounters into slightly clumsy exchanges, where the mechanics never quite match the stakes.

The planning side, which should arguably be the backbone of a heist game, also feels underdeveloped. There is the outline of something interesting, but in practice it does not go far enough. You are given options, but they rarely feel deep or meaningful enough to fully support the idea of carefully orchestrated jobs.

Even so, there is a sense that something better could emerge over time. The variety of missions and the basic structure are in place, and there are moments where the game hints at what it could become with more polish and depth. Right now though, it struggles to hold attention for long.

As it stands, Noir Mafia Simulator feels like an early build in the truest sense. There is potential, but it is buried under dated visuals, limited systems, and a lack of refinement. A score of 5 out of 10 feels fair at this stage. It is a game worth revisiting if development continues, but in its current form it falls short of what it is trying to be.

Released on Early Access from April 21st

https://store.steampowered.com/app/4457110/Noir_Mafia_Simulator_1960s_American_Crime/

REVIEW: Black Jacket (2026 Video Game) - on Steam

Review by Jon Donnis

There is something inherently comforting about blackjack. It is simple, recognisable, and built on tension that anyone can grasp within seconds. Black Jacket takes that foundation and drags it somewhere far stranger. This is a rogue lite deckbuilder set in a hellish afterlife, where the cards bend the rules, the opponents have stories, and every hand is played for your chance at freedom. This review is based on an early demo and playtest, not the finished game, but there is already plenty here to talk about.

At its core, Black Jacket is still blackjack. You are playing against restless souls, winning their Soul coins, and trying to earn enough to bribe the ferryman and escape. The twist is that the deck no longer plays fair. Cards can force opponents to overcommit, alter card values, swap hands, let you peek into decks, or unlock hidden combinations that completely change how a hand unfolds. In practice, this works far better than it sounds on paper. There are moments where victory feels impossible, only for a carefully timed card to flip the entire table in your favour. Pulling a win out of nowhere is deeply satisfying, especially when the game has convinced you that you are already beaten.

The rogue lite structure gives each run a sense of possibility. Artifacts, card suits and curses gradually stack up, opening near endless combinations and strategies. No two runs feel quite the same, even within the limited scope of the demo. The added mechanics never feel random for the sake of it. Instead, they encourage you to think a few steps ahead, not just about the current hand, but about how your deck is evolving and what tricks you might unlock later.

Visually, the game is clean and readable, which is exactly what a card focused experience needs. Cards are easy to distinguish, extra abilities are clearly communicated, and the table never feels cluttered. Even when the rules begin to twist and bend, it remains easy to follow what is happening and why. That clarity is crucial, because without it the more complex mechanics would quickly become overwhelming.

The opponents are another interesting touch. You never see their faces, only their hands, which suits the afterlife setting and keeps the focus on play rather than spectacle. As you encounter them repeatedly, their playstyles and curses become familiar, and fragments of their stories unfold. There is a quiet ambition here to tie narrative and mechanics together, encouraging you to learn not just how they play, but who they are, and how breaking the cycle might require more than just winning hands.

That said, the demo is not without its frustrations. The unskippable tutorial is an immediate annoyance. Blackjack is one of the most widely understood card games in the world, and being forced through basic explanations feels unnecessary, especially for players drawn to the game precisely because they enjoy card games. A simple option to skip would go a long way.

There is also the lingering question of longevity. For all the clever twists and added systems, this is still blackjack at heart. The new mechanics are fun and often genuinely clever, but it is hard not to wonder how long they can sustain interest on their own. Sometimes adding too many layers to a very simple formula risks working against it, rather than enhancing it. The demo hints at depth, but it also raises doubts about whether that depth will be enough to keep players coming back run after run.

In its current form, Black Jacket is an enjoyable and intriguing experiment. The idea of giving cards extra powers and letting players bend the rules works, and when it clicks, it really clicks. As a demo, it leaves a positive impression, even if it does not yet feel essential. There is a solid foundation here, but it feels like it needs more modes, more variety, or a stronger hook to truly elevate it beyond an interesting take on a classic. So far, so good. The final release will need to push harder if Black Jacket wants to deal itself a winning hand.

Wishlist on Steam at

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3100370/Black_Jacket/

REVIEW: Speed Rivals (2025 Video Game) - on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Speed Rivals takes the old slot car idea that so many of us grew up with and turns it into a digital toybox with a lot of charm. It brings that familiar Scalextric feeling back to life on your PC, only with sharper effects and a livelier sense of pace. The result is a racer that knows exactly what it is trying to be, and for the most part it hits the mark.

The strongest part of the game is how it captures that classic slot car rhythm. You only control your speed, so every lap becomes a small battle with the track rather than a test of steering skill. Ease off too late and you pop off the rail. Feather the throttle at the right moment and you glide through the bend with a bit of style. It feels simple, which is exactly the point. Anyone who grew up fiddling with Scalextric pieces on the living room floor will settle in quickly, and the game leans into that feeling with a nostalgic grin.

The short bursts of racing work nicely. You drop in, try to set a clean lap, fail, swear, retry, then nail it. 

The track editor itself deserves a bit of praise since it opens up a whole second layer of play. Building a circuit is good fun, and sharing your tracks online gives the whole thing a sense of community that helps a relatively small game feel much bigger.

The trouble starts when you veer away from the nostalgia. Players who have never touched a slot car in their life might find the lack of steering quite odd. It goes against everything you expect from a racing game, and that first hour can feel quite restricted. The bigger problem, though, is the camera work. None of the options feel fully comfortable. The top down view is the most workable, although you still end up sliding the camera about just to keep your car in sight. First person made me feel a bit queasy, and the other angles make it too hard to judge how fast you should be taking each corner. It gets in the way of the flow, which is a shame because the core loop is otherwise very smooth.

Speed Rivals is a good time if you already have a soft spot for slot car racing. It offers a bright set of tracks, lively time attack challenges, a hefty track editor and a community focus that should help it grow. It is still in early access, so there is room for improvement, especially with the cameras, but there is enough here already to keep fans entertained.

Right now it is a fun, slightly limited racer. A solid 7 out of 10.

Out Now on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3389390/Speed_Rivals__Build_Race__Share_Tracks/

REVIEW: Disc Golf City (2025 Video Game) - On PC Steam

Review by Jon Donnis

Disc Golf City arrives on Steam with a clever pitch. Instead of the usual quiet woodland courses, this physics-based disc golf game takes you into a vibrant city built for trick shots. Every hole is set in a stylised low-poly playground of rooftops, alleyways and plazas. Baskets hide behind lamp posts, side streets open up unexpected angles, and bonus targets such as bins and signs tempt you into daring throws. On paper it is the perfect way to turn a familiar sport into something fresh.

The first thing that stands out is the look. The city is colourful without being noisy, with clean lines and a soft palette that makes every building feel like part of a giant model set. It is easy to relax into the atmosphere, taking your time to aim and explore. The music and sound effects match the laid back approach, giving the game a friendly tone. Landing a disc on a roof and watching it roll neatly into the basket feels genuinely satisfying. Even hitting an offbeat target like a traffic sign brings a small thrill that makes you want to keep experimenting.

The arcade spirit also works well. There are no timers, no heavy penalties for bad throws, just the challenge of mastering the physics and finding creative routes. When everything clicks the game captures the joy of a perfect shot, and the added achievements for unusual hits give you reasons to try bold angles rather than play it safe. For players who enjoy light sports games with a puzzle element, these moments are exactly what you hope for.

Unfortunately the road to those moments is rougher than it should be. The controls are far more demanding than the cheerful style suggests. Power, angle and spin must be judged with precision, and even after extended practice it is hard to predict exactly how a disc will fly. Instead of a fair test of skill it can feel like a battle against unpredictable physics. Nailing a clean shot should feel rewarding but too often feels like luck.

Progression is also an issuer. At launch only the tutorial is open. To reach the proper levels you need to score under par on every course. That requirement might look reasonable but paired with the tricky controls it becomes a grind. It blocks casual players from exploring the city courses and turns what should be a relaxed game into an uphill climb. The developer has said an update will unlock the first level without this restriction, which is welcome, but the current structure still limits enjoyment.

Free play mode sounds like a fix but does not fully deliver. Instead of offering a true sandbox it often restarts you from the same spot unless you land an almost impossible long hole in one. What should be a chance to experiment quickly turns repetitive and discouraging. It is easy to give up on this mode after a few attempts, which is a shame because the idea of open practice fits the game perfectly.

Despite these frustrations there is real potential here. The city environments are fun to explore, the concept of urban disc golf is fresh, and the visual style is consistently appealing. With more generous unlocking, smoother controls and a proper free play option, Disc Golf City could develop a dedicated following among fans of relaxed arcade sports games.

As it stands the game is enjoyable in bursts but too often undermined by its own rules. It is full of charm yet held back by progression hurdles and control quirks. With a few smart updates it could become something special. Right now it remains a promising but uneven experience. 

Out Now on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3753060/Disc_Golf_City/

UPDATE 26/09/25:

The latest Patch has dropped and the game has improved somewhat.

Here is whats been done. I have updated my score to reflect this update.

I give Disc Golf City a 7.5 out of 10.

✨ Improved audio – richer sound design and a wide range of new sound effects to bring the city to life.

🥏 Better “in basket” detection – more accurate scoring when you land the perfect shot.

🏆 New achievements – fresh challenges to unlock and show off.

📘 Improved Tutorial – clearer guidance to help new players get into the game.

🎮 Revised gamepad controls for throws – smoother, more responsive throwing experience.

⏸️ Improved Pause Menu – easier to navigate and packed with the options you need.

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: In My Shadow - PC (Steam)

Review By Jon Donnis

In My Shadow is a unique game, you play as a girl (Bella) who is trying to find answers to questions she has about her past, and to find these answers, you collect memories by way of solving single level platform-based puzzles.

There are 4 different rooms that you will play in, and about 50 levels in total. A level consists of the use of shadows. The shadow of a little girl, trying to collect memories that are represented as collectable shadows. You switch between two parts of the puzzle, the first of controlling the little girl, trying to get from point A to point B, while collecting hard to reach memories, and the second switch is to a more external view of the room whereby you can control the furniture which in turn creates shadows on the wall. Move a chair closer to the wall to make the shadow smaller, or move it away to make it bigger, then when you switch back to the girl she can then jump on the chair's shadow to reach her goals.

It a rather unique idea for a game, and one I was excited about when I first read about the game.

As your complete each level, a story plays out through cut scenes, as you learn more about the young girl, and get the answers she seeks.

The puzzles themselves can be tricky, there can be more than one solution to the puzzle, and the trial-and-error method here really is your friend.

The Good

This is a really unique game, a great idea, and along with the melodic music, when you are in a level, everything looks and sounds great.

The Bad

There are some graphical inconsistences between the main scenes, the cut scenes and the game itself, which seems strange to me.

The biggest problem to the game however is the controls. I hate them, simple as that, now I have spoken to the game maker, and he released an update which did improve some of the lag between pressing a button and then the character moving. But there is still a problem there. Now the more you play the game, the less you will notice it, as you will subconsciously adjust how you play to make up for it, but even then you will find yourself in a position whereby you will have all the shadows in the perfect positions, you know exactly what you need to do, and how to do it, but instead of then being able to do it, it may take you numerous attempts, whether that being because you walk off a surface because you didn't jump in time, or you landed one pixel too far and hit a trap. All in all, instead of you feeling that you need to beat the challenge, you feel frustrated because it is like the game is letting you down, as opposed to your own abilities.

When a game relies on pinpoint accuracy when it comes to jumps etc, any little issue is amplified massively, and this is where this game does have a problem, and even after improving the delay times, I still find it an issue. There simply is no margin of error. You need to be perfect. And when the controls are off by a nanosecond, that perfection becomes frustratingly hard to achieve.

You can skip levels however, which I found myself doing, not because I didn't know how to finish the level, but because after failing 20 times in a row at a simple jump, I just lost patience.

Overall

I like this game, I like the idea, the concept, everything about it is original, but the controls just let it down, it is not fun to play. Can this be fixed? I don't know, I am not a game maker. I would like to think that a redesign of the character and the mechanics of movement could make this a great game. But as it is, it is just not quite there.

Maybe it is just me and I am too fussy.

If there is a demo available, try the demo, if you don't see the problems I mention, then buy the game, but you really need to play it first.

I score the game 6/10.
If the game receives some updates in the future, I may revisit this review. In the meantime please check out my game play video below, hopefully this will better explain the game than words ever could!

Review by Jon Donnis

Out on Steam Today!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1406200/In_My_Shadow/

REVIEW: Concept Destruction - On Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Steam

Review By Jon Donnis:
I was sent a review copy of Concept Destruction by Ratalaika Games S.L.
And I was rather excited to receive it after I had seen the trailer. The first thing I thought was that we finally had a successor to a game I loved over 25 years ago on PS1 called Destruction Derby.

First thing you can do is check out this short game play video, and make sure you subscribe to my YouTube Channel as well. Youtube / JonDonnisShow

If you are old enough to remember that classic, much like me you are probably baffled as to why we never got a remake. Well now you don't need one as we have Concept Destruction. The idea is basically the same, you drive around in a car, you have multiple opponents and the winner is the last car standing. But with this game made by Thinice Games, the cars are made out of cardboard, and you play on a table top. It's a nice twist on the genre which as far as I can recall is completely unique.

You have different modes, of course you have a championship mode, whereby you have to play on various tracks, accumulate a score, and try to position as high as you can. Pretty straight forward. You also have a simple School mode, which helps you learn the basic controls, a Survival mode, which is exactly what you think it is, and a tourism mode, whereby damage is off and you just drive around destroying other cars.

Overall it is a simple concept which works really well. The game is incredibly fun, highly addictive, and has enough in it that will keep you coming back. I am not sure if they will release updates with new tracks, cars etc, I really hope they do, but I guess that will very much depend on the popularity of the game. But for just a fraction under 5$/€ on all formats, this game is cheap enough that it should be a huge hit.

I really loved the game, and with the multiplayer options on there as well, which unfortunately I was unable to try, this is a game that can only grow over time.

So lets quickly go over the Good and the Bad.

The Good, Pretty much everything, the graphics are great for what they are, perhaps more background work could have been done just to make things prettier, but for the actual game play the graphics are as good as they would need to be, the sound effects, music and all of that are also of a high standard, and most important of all the game play is a lot of fun.

The Bad, the only thing I can really complain about is that I want more, I want more tracks, more cars, more modes of play. The fact I want more is a testament to how good this game is.

Just scroll down and watch the trailer.

Summary:
BUY THIS GAME! It is awesome - 10/10

Review by Jon Donnis

‘Concept Destruction’ will be priced for 4.99$/€ for all platforms and is out now!

Features:
Crash destructible cardboard cars, each with a unique driving style
Pick from 4 different modes to bring total destruction
Expeience unique 3D cardboard car designs
Customize how you play!
Listen to a heavy metal soundtrack while bashing cars

Valve Steam Machines Reveal Event - CES 2014

Peter and Justin take a look at the freshly unveiled Steam Machines and share their impressions of the lineup and Valve's new controller.