REVIEW: Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition (2025 Video Game) - For Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition delivers exactly what its name promises. This is the arcade experience brought straight into your living room, full of high-speed racing, over-the-top stunts, and explosions that make no sense in the real world. GameMill Entertainment has kept it simple and focused, which is both the game's biggest strength and its main limitation.

From the moment you start, it is clear this is a pick-up-and-play experience. There is no long tutorial, no narrative distractions, no slow grind through car tiers. You choose a vehicle, step on the accelerator, and race through cinematic tracks packed with shortcuts, hazards, and the occasional missile strike. It captures the thrill of arcade racing perfectly.

The positives are immediate. The full arcade version is faithfully ported to Xbox. If you have played the original, you will recognise every element of its fast, frantic style. Eight licensed cars, including the Dodge Charger and Shelby GT500, handle well enough to feel satisfying while still prioritising fun over realism. Split-screen multiplayer brings a nostalgic competitive edge, allowing two players to race side by side in the same room.

However, the simplicity also exposes its flaws. With only eight cars and six tracks, there is little variety. Everything is unlocked from the start, which delivers instant gratification but removes the sense of achievement that unlocks usually provide. The handling is exaggerated and sometimes absurd, which will delight fans of arcade chaos but frustrate anyone looking for a more precise driving experience.

The game also lacks additional modes or online play, meaning it does not offer much longevity beyond the initial thrill. The bonus objectives are fun for a short time but do not significantly extend gameplay.

Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition is a game that works or fails entirely based on expectations. If you want a deep, realistic racing simulator, it is not for you. If you are after a straightforward, high-octane arcade rush that can be enjoyed in short bursts, it is an excellent choice.

Having enjoyed the arcade original, I found this console version captures the same immediate fun. It is loud, fast, and shallow, but deliberately so, and that is part of its charm. I score Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition a solid 7 out of 10.

Out Now on Consoles

https://amzn.to/4hukvkT

REVIEW: Hot Wheels Let’s Race™: Ultimate Speed (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Hot Wheels Let's Race: Ultimate Speed from Bamtang Games and GameMill isn't trying to be the next Forza or Gran Turismo. It's loud, colourful, and proudly aimed at the younger crowd who already adore the Netflix series it's based on. And in that regard, it mostly succeeds.

The first thing that hits you is how slick everything looks. The bright, looping tracks feel like they've been pulled straight off a living room carpet and dropped into a video game. Each course pops with colour, wild shapes, and over-the-top jumps that make even adults grin the first few times around. The cars themselves, from classics like the Super Twin Mill to the daftly charming Duck N' Roll, look fantastic and all have their own distinct handling quirks. It's the kind of game where even just picking your vehicle feels fun.

The handling is pure arcade. You'll be drifting around corners with ease, collecting flames, and boosting through loops before you know it. It's very forgiving, which makes sense given the target audience, but there's still a nice sense of speed and flow once you get the hang of it. Boss battles are a neat surprise too, especially when you're racing a giant cobra or dodging a fire-breathing dragon. They bring a bit of spectacle to the usual lap racing formula and help break up the action.

Track Builder mode is another highlight. It lets players create their own chaotic circuits filled with loops, jumps, and tight corners. It's not particularly complex, but it gives kids the freedom to make something that feels like their own. Add in four-player split-screen and you've got a setup that's perfect for family sessions, especially when siblings are involved.

Of course, it's not all perfect. If you're an older gamer hoping for a deep, skill-based racer, you'll be disappointed. The AI is simple, the challenges are fairly easy, and the whole experience is built to be accessible rather than demanding. There's also the fact that, outside of the Hot Wheels branding, it doesn't do much that's new. You've probably seen all these ideas before in other arcade racers, just dressed in different colours.

Still, that's not really the point. This is a kids' racer that does exactly what it sets out to do. It looks great, plays smoothly, and keeps little players entertained for hours. The £30+ price tag might raise an eyebrow for parents, but considering the quality and the tie-in appeal, it's hard to complain too much.

For younger players, Hot Wheels Let's Race: Ultimate Speed is fast, flashy, and genuinely fun. For everyone else, it's a charming but forgettable detour.

Score: 7/10

Out Now on Xbox, PS5 and Switch

https://amzn.to/4qslOVi

REVIEW: Formula Legends (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Formula Legends is clearly the type of game made by people who love motorsport, developed by 3DClouds, it's a bold attempt to bottle up six decades of open-wheel racing and hand it to Xbox players in one stylised package. At first glance, it feels like a real celebration of the sport, though a few frustrations hold it back from becoming the classic it wants to be.

Hungary Modern Early 20s

Visually, the game is a treat. The art style has a sharp, almost painterly edge to it that gives every circuit and car personality. The variety helps too. One moment you're hurtling through a sunlit marina in a car that looks like it's been lifted straight out of the 1960s, the next you're strapping into a futuristic machine bristling with energy recovery systems and digital dashboards. It's playful rather than hyper-realistic, but that's part of the charm.

The circuits are another highlight. Fourteen locations, each inspired by historic venues, evolve as the decades roll by. You notice the little changes, from broadcast overlays to trackside details, and it all feeds into the sense of travelling through different eras of racing. When the tracks open out, they flow brilliantly, offering a decent challenge without feeling unfair.

Italia Modern Early 00s 

Where Formula Legends really shines is in its atmosphere. There's something genuinely fun about recognising which legendary driver a fictional rival is meant to resemble. Story Mode makes good use of history too, letting you dip into key eras and stringing it together with enough narrative to keep things moving.

But then you hit the handling. And this is where the excitement wobbles. The cars never quite feel right. Cornering is heavy, almost sluggish, while straights feel oddly floaty, as if grip comes and goes without warning. It makes racing inconsistent, which is a problem for a game that's trying to find a balance between simulation and arcade thrills. The "sim-cade" approach is a tricky line to walk, and here it feels like the game hasn't quite nailed either end of the spectrum.

Mexico Modern Mid 10s

Another drawback is the lack of official names. This isn't a licensed product, and while the fictional universe has its charm, some players may find themselves wishing for the authenticity of real drivers and teams. The game's reinterpretations are often clever, but they never fully replace the thrill of seeing familiar legends officially represented.

Even so, there's plenty here to enjoy. Formula Legends is fun, it looks great, and it's stuffed with neat touches that show real affection for motorsport. The core issue is that the handling holds it back. If 3DClouds can fine-tune the driving model, this could go from being a solid racer to something special. Right now, it's close but not quite there.

Score: 6 out of 10, a stylish love letter to racing history that just needs better driving feel to match its ambition.

Out Now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/formula-legends/9p9vj822jrh9

REVIEW: Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek is a surprisingly solid and enjoyable entry in the long-running franchise, and it does a good job of translating the spooky, playful tone of R.L. Stine's books into a game. You step into the shoes of Sloane Spencer, a young teen trying to unravel the eerie mysteries lurking in the town of Little Creek. From fog-filled streets to abandoned theatres and dark, cluttered libraries, the environments are small but well designed, giving players plenty of corners to explore without ever feeling lost. The game balances exploration and narrative nicely, letting younger players wander, discover secrets, and uncover the town's supernatural happenings at a comfortable pace.

The stealth mechanics are a highlight, and they work better than you might expect from a game aimed at children. Timing your movements to avoid monsters, making clever use of your haunted book, and occasionally defending yourself with a slingshot all keep the gameplay engaging. There's a nice variety of creatures to contend with, each with its own behaviour, and the occasional jump scare, while mild, adds tension in just the right way for the target audience. Puzzles and interactive contraptions also provide a good challenge, encouraging players to think without feeling frustrated.

Visually, the game leans into a cartoony style that suits the Goosebumps universe well. Characters and monsters are designed to be creepy without being genuinely frightening, and the environments have enough detail to feel alive. Sound design complements this, with plenty of ambient noise, creature sounds, and spooky effects that heighten the sense of mystery. The learning curve is gentle, so players can pick up the mechanics quickly, and the gameplay loop of exploring, solving puzzles, and avoiding monsters is straightforward but fun.

The main downside is that the game is short. Most players will finish the story relatively quickly, which is understandable given the younger audience it targets, but it does limit replayability. There's also a sense that some areas and encounters could have been expanded to give the map more depth, but the game still manages to deliver a satisfying experience in its compact form.

Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek is a fun, well-paced adventure that does a good job of introducing stealth and puzzle mechanics to younger players while staying true to the franchise's signature blend of spooky thrills and playful twists. It's not a long or complex game, but it doesn't need to be: it's entertaining, easy to pick up, and full of the Goosebumps charm that will appeal to fans old and new. For what it sets out to do, it's a strong effort and deserves recognition. I'd give it a solid 8 out of 10.

Out Now - https://amzn.to/4n2b9Pe

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

NEWS: The Elder Scrolls Online Welcomes New Players to Seasons of the Worm Cult

By Jon Donnis

Jumping into The Elder Scrolls Online as a new player feels like entering a world that's already lived a thousand lives. There's history in every corner, and now I get to be part of it. Not just by catching up on the main game, but by stepping into Seasons of the Worm Cult, the latest story update that continues a thread first spun a decade ago. It launched for PC and Mac earlier this month, and it's now available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. That means I've arrived just in time.

This new adventure takes players to the tropical island of Solstice, a location never before seen in the Elder Scrolls series. In Part 1, we explore the Western side of the island. It's more than just another setting. It's a full region packed with story quests, World Bosses, Delves, a Public Dungeon, and a new 12-player Trial called the Ossein Cage. The cult at the centre of this chaos is the Worm Cult, making a return from the game's earliest main story. Their presence on Solstice is hidden behind a powerful and ancient barrier called the Writhing Wall. What exactly they're planning remains to be seen, but the clues are already starting to surface.

For players like me, who are discovering this world for the first time, there's something satisfying about being able to jump into a new chapter as it begins. It connects to the past, but it also feels like a fresh start. Exploring Western Solstice is a proper introduction to what ESO can offer, high-stakes quests, dramatic environments, and the chance to uncover secrets that seem to matter.

The Ossein Cage Trial offers a different kind of challenge. This new PvE activity is designed for twelve players and is set in Coldharbour, one of the more sinister planes in Elder Scrolls lore. The objective is to retrieve a powerful relic from deep within one of Molag Bal's fortresses. Success relies on teamwork, strategy and survival. It's the kind of high-pressure content that gives players something big to aim for after getting settled.

Outside the new zone, Update 46 brings in several changes that apply to the whole game, and they're available for free. One of the biggest additions is Subclassing. This new system allows players to combine skill lines from different classes, giving more flexibility in how characters are built and played. It unlocks over three thousand possible combinations, which is hard to even get your head around as a newcomer, but exciting all the same. It means I'm not locked into a single identity. I can experiment, learn as I go, and adjust my approach based on what I enjoy.

Another new feature is called Hero's Return. It's aimed at players who've been away for a while, but as someone brand new, I still appreciated its optional tutorial-style adventure. It gives a quick refresher on the combat systems and some early rewards. It's a nice touch, especially when you're still figuring out how the world works.

Other quality-of-life improvements include an updated in-game map, which makes navigating Tamriel more intuitive, and clearer guidance around the Wayshrine fast travel system. For someone just getting used to the pace and scale of ESO, these small changes make a big difference.

Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 is available as part of the 2025 Content Pass, which also includes everything planned for the rest of the year. That means Part 2 of this story, two dungeon packs, and a full in-game event built around the Writhing Wall. It's a huge amount of content, and knowing it's all connected to this one storyline makes it even more compelling.

Getting into The Elder Scrolls Online now doesn't feel like playing catch-up. It feels like arriving right when things are getting interesting. For anyone starting fresh, this isn't just another expansion. It's a new beginning with a cult uprising, a mysterious island, and more freedom than ever to shape how you play.

"The Elder Scrolls Online: Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 is now live on PC/Mac, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Players can purchase the new content with the 2025 Content Pass, which will also give access to every update planned for this year’s adventure, including access to Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 2, two dungeon packs, and a server-wide Writhing Wall in-game event."

https://www.elderscrollsonline.com/en-us/contentpass2025

Thank you to Bethesda for providing a ESO key, time for me to start to understand what I have been missing.

REVIEW: Mostroscopy (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Mostroscopy is a fighting game that takes inspiration from the horror and Luchador films of 1950s Mexican cinema, creating a visually unique experience with a roster of masked wrestlers and classic monsters. The game embraces a retro presentation, combining simple controls with an accessible fighting system. While it excels in style and atmosphere, its gameplay may not have enough depth to satisfy more experienced fighting game fans.

The first thing that stands out is the aesthetic. The game feels like an old horror film brought to life, with grainy textures, dramatic lighting and expressive character designs. Each fighter, from Luchadores to vampires and werewolves, has a distinct look that fits perfectly into the world the game has built. The presentation is further enhanced by a 3D mode that mimics the classic anaglyph effect, though this is more of a fun novelty than a core feature.

The gameplay follows a simplified system inspired by Smash Bros. and Street Fighter x Tekken. Each character has a normal attack, a special attack and a guard button, making it easy to pick up and play. The two-button combat is intuitive, though it may feel limited for those used to more complex fighting games. While each character has unique moves, the lack of depth means that battles can sometimes feel repetitive, especially in longer sessions.

The game offers several modes, including arcade mode where players can take on a final boss and see their character's ending. There is also a versus mode for local multiplayer, an online mode with random matches and custom rooms, a challenge mode for practicing combos and a training mode for refining skills. While these modes add variety, the lack of customization options is disappointing. More control over graphical settings or gameplay tweaks would have been a welcome addition.

The audio is another strong point. The soundtrack captures the eerie yet exciting tone of vintage horror, with a mix of dramatic pulpy rock themes. Sound effects are satisfying, adding impact to every punch, kick and monstrous roar.

While Mostroscopy is an enjoyable game, it has a few shortcomings. The simplified mechanics mean that experienced fighting game fans may lose interest quickly. The online mode, while a great inclusion, suffers from occasional lag that can disrupt matches. The lack of options also feels like a missed opportunity, as more customization could have improved the experience.

Mostroscopy is a fighting game designed more for casual players who appreciate its aesthetic rather than those looking for a deep competitive experience. It is stylish, fun and easy to pick up, but its simplicity may not hold attention for long. The game excels in its presentation and character design, making it a great tribute to classic Mexican cinema, but whether that is enough to keep players engaged will depend on what they are looking for in a fighting game.

Score: 7/10

Out Now on Xbox - https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/mostroscopy/9NGJL4RCWNQ7

REVIEW: Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game - On Xbox

Game Review by Jon Donnis

Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game, developed by IllFonic and Teravision Games, is a thrilling and whimsical addition to the asymmetrical survival horror genre. Based on the 1988 cult classic film, (Available at https://amzn.to/45n63VL) this game captures the movie's eccentric charm and adds a fresh, engaging multiplayer experience.

In each 15-minute match, up to ten players can participate, with three playing as Klowns and seven as humans. The Klowns aim to trigger the Klownpocalypse by capturing humans and placing them in cotton candy cocoons to power generators. Once all generators are activated, or the timer runs out, the Klownpocalypse ensues, ending the game. The humans, on the other hand, must locate one of four escape routes scattered across the map and collect specific items like sparkplugs and gas cans to activate them. These routes can be temporarily blocked by the Klowns using cotton candy, adding a layer of strategy and urgency to the humans' escape efforts.

The Klowns have an array of weapons, such as mallets and popcorn bazookas, to attack humans, while humans can defend themselves with weapons and items like airhorns to stun the Klowns. Humans also have a slight speed advantage, providing a means of escape when pursued. If a human is captured and cocooned, they can be carried to Lackey generators, progressing the Klowns' objective. Once all humans have either escaped or perished, the match concludes, though players who have already finished can spectate, play mini-games to aid their teammates, or return to the main menu. A unique twist occurs in the final 30 seconds when the Terenzi brothers crash into the map with their ice cream truck, offering a last-minute escape route.

The game features five primary maps, Downtown, The Suburbs, Top of the World, Amusement Park, and Clown Summer Camp, each providing a different setting for the chaotic action. It also includes offline mode, customizable characters, skins, and various unlockable cosmetics. Players can choose from five Klown classes, Ranger, Tracker, Trapper, Tank, and Brawler, and five human classes, Athletic, Rebellious, Heroic, Resourceful, and Tough, each with unique abilities and skills.

Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game excels in its comical nods to the film and impressive graphics, demonstrating a deep respect for the source material. The game offers a polished and smartly designed experience, adding new twists to the asymmetrical horror formula. It's goofy and not meant to be taken too seriously, making it a fun game for casual and dedicated horror fans alike.

However, the game isn't without its flaws. There are still a few gameplay bugs and balancing issues between the Klowns and humans, but the developers are actively working on these problems.

In summary, Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game is a fun and engaging addition to the asymmetrical survival horror genre, and a must-play for fans of the genre. It earns a solid 7.5 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox. cdkeys.pxf.io/JzDOZr (£30.99)

REVIEW: Ario (2024 Video Game) on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

"Ario" offers an intriguing blend of action, adventure, and fantasy, inviting players into a world filled with mysteries, challenges, and the quest for redemption. Set in a realm besieged by nightmares and dark forces, the game follows the journey of Ario, a determined young hero on a mission to rescue his missing mother and confront the malevolent forces threatening his homeland.

The gameplay mechanics of "Ario" are both diverse and engaging, offering players a range of movement options and combat techniques to navigate through the treacherous landscapes and confront the various adversaries encountered along the way. From running and sliding to wielding the crossbow with precision, players must master Ario's skills to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious in battles against demons and mechanical foes. The inclusion of tower defense elements adds an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay, requiring players to strategically position themselves and utilize special areas equipped with powerful ballistae to fend off waves of enemies.

Visually, "Ario" presents a captivating blend of medieval fantasy and retro steampunk aesthetics, creating a rich and immersive world teeming with mythical creatures and mechanical wonders. The 2.5D side-scrolling format effectively captures the essence of classic platformers while offering a fresh perspective on the genre, reminiscent of titles like the "Assassin's Creed" 2D games. Additionally, the decision to incorporate Persian voiceovers lends an authentic touch to the game's atmosphere, further enhancing the sense of immersion for players.

While "Ario" excels in many aspects, it is not without its flaws. Some players may find the controls to be less intuitive, requiring time to adjust to certain button configurations. Additionally, occasional rough edges in the gameplay experience may detract from the overall immersion, although these issues are mitigated by the game's compelling storyline and challenging yet fair boss encounters.

In summary, "Ario" is a commendable indie title that delivers an enjoyable and immersive gaming experience despite its minor shortcomings. With its captivating narrative, diverse gameplay mechanics, and visually stunning world, "Ario" offers players a rewarding journey filled with excitement and adventure. While not without room for improvement, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, earning it a generous score of 7.5 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/ario/9p3g2cbwb545