REVIEW: Disgaea Mayhem (2026 Video Game) - on PlayStation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

Disgaea Mayhem takes the long-running Disgaea franchise in a completely different direction, swapping the traditional tactical RPG gameplay for a more direct action RPG experience. The result is a game that keeps much of the charm, humour and over-the-top personality that fans know and love, while offering a much more accessible way to experience the series.

The story sees players take control of N.A., a mercenary with a love for sweet treats and a desire to earn some money, as he joins forces with Princess Tichelle, who has an important craving for pudding. It is a typically silly Disgaea setup, filled with exaggerated characters, ridiculous situations and the kind of playful humour that has helped the franchise stand out for years.

The biggest change is the move away from turn-based strategy into fast-paced hack-and-slash combat. Instead of carefully planning every move on a grid, players jump straight into the action, taking on huge groups of enemies with a range of weapons. This change works surprisingly well, especially for those who have struggled to get into the more complex tactical systems of previous Disgaea games.

Combat is easily one of the highlights. The ability to switch between different weapon types keeps battles feeling fresh, with swords, bows, guns, fists and axes all offering different ways to approach fights. These are not simply cosmetic differences either, as each weapon changes the way you play. Some favour close-range attacks, while others encourage a more defensive or ranged approach.

The game also successfully carries over one of the most enjoyable parts of the franchise, the feeling of becoming ridiculously powerful. Level grinding, upgrading equipment and improving weapons creates that familiar Disgaea satisfaction of watching damage numbers grow to absurd levels. The ability to strengthen equipment and push character power further gives players plenty of motivation to keep improving.

Fans of the series will also appreciate that the personality of Disgaea remains intact. The humour, colourful presentation and bizarre world design all feel familiar, even though the gameplay has changed. Classic elements such as recruiting demons like the Prinny help make this feel like a genuine part of the franchise rather than just a separate action game with a familiar name.

However, the biggest issue with Disgaea Mayhem is that it feels far too small for the Disgaea name. While the gameplay is enjoyable, the experience feels much shorter and simpler than many fans will expect. The main story can be completed in under 10 hours, which feels disappointing considering the usual depth and longevity associated with the series.

The lack of extra modes and meaningful post-game content is another major weakness. Traditional Disgaea games are known for offering huge amounts of additional content once the main story is complete, but here the experience feels much more limited. Once the main adventure is finished, there is not a great deal left to keep players coming back.

The hack-and-slash combat is fun, but it can become repetitive over time. The mission structure does not always offer enough variety, and fighting through similar groups of enemies repeatedly can start to lose its appeal. Having only one playable character also limits the experience, especially compared with the huge variety of characters and play styles usually available in the franchise.

This is where the price becomes difficult to justify. At around £49.99, Disgaea Mayhem feels more like a smaller budget spin-off rather than a full-priced release. The core gameplay is enjoyable, but the short length and limited content make it difficult to recommend paying the full asking price.

After a slightly rough start, Disgaea Mayhem eventually won me over. I have never been a huge Disgaea fan, mainly because the tactical RPG style could sometimes feel overwhelming, but this action-focused approach made the series much easier to enjoy. It keeps the humour and charm while offering a more straightforward experience.

There is definitely fun to be had here. The combat is flashy, the weapon variety is enjoyable and powering up your character delivers the satisfying feeling of becoming unstoppable. The problem is that the adventure ends far too quickly and does not offer enough content to match its launch price.

Disgaea Mayhem is a fun spin-off that introduces the franchise to a wider audience, but it is best enjoyed when bought during a sale or after a price reduction. At the right price, it is an enjoyable action RPG with plenty of personality.

Score: 7.5 out of 10

Deluxe edition available from Amazon at https://link.amazon/B0fmDLacD

REVIEW: Echoes of Aincrad (2026 Video Game) - on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Echoes of Aincrad is a new action RPG from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment that returns players to the iconic world of Sword Art Online, but with a major change. Instead of simply retelling Kirito’s journey, players are given the opportunity to create their own hero and experience the world of Aincrad from a fresh perspective.

The idea behind Echoes of Aincrad is an exciting one. A floating castle filled with danger, mystery and adventure provides the perfect setting for an RPG, and the game does capture some of that sense of stepping into a vast fantasy world. Unfortunately, while there are plenty of good ideas here, the final experience often feels like it falls short of its potential.

One of the strongest aspects of Echoes of Aincrad is its presentation. The game looks fantastic, with colourful environments, impressive character designs and a vibrant interpretation of the Sword Art Online universe. The soundtrack is arguably the highlight, delivering memorable themes that help create the feeling of a grand adventure. It is an area where the game consistently impresses.

The decision to allow players to create their own character is also a welcome one. Rather than simply following an established character's story, you are able to design your own avatar and become part of the Aincrad world. This gives the adventure a more personal feel and makes progression feel like your own journey.

The RPG systems offer some enjoyable depth as well. Customising your character, experimenting with different weapons, improving equipment and creating builds around different playstyles are all satisfying elements. The variety of weapons and upgrade mechanics are among the better parts of the experience, giving players reasons to continue improving their character and adapting their approach to combat.

The original storyline and introduction of new characters are also positive additions. For fans of Sword Art Online, seeing a different perspective on Aincrad is much more interesting than another retelling of familiar events. The game has the foundations of something that could have been a memorable adventure.

Unfortunately, many of those foundations are let down by design choices that hold the game back. The pacing is one of the biggest problems. Too often, the game feels sluggish, with long pauses and animations that slow down the experience. Instead of maintaining momentum, the adventure frequently comes to a stop.

Combat is another area where Echoes of Aincrad struggles. While the game presents itself as an action RPG, the combat mechanics are incredibly basic. Battles lack the depth and excitement expected from a modern action RPG, making encounters feel repetitive rather than thrilling.

Exploration also suffers from missed opportunities. The world may look impressive, but much of it feels empty. For a game set in such a famous location, there are surprisingly few interesting things to discover or interact with. The lack of meaningful exploration makes travelling through the world feel more like moving between objectives rather than uncovering a living environment.

The loot system is another disappointment. Equipment is not randomly generated, which removes much of the excitement from exploring areas and defeating enemies. Instead of wondering what valuable item might be waiting around the next corner, players will often find themselves simply following a guide to locate specific rewards.

The NPCs also leave a lot to be desired. Characters are often boring, with poor animations making conversations feel lifeless. The game also struggles to make player choices feel meaningful, with decisions having little impact on the overall experience.

Echoes of Aincrad feels like a game with a great idea at its core, but one that does not always deliver on its ambition. Those looking for a huge open world to freely explore may come away disappointed, but players who prefer a more focused quest based RPG will find plenty to enjoy. The character creation, upgrade systems, soundtrack and visual presentation all provide genuine highlights.

However, at £55, it is difficult to ignore the feeling that this is an opportunity missed. The world of Aincrad deserved a deeper and more engaging adventure, and while Echoes of Aincrad has some enjoyable moments, it ultimately feels like it needed more time and ambition.

There is a free demo available on Steam, and it provides a very good idea of what the full game offers. The gameplay loop is clear from the demo, so it is worth trying before purchasing. If you enjoy the demo, you will likely find more to enjoy in the full release.

Personally, Echoes of Aincrad was a little underwhelming. I wanted more from a game set in such an interesting world, and while there are enjoyable elements here, the overall experience never reaches the heights it could have.

Score: 6 out of 10.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2244210/Echoes_of_Aincrad/

REVIEW: Tale of Dark Lands (2026 Video Game) on PS5

Review by Jon Donnis

Tale of Dark Lands arrives on PS5 as a low poly fantasy action RPG that tries to channel the feel of a modern fairy tale wrapped in darker myth. You play a mercenary pulled from simple village work into something far more ominous, as an ancient force begins to spread across the land. It is a straightforward setup, built around progression, gear upgrades and a steady climb towards becoming a legendary figure.

There is an immediate charm to the visual presentation. The low poly style gives the world a soft, storybook quality that suits the fantasy setting surprisingly well. Villages, forests and dungeons carry a certain handmade feel, and when the lighting hits right it does manage to look appealing in a stripped back way. The character editor and equipment variety also add a small layer of personalisation, giving you room to shape your mercenary and experiment with different builds and gear combinations as you progress.

Where the game struggles is in almost everything tied to moment to moment play. Combat quickly settles into repetitive attack spamming, with very little need for timing, dodging or tactical thinking until the very late stages. Encounters begin to feel routine long before the credits roll. Navigation is another weak point, with an awkward structure that funnels you through portals and narrow paths rather than encouraging any real exploration. The story also never rises above functional fantasy filler, lacking tension or intrigue despite its darker premise. Controls feel loose, which only adds to the sense that the systems are not quite as refined as they should be, and the overall experience is short, running for only a few hours without much variation along the way.

In the end, Tale of Dark Lands is a game that looks more interesting than it plays. The visual style carries it for a while, but the shallow combat, weak storytelling and restrictive design hold it back from anything memorable. It is a brief experience that feels underdeveloped, and while it has moments of charm, they are not enough to sustain the journey. I would score Tale of Dark Lands a disappointing 4 out of 10.

Releases 2nd June on PlayStation

https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/concept/10015595

REVIEW: Ariana and the Elder Codex (2026 Video Game) - On PS5

Review by Jon Donnis

Ariana and the Elder Codex sets out with a simple but effective premise. You play as Ariana, a librarian tasked with restoring the Seven Hero Codices after they have been damaged and stripped of their magic. It is a neat hook, and the idea of physically entering books to repair them gives the game a clear identity. Each Codex feels like a contained world with its own challenges, and that sense of stepping into something broken and slowly putting it right carries the experience forward in a satisfying way.

What stands out almost immediately is the presentation. The hand drawn art style is genuinely striking, giving the game a soft, crafted feel that suits its magical theme. Environments have a clarity to them, and character designs are expressive without becoming cluttered. It is not just pretty for the sake of it either, as the visual design helps guide you through platforming sections and combat encounters without confusion.

The gameplay leans heavily into its Metroidvania roots, and for the most part it handles that structure well. Exploration feels rewarding thanks to the steady unlocking of new magic spells and abilities. With over thirty options to collect and six slots to experiment with, there is a real sense of freedom in how you approach the game. Finding a combination that suits your playstyle becomes part of the appeal, whether you favour mobility, damage, or survivability. That flexibility gives the progression a nice rhythm as previously unreachable areas gradually open up.

Combat is easily the strongest element. It feels fluid and responsive, which makes a big difference in a game that asks you to balance movement and attacks in tight spaces. Encounters are engaging without being overwhelming, and there is a clear satisfaction in learning enemy patterns and responding cleanly. The addition of Magic Items adds another layer, allowing you to tweak your build with buffs such as elemental boosts or reduced knockback. It all feeds into a system that feels considered rather than thrown together.

That said, the experience is not without its rough edges. The amount of dialogue can sometimes slow things down more than it should. There are moments where you want to stay in the flow of exploration or combat, only to be pulled into extended text sequences that feel excessive. It is not that the story is unwelcome, but the pacing could be tighter.

Boss fights are another mixed area. While they are clearly designed to test both your combat and platforming skills, some of them drift into frustration. Instead of feeling like a fair challenge to overcome, certain encounters can feel punishing in a way that breaks the rhythm the rest of the game builds so well. When the balance is right, these fights are a highlight, but when it is off, they can become a sticking point.

Even with those issues, Ariana and the Elder Codex remains an entertaining and well put together action platformer. The core loop of exploring Codices, unlocking abilities, and refining your combat approach is consistently enjoyable. It is a game that understands its strengths, particularly in how it handles combat and progression, even if it occasionally stumbles with pacing and difficulty spikes.

In the end, it lands as a fun and engaging experience with some genuinely interesting mechanics. Not flawless, but easy to recommend for anyone who enjoys this style of game. A solid 7.5 out of 10.

Out Now on PS5 - https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/concept/10013771

REVIEW: Ys X: Proud Nordics (2026 Video Game) on Playstation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

Ys X: Proud Nordics arrives on PlayStation 5 as the complete and refined edition of this entry in Nihon Falcom's long running action RPG series, bringing back all of the fast paced combat and character driven storytelling of the original while layering in meaningful new content. Rather than feeling like a simple reissue, it plays like a fuller, more confident version of the same adventure, with extra mechanics, a fresh storyline, and several practical improvements that make it easier and smoother to enjoy from start to finish.

The story still sits between Ys II and Memories of Celceta, following a younger Adol Christin during one of his early voyages. He is pulled into conflict between the seafaring Normans and the monstrous Griegr, with the open sea shaping both the tone and the structure of the journey. Proud Nordics folds in a brand new chapter set on Öland Island, where Adol teams up with the Shield Siblings, Canute and Astrid. Their mystery is woven directly into the main plot rather than tacked on at the side, so it feels like a natural extension of the adventure instead of optional filler.

Combat remains the centrepiece. The game keeps its streamlined approach with two playable characters, Adol and Karja, instead of a larger party. Duo Mode allows you to switch between them or fight in tandem, which keeps battles lively and reactive. Encounters move quickly, with plenty of dodging, countering, and ability use, and the Mana based skills continue to add tactical depth. These powers are not just for fighting. They help with traversal too, letting you move through the environment in creative ways.

This edition introduces the new Mana Hold ability, which lets you manipulate the world around you. It adds extra layers to both exploration and puzzles, encouraging you to think about the environment rather than simply running through it. Alongside that comes Muspelheim, a timed dungeon designed to be far more demanding than the main campaign. It is tough and clearly aimed at players who want a real challenge, providing a tense, high difficulty test of everything you have learned.

Naval exploration across the gulf returns as a major feature. Sailing the Sandras between islands creates a welcome sense of scale and discovery, breaking up the on foot action with travel and ship based encounters. The concept still feels ambitious, even if the ship combat can become repetitive at times. Even so, these sections give the adventure breathing space and reinforce the idea that you are on a long sea journey rather than moving through a string of disconnected levels.

On PlayStation 5, the improvements are immediately noticeable. Performance is smoother, the visuals are cleaner, and the general quality of life updates make menus and progression feel more convenient. It is simply a more comfortable way to play. Environments are broad and inviting, though some islands share similar scenery, while character designs remain colourful and expressive. The soundtrack continues to stand out, with energetic battle themes and sweeping melodies that perfectly match the pace of the action.

Narratively, the game balances light hearted adventure with quieter character moments. Adol's growing connection with Karja, along with his exposure to Norman culture, gives the story an emotional core. The added Öland Island storyline strengthens that focus rather than distracting from it. Some twists are predictable, but the journey itself stays engaging and sincere.

Taken as a whole, Ys X Proud Nordics feels like the definitive version of this chapter in the series. It keeps the strong combat, maritime atmosphere, and engaging characters of the original while adding worthwhile extras and technical polish. A few rough edges remain, particularly in the naval sections and repeated island aesthetics, yet the strengths clearly outweigh the flaws. For newcomers and returning players alike, this PlayStation 5 edition is the best way to set sail with Adol, and it remains a very solid 8.5 out of 10.

Released on February 20^th on PS5 - https://amzn.to/4axDt6S

REVIEW: Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition (On PS5)

Review by Jon Donnis

Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition arrives with the weight of a decade behind it, and that history matters. This is not a reinvention or a bold reboot. It is Bethesda Game Studios gathering everything Fallout 4 has become and presenting it as a single, definitive package. For newcomers in particular, that context shapes the experience from the moment you step out of Vault 111 into a Commonwealth still scarred by nuclear fire.

The core of Fallout 4 remains exactly as it always was. You are the Sole Survivor, emerging into a broken world driven by survival, choice and consequence, with the personal thread of searching for your missing son guiding the wider journey. The open world is vast and flexible, packed with locations, characters and quests that allow you to shape your own path. You can align with factions, forge alliances, or deliberately stand apart. That freedom is still one of the game's greatest strengths, and it gives the Commonwealth a sense of place that feels reactive rather than staged.

Character progression continues to be handled through the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system, which remains approachable while still offering depth. Whether you build a silver tongued negotiator, a stealth focused sniper, or a walking tank wrapped in Power Armor, the game supports that choice without pushing you into rigid class structures. Combat sits comfortably between real time gunplay and the tactical pause of V.A.T.S., letting you decide how much control or spectacle you want in any given fight. That flexibility helps Fallout 4 appeal to a wider range of players than many traditional role playing games.

Visually, the lighting and graphics still impress, even ten years on. The ruined streets of Boston, the blasted forests, and the quiet horror of abandoned interiors all retain a strong sense of atmosphere. It does not feel cutting edge, but it does feel confident and cohesive. The game also deserves credit for offering both first and third person perspectives. For players who struggle with motion sickness, that option can make the difference between playing comfortably and not at all, even if it occasionally complicates shooting and disrupts the flow of transitions and cut scenes.

Where the Anniversary Edition truly earns its name is in its sheer volume of content. This release includes the full base game alongside all six official add ons, from the story driven Far Harbor and Nuka World to the various Workshop expansions that deepen settlement building and crafting. On top of that, more than 150 pieces of Creation Club content are bundled in. These additions range from new weapons and power armour to building packs, player homes, gameplay tweaks, quest expansions, and even cosmetic changes such as alternative Dogmeat breeds. None of it fundamentally rewrites Fallout 4, but collectively it adds texture and variety that makes the world feel fuller.

The introduction of a dedicated in game Creations menu also makes a real difference. It simplifies discovery and access to content created by both professional developers and passionate community contributors. For players who have never engaged with mods or Creation Club material before, this integration removes much of the friction and makes experimentation feel safe and supported.

That said, the Anniversary Edition does raise an awkward question. If you already own Fallout 4 and its major expansions, is there enough here to justify buying it again. For many existing players, the answer will be no. Some were clearly hoping for hours of entirely new story content rather than a comprehensive bundle of existing add ons and curated community creations. Those expectations were likely unrealistic, but the sense of underwhelm in parts of the community is understandable.

For those who never played Fallout 4 at release, however, this edition is difficult to fault. It offers the complete experience, polished by time and packed with content, without the need to piece it together from multiple purchases. As a snapshot of one of the most celebrated open world RPGs of its generation, it feels generous and confident rather than indulgent.

Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition is not about surprise. It is about completeness. If you are new to the wasteland, this is the version to play. If you already know every inch of the Commonwealth, it may feel more like a respectful archive than a revelation. Either way, the game still holds up, and it remains easy to lose dozens of hours rebuilding, exploring and surviving on your own terms.

Score: 8.5 out of 10

Available now at https://amzn.to/3Nc6Mnu

Check out our other Fallout coverage

Fallout Meets Function with GUNNAR’s Brotherhood of Steel Glasses

Watch Fallout Series 2 on Prime Video at

https://amzn.to/49htbII

REVIEW: INK INSIDE (2025 Video Game) on Playstation

Review by Jon Donnis

INK INSIDE arrives as a confident and genuinely distinctive indie action RPG, built around a visual hook that immediately sets it apart. Inspired by the idea of a lost cartoon pilot, the game drops you into a world that looks like it has been scribbled into existence inside a stack of notebooks. It is colourful, messy, and full of personality, with hand drawn animation that feels deliberately rough around the edges while still moving with real fluidity. This is not a cheap sketchbook gimmick. It feels like a playable cartoon brought to life with care and technical skill.

You play as Stick, an unfinished doodle trapped beneath a leaking ceiling where water seeps into the notebooks and slowly corrupts the world. Friendly characters become soggy monsters, environments twist and buckle, and memories are scattered across the pages. The setup is imaginative and oddly charming, and it provides a strong foundation for the game's story driven approach. The idea of uncovering shared Genetic Memory, or Gene Meme, between creator and creation is woven into the narrative, giving the adventure a surprisingly personal edge.

Combat is where INK INSIDE makes its strongest impression. What initially looks like a straightforward beat em up quickly reveals a deeper system built around dodgeball style mechanics. Battles revolve around movement, timing, and positioning, with projectiles flying across the screen and combos forming through smart play rather than button mashing. The ball combat system adds a tactical layer that keeps encounters lively, and when everything clicks it feels fast, reactive, and genuinely fun. Filling the COOL MOVES bar and breaking through enemy defences adds a satisfying sense of momentum to fights.

The world itself is packed with personality. From Fuzzball Forest to the Sugar Swamp, each area is gorgeously illustrated and bursting with visual detail. Characters are fully voiced, animated, and memorable, helped along by strong performances from Brian David Gilbert and Deneen Melody. There is real effort put into making every major character feel distinct, from Detective Fuzz to Traff, whose rough edged attitude matches her heavy hitting combat style. The overall presentation is one of the game's biggest strengths, blending humour, nostalgia, and creative flair.

That said, INK INSIDE is not without its frustrations. The game leans heavily on dialogue, and there is a lot of it. Too much, frankly. Progress is frequently slowed by long stretches of reading when all you want to do is move, fight, and explore. While the story and characters are well written, the constant interruptions damage the pacing and make it harder to stay engaged. For players who prefer action over exposition, this becomes a real sticking point.

Exploration also struggles to maintain interest outside of combat. Despite the imaginative settings, moving through the world can feel tedious, especially when broken up by repeated dialogue sequences. The core combat loop is enjoyable, but the surrounding structure does not always support it as well as it should. There is a sense that the game wants to be many things at once, and not all of them land equally.

Ultimately, INK INSIDE is a game I admire more than I enjoy. It is original, visually striking, and clearly made with passion by a talented team. The combat is genuinely fun and surprisingly deep, and the living notebook art style is fantastic. However, the heavy reliance on dialogue and the less engaging exploration meant it never fully clicked with me. The jokey humour did not always land, and it is not entirely clear who the game is aimed at, whether kids, adults, or somewhere in between.

INK INSIDE will undoubtedly resonate with many players, particularly those who value creativity, storytelling, and experimental mechanics. For me, though, it falls short of being consistently enjoyable. If this had been a more focused, combat driven beat em up, I suspect I would have come away far more positive. As it stands, it is an interesting and ambitious game that misses the mark for my tastes.

Score. 5 out of 10.

Out Now on Playstation

https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10011260