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

By Jon Donnis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Score: 7.5 out of 10

Out Now on Switch

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

REVIEW: Froggy Hates Snow (2026 Video Game) - on PC Steam

Review by Jon Donnis

Froggy Hates Snow is a survival roguelike where a frog digs through a frozen desert. You start each run from a warm home base, then head out into the snow to gather resources, uncover treasures, and return to upgrade before repeating the cycle.

The game loop is simple but incredibly addictive. You start a level, begin shovelling through snow, search for gold and gems, then make your way back to the safe hub to spend what you have collected on upgrades. That repeat structure drives the whole experience and makes each run feel purposeful even when you are just starting out again.

The graphics are perfectly decent for this type of game, doing enough to sell the cold, buried world without getting in the way of the action. It is clear and functional rather than flashy, which suits the pace of digging and returning.

One of the stronger points is that you can play with or without enemies. If you want pressure and danger, they are there in the frozen world. If you prefer a calmer experience, you can strip that back and focus on digging and collecting instead.

The anomaly zones add an extra challenge within each level. They break up the routine of digging and returning by offering riskier areas with better rewards, which gives you a reason to push further into the snow.

Overall, it is a very charming little game with fun mechanics and a distinct personality that comes through in its design and tone.

The main negative is that the levels can feel a bit samey after a while, especially once you have seen the core structure repeat enough times that the variety starts to blur.

Froggy Hates Snow is what indie games are all about. It has a good concept, an addictive gameplay loop, and it works well for both short sessions and longer play. It is the kind of game you keep returning to without really thinking about it.

I score Froggy Hates Snow a solid 9 out of 10.

Out Now on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3232380/FROGGY_HATES_SNOW/

REVIEW: Sky Legends - An aeropostal Epic (2026 VR Video Game) - on MetaQuest

Review by Jon Donnis

Sky Legends: An Aeropostal Epic is one of those games that is difficult to judge based on its description alone. At first glance it sounds like a fairly straightforward VR flying game centred around the pioneers of early aviation. After spending time with it, however, it becomes clear that SUPER AC GAMES had something much more ambitious in mind.

Rather than focusing entirely on flying, Sky Legends presents a broader look at the birth of commercial aviation in the 1920s. Players step into the roles of historical figures including Jean Mermoz and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, while also experiencing the challenges faced by those responsible for building and managing the routes that would eventually connect distant parts of the world. It is part historical adventure, part puzzle game and part interactive learning experience.

The first thing that stands out is the visual presentation. The well animated cartoon graphics are an excellent fit for the material. Everything looks clean, colourful and easy to read inside the headset, with the stylised approach giving the game a timeless quality. It never feels like it is trying to overwhelm players with technical wizardry. Instead, it focuses on creating attractive environments that invite exploration, and the result works remarkably well.

What surprised me most was just how varied the gameplay is. Flying may be the headline attraction, but it is only one part of the experience. There are management elements, story sequences, exploration sections and plenty of interactive moments that help maintain interest throughout. Every time it feels like the game is settling into a routine, it introduces something new to keep things moving.

The puzzle design deserves particular credit. The challenges are thoughtfully put together and strike a pleasing balance between accessibility and satisfaction. They encourage players to think without becoming irritating roadblocks, which is not always easy to achieve. There were several occasions where solving a puzzle felt rewarding rather than simply necessary to continue.

The flying sequences themselves are handled well. Whether scouting potential locations, following routes alongside another aircraft or taking part in famous aviation milestones, there is a genuine sense of purpose behind each journey. The game does a good job of reminding players that these flights represented real risks and extraordinary achievements at a time when aviation was still finding its feet.

What elevates Sky Legends beyond a simple flight experience is the way it embraces the wider story of Aeropostale and the people behind it. The game highlights not only the successes of these aviation pioneers but also the technical, financial and environmental challenges they faced along the way. It is clear that a great deal of care has gone into presenting this period of history with affection and respect.

There are also plenty of Easter eggs hidden throughout the experience. Players who take the time to look around rather than rushing from one objective to the next will discover numerous small details and references. These touches may not be essential, but they add personality and reward curiosity.

The biggest disappointment is the movement system. For a VR title, the reliance on point-and-click movement feels like an odd choice. It works well enough and some players will undoubtedly appreciate the comfort it provides, but I often found myself wishing for a free movement option. The game places you in some wonderful environments and there are moments where the control system creates a slight barrier between the player and the world.

The other potential stumbling block is the pace. Anyone expecting a fast-moving action game filled with constant excitement may find themselves struggling to connect with it. Sky Legends is fundamentally a narrative-driven experience. It wants players to absorb the history, engage with the characters and appreciate the journey. Those willing to meet it on those terms are likely to enjoy it far more than those looking for a traditional flight simulator.

Perhaps the game's greatest achievement is that it consistently kept me interested. I went in expecting little more than a flying game and came away feeling as though I had participated in a piece of living history. Few games manage to educate and entertain at the same time without one aspect overwhelming the other, but Sky Legends generally succeeds.

It is not perfect. The movement system could be better and the slower pace will not suit everyone. Even so, the combination of engaging puzzles, enjoyable flying sections, strong visual design and fascinating historical subject matter makes it an easy game to recommend.

Sky Legends: An Aeropostal Epic may not deliver the thrills some players expect from a VR aviation title, but it offers something arguably more memorable. It is an immersive historical adventure that celebrates the daring men and women who helped shape civil aviation, and it does so with charm, intelligence and plenty of heart.

Score: 8.5 out of 10.

Out Now on MetaQuest

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/sky-legends/24139562482340113/

REVIEW: The End of the Sun (2026 Video Game) - on Playstation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

The End of the Sun arrives with a quietly confident premise and, to its credit, it largely delivers on that sense of intrigue. Set within a Slavic fantasy world that leans heavily on folklore and ritual, the game casts you as the Ashter, a fire mage able to track echoes of the past. It is an unusual hook, and one that immediately sets it apart. From the moment you step into the abandoned village, with its lingering smoke and fractured sense of time, there is a strong feeling that something meaningful has happened here, even if the game takes its time explaining exactly what.

Visually, it is difficult to fault. The world has been crafted with clear care, and that effort shows in the detail of the buildings, objects, and natural surroundings. The use of photogrammetry gives everything a grounded, almost tactile quality. It does not feel like a generic fantasy setting. Instead, it feels rooted in something older, more specific. That authenticity feeds directly into the atmosphere, which remains one of the game’s strongest elements throughout.

The central gameplay loop is where The End of the Sun becomes most interesting. You move from bonfire to bonfire, bonding with each one to reveal hidden traces and fragments of past events. Follow the smoke, uncover clues, solve a puzzle, then shift through time to see the consequences. It is a simple structure on paper, yet it works surprisingly well in practice. There is a natural rhythm to it, and when everything clicks, it can be genuinely absorbing. Watching history subtly reshape itself as you intervene adds a layer of satisfaction that many puzzle games struggle to achieve.

The puzzles themselves are mostly well judged. They are not overly complex, but they demand attention and a willingness to observe your surroundings carefully. The real appeal comes from how they tie into the wider narrative. Solving a puzzle rarely feels isolated. Instead, it feeds into the broader mystery, revealing new perspectives on the same characters across different points in time. That sense of continuity, of seeing lives unfold across seasons and years, gives the game a quiet emotional weight.

Voice acting is another clear strength. Performances across the board feel natural and convincing, which helps ground the more fantastical elements of the story. Characters come across as real people shaped by their circumstances, rather than simple narrative devices. It adds a layer of immersion that is easy to overlook but difficult to replace.

That said, the experience is not without its frustrations. Technical issues do creep in, and they can be more than minor inconveniences. Encountering a situation where progress is blocked, with no clear way to reset or escape, breaks the flow entirely. It suggests a lack of final polish that is hard to ignore, especially in a game so reliant on careful progression through its systems.

Even outside of outright bugs, there are moments where the game’s structure works against it. It is easy to lose your bearings, leading to stretches of aimless wandering as you try to piece together your next move. While some level of uncertainty fits the investigative tone, it can tip into irritation when direction becomes too vague. The line between discovery and confusion is a fine one, and The End of the Sun does not always stay on the right side of it.

Despite these issues, there is something undeniably compelling at the heart of the experience. Its ideas feel fresh, its world feels lived in, and its approach to storytelling through time and interaction stands out. When it works, it draws you in completely. When it falters, it can push you away just as quickly.

The End of the Sun is a thoughtful and original adventure that does a lot right, even if it stumbles in key areas. It is well worth experiencing for its atmosphere and ideas alone, but patience is required. If you can push through the rough edges, there is a rewarding journey waiting underneath.

Score: 7 out of 10

Out Now on PlayStation

https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/concept/10017998

REVIEW: Mirage 7 (2026 Video Game) - Released on Playstation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

Mirage 7 on Playstation 5 is a dark fairytale adventure that blends fantasy and sci‑fi in a striking way. Players follow Nadira, a young girl traversing a harsh desert with her pet lizard Jiji, in search of the fabled oasis of Jala. The story spans multiple timelines or worlds, as Nadira attempts to find Princess Taishma in the Moon Palace to save her sister. From the very start, the narrative draws you in with its mythic tone and a sense of mystery, mixing human emotion with fantastical and technological elements.

The game excels visually. The desert landscapes are wide and imposing, with clear skies, shimmering sands, and ruined temples that reward careful exploration. Character models are expressive, and environmental details make the world feel lived‑in. Small touches, like Jiji's movements or how the environment reacts to Nadira's presence, add to the immersion. There is a sense of loneliness in the vast desert that is balanced with moments of wonder when hidden secrets or ancient temples are discovered.

Puzzle‑solving is where Mirage 7 really shines. The game encourages observation and creativity without ever feeling punishing. Jiji's abilities add a clever layer of strategy. You can send the lizard ahead to trigger switches, collect items, or even eat deadly scorpions to protect Nadira while she rests. These mechanics are introduced early and remain useful throughout, offering a unique hook that keeps exploration feeling fresh. Unlocking secret passages or piecing together environmental puzzles gives a real sense of accomplishment.

Combat is serviceable but occasionally underwhelming. Nadira wields a dagger and slingshot, and encounters range from small desert creatures to monstrous foes in underground caves and temples. While the mechanics are solid, combat rarely feels challenging or varied enough to match the rest of the game's depth. At times, the pacing slows during long stretches of travel or exploration, which can make the gameplay feel sluggish, though it allows the story and world to breathe.

One of the strongest aspects of Mirage 7 is the narrative. The dual timelines, the secrets of the underground military base, and the quest to bring Nadira's sister back create a story that is both engaging and emotionally resonant. Players uncover layers of myth and mystery at a measured pace, and the combination of atmospheric exploration and environmental storytelling makes each new discovery satisfying. The writing and pacing support the visual and gameplay design, making it feel like a complete, carefully crafted experience.

Overall, Mirage 7 is a visually appealing and narrative‑driven adventure that rewards patience, curiosity, and creativity. The dual gameplay with Jiji, the puzzle design, and the richly imagined desert and temple environments make it stand out, even if combat could be stronger. For those willing to persevere through the slower sections, the game offers a memorable journey full of secrets and surprises. I score Mirage 7 a solid 7 out of 10.

Out on Playstation from 6^th of March

https://store.playstation.com/en-au/concept/10005852/

REVIEW: Moony: Black_Lotus (2025 Vide Game) by Icegrim Softwork

Review by Jon Donnis

Icegrim Softworks' Moony: Black_Lotus invites players into a world of corrupted memories and shattered identity, where a ruined city hums with mechanical ghosts of its past. It's a 2.5D side-scroller that blends traditional jump-n-run mechanics with puzzle solving and light stealth, framed by a hauntingly beautiful orchestral score. On paper, it's familiar territory. In practice, it's a moody and thoughtful experience that manages to charm, even if it occasionally stumbles.

The atmosphere is Moony: Black_Lotus's greatest triumph. The visual storytelling carries the weight of the game's mystery without the need for dialogue or exposition. Every flicker of shadow and echo of metal feels deliberate, pulling you into its dreamlike world. The environments, though restrained in palette, are textured with decay and memory. It's the kind of world that feels alive despite being long dead.

The live-recorded orchestral soundtrack deserves a spotlight of its own. It's rich, dynamic, and seamlessly adjusts to your actions. When the strings swell as you leap across crumbling platforms or fade to a lonely piano during quiet exploration, it hits with real emotion. It's a reminder that even smaller indie titles can reach cinematic heights with the right musical direction.

Gameplay is accessible and responsive. You'll be running, leaping, and solving environmental puzzles within minutes of starting. The introduction of special abilities such as teleportation or walking through barriers adds a welcome layer of complexity without overcomplicating the core flow. The stealth segments, while not revolutionary, bring tension and variety to the pacing.

That said, the genre is saturated. For every creative spark Moony: Black_Lotus offers, there's an unavoidable sense of déjà vu. It sits in the shadow of giants like Little Nightmares and Ori and the Blind Forest, which set a high bar for emotional storytelling and mechanical precision. Icegrim's effort doesn't quite reach those heights. 

Some sections suffer from mild repetition, particularly during climbing sequences where one small mistake sends you back through long, uneventful stretches. It's not difficult, just tiresome.

Still, there's heart here. The game's willingness to tell its story through imagery rather than dialogue gives it a poetic quality. It trusts the player to pay attention, to notice, to piece things together. That's rare, and it's refreshing.

Moony: Black_Lotus is a quietly compelling experience. It doesn't redefine its genre, but it doesn't need to. For those drawn to atmospheric platformers that whisper their stories instead of shouting them, this is a fine addition to the collection.

7.5 out of 10, Beautiful, moody, and familiar. Not groundbreaking, but well worth your time.

Out Now on PC (Steam) - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2900900/MOONYBlack_Lotus/