Showing posts with label exploration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exploration. Show all posts

31 May 2026

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




4 May 2026

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


4 Mar 2026

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

Mirage 7

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 6th of March


20 Oct 2025

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

Moony: Black_Lotus

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 dĂ©jĂ  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.