REVIEW: Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy (2026 Video Game) - On PS5

Review by Jon Donnis

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is an interesting new chapter for the A Plague Tale series. Developed by Asobo Studio and published by Focus Entertainment, the third instalment takes the franchise in a slightly different direction while still retaining the atmosphere, storytelling and tension that have helped define the series. Set 15 years before the events of A Plague Tale: Innocence, it introduces Sophia, a fierce young plunderer whose search for answers about her past leads her to the mysterious Minotaur's Island.

The biggest change is immediately apparent in the gameplay. Whereas the previous games were primarily built around stealth, Resonance is considerably more action-oriented. Sophia is a much more capable protagonist, able to parry incoming attacks and respond with deadly finishing moves. Combat is therefore faster and more fluid than it has been in previous entries, and there is a greater sense that Sophia can actively take on the dangers around her rather than constantly being forced to avoid them.

That change works surprisingly well. The combat gives Resonance its own identity without completely abandoning the elements that made the earlier games effective. There are still tense stealth sections, and some of the game's most frightening moments come when you are forced to stay hidden and carefully work out how to progress. The combination of combat, stealth, exploration and puzzles provides a welcome variety, even if some individual elements become less effective as the adventure progresses.

The Greek setting is another major strength. Moving the series into this environment gives Resonance a distinctive visual identity, with the changing landscapes and environments making the different sections of the island feel suitably varied. Asobo Studio has created another beautiful world to explore, and the visuals help establish an atmosphere that remains strong throughout the game. There is a sense of mystery surrounding the island that works particularly well alongside the game's mythology and increasingly compelling story.

The dual-timeline mechanic is also an intriguing addition. Being able to move between the Middle Ages and the Minoan period gives the adventure another layer, particularly when events in the past can influence what happens in the present. It is a clever idea that fits naturally with the game's exploration of ancient history, myth and fate, while giving the puzzles an additional dimension.

The light-based puzzles are generally clever and make good use of the environments, although they are not without their problems. There are sections where these puzzles begin to feel repetitive, while some of the mid-section puzzles have the unfortunate effect of slowing the adventure down just when the narrative should be gathering momentum. The opening chapters also take a little too long to find their stride, meaning the game does not make the strongest possible first impression.

Thankfully, the story becomes increasingly compelling as it progresses. Sophia is a strong central character, and Anna Demetriou delivers an excellent performance that gives the character the personality and emotional weight she needs. The wider character performances are similarly strong, while the soundtrack and sound design do a great deal to reinforce the atmosphere. There is a genuine emotional resonance to the storytelling, particularly as Sophia's journey becomes increasingly connected to the ancient history surrounding the Prima Macula.

Resonance also succeeds in working as a standalone adventure. Knowledge of the previous games will naturally give returning players more context, but the story is structured in a way that allows newcomers to engage with Sophia's journey without feeling completely lost. At the same time, the game expands the wider A Plague Tale universe rather than simply repeating what came before.

Unfortunately, the new emphasis on action is not always matched by sufficient depth. The combat can be simplistic, and despite its speed and fluidity, it can become repetitive. Sophia's abilities make her considerably more capable than the protagonists of the previous games, but the combat system does not always provide enough variety to sustain that approach for the entire adventure.

The traversal mechanics are similarly straightforward, and the skill tree does not add a great deal to the overall experience. These systems are functional rather than particularly memorable, and there are moments when it feels as though Resonance could have done more to develop its mechanics.

Pacing is perhaps the game's biggest weakness. The slow start, some of the mid-section puzzles and occasional weaknesses in the narrative structure prevent the adventure from maintaining the momentum it establishes later on. The stealth sections are particularly effective when they work, creating some genuinely frightening sequences, but they can begin to feel rather samey towards the end.

Even with these shortcomings, there is plenty to admire here. Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is willing to take the series somewhere new rather than simply attempting to recreate the previous games. The Greek setting, dual timelines and increased focus on combat give it a distinct identity, while the excellent atmosphere, strong performances, engaging story and beautiful environments ensure that it still feels unmistakably like A Plague Tale.

It may not reach the heights of A Plague Tale: Requiem, but that does not make Resonance a disappointment. It is a worthwhile addition to the franchise and an enjoyable action-adventure in its own right. The pacing and repetitive elements stop it from being truly exceptional, but the ambition behind the new direction is clear, and the strongest parts of Sophia's journey are genuinely compelling.

I have enjoyed the A Plague Tale series as a whole, and I enjoyed my time with Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy. It successfully expands the universe while offering something different, and despite its weaknesses, there is more than enough here to recommend it.

I score the game a solid 8 out of 10.

Out Now on PS5 and Xbox at

https://link.amazon/B00VG5giA

REVIEW: Super Arcade Soccer 2026 (2026 Video Game) - on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Super Arcade Soccer 2026 arrives with a wonderfully simple idea. Take the fast, accessible football games of the 1990s, mix in modern physics and a colourful cartoon presentation, and create something that captures the pick-up-and-play appeal of classics such as Sensible Soccer, Kick Off and Super Sidekicks. On paper, it sounds almost impossible to get wrong.

Unfortunately, the reality is very different.

Super Arcade Soccer 2026 is one of those games where the concept is considerably more enjoyable than the finished product. There is plenty here that sounds appealing, from the extensive selection of teams and players to the various game modes and local multiplayer options, but actually playing the game quickly becomes an exercise in frustration.

The presentation is one of the stronger aspects. The cartoon-style graphics are decent without trying to be overly complicated, and the overall look suits the arcade approach. The sound effects are also good, while the music does its job nicely in the background. It certainly looks and sounds like a game that understands the sort of experience it is trying to recreate.

The developers have also done a reasonably entertaining job of getting around the lack of official football licences. You obviously do not get the real names of the clubs and players, but rather than simply making everything completely unrecognisable, the game takes the old-fashioned approach of altering names just enough to make it obvious who everyone is supposed to represent.

So, instead of Liverpool FC, you get The Kop FC. Players receive similarly amusing variations on their real names, with Mohammed Salah becoming Mohemed Seleh, for example. I have always had a soft spot for this sort of thing in unlicensed football games, and there is something nostalgic about seeing it here. It feels like a throwback to an era when developers had to be rather more creative.

There is also plenty of content on paper. The game features 48 qualifying national teams, more than 100 clubs and over 1,800 players inspired by real-life stars. There are Quick Matches, Cups and Leagues, International Showdown, local Showdowns and multiplayer for up to four players. You can also customise teams, alter line-ups and formations, adjust tactics and customise players.

That is a lot of football for a relatively straightforward arcade game.

The problem is that none of it matters very much when the fundamental act of playing football is not enjoyable.

The controls are the biggest issue by some distance. For a game that is supposed to be about simple, responsive arcade football, the controls frequently feel anything but responsive. The players are painfully slow unless you are constantly holding down the sprint button, and this makes the matches feel sluggish rather than fast and exciting.

That is particularly frustrating because speed should be one of the easiest things for an arcade football game to get right. You should be able to pick up the controller, immediately understand what your player can do and start enjoying yourself. Instead, Super Arcade Soccer 2026 constantly gets in the way.

Passing is another major problem. The ball regularly fails to go where you expect it to, making what should be a simple pass feel unpredictable. Arcade football can absolutely have exaggerated physics and unusual behaviour, but there still needs to be a clear connection between what you ask the player to do and what happens on screen.

Shooting is perhaps the strangest example.

Tap the shoot button and the ball can simply travel about a metre in front of your player. There is very little satisfaction in pressing a button to shoot only to watch the ball barely leave your feet. Instead, you find yourself having to hold the button down just to produce anything resembling a proper shot.

That completely undermines the supposed simplicity of the controls. A game inspired by classic arcade football should make shooting immediately understandable and enjoyable. You should be able to hammer the button and launch ridiculous shots towards goal. Instead, Super Arcade Soccer 2026 makes you think about how long you need to hold a button before the game will actually let you kick the ball properly.

This is where the game's ambitions become particularly frustrating. The developers talk about curl, swerve, knuckleballs, volleys, headers, lobs, finesse shots and sliding tackles, alongside full player ragdolls and realistic ball physics. There is clearly a lot going on beneath the surface.

But more does not necessarily mean better.

The game needed to get the basics absolutely right before worrying about whether goal nets stretch and snap back or whether every player fall looks different. When passing and shooting do not feel right, those more elaborate features become almost irrelevant.

The strange thing is that this should be such an easy formula to understand. Give players responsive controls, make the football fast, make scoring satisfying and then throw in ridiculous shots, entertaining tackles and plenty of chaos. That is the appeal of arcade football.

Instead, Super Arcade Soccer 2026 feels like a game that has concentrated on recreating the appearance and feature list of an arcade football game without capturing what actually made those games fun.

The local multiplayer options are potentially one of the game's biggest strengths. Supporting one to four players, with both competitive and co-operative play and Remote Play Together, gives Super Arcade Soccer 2026 the sort of structure that could have made it a brilliant game for playing with friends.

Unfortunately, even multiplayer cannot solve the fundamental control problems. If the football itself does not feel good, having more people involved simply means more people experiencing the same frustrations.

There is a good idea buried inside Super Arcade Soccer 2026. In fact, there may be a very good game buried inside it. The combination of classic arcade football, modern physics, exaggerated presentation, lots of teams and players and four-player local multiplayer sounds exactly like the sort of football game I would love to spend hours playing.

That makes the current state of the game all the more disappointing.

Super Arcade Soccer 2026 feels like it needed considerably more development and testing before being released. The problems are not minor imperfections that can simply be overlooked. They affect the basic controls and therefore the entire experience. It needs more than a little polishing. The core gameplay needs serious attention.

I genuinely wanted to like this game. The idea of a modern arcade football game that forgets about realism and simply concentrates on being fast, ridiculous and fun is something I would welcome with open arms. Why can't we have a simple arcade football game with the responsive controls of FIFA / EAFC, combined with arcade-style fun, ridiculous long-range shots, dumb tackles and fast gameplay?

After playing Super Arcade Soccer 2026, I found myself thinking that I could probably go back in time, find a random football arcade game from the 1980s and have more fun with it.

That is an incredibly frustrating conclusion to reach, because Super Arcade Soccer 2026 should have been such an easy win.

For me, this is probably the most disappointing video game I have played this year. There is a decent presentation, plenty of content and a genuinely appealing concept, but the controls and basic gameplay make it extremely difficult to recommend.

Super Arcade Soccer 2026 is a Super disappointing 3/10.

Out Now on Steam for £7.45. Perhaps wait for a few updates before considering it.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/4653510/Super_Arcade_Soccer_2026/

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: Adorable Adventures (2026 Video Game) - on PlayStation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

There is something immediately charming about Adorable Adventures from the moment you take control of Boris, the energetic little baby boar at the centre of this gentle exploration game. Set against the backdrop of a forest recovering from a devastating fire, the game takes a surprisingly heartfelt approach to what could have easily been a far more basic family friendly platformer. Instead, it delivers a relaxing and often rewarding adventure that feels designed for players who simply want to wander, explore, and enjoy the journey at their own pace.

The game follows Boris as he searches for his missing family across a sprawling natural landscape inspired by the Cévennes National Park in Southern France. It is a genuinely beautiful world to spend time in. Rolling hills, shaded woodland paths, rocky caves, streams and open meadows all feel vibrant and alive on the PlayStation 5. The lighting is especially impressive, with warm sunlight filtering through trees and reflecting naturally across water and stone surfaces. For a game built around peaceful exploration, the visuals do a fantastic job of pulling you into its world.

Movement also feels playful and full of personality. Boris is constantly darting through fields, scrambling over rocks, splashing through rivers and rooting through bushes like an excitable animal discovering the world for the first time. Simply moving around is enjoyable. There is a carefree quality to the game that makes even small activities feel rewarding.

One of the most interesting mechanics is Boris’s developing sense of smell. Scents act as both navigation and puzzle solving tools throughout the adventure. What initially seems simple gradually becomes more layered as Boris learns to identify different smells and filter them out. You might begin tracking one scent trail only for another smell to interrupt the process completely, forcing you to investigate something else first before returning to your original objective. It creates a natural flow to exploration that keeps the gameplay engaging for quite a while.

The side activities are another pleasant surprise. Unlockable races where Boris sprints through checkpoint trails are genuinely entertaining, mostly because controlling the little boar is so enjoyable in the first place. Photography challenges, environmental clean up tasks and hidden secrets all help the world feel more interactive and lived in. There are countless small touches throughout the game that reward curiosity. One particularly memorable example comes from discovering a football and nudging it into a nearby goal, triggering a charming narrated response. Moments like that appear constantly across the adventure and give the game a warm personality.

The narration itself deserves praise as well. Maxime, the park ranger guiding Boris through his journey, adds a comforting tone to the experience. The voice work never feels overbearing and instead quietly complements the exploration and storytelling. The game understands that silence and atmosphere are just as important as dialogue.

Adorable Adventures also works brilliantly as an introduction to open world game design for younger players or newcomers to gaming. Objectives are easy to understand, the world encourages experimentation without punishment, and progression feels organic rather than stressful. It manages to teach exploration naturally through play instead of overwhelming players with endless markers or tutorials.

That said, the game is not without problems. The camera can become frustrating in tighter areas, especially when climbing steeper terrain or navigating enclosed spaces. There are moments where the camera angle fights against the player more than it should, occasionally making movement awkward. It is not game breaking, but it does happen often enough to stand out.

The main story is also relatively short if you focus only on the central objectives. Players who rush through the family rescue storyline will probably finish sooner than expected. Thankfully, the game encourages exploration strongly enough that completionists and curious players will find plenty more hidden throughout the world, including easter eggs and optional activities.

The biggest issue is repetition. While the smell tracking system is clever, the gameplay loop can start to feel familiar after extended sessions. Searching for scents, following trails and solving similarly structured tasks eventually loses some of its novelty. Whether this becomes a serious problem will depend entirely on the player. Younger gamers or those completely new to exploration games may never tire of it. In fact, it feels like exactly the sort of game many casual players will completely fall in love with.

Adorable Adventures succeeds because it understands exactly what it wants to be. It is not trying to reinvent open world games or deliver massive cinematic spectacle. Instead, it focuses on creating a peaceful, charming and genuinely relaxing experience filled with rewarding exploration and lovely little details. Between its beautiful presentation, enjoyable traversal mechanics and heartfelt atmosphere, it becomes very easy to simply relax and lose yourself in Boris’s adventure for a few hours.

Adorable Adventures is a warm, comforting and consistently enjoyable game that delivers exactly the kind of relaxing exploration experience it promises.

8.5 out of 10.

Out Now on PS5 - https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/concept/10017971/

REVIEW: Guilty Gear Strive Version 2.0 - (2026 Video Game) by Arc System Works

Review by Jon Donnis

Arc System Works has never been shy about reinventing its flagship series, but Guilty Gear Strive Version 2.0 feels like a deliberate attempt to redraw the lines entirely. Marketed as a reconstruction rather than a simple update, it still carries the DNA of a franchise that has been evolving since 1998. What stands out immediately is how confidently it balances that legacy with a push towards something broader, cleaner, and more inviting.

The visual overhaul remains one of its strongest assets. The 2.5D presentation is striking without feeling excessive, blending hand drawn style with sharp modern rendering. During fights, the camera work adds a sense of drama that rarely lets up, especially when a wall break triggers and the entire stage shifts around you. It feels fluid, almost theatrical at times, and that sense of motion carries through to the animation itself, which is consistently smooth and expressive. There is a rhythm to it all that makes even simple exchanges feel impactful.

Sound plays a huge role in that rhythm. The rock soundtrack is relentless in the best way, pushing each match forward with a kind of urgency that suits the pace of the combat. It is loud, confident, and perfectly in tune with the chaos on screen. Combined with the visual flair, it creates an atmosphere that feels intense without becoming exhausting.

Underneath that presentation sits a combat system that demands patience. This is not a game that rewards careless button pressing for long. At first, it can feel stiff or even unforgiving, especially if you are not used to the genre. Moves require precision, timing matters, and defence is just as important as offence. The game does try to meet players halfway through its tutorial, mission, and training modes, all of which are surprisingly thorough. Spend time there and things begin to click. Combos start to flow, positioning makes sense, and the chaos becomes something you can control rather than just survive.

The new Wall Break mechanic adds a fresh layer to that control. Corner pressure has always been a staple of fighting games, but here it leads to dynamic stage transitions that reset the pace and shift momentum. It keeps matches from feeling too static and encourages a more aggressive, forward moving style of play.

Beyond the core fighting, there is a surprising amount to explore. The Combo Maker allows players to create and share sequences, turning practice into something almost communal. Digital Figure mode goes in a completely different direction, letting you stage scenes with characters, poses, and effects. It feels like a creative sandbox tucked inside a fighting game, and while not essential, it adds a layer of personality.

The Duel Tower online system is designed to match players by skill, dividing competitors across different floors. In theory, it works well, giving a sense of progression and keeping matches fair. In practice, there is an unavoidable barrier. Ranked online play sits behind a PlayStation Plus subscription, which will frustrate anyone hoping to jump straight into competitive matches without extra cost. There is plenty to do offline, including a branching arcade mode with character specific stories, but the restriction still feels unnecessary.

Cost becomes a recurring issue the deeper you go. The base game is reasonably priced, but unlocking the full roster through season passes quickly adds up. Factor in the subscription for online play and the total climbs steeply over time. For dedicated players, that investment might feel justified. For newcomers or casual fans, it is a harder sell.

The story, positioned as the conclusion to a long running narrative, is dense but engaging if you are already invested. Sol Badguy’s final conflict with Asuka R. Kreutz, alongside the chaos brought on by I No and Happy Chaos, brings a sense of closure that the series has been building towards for years. It leans heavily on its own history, which can make it difficult to follow for new players, but it does deliver a clear ending for its central character.

At its best, Guilty Gear Strive Version 2.0 is exhilarating. It looks incredible, sounds even better, and offers a combat system that rewards dedication. At its worst, it can feel overwhelming, both in terms of its on screen intensity and its overall cost. It asks a lot from its players, whether that is time, patience, or money.

Even so, there is no denying the craft on display. This is a polished, confident fighting game that knows exactly what it wants to be. It just does not make it easy for everyone to fully enjoy it.

Guilty Gear Strive Version 2.0 earns a solid 8 out of 10. It is a brilliant experience for those willing to commit, but the barriers around it stop it from being an easy recommendation for everyone.

Out Now on Playstation

https://amzn.to/4cRtSKM

Thank you to Arc System Works for the game key.