REVIEW: R-Type Dimensions III (2026 Video Game) on PS5

Review by Jon Donnis

R-Type Dimensions III arrives on PS5 as a fully remastered return to one of shoot ’em up gaming’s most unforgiving traditions, and it wastes no time reminding you why the series has such a loyal following. This is the classic Bydo invasion story reborn, where humanity once again finds itself on the edge of extinction after its own experiments spiral into something far beyond control. You step into the cockpit of the R-90 Ragnarok and are thrown straight into hostile space where reality itself bends under the weight of biomechanical horror.

What immediately stands out is how strongly the game leans into its heritage while still trying to feel modern. Every stage, boss encounter and bullet pattern has been rebuilt with updated visuals and sound, yet the familiar structure of tight corridors, overwhelming enemy waves and near constant pressure remains intact. The option to switch instantly between the original presentation and the remastered version is one of the most striking features here, and it adds a layer of appreciation for how far the presentation has come without losing the identity of the arcade original.

The gameplay itself remains as demanding as ever. R-Type has never been subtle about difficulty, and Dimensions III continues that tradition with levels that rely heavily on memorisation, precise positioning and patience. It is the kind of game where success feels earned through repetition, and failure is a constant companion until patterns start to sink in. For newer players, the inclusion of an infinite mode softens the blow slightly, allowing progress even after repeated deaths, and it does change the overall rhythm of how approachable the game can feel without fully compromising its identity.

There is also a welcome range of modern additions that help smooth out the experience. Local co-op is included, giving the chaos a shared edge, while expanded scoring and survival mechanics add another layer for those chasing mastery. Customisable controls and a suite of quality of life options make the game easier to tailor to individual playstyles, and the inclusion of adjustable 3D camera settings gives a small but noticeable sense of flexibility in how the action is presented.

Despite these improvements, it is not without issues. There are noticeable bugs that can interrupt the flow of play, including hit detection problems and instances where bullets appear to pass through solid objects. In a series built so heavily on precision, these moments stand out more than they might in a less demanding shooter. It is the kind of flaw that ideally would be addressed through updates, but at launch it does affect the sense of polish.

There is also the question of value. At over £30, this remastered package may feel steep for what is essentially a revisited version of existing material, even with the added features and visual overhaul. Fans of the series will likely find more justification in the nostalgia and preservation effort, but newcomers might hesitate when weighing content against cost.

Taken as a whole, R-Type Dimensions III is a game defined by contrast. On one side, it is a loving restoration of a brutally iconic shoot ’em up, complete with enhanced presentation, flexible viewing options and modern conveniences that make it easier to engage with than ever before. On the other, it is still a punishing experience with technical imperfections and a price point that may not convince everyone.

For long time fans, it delivers exactly what it promises, a return to a familiar kind of chaos that demands memory, skill and persistence. For everyone else, it is a stark introduction to one of gaming’s toughest legacies, and one that does not soften its edges as much as you might expect.

Overall, R-Type Dimensions III lands as a solid but imperfect revival, best appreciated by those already invested in its history, and it earns a 7.5 out of 10.

Out Now on PlayStation

https://amzn.to/4duKXud

REVIEW: Romancing SaGa-Minstrel Song-Remastered International (Video Game on Nintendo Switch)

Review by Jon Donnis

A role-playing game that refuses to hold your hand can feel refreshing in a way most modern releases no longer risk. Romancing SaGa Minstrel Song Remastered International on the Nintendo Switch leans into that philosophy completely. It expects patience, experimentation and a willingness to get lost. Sometimes literally. That will either feel exciting or exhausting depending on what you want from an RPG.

Originally released as a PlayStation 2 remake of the 1992 Super Famicom title, this remastered version by SQUARE ENIX and Red Art Games brings the cult classic to a new audience with upgraded visuals, gameplay refinements and added French, German, Italian and Spanish text localisation options. The ability to switch between Japanese and English voice acting is also included, which long time fans will appreciate.

From the opening music alone, the game sets a theatrical and slightly surreal tone. Mardias feels ancient, mysterious and unpredictable. The story revolves around scattered Fatestones and the return of long sealed evil gods, but the narrative is not really the focus. The real emphasis is the path you choose to take through it.

The free scenario system remains one of its most distinctive features. You select one of eight protagonists, each with their own background, motivations and starting circumstances, then explore a world that rarely guides you in a straight line. It creates a genuine sense of adventure that many modern RPGs struggle to replicate. You are not simply moving from objective to objective. You are exploring, experimenting and sometimes walking into situations you are not ready for.

That freedom is both its greatest strength and its biggest weakness.

There is real satisfaction in slowly learning how everything works. The combat system, built around Glimmer and Combo mechanics, has considerable depth. Learning abilities during battle feels rewarding, and linking attacks between party members can turn difficult encounters into something far more dynamic. Battles demand attention and planning rather than repetition.

At the same time, the game can feel deliberately unclear. Quest progression is often vague, and there are moments where direction is almost entirely absent. It is easy to spend long stretches unsure whether you are progressing correctly. Some players will find that liberating, others will find it frustrating.

Progression can also be slow. Grinding is part of the experience, and difficulty spikes appear without warning. The game does not adjust itself to your readiness. It will punish poor preparation and force you to rethink your approach. There is a deliberate old school harshness to its design that can feel tiring during longer sessions.

Even so, there is a strong sense of charm running through the whole experience. The visual presentation holds up well thanks to the remaster, with stylised character models and colourful fantasy environments that suit the tone. Performance on Switch is stable in both docked and handheld play.

The soundtrack is another highlight. Several tracks stay with you long after playing, particularly the opening theme, which gives the game a strong sense of scale and identity. Voice acting is solid in both language options, even if it occasionally feels uneven by modern standards.

What stands out most in Romancing SaGa Minstrel Song Remastered International is how uncompromising it remains. Many modern RPGs are built to smooth over friction and keep players constantly moving forward. This game does the opposite. It slows you down, confuses you, challenges you and sometimes frustrates you. When it clicks, though, it becomes deeply absorbing.

It is not a game for everyone. If you prefer clear direction and steady progression, it will likely feel rough. If you enjoy experimentation and systems that do not immediately reveal themselves, there is a lot to dig into here.

Romancing SaGa Minstrel Song Remastered International preserves the identity of a cult classic while making it accessible to a wider audience. It is still tough, still uneven in places, and still unapologetically old fashioned, but it also offers a level of freedom and personality that few RPGs match.

A difficult but fascinating RPG that rewards patience and curiosity with a long, memorable journey.

7 out of 10.

Out Now on Nintendo Switch

https://amzn.to/4u3dT2r

REVIEW: Syberia - Remastered (2025 Video Game) - on Playstation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

Syberia Remastered arrives with a clear intention. It wants to let players experience Benoît Sokal's world with a modern polish while keeping the bones of the 2002 classic untouched. The result is a curious mix. It looks far better, it moves a little more smoothly, yet it still carries the quirks and charm of the original adventure. That will delight long time fans, although newcomers might find themselves wondering why some parts feel locked in a different era.

The visual overhaul is the star of the show. The updated graphics give the clockpunk world a crisp, almost storybook quality, and the reworked cutscenes sit nicely on a widescreen setup. The new camera movement adds a touch of fluidity that the original simply could not offer. There is something oddly comforting about stepping back into this world, meeting its eccentric cast, and settling into the slow burn of Kate Walker's journey from a New York lawyer on a routine job to a traveller chasing the dream of Hans Voralberg. Oscar shines again as a loyal companion, and the addition of a few fresh puzzles helps give returning players something extra to chew on.

The trouble begins once the game asks you to move around for any length of time. In 2002 this slower pace felt acceptable. In 2025 it borders on irritating. A run button would have softened things, especially when backtracking becomes part of the rhythm. The gameplay itself shows its age. It is functional and still has charm, but it sits at odds with the modern sheen of the visuals. The music is another weak point, sitting in the background without ever adding much atmosphere.

Syberia Remastered is a tricky one to judge. The essence of the original remains intact and the visual upgrade is impressive, yet the lack of deeper changes holds it back. It feels like a thoughtful preservation project rather than a bold reimagining. Fans of the first release will feel right at home. New players may wonder why the experience has not been rebuilt for today's expectations.

A classic returns with a cleaner face, though not quite a new soul. A generous 7 out of 10.

Out Now - https://amzn.to/4al6mVn