REVIEW: Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater (2025 Video Game) - On Playstation 5

Review By Jon Donnis

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater arrives on PlayStation 5 with a weighty legacy on its shoulders. The 2004 original was not only a fan favourite but also the first story chronologically in the Metal Gear saga, setting the stage for everything that followed. Set in 1964 at the height of Cold War paranoia, you step into the boots of FOX operative Naked Snake, tasked with extracting a Soviet rocket scientist, dismantling the nuclear superweapon Shagohod, and facing off against his mentor turned traitor, The Boss. It's a tale of betrayal, loyalty and politics, wrapped in Kojima's familiar mix of high drama and eccentric detail.

At its core, Delta is faithful to what Snake Eater already was. You sneak through jungle and industrial environments, avoid guards and traps, and scavenge weapons and gadgets to survive. The survival mechanics return, where treating cuts, bruises and bullet wounds becomes part of the immersion. In fact, this time, Snake's injuries leave permanent marks, scars that stay with him throughout your playthrough. The camouflage system has been given an extra layer too, with mud, dirt and falling leaves sticking to his gear and leaving him battered and worn as the mission drags on. The Survival Viewer reflects all of this in vivid detail, and the presentation is undeniably impressive.

Delta also caters to both newcomers and veterans with two styles of play. The "New Style" borrows from modern action games with contemporary controls and a free camera, while the "Legacy Style" keeps the fixed camera angles and systems from the original, a nostalgic nod for long-time fans. Even the odd little "Snake vs Monkey" mini-game makes its return on PS5, a quirky reminder of the series' playful side.

The problem, though, is that for all the polish, nothing feels truly new. Underneath the shiny coat of paint, this is still very much a 2004 game, and in 2025, that shows. Some may see that as a positive, after all, it preserves the original vision, but others will feel short-changed. With a 90GB install size and a £60 price tag, it's hard not to question whether this is a remake in spirit or more of a remastered cash grab.

To be fair, Delta is the best way to experience Snake Eater today if you've never played it before. It looks stunning, the mechanics feel tighter, and the atmosphere holds up. But if you already loved the original, you may be left wishing for something braver, something that truly reimagined the game rather than just dressing it up.

I'd call it a good but safe update, one that plays well and respects the source material, but ultimately feels dated. For me, it lands at a 6 out of 10. A solid experience, but not the fresh take many of us were hoping for.

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REVIEW: American Arcadia (2025 Video Game) on Xbox

Game provided by Out of the Blue Games

Review by Jon Donnis

American Arcadia is a stylish, story-driven puzzle-platformer from Out of the Blue and published by Raw Fury, which delivers one of the most original and polished indie experiences of recent years. Set in a retro-futuristic 1970s metropolis, the game follows Trevor Hills, an ordinary man whose life is turned upside down when he discovers that his entire existence has been broadcast to the world as part of a reality TV show. When his popularity ratings drop, he becomes a target for elimination. What follows is a thrilling escape, aided by a backstage technician named Angela Solano who works to guide Trevor out of the illusion and into the real world.

The game presents two distinct gameplay styles. Trevor's story unfolds through side-scrolling platforming sequences, filled with clever puzzles and interactive elements that require timing, precision and observation. Angela's segments take place in first-person and focus on hacking, surveillance and environmental manipulation. The transitions between these modes are seamless, and in several inventive moments, players must control both characters simultaneously. This dual-character structure is executed with confidence and creativity, never feeling gimmicky. Instead, it forms the backbone of the experience, creating tension and variety throughout.

American Arcadia builds its world with flair and precision. Arcadia itself is a vibrant, pastel-soaked city where everything seems perfect on the surface, but sinister truths lurk beneath. The retro-inspired visuals are rich and distinctive, while the environments remain grounded enough to make Trevor's escape feel believable. The storyline draws heavily from the concept explored in The Truman Show, but brings its own flair, layering in social commentary about surveillance, media control and the loss of privacy. The writing is sharp and intelligent, with a pace that keeps the narrative engaging from start to finish.

What truly elevates the game is its voice cast. Yuri Lowenthal brings emotional range and quiet desperation to Trevor, making him a compelling and sympathetic protagonist. Krizia Bajos as Angela delivers a performance full of resolve and subtle humour, creating a strong and believable partnership between the two leads. These performances anchor the story, making even the more surreal elements feel grounded.

While the platforming sections are consistently enjoyable, the first-person segments with Angela can feel less engaging by comparison. They serve the story well and add variety, but the pace sometimes slows, and the mechanics, while competent, lack the same spark. Even so, the experience remains cohesive, with the alternating gameplay styles reinforcing the dual narrative and keeping the player invested.

American Arcadia succeeds on almost every level. It looks fantastic, sounds great and tells a gripping, well-paced story filled with tension, emotion and humour. The puzzles are satisfying, the platforming is smooth, and the alternating character perspectives are used to full advantage. It captures the paranoia of being watched, the absurdity of media spectacle and the human desire for freedom, all within a tightly crafted adventure. It may not reinvent the wheel, but it polishes it to a shine few games achieve. This is one of those rare indie titles that combines technical quality with artistic ambition, and it delivers something unforgettable.

A clear highlight of the year, American Arcadia is an experience worth seeking out. Whether you are drawn in by its clever gameplay, compelling narrative or eye-catching world, this is a game that earns your time and delivers a near perfect ride from start to finish.

I score American Arcadia a near perfect 9.5 out of 10. Game of the year on consoles so far?