REVIEW: NASCAR 26! (2026 Video Game) - On PlayStation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

NASCAR 26! does not completely reinvent the series, but it makes some worthwhile improvements to the driving, presentation and overall racing experience. After spending time with it on PS5, I am really enjoying what it has to offer. There are still a few problems that need attention, but when the racing comes together, this is a very enjoyable NASCAR game.

The driving physics and handling are a major strength. The cars feel responsive while retaining a convincing sense of weight and grip, making the racing feel more authentic. The new tyre and braking model also add to that feeling, giving the cars a more believable response as you push them around each track.

The new dynamic track technology is another particularly good addition. Track conditions and grip can change over the course of a race weekend, which means you cannot always rely on the surface behaving in exactly the same way. It adds another consideration to races and makes adapting to the changing conditions part of the experience.

The AI is also capable of providing some strong competition. Races feel less predictable, with the field behaving in a more natural way rather than simply following identical lines. That makes a difference during longer races, where the changing conditions and behaviour of the other cars can keep things interesting.

Visually, NASCAR 26! is an improvement over NASCAR 25. The cars and tracks look better, while the improved skies, lighting and cloud effects give the game a more convincing presentation. The new particle system also adds more smoke, debris and other effects to the action.

It is not completely polished, though. There are still some graphical glitches, including occasional problems with shadows and trackside details. Some races can also suffer from performance issues when there is a lot happening on screen. These problems do not ruin the experience, but they stand out more because the rest of the game can look so good.

Career Mode is less impressive. It has been expanded with weekly strategic decisions, Facility Upgrades and performance coaching from NASCAR greats Steve Letarte and Jamie McMurray, but it still feels fairly familiar. The additions are welcome, although they do not make the career experience feel as deep or engaging as I would have liked.

That sense of familiarity is probably the biggest criticism I have of NASCAR 26!. While there are plenty of additions and improvements, much of the game still feels like an evolution of NASCAR 25 rather than a major new chapter for the series. For some players that will not be a problem, particularly given how much has been improved on track, but it does limit the impact of the sequel.

The Chase is a useful new standalone mode, allowing you to fight for a championship over the final ten races of a season with a customisable field. Peak Performance is another sensible addition, giving players a dedicated way to work on their abilities across the different tracks.

There is also plenty of content outside those additions. The game covers the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series, while new tracks include the Qualcomm Circuit at Naval Base Coronado, Chicagoland and St. Petersburg. There is also a new spotter, Freddie Kraft, the new Ram truck, burnout celebrations, an enhanced paint kit, a trophy room and fully customisable driver ratings for 2026.

Cross-platform multiplayer is another welcome addition on PS5, allowing you to race against players on other platforms. Unfortunately, the online experience can also be frustrating. There are limited systems for dealing with poor or deliberately aggressive driving, so a clean race can quickly be ruined by somebody else.

Despite those issues, the actual racing is where NASCAR 26! succeeds. The improved handling, changing track conditions, competitive AI and better presentation combine to create races that are enjoyable to drive and capable of keeping you on your toes.

It will need some updates and patches to address the graphical and performance problems, and I would have liked Career Mode to offer more meaningful progression. It is also difficult to ignore how familiar much of the overall experience feels after NASCAR 25.

Even so, I am having a lot of fun with NASCAR 26!. It looks good, it drives well and the new features improve the racing without getting in the way of what makes NASCAR enjoyable.

For me, NASCAR 26! is easily the best NASCAR game yet released, which is exactly what it should be.

I score NASCAR 26! A solid 8 out of 10.

Out Now on PS5 - https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/concept/10018405

REVIEW: Lumentale: Memories of Trey (2026 Video Game) - on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

LumenTale: Memories of Trey arrives as a 2026 monster collector RPG that leans heavily on atmosphere, lore and creature bonding, set in the divided land of Talea where war and memory sit close to the surface. It follows Trey through a world shaped by civil conflict between Logos and Mythos, with the Lumen acting as guardians in a fractured society. On paper it is rich material, and at its best the game really does feel like it is building something meaningful rather than just another creature-collecting loop.

Visually, the game makes a strong first impression. Talea has a layered, almost painterly quality, with regions that feel distinct enough to stick in the mind after you have moved on. The Animons themselves are a real highlight. Their designs carry personality and intent, with a wide variety that helps the world feel populated rather than padded out. There is also a clear sense of care in how they are presented, and it helps anchor the emotional angle the game is aiming for, where creatures are not just tools but beings tied to a strange energy called Anivis.

Sound design and music also land well, giving the world a consistent tone that supports its more reflective moments. When LumenTale settles into its rhythm, the turn based combat system is genuinely engaging. It focuses on strategy, elemental strengths and weaknesses, and positioning your team with intention rather than relying on chance. The shift between 1v1 duels and larger 4v4 encounters adds some welcome variety, and building a team of Animons does feel rewarding when the systems click into place.

The problem is that it often takes too long to reach that point. The opening hours are slow, heavy on text, and frequently interrupt momentum just when you want to actually play. There is a constant sense of being held back by dialogue and setup, and it risks losing attention before the core systems properly open up. Even beyond the start, the pacing can feel uneven, with sections that drag more than they should for a game that is trying to hook you on discovery and collection.

There is also a roughness to the overall execution. The game feels closer to an early access build in places than a fully polished release, with unclear mechanics that are not properly explained and leave you learning through trial and error longer than is enjoyable. The user interface can also become intrusive during battles and exploration, occasionally blocking the action or breaking the flow at moments where clarity matters most. It is the sort of friction that builds up over time rather than in one single flaw.

Systems like trading, cooking at the Fountain, and managing your Animon collection through the Anispace show ambition and depth, but they are not always introduced in a way that feels smooth or intuitive. The idea of a space where your captured creatures live and train is strong, and it does help add emotional weight, yet even here the experience can feel slightly underdeveloped in terms of guidance and clarity.

In the end, LumenTale: Memories of Trey is a game with clear ambition and some genuinely strong ideas, particularly in its world building, creature design and strategic combat. However, it struggles to present those strengths cleanly, especially in its opening hours and overall polish. It is the kind of game that might find a dedicated audience willing to push through its rougher edges, but it does not make that initial investment easy.

LumenTale: Memories of Trey is ultimately a mixed experience, held together by its creativity but weakened by pacing and presentation issues. I score it a disappointing 6 out of 10.

Released on 26th May on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2261430/LumenTale_Memories_of_Trey/

REVIEW: Bright Lights of Svetlov (2026 Video Game) - on PlayStation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

There is something strangely compelling about Bright Lights of Svetlov. On paper, a slow paced first person narrative game about an ordinary Soviet family living through the mid 1980s does not exactly sound thrilling. There are no grand action sequences, no complex puzzles, and no real sense of danger hanging over every moment. Yet somehow, this short PlayStation 5 experience manages to quietly pull you into its world and keep you there until the final credits roll.

Set in a fictional industrial town somewhere in the Soviet Union, the game focuses on the daily routines and struggles of a working class family trying to get by. The setting itself is one of the game’s biggest strengths. The drab apartment blocks, faded interiors, repetitive life, and constant sense of exhaustion all feel carefully observed. Bright Lights of Svetlov does not romanticise the era, but it also avoids turning everything into misery for the sake of drama. Instead, it presents a grounded snapshot of ordinary people carrying on with life as best they can.

The atmosphere is excellent throughout. From the muted visuals to the understated sound design, the game captures a very particular mood. There is a lingering sense of weariness hanging over almost every interaction, but it never feels exaggerated or cartoonishly bleak. The Russian voice acting helps enormously here. Even if you are relying on subtitles, the performances add authenticity and emotional weight to scenes that could otherwise have fallen flat.

Gameplay is extremely minimalistic, and whether that works for you will depend entirely on your tolerance for narrative focused walking simulators. Most of your time is spent completing everyday tasks. Cooking meals, tidying rooms, fixing household problems, and preparing for family gatherings become the core mechanics. There is no challenge to these activities in the traditional gaming sense, but that is clearly intentional. The slow pace forces you to exist within the family’s routine rather than simply observing it from a distance.

At times, the deliberate pacing can feel a little too slow. Some players will absolutely bounce off the experience after the first hour, especially those expecting deeper gameplay systems or meaningful interaction beyond simple chores. Bright Lights of Svetlov asks for patience, and occasionally it tests that patience more than necessary. Certain sequences drag slightly, and there are moments where the game risks becoming repetitive.

Still, what keeps the experience engaging is the narrative itself. The story unfolds quietly across a series of chapters, gradually revealing tensions within the household and the emotional burden carried by each family member. Dialogue is sparse, but that restraint works in the game’s favour. Characters rarely deliver dramatic speeches or emotional outbursts. Instead, much of the storytelling comes through silence and the atmosphere within the apartment itself.

What surprised me most was how emotionally effective the game becomes by the end. Small moments of warmth cut through the bleakness in believable ways. Awkward moments and little acts of kindness give the characters humanity beyond their hardships. It stops the experience from feeling relentlessly miserable and gives the story genuine emotional texture.

Then there is the ending twist, which genuinely caught me off guard. Without spoiling anything, it adds an entirely new perspective to events and left me thinking about the game long after it finished. It is not a massive shocking blockbuster reveal, but it is clever, thoughtful, and meaningful enough to elevate the entire experience.

Bright Lights of Svetlov is not a game for everyone. Players looking for action, challenge, or fast paced gameplay will probably find it dull. But if you enjoy slower narrative driven experiences that focus on atmosphere, character, and emotional realism, there is something quietly memorable here.

I went into the game expecting to dislike it. Mundane life in the Soviet Union hardly sounds like an exciting premise for a video game, yet I ended up sticking with it from beginning to end. Partly because I wanted the Platinum Trophy on PS5, admittedly, but mainly because I became invested in the story and the world the developers created.

Bright Lights of Svetlov is a short but thoughtful narrative experience that succeeds through emotional authenticity and atmosphere rather than gameplay innovation. It will not appeal to everyone, but for the right audience it offers something surprisingly absorbing.

I score Bright Lights of Svetlov a solid 7 out of 10.

Out Now on PlayStation 

https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/product/EP1661-PPSA06641_00-SYPS5BRIGHTLIGHT

REVIEW: Ariana and the Elder Codex (2026 Video Game) - On PS5

Review by Jon Donnis

Ariana and the Elder Codex sets out with a simple but effective premise. You play as Ariana, a librarian tasked with restoring the Seven Hero Codices after they have been damaged and stripped of their magic. It is a neat hook, and the idea of physically entering books to repair them gives the game a clear identity. Each Codex feels like a contained world with its own challenges, and that sense of stepping into something broken and slowly putting it right carries the experience forward in a satisfying way.

What stands out almost immediately is the presentation. The hand drawn art style is genuinely striking, giving the game a soft, crafted feel that suits its magical theme. Environments have a clarity to them, and character designs are expressive without becoming cluttered. It is not just pretty for the sake of it either, as the visual design helps guide you through platforming sections and combat encounters without confusion.

The gameplay leans heavily into its Metroidvania roots, and for the most part it handles that structure well. Exploration feels rewarding thanks to the steady unlocking of new magic spells and abilities. With over thirty options to collect and six slots to experiment with, there is a real sense of freedom in how you approach the game. Finding a combination that suits your playstyle becomes part of the appeal, whether you favour mobility, damage, or survivability. That flexibility gives the progression a nice rhythm as previously unreachable areas gradually open up.

Combat is easily the strongest element. It feels fluid and responsive, which makes a big difference in a game that asks you to balance movement and attacks in tight spaces. Encounters are engaging without being overwhelming, and there is a clear satisfaction in learning enemy patterns and responding cleanly. The addition of Magic Items adds another layer, allowing you to tweak your build with buffs such as elemental boosts or reduced knockback. It all feeds into a system that feels considered rather than thrown together.

That said, the experience is not without its rough edges. The amount of dialogue can sometimes slow things down more than it should. There are moments where you want to stay in the flow of exploration or combat, only to be pulled into extended text sequences that feel excessive. It is not that the story is unwelcome, but the pacing could be tighter.

Boss fights are another mixed area. While they are clearly designed to test both your combat and platforming skills, some of them drift into frustration. Instead of feeling like a fair challenge to overcome, certain encounters can feel punishing in a way that breaks the rhythm the rest of the game builds so well. When the balance is right, these fights are a highlight, but when it is off, they can become a sticking point.

Even with those issues, Ariana and the Elder Codex remains an entertaining and well put together action platformer. The core loop of exploring Codices, unlocking abilities, and refining your combat approach is consistently enjoyable. It is a game that understands its strengths, particularly in how it handles combat and progression, even if it occasionally stumbles with pacing and difficulty spikes.

In the end, it lands as a fun and engaging experience with some genuinely interesting mechanics. Not flawless, but easy to recommend for anyone who enjoys this style of game. A solid 7.5 out of 10.

Out Now on PS5 - https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/concept/10013771

REVIEW: Planet of Lana II (2026 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Planet of Lana II picks up two years after the events of the first game and brings players back to the mysterious world of Novo. Developed by Wishfully and published by Thunderful Publishing, the sequel sticks closely to the formula that made the 2023 original memorable. It remains a 2.5D side scrolling puzzle platform adventure built around atmosphere, environmental storytelling, and the bond between Lana and her small cat like companion Mui. The result is a game that often feels warm and familiar, though not always in ways that benefit it.

From the moment the journey begins, it is clear that the visual presentation remains one of the series' greatest strengths. The hand painted environments are striking. Frozen mountain ranges, deep ocean spaces, and ancient ruins unfold across the screen with a quiet sense of scale and detail. The world feels alive without the need for spoken dialogue. Characters communicate through an alien language while the environment and music carry the emotional weight. It is a confident storytelling approach that invites players to read between the lines rather than be told everything directly.

The orchestral score plays a huge part in that atmosphere. The music gently moves alongside the action, swelling during moments of discovery and pulling back when the story becomes more intimate. It is consistently pleasant to listen to and helps maintain the calm cinematic tone the series is known for. Combined with the visual design, it gives the game a polished and thoughtful presentation that is easy to admire.

Lana herself feels more capable this time around. Set a couple of years after the first adventure, she is older, more confident, and noticeably more agile. Players can now wall jump, dash, slide, and move through the world with greater freedom. Mui also receives expanded abilities. The small creature can hack machines and use telepathic powers to briefly control other creatures in the environment. These skills feed directly into the puzzle design, which relies heavily on cooperation between the two characters.

Many of the puzzles are genuinely clever. They often ask players to observe their surroundings carefully, time actions correctly, and use Lana and Mui together in small but satisfying ways. Compared with the first game, some challenges are more layered and make better use of the characters' expanded abilities. When the design clicks, solving a puzzle feels natural and rewarding rather than overly mechanical.

The story also deserves praise. The narrative explores the consequences of technological progress on Lana and Mui's home world. New inventions promise advancement but also bring greed and imbalance among the planet's tribes. As the journey unfolds, the pair uncover buried truths about the planet and hints about Mui's origins. It is an emotional thread that encourages players to care about the characters and stay curious about what comes next.

Despite these strengths, the sequel struggles to feel like a true step forward. One of the most noticeable issues lies in the pacing. The adventure lasts roughly six hours, yet stretches of that time are spent simply running across environments while little happens. The scenery is attractive, but extended quiet sections can make the experience feel padded rather than purposeful.

The puzzles themselves are also inconsistent. While some are clever and satisfying, others feel strangely simple or unnecessarily convoluted. At times the game introduces an idea only to resolve it quickly without much challenge. This uneven balance removes some of the tension that puzzle platform games thrive on.

Controls present another frustration. Lana's new abilities expand what she can do, but the movement never feels quite as smooth as it did in the original game. Something about the responsiveness feels slightly off. Actions can seem less intuitive, which is surprising given the additional movement options. Instead of making progress feel fluid, the extra mechanics sometimes slow things down.

Audio design is another mixed area. The orchestral music is excellent throughout, yet the character sounds are less successful. The laughter, chirps, and fragments of alien language can become grating over time. What is meant to add charm occasionally ends up distracting from the otherwise strong atmosphere.

The short length of the adventure also raises questions. A six hour journey is not necessarily a problem for a story driven game, but here it feels slightly thin. The original title offered a more consistent flow of puzzles and discoveries. In comparison, this sequel contains fewer memorable puzzle sequences and more stretches of simple traversal.

The ending does little to resolve that feeling. The story closes on a cliffhanger that feels abrupt rather than exciting. After investing several hours in Lana and Mui's journey, the conclusion arrives quickly and leaves more questions than answers. For some players that may hint at a future continuation, though it risks feeling unsatisfying in the moment.

Taken as a continuation of the first game's story, Planet of Lana II works well enough. The characters remain likeable, the world is still beautiful, and the emotional tone is intact. However, as a full sequel it never quite improves on what came before. The original game felt tighter, more focused, and more confident in its design.

That sense of familiarity is both the sequel's strength and its weakness. Returning fans will appreciate revisiting Lana and Mui, yet the experience rarely evolves beyond the foundations already established. In some ways it almost feels closer to an extended follow up episode rather than a major new chapter.

For players who already subscribe to Xbox Game Pass, it is certainly worth a look. The atmosphere, music, and character driven storytelling remain engaging even when the gameplay falters. Those expecting a significant leap forward from the first game may come away a little disappointed.

Planet of Lana II is still a charming and thoughtful adventure, but it struggles to escape the shadow of its predecessor. What should have been a confident next step instead feels like a smaller return to familiar ground.

Score. 6.5 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox

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/