REVIEW: Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is one of those rare stealth adventure games that manages to feel both intimate and expansive at the same time. It's set in this fictional Nordic city, Eriksholm, which feels like it's been lifted straight from the early 1900s with a perfect blend of elegance and grit. The isometric perspective really helps bring that world to life, allowing you to soak in the details while plotting your next move.

You start off playing as Hanna, a young orphan whose brother Herman vanishes after stealing something valuable. From there, it quickly turns into a tense, layered narrative about family, loyalty, and the unexpected consequences of actions. Alongside Hanna, you gain control of two other characters, Alva and Sebastian, each bringing their own skills to the table. This swapping mechanic adds depth to the stealth gameplay, since you're constantly thinking about how best to use their unique abilities, Hanna crawling through vents, Alva scaling drainpipes, Sebastian swimming through water, to outwit your pursuers.

What stands out most is the game's atmosphere. The city of Eriksholm feels alive and a little dangerous, every shadow inviting you to hide, every corner threatening discovery. The animations in the cut scenes are stunning, smooth, and detailed, which only pulls you deeper into the story. For a game with such a tight stealth focus, the controls are surprisingly accessible. It's easy to pick up but doesn't feel shallow. There's a satisfying tension in navigating through guards and using environmental clues to avoid detection. And if you get caught, the game nudges you back just before, keeping the frustration low but the stakes high.

The story itself is genuinely gripping. It's personal without being overbearing, and the mysteries unravel with some solid twists that keep you guessing. It's the kind of narrative that stays with you after you've put the controller down. The puzzles aren't overly complicated but provide enough variety and challenge to keep things interesting. They feel fair and well integrated into the story rather than shoehorned in.

On the downside, Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is quite linear. If you're someone who thrives on open-world exploration or likes wandering off the beaten path, this might feel restrictive. The city is detailed and beautiful, but you don't get the freedom to roam anywhere you want, which could be a disappointment for those used to more sandbox-style stealth games.

Still, for what it sets out to do, it does it brilliantly. The blend of narrative and gameplay, the sharp design of the levels, and the well-crafted characters make it one of the best isometric stealth adventures in recent years. I'm not usually a fan of the genre, so for me to come away this impressed says a lot.

I really enjoyed my time with Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream and would give it a strong 9.5 out of 10. It's definitely worth your time if you want a thoughtful, atmospheric stealth game with a story that stays with you.

Out now on Xbox - Xbox.com/en-US/games/store/eriksholm-the-stolen-dream/

REVIEW: WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers – Soulslike Style Without the Soul

Review by Jon Donnis

WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers is built to satisfy fans of Soulslike punishment. That much is clear. It looks the part. It sounds familiar in a way that leans more on nostalgia than originality. The world is brutal and broken, and you're dropped into it without much ceremony or comfort. There's a dark, twisted beauty to the land of Shu, but getting through it takes more patience than many will have.

You play as Wuchang, a skilled pirate warrior battling amnesia, monsters, and a mysterious illness called Feathering. The premise is solid. There's plenty of atmosphere and some striking moments of visual world-building. Strange creatures roam the ruins. Factions fight over scraps. And in the shadows, a creeping madness grows. It should feel thrilling. It should make you lean in.

But instead, the game keeps you at a distance.

The core issue is the combat. It wants to be weighty and deliberate, but it mostly feels slow and clunky. Movement is awkward. Attacks lack the snap and rhythm you'd expect from a title in this genre. Even the Skyborn Might system, which promises power and flexibility, rarely feels satisfying. You can customise builds, enchant weapons, and dive into a skill tree that offers new attacks and perks. On paper, that sounds rich. In practice, it's confusing and oddly lifeless. There's depth, but no real sense of discovery.

The Inner Demon system is an interesting idea. In theory, it adds risk and unpredictability. Your own shadow could lash out at you if you're careless. But this never quite gels with the rest of the mechanics. It feels more like a gimmick than a proper feature, and that's a shame.

Boss fights, the lifeblood of any good Soulslike, fall flat here. Designs are derivative. Patterns are repetitive. And too often, they feel like tests of your patience rather than your skill. The enemies you face along the way suffer from the same problem. They fill the world but don't really define it. There's nothing particularly memorable or distinct about them. They just get in your way.

The story, while present, is easy to miss. You're supposed to piece it together as you go, but the fragments feel thin. With no clear narrative pull, it's hard to care what happens next. Wuchang's past should have been a driving force. Instead, it gets lost in the noise.

And then there are the technical problems. Framerate drops are a dealbreaker in a game like this. If you're asking players to be precise, every stutter, every lag, breaks the experience. In 2025, that's hard to excuse, even if future patches might help.

There are good ideas here. You can see the ambition. Some players will appreciate the harsh challenge and the grim setting. If you're a die-hard Soulslike fan, this might still scratch the itch. But it never truly stands out. The gameplay lacks spark. The systems don't connect. And the world, though interesting at a glance, never fully comes to life.

For me, the biggest issue is that I simply didn't want to keep playing. I wasn't curious. I wasn't hooked. I was just going through the motions. That's not the feeling a game like this should leave behind.

I score WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers a disappointing 5 out of 10.

REVIEW: Ed & Edda: GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions (2025 Racing Video game)

Review by Jon Donnis

Tie-in games don't always have the smoothest track record, but Ed & Edda: GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions makes a solid attempt at bucking the trend. Released alongside the animated film GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE, and celebrating 50 years of Germany's Europa-Park, this cheerful kart racer brings two of the park's well-known mascots into a fast-paced, family-friendly spin across Europe.

The game lets you pick from eight playable characters, including Ed and Edda, each with their own vehicles, strengths and quirks. That makes the choice of driver more than just cosmetic. Some racers feel nimbler, others heavier but harder to knock off track, and that variation keeps things reasonably fresh across the different race modes. There's a basic but decent mix on offer: standard races, point-based competitions, time trials and the full Grand Prix circuit.

Visuals are bright, punchy and colourful (They do feel a little last generation though). Each track is themed around recognisable European landmarks, and though the detail isn't exactly stunning, it works well for the game's tone. It's clearly aimed at a younger audience, but not in a way that excludes older players from getting something out of it. The music's catchy too, and the general presentation is polished and lively enough to feel welcoming.

The game's strongest point is its simplicity. If you've ever played a kart racer before, this one won't take long to learn. Drift, boost, pick up power-ups, dodge hazards, then try to hold your position until the final lap. It's easy to get into, especially with the option for up to four players in local multiplayer. That mode alone adds a lot of value for families, especially younger kids who just want a quick and silly race with familiar characters.

That said, the simplicity is also part of the problem. For all the charm, Ed & Edda: GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions doesn't really bring anything new to the table. The boost system leans a little too heavily on endgame bursts, which means most races come down to timing your final sprint rather than outdriving the competition. For younger players, that's not necessarily an issue. For anyone older or more experienced, it gets predictable fast.

There are also some noticeable performance hiccups. Frame rate drops do show up, which is frustrating on a console release, especially one priced at £34.99. Considering there are free kart racers offering similar gameplay, the price feels steep unless you or your kids are already invested in the GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE film or Europa-Park itself.

Still, for what it is, the game does a decent job. The tie-in angle is niche, especially outside of Germany, but if the film lands well, there's every chance kids will want to jump in and play as characters they've just seen on screen. It's a colourful, well-intentioned racer with a few technical stumbles and a price tag that could use a second look.

Ed & Edda: GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions won't knock Mario Kart off its podium, but as a themed kart racer for younger players, it crosses the finish line without too many bumps. A few updates could smooth it out further. For now, it's a decent if slightly overpriced entry in a crowded genre.

I score it a safe 7 out of 10.

Pre-Order from Amazon now at https://amzn.to/3UcSIdK

REVIEW: Razer Kishi V2 Pro Gaming Controller Accessory

Review by Jon Donnis

The Razer Kishi V2 Pro turns your smartphone into something much more than a basic gaming device. It gives your phone the feel and function of a handheld console, and after spending time with it using my POCO M7 Pro, I can safely say it's a piece of kit that truly elevates mobile gaming. Whether you're into native Android games or full PC and console-style experiences via streaming, this controller has you covered.

Razer Kishi V2 Pro Starting from £66.99 - Razer.com

From the moment you clip your phone into the Kishi V2 Pro's retractable frame, you can feel the quality. I used my POCO M7 Pro that I recently reviewed, It fit securely, thanks to its flexible but solid design, and the tactile buttons, responsive triggers, and smooth analog sticks all combine to give you the kind of experience you'd expect from a premium gaming controller. It connects directly via USB-C, so there's no Bluetooth delay or input lag. Everything just works, fast and fluid. I've tested a few mobile controllers before, and most of them felt like compromises. The Kishi V2 Pro doesn't.

One of the most impressive features is the HyperSense haptics. When playing action-heavy titles, these subtle but powerful vibrations make a difference. It's not just a gimmick, it genuinely adds to the immersion. I tried a range of Android games, including Genshin Impact and Real Racing 3, and they all handled beautifully. The controller helped unlock the full potential of these games, especially compared to frustrating touchscreen controls that tend to cover half the screen and miss half your inputs.

I also tested PC remote game streaming. While I couldn't get the Razer Cortex software to function correctly on my setup, Steam Link worked like a charm. I was able to stream my full PC library to my phone with zero noticeable latency, and the Kishi V2 Pro gave me full control. It felt closer to playing a game on a Switch or a Steam Deck than on a mobile phone. That said, it's worth noting that the streaming experience may vary depending on your PC setup and network.

Beyond Android games and streaming, the Kishi V2 Pro can double up as a regular PC controller. Just plug it in, and you're good to go. That versatility makes it a smart investment for gamers who want one device that does it all. And if you're looking at the newly released POCO F7 Pro (Available at mi.com), there's a bundle available that combines both devices, ideal for those looking to dive into high-end mobile gaming straight away. - https://amzn.to/42HP1AC

The accompanying Razer Nexus app is well-designed and lets you launch and manage your games with ease. It's not bloated and keeps things clean and functional. I just wish the same could be said for the Cortex software, which still needs refinement to offer a smoother streaming setup for users.

In the end, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro is a genuinely impressive piece of hardware. It takes the frustration out of mobile gaming and replaces it with precision, comfort, and control. It's well-built, looks great, and performs like a dream. While the software side still has room for improvement, especially for PC streaming, the core experience is excellent.

If you're serious about mobile gaming and want to ditch the clunky touch controls, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro is one of the best accessories you can get.

I score the Razer Kishi V2 Pro a solid 8.5 out of 10. 

Out now at https://amzn.to/4iCzkko

Thanks to Razer Inc for providing a review unit of the Razer Kishi V2 Pro

REVIEW: Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders (2025 Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders, released in 2025 for Xbox, is a downhill skiing game that finds an interesting balance between challenging gameplay and a laid-back vibe. From the moment you start slicing through thick snow, gliding over icy lakes, or launching off jumps, the game feels like a fresh winter escape, especially with friends by your side.

One of the biggest new additions to this installment is the online multiplayer mode, which offers both cooperative and competitive play for 2 to 8 players, complete with multiplatform crossplay. You can work together to descend the mountain, sharing limited checkpoints carefully, or go head-to-head in a fast-paced race to the bottom. It's a neat way to bring the Lonely Mountains world to life in a social setting, even if the "Lonely" part of the title feels a bit at odds with this multiplayer focus.

Graphically, the game is excellent. The mountains look stunning, and the snowy landscapes are immersive, creating a convincing winter playground. The gameplay itself strikes a good balance: the faster you go, the more you need sharp reflexes to avoid wiping out, making it genuinely rewarding when you nail a run. For those who prefer to take it easy, the Freeplay mode removes the pressure of racing or beating times, letting you explore and enjoy the slopes at your own pace. This chilled-out option is a welcome counterbalance to the more intense challenges.

That said, the game isn't without flaws. The camera viewpoint, which the game controls, can sometimes become a real obstacle. It can make it difficult to see where you're headed, forcing you to rely on ski tracks from your previous attempts, which isn't always reliable. This can be frustrating, especially when precision is crucial. Additionally, once you've completed a track's challenges, there isn't much incentive to return to it in single-player mode, as the content feels limited. Given the game's relatively short length, about five hours to complete, the replay value is fairly low unless you're keen on multiplayer.

Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is a solid and enjoyable game, though it could benefit from more content and variety. It's easy to imagine future downloadable content expanding the experience, though it's unlikely to be free. While the multiplayer feature adds a fun social layer, it somewhat contradicts the game's "lonely" theme. Despite these issues, the game remains a satisfying ride for anyone who loves skiing or simply wants a winter-themed challenge.

The game is fun, visually appealing, and offers a decent challenge, even if its brevity and camera quirks hold it back a bit. Overall, it's a good pick for a quick, enjoyable skiing experience on Xbox.

Out Now - https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/lonely-mountains-snow-riders/9pf3mc3v9q27