REVIEW: Sofie: The Echoes (2024 Video Game) - On PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

"Sofie: The Echoes" aims high with its ambition to deliver a story-driven, emotional journey, but it's a mixed experience that doesn't quite land where it should. Stepping into Sofie's life as she fights to uncover the whereabouts of her missing family sounds like the foundation for a gripping story, and, in fairness, the narrative has some genuinely compelling moments. Sofie's character is refreshingly multi-dimensional; as a mother and a college professor, she's not your typical action-game protagonist, which should make her journey feel more grounded and relatable. The haunting, echo-laden world she navigates is eerie and atmospheric, drawing you in with its dark landscapes and glimpses into a twisted past. Unfortunately, it's everything outside the story itself that holds the game back, and in more ways than one.

The visuals start off promisingly. Cutscenes are gorgeous, truly cinematic, with a level of detail that pulls you right into Sofie's world. But then you drop into the actual gameplay, and the graphics quality takes a noticeable dip. It's a shame because the world itself is quite stunning in concept, but the execution leaves you wanting. From beautifully crafted cutscenes to environments that sometimes feel bland or glitchy by comparison, there's an inconsistency that undermines the game's potential.

Gameplay mechanics are functional but not especially inspired. It's the standard run, find a weapon, and shoot, a format we've seen plenty of times before. Sofie does have some unique combat abilities that make things interesting for a while, but they don't fully make up for the overall clunkiness. Enemy AI is subpar, which often turns fights from tense encounters into frustrating struggles with unpredictable, often buggy foes. The game's combat sometimes feels like it's fighting you, rather than challenging you in a way that would make sense. Puzzles are present, yes, and they add some variety, but they feel largely inconsequential, which is a shame given how much more depth they could have added to the story if woven in more effectively.

Now, the bugs and glitches deserve their own paragraph because they're unfortunately ever-present. While the developers are pushing out patches, "Sofie: The Echoes" still feels half-baked on launch. It's baffling to see priorities skewed in such odd ways, especially with that unusually polished cloth physics that seem to exist solely to showcase Sofie's skirt and backside in every possible situation. It's jarring and raises questions about what the developers deemed important in a game that's supposed to be an emotionally charged journey. Performance-wise, the game is demanding, too; unless you're running it on a powerful PC, expect drops in frame rates and lengthy load times, which only add to the frustration.

The game's world has depth if you dig for it, with collectible documents and recordings that shed light on Sofie's family history and the dark secrets she's trying to unearth. These snippets are intriguing and genuinely well done, but they're buried beneath so many technical issues that you might find it hard to care enough to look for them. Choices in the game matter to some extent, with certain paths impacting the story's outcome, though this feature feels underdeveloped. If you're looking for something akin to branching narratives that shape the game in meaningful ways, you may feel disappointed by the limited impact of your decisions.

"Sofie: The Echoes" wants to be a deep, cinematic experience, and there are flashes of greatness here and there. The narrative is the one consistently bright spot, filled with emotional weight that's rare in action-adventure titles. Yet the bugs, lacklustre gameplay, and wonky AI ultimately drag it down. This is one of those games you might want to keep an eye on and revisit in a year when the developers have hopefully ironed out the issues and given it the polish it deserves. For now, though, the story just isn't enough to carry it. A disappointing 5 out of 10 feels about right. It's not without merit, but there are far too many flaws for it to be a satisfying experience.

Out now on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2946320/Sofie_The_Echoes/

REVIEW: A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead takes the nerve-racking premise of the A Quiet Place films and brings it to a tense, survival-horror gaming experience. Set in a brutal post-apocalyptic world, it follows Alex Taylor, an asthmatic college student who must fight to survive after the death of her boyfriend Martin. As if that weren't enough, she's pregnant, making her journey even more harrowing. Alex's world is dominated by alien creatures that hunt by sound, so every footstep and whispered breath could be her last. In many ways, the game captures the tension and fear that made the films so memorable, blending it with innovative, sound-based mechanics.

The most striking feature of The Road Ahead is how it uses sound to control gameplay. You play from a first-person perspective and must navigate with extreme caution, as the slightest noise could draw in the hyper-aware alien monsters. The game includes microphone options, letting in-game creatures respond to any sounds picked up from your microphone, creating a nerve-wracking experience where even a quiet exhale could have dire consequences. This mechanic adds a thrilling level of immersion that horror fans will appreciate, keeping players alert at every turn.

The game's graphics are superb. From hauntingly desolate buildings to dense, shadowed forests, each area has been designed to evoke dread, capturing the eerie silence of a world long abandoned. The sound design is equally impressive, from the unsettling ambient noises to the terrifying shrieks of the aliens when they detect movement. Anairis Quiñones' performance as Alex adds emotional weight, making her struggle feel deeply personal and real. All of these elements come together to create a sensory experience that is both haunting and immersive.

However, The Road Ahead has some serious pitfalls that undercut its best aspects. For one, the game causes severe motion sickness, which will affect even mildly susceptible players. The first-person perspective just made me feel ill, and the lack of an option to adjust the field of view is frustrating, especially since expanding or reducing the FOV might alleviate some of the discomfort. Even with head bobbing turned off, the game is disorienting to play, and if you're prone to motion sickness, it's almost unplayable. This issue is made worse by the fact that the settings menu has almost no customisation options to mitigate these effects, making the physical discomfort a big barrier to an otherwise intense experience.

The pacing is another mixed point. While the game eventually builds up to some intense sequences, it takes its time getting there. The first half feels slow and almost plodding, spending too much time introducing survival mechanics that would have been better presented early on. This slow burn might work in a film, but here it feels drawn out, leaving you frustrated as you wait for the action and tension to ramp up. Instead of teaching you essential survival strategies early on, the game leaves you to figure them out halfway through, by which point you're likely already deeply frustrated.

On top of these issues, the alien AI is hit-or-miss. Sometimes, the aliens are truly terrifying, responding to the smallest sound with unnerving accuracy, but at other times, they feel almost glitchy. They might freeze, wander aimlessly, or ignore obvious cues, which undercuts the tension. It's a shame because these bugs make parts of the game feel unpolished, taking you out of the experience just when you're most invested in it. Add in some dark areas where you can barely see anything, and the game occasionally crosses from creepy to outright annoying.

In the end, A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead has so much potential. The concept is brilliant, the sound mechanics are groundbreaking, and the visuals and voice acting make the world feel real and gripping. But the technical issues, the frustrating lack of motion sickness options, and the inconsistent AI prevent it from reaching its full potential. It feels like a game that could have used more time in development to iron out the details. While it offers moments of true terror and suspense, these are often overshadowed by issues that will leave many players feeling underwhelmed. For fans of the franchise, it's worth a try, but be prepared for some rough patches along the way. Overall, it's a strong idea with flawed execution, deserving about a 6 out of 10.

REVIEW: Backyard Baseball '97 on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Backyard Baseball '97 on Steam is an absolute nostalgia trip, and it's great to see Mega Cat Studios and Playground Productions bring it back in such a polished way. If you grew up on this classic, you're in for a treat. The remaster keeps all the charm of the original, from the quirky characters to the simple yet addictive gameplay, but now with modern conveniences like leaderboards, achievements, and cloud saves. It's basically a love letter to fans of the series, preserving what made it so special while giving us a few little extras.

The game itself is as accessible as ever. Whether you're jumping into a quick pick-up game or managing your team through a full season, the controls are super simple, just a mouse and one button will do the trick, making it perfect for younger players or anyone who just wants to relax with some casual baseball. There are three main modes: Pick-Up Play for a quick game, Single Game for drafting players and a bit more control, and Season mode, where you guide your team to the ultimate championship in a playful, exaggerated version of the World Series. And of course, who could forget the legend that is Pablo Sanchez? He's still the MVP, as iconic as ever, and a must-pick for anyone who knows the game.

What's especially nice about this remaster is how well it runs. The updated graphics give it a smoother look without losing the original's cartoony, childlike charm, and the animations are still as fun as they were back in the day. Whether it's a wild pitch or a goofy power-up, there's always something silly happening on the field. The power-ups are a brilliant touch too, keeping things unpredictable and letting you pull off some crazy plays, which is perfect for a game that's not trying to take itself too seriously.

However, there are a few drawbacks. If you're new to Backyard Baseball, the game might feel a bit too simple compared to modern sports titles, and it can be a bit slow at times. There's a lot of waiting for things to happen, especially when all you want to do is get straight to the action. But for those of us playing with a sense of nostalgia, that's all part of the charm. It's not meant to be a fast-paced, high-octane sports sim, it's more about the joy of building a team of wacky characters and having some light-hearted fun.

One of the standout new features is the Steam Global Leaderboards, which adds a competitive edge for anyone wanting to see how their home run record or strikeouts stack up against players around the world. It's a fun little addition that gives you something to strive for if you've already mastered the single-player modes.

All in all, Backyard Baseball '97 is a wonderful remaster of a beloved classic. It's not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn't need to. It's kept the heart of the original intact while offering just enough modern features to keep things interesting. Sure, it's not going to wow people who weren't already fans, but for those of us who spent countless hours with this game growing up, it's a welcome trip down memory lane. Definitely an 8 out of 10.

Out Now on Steam - https://store.steampowered.com/app/3170540/Backyard_Baseball_97/

REVIEW: Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks Stunt Mayhem on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Hot Wheels™ Monster Trucks Stunt Mayhem aims to bring the thrill of monstrous trucks, wild stunts, and epic crashes to your Xbox, but it doesn't quite reach the heights you'd hope for. Developed by 3D Clouds and published by GameMill Entertainment, this game is visually impressive and certainly has the charm that fans of the Hot Wheels brand might expect. The trucks themselves, featuring fan-favourites like Bone Shaker and Bigfoot, look great, and the environments pop with bright colours and larger than-life arenas.

At first glance, the gameplay is fun,  throwing your massive monster truck into backflips, barrel rolls, and huge stunts is satisfying, and there's an undeniable pleasure in smashing through obstacles and racking up scores. The signature moves of each truck add a flashy element that's cool to see the first few times, but honestly, after a while, I found myself forgetting they even existed. The novelty wears off quickly, with little reward for using these special moves other than a few more points.

Unfortunately, once you get past the initial excitement, the cracks start to show. Career mode is where things get repetitive fast. While there are different arenas, there's not much variety in the actual gameplay across them. Every arena starts to feel the same, with little challenge to keep you hooked. The different trucks, while visually distinct, don't really offer a unique driving experience, which is a big letdown. You'd expect Bigfoot and Bone Shaker to feel different when tearing around the arena, but no, they all handle pretty much the same. This takes away from the potential excitement of unlocking and using new trucks.

Then there's the issue of the physics, which feel a bit off at times. For instance, you're controlling a massive monster truck that should be able to plough through small obstacles without a care, but instead, you'll find yourself over-correcting your steering every time you hit something minor. It makes things more frustrating than fun. The upside-down loop you unlock is another oddity, it looks cool, but you don't really get to do much as the camera cuts away, and you're just a passive spectator at that point.

At £39.99, it's hard to recommend Hot Wheels™ Monster Trucks Stunt Mayhem at full price. It might be competitive when compared to other branded games, but the actual gameplay doesn't justify the cost. There's just not enough here to keep you coming back, and the lack of variety or challenge makes it feel like the developers knew they couldn't charge more. If this game were priced at £19.99 or included in Xbox Game Pass, it would find a more forgiving audience, but as it stands, it's hard to recommend unless you're a young Hot Wheels fanatic.

For me, Hot Wheels™ Monster Trucks Stunt Mayhem is a missed opportunity, offering a decent but shallow experience. It's fun for a while, but lacks the depth or innovation to hold your attention long-term. I'd give it a disappointing 6 out of 10.

Out Now on Consoles and PC https://amzn.to/4dVJxGb

REVIEW: Silent Hill 2 (2024 Game Remake) - On Playstation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

The 2024 remake of Silent Hill 2 by Bloober Team is a real treat for fans of the original, and it holds up surprisingly well in a modern setting. They've managed to capture the atmosphere that made the 2001 version so special while giving it a much-needed update in terms of visuals and gameplay. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the graphics are absolutely stunning. Everything from the fog-choked streets of Silent Hill to the eerie interiors feels incredibly immersive. Play it with a good pair of headphones or a surround sound system, and the audio design really pulls you into the creepy, unsettling world. It's an experience that plays heavily on your senses, with every creak and distant moan building tension perfectly.

The story is still the same haunting narrative of James Sunderland, receiving a letter from his dead wife and being drawn back into the nightmarish town of Silent Hill. It's a tale of grief, guilt, and human frailty that resonated back in 2001 and still does today. Luke Roberts and Salóme Gunnarsdóttir bring solid performances to the roles, and the voice acting helps add depth to the emotional weight of the story.

The modernised third-person camera and improved combat system are welcome changes, making movement and battles feel a lot more fluid and manageable than the old tank controls. That said, combat still isn't the main draw here, it's the sense of dread and the psychological tension that keeps you hooked.

However, there are a few nitpicks. While the remake does a good job of expanding the game in the right places, with new areas to explore and extra content, it does lose some of the claustrophobic horror that made the original so intense. There's more space to wander and more frequent cutscenes, which can break up the fear a bit. The story, as compelling as it is, still feels a bit thin at times, especially if you've already played through it before.

For die-hard fans, this is probably the best version of Silent Hill 2 you could ask for. It's faithful to the original in all the ways that matter, while giving the game just enough polish and additions to make it feel fresh. For newcomers, it might not be as groundbreaking, especially compared to more recent horror titles, but it's still a chilling experience with a timeless story.

Overall, Bloober Team has done a stellar job delivering one of the better remakes in recent memory. It's not perfect, but it's a must-play for anyone who loves psychological horror or wants to revisit one of the genre's best stories. I'd give it a solid 8.5 out of 10, better than the original in some ways and certainly the definitive way to experience Silent Hill 2 today.

Out now on PS5 at playstation.com/en-gb/games/silent-hill-2/ and PC at cdkeys.pxf.io/EKQMe2