REVIEW: KARMA: The Dark World (2025 Video Game) - A Haunting Descent into the Mind

Review by Jon Donnis

KARMA: The Dark World is a first-person cinematic psychological thriller that throws players into a world of espionage, surveillance, and mind control. Set in 1984, the game follows Roam Agent Daniel McGovern as he investigates crimes on behalf of the powerful Leviathan Corporation. What begins as a routine case quickly unravels into something far more sinister, forcing Daniel to question everything he knows, including his own identity. The game blends elements of psychological horror with investigative gameplay, challenging players to explore fragmented memories, solve complex puzzles, and uncover a truth that is deliberately obscured.

Leviathan Corporation rules with an iron grip, using artificial intelligence and behavioural conditioning to maintain absolute control. Sounds a bit like the UK Labour Party Government! Employees are drugged to ensure maximum productivity, and the omnipresent AI system known as Mother dictates every aspect of life. Daniel's role as a Roam Agent gives him access to crime scenes, suspect interrogations, and the unique ability to dive into people's minds to relive their past experiences. This mechanic creates a constant sense of uncertainty, as the line between memory and reality blurs. The game's world is bleak and oppressive, with haunting environments, eerie soundscapes, and a strong sense of paranoia that builds throughout. The environmental storytelling is impressive, with newspapers, posters, and computer logs offering clues about the dark truth behind Leviathan's rule.

The gameplay is heavily focused on investigation and puzzle-solving rather than action. Players must gather evidence, reconstruct fragmented memories, and complete tasks assigned by Leviathan while remaining unnoticed. 

The puzzles are well-designed, requiring logic and attention to detail, but their difficulty can sometimes be frustrating due to the lack of a hint system. Some players may find themselves stuck for long periods, forced to search for solutions online. Another drawback is the unskippable cutscenes, which can make replaying sections tedious. The game also leans heavily into the walking simulator genre, which may not appeal to those looking for a more action-packed experience.

Visually, KARMA: The Dark World is striking, with detailed environments and a distinct atmosphere that reinforces its unsettling themes. The game's soundtrack is equally impressive, using ambient soundscapes to heighten the tension and mystery. Every element, from lighting to sound design, works together to create an immersive experience that keeps players engaged. The story is its strongest aspect, weaving together themes of control, identity, and fear in a way that keeps you questioning what is real. The fragmented narrative jumps between different time periods, slowly revealing the hidden truths behind Daniel's past and Leviathan's true purpose.

Despite its flaws, KARMA: The Dark World is a compelling psychological thriller that succeeds in drawing players into its nightmarish vision of the future/alternate past?. The challenging puzzles, gripping story, and immersive atmosphere make it a worthwhile experience, though the lack of puzzle hints and the slow pacing may test some players' patience. Those who enjoy investigative horror games with deep storytelling will find plenty to appreciate, even if the journey is sometimes frustrating.

Score: 7/10

Out Now on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1376200/KARMA_The_Dark_World/

REVIEW: MLB The Show 25 - Playstation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

MLB The Show 25 brings exciting new features and improvements to the popular baseball series, cementing its place as one of the most polished sports games available. I'm playing the game on the PS5, and straight away you can see that the game looks awesome, everything looks very real, and is really taking advantage of the PlayStation hardware.

The improvements in fielding mechanics are immediately noticeable, with smoother, more realistic animations that make every catch, throw, and dive feel satisfying. The game's player models and stadiums look stunning, further enhanced by the PS5's capabilities. About as close as you will get in capturing the energy and atmosphere of a live MLB game while sat on your sofa.

One of the most notable new features is the "ambush hitting" mechanic. This introduces an exciting element of risk and reward to batting, allowing players to predict pitch locations with the potential for big rewards if they make the right call. This mechanic adds a fresh layer of strategy to every at-bat, making the game more challenging than ever.

The "Road to the Show" mode has also seen some updates. While the core experience remains the same, it's been refined with better progression systems, allowing for a deeper journey from high school to the major leagues. However, at times the progression does feel rather repetitive, although in general the mode works well.

A standout feature in MLB The Show 25 is the inclusion of "Diamond Quest," a new, roguelike-inspired mode that offers a different take on baseball gameplay. Players can navigate a unique board, completing challenges and playing mini-games that lead to intense three-inning showdowns. This mode I found to be highly addictive and provided a fun, single-player experience that stands apart from the traditional baseball simulation.

The inclusion of the Storylines mode, focusing on historical Nεgro Leagues players, adds an educational and historical element to the game. It's a fantastic way to learn about the rich history of baseball while playing.

On the whole, MLB The Show 25 delivers a fantastic, feature-packed experience for baseball fans. Its new additions, including Diamond Quest and ambush hitting, offer fresh ways to enjoy the sport, while the traditional modes have been fine-tuned for a smoother, more enjoyable experience. While the progression system in Road to the Show could use some refinement, it doesn't detract from what is otherwise a standout title in the sports game genre. MLB The Show 25 is the most complete baseball experience available and a must-play for fans of the series.

I score  MLB The Show 25 a solid 9 out of 10. The best pure baseball game available today.

Out now

Buy from https://amzn.to/4iBTWKj

REVIEW: Only Way is Down (2025 Video Game) - A Rage Precision Platformer with Unforgiving Difficulty

Review by Jon Donnis

Only Way is Down from Jilted Generation Productions starts with a fun idea but quickly turns into a frustrating experience. You play as a cat who accidentally falls asleep on some construction materials and wakes up atop a towering skyscraper. Your mission is to make your way down to safety, but the path is filled with dangerous platforms, swinging cranes, and narrow beams that require precise jumps and careful navigation.

The concept of guiding a cat through a construction site is interesting, and the game world looks great. You get to explore a vertical environment with a sprawling cityscape below. There are some fun customization options for your cat, like choosing its type, eye colour, and adding accessories such as hats and glasses. These elements help give the game some charm and personality.

But the main issue with Only Way is Down is its difficulty. The game is designed for players who love rage platformers, where one mistake can lead to instant death. The cat's movements feel stiff, and there's no room for error. A small fall, even just a meter, results in the cat dying instantly, which is pretty frustrating. In real life, cats are known for landing on their feet from much greater heights, but in this game, you're punished for every misstep.

The controls and camera angles make things even worse. The game hates the idea of the player using a controller, the controls feel unresponsive, making it hard to line up jumps and manoeuvre around obstacles. The camera angles need to be lined up perfectly before you do anything, which if not done perfectly makes it even more difficult to judge distances or spot the next platform. As a result, the game feels less like a challenge and more like an exercise in frustration. Imagine playing a game with a cat, where you literally have to move at a ridiculously slow pace just to not die.

Only Way is Down targets a specific audience of players who enjoy punishingly hard "rage quit" platformers. If you are into that genre, you might enjoy the challenge, but for anyone else, the game is more likely to leave you feeling frustrated. It has a lot of potential, but the combination of its high difficulty, poor controls, and lack of forgiveness means it's not going to be enjoyable for most players.

This game feels like it's trying too hard to be difficult, and unfortunately, that makes it hard to enjoy. While the concept is fun and the setting looks great, the game ultimately falls short for anyone looking for a more accessible experience. A simpler, easier to control, and more accurate game of this nature would be so much fun to play, but the developer has his mind made up, and clearly is not looking to make any money from this game, oh well, I am left giving a generous score of 3 out of 10. So much potential. Maybe in the future the developer might do an arcade mode for the game. Might even make some money then.

Unironically released on April 1^st on Steam

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2804680/Only_Way_is_Down/

REVIEW: GUNNAR Overwatch 2 Reaper Gaming/Office Glasses: Style and Comfort for Every Battle

GUNNAR Optiks has teamed up with Blizzard to kick off 2025 with a killer collaboration, bringing Overwatch fans a pair of gaming glasses inspired by the shadowy DPS legend, Reaper. These officially licensed glasses blend style, comfort, and cutting-edge lens technology, making them a must-have for both marathon gamers and anyone spending long hours in front of a screen.

The design is a standout feature. The matte black frame, forged from precision-engineered polymer, has a military-inspired look that feels tough and stylish. The high-wrap design offers full coverage, shielding your eyes from every angle, while the Reaper logo adds a subtle, badass touch for dedicated Overwatch players. Despite the bold design, the glasses are incredibly lightweight, and the multi-barrel hinges provide flexibility and durability, ensuring they stay comfortable during extended sessions.

Performance-wise, GUNNAR’s patented lens technology is second to none. The amber lenses block 65% of blue light at 450nm and offer 100% UV protection, drastically reducing digital eye strain and fatigue. Whether you’re grinding ranked matches or tackling a work project, your eyes stay sharp and focused. The G-Shield® lens coating adds an extra layer of functionality, cutting down glare, resisting smudges, and keeping your vision crystal clear without constant cleaning.

GUNNAR even throws in some bonus gear, including a custom microfiber pouch and cleaning cloth, so you can keep your glasses in top condition. It’s a thoughtful touch that adds value to an already impressive package.

GUNNAR once again proves why they’re the market leaders in gaming and office eyewear. The Overwatch 2 Reaper Glasses not only look great but genuinely enhance your gaming and work experience. If you’re looking to protect your eyes without sacrificing style or comfort, these are a perfect choice.

Score: 9 out of 10

Out Now at https://gunnar.com/products/overwatch-reaper

Thanks to GUNNAR Optiks for providing us with the review sample.

REVIEW: Soccer VR (2025 VR Game) - An Affordable Kickabout with Big Ambitions

Review By Jon Donnis

Soccer VR on MetaQuest is a game that proves you don't need a huge budget to deliver a fun and immersive experience. For just £1.99, it offers a surprisingly enjoyable slice of virtual football, complete with full matches, practice modes, and an inventive controller setup that makes you feel like you're really on the pitch.

The game lets you choose between classic button controls or mounting the controller on your foot for a more realistic experience. Strapping the controller to your leg might sound like a gimmick, but it genuinely adds to the immersion. Swinging your leg to take a shot or curl in a free kick feels satisfying, especially after a few adjustments with the in-game shoe-tuning option. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, using your hands works just fine too, giving you the flexibility to play however you like.

There is plenty to do, with full matches offering three difficulty levels and various formations to experiment with. The practice modes are a great addition, letting you hone specific skills like penalties, free kicks, curved shots, and cross finishes. You can even test yourself against goalkeepers with five levels of difficulty or try your luck with target-based challenges. The crowd sound effects add a nice layer of atmosphere, making the matches feel a little more alive.

Visually, Soccer VR shows its budget limitations. The graphics are basic, and the pitch can feel a bit lifeless compared to higher-end games. But the charm of the gameplay makes up for the visual shortcomings. It's best played in short bursts, especially if you're using the leg-mounted setup, and make sure you have enough space around you to avoid accidentally kicking your furniture or a nearby pet.

For the price, Soccer VR is a surprisingly solid experience. It may not be the most polished game out there, but it captures the fun and excitement of football in a way that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you're looking for a quick match or want to practice your virtual free kicks, this game delivers a lot of enjoyment for just a couple of quid. If you're a football fan with a MetaQuest, Soccer VR is well worth a shot. I score the game 8 out of 10.

Out Now on MetaQuest - https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/soccer/6522692727792839/