KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I～III] review (PS5)

Kingdom Hearts has always been an unusual yet charming combination of ideas, bringing together Disney characters, elements of Final Fantasy and an increasingly elaborate mythology about hearts, memories and the battle between light and darkness. What began with Sora leaving his island home in search of his friends has grown into a sprawling saga spanning multiple games, protagonists and timelines. Kingdom Hearts Collection [I ~ III], published by Square Enix, brings most of this journey together in one package on PlayStation 5, making it considerably easier for newcomers to catch up before the next numbered instalment. However, while the collection offers an enormous amount of content, its value depends heavily on whether players are discovering the series for the first time or returning to adventures they may already own. Continue reading “KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I～III] review (PS5)”

The Jackbox Party Pack 12 review (PS5)

The Jackbox Party Pack series has become a familiar fixture for anyone who enjoys bringing friends and family together for a night of multiplayer mayhem, but coming up with fresh ideas for its annual collections is no easy task. The Jackbox Party Pack 12 from Jackbox Games introduces five new party games, covering everything from word association and trivia to improvised debates and some decidedly questionable photo editing. As usual, players use their phones or other internet-connected devices to submit answers and interact with the games while everything unfolds on the television. The result is a varied collection that offers several genuinely entertaining additions to the series, although not every game has the same staying power. Continue reading “The Jackbox Party Pack 12 review (PS5)”

Razer Basilisk V4 HyperSpeed review

Razer has built a reputation for gaming mice that combine ergonomic designs with extensive customization, and the Basilisk V4 HyperSpeed continues that approach with a wireless model aimed at players who want plenty of controls without stepping up to the more expensive V4 Pro. Its combination of a 33,000 DPI optical sensor, programmable buttons, a versatile scroll wheel and long battery life makes it suitable for both gaming and everyday productivity. However, while its specifications cover most of what a modern gaming mouse needs, some of its more distinctive features will appeal to particular players rather than everyone. Continue reading “Razer Basilisk V4 HyperSpeed review”

Gear.Club Unlimited 3 review (PS5)

Gear.Club Unlimited 3 brings Eden Games’ racing series to PlayStation 5 after initially launching on Nintendo Switch 2, continuing a rather unusual release strategy in which the franchise makes its debut on Nintendo hardware before expanding to other platforms. Published by Nacon, this third instalment aims to offer an accessible alternative to the bigger names in the racing genre, with a selection of licensed cars, a career mode centred on building a racing club, and tracks spread across Japan and the French Mediterranean coast. There is a decent foundation here, particularly for players who enjoy collecting and upgrading cars, but the experience struggles to turn its promising ideas into consistently exciting racing. Continue reading “Gear.Club Unlimited 3 review (PS5)”

Sesame Street: Friends & Fun review (PS5)

For many children, video games are a first introduction to interactive entertainment, and finding something that is both accessible and worthwhile can be a challenge for parents. Sesame Street: Friends & Fun, developed by Infinigon Games and published by Outright Games, approaches this with a familiar cast of characters, simple activities and a neighborhood built around helping others. Rather than trying to appeal to seasoned players with complex mechanics, it embraces the educational foundations of the long-running television series. The result is a cheerful adventure that understands its intended audience, even if its limited complexity means it has relatively little to offer once children grow accustomed to its activities. Continue reading “Sesame Street: Friends & Fun review (PS5)”