Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 is a sequel that understands the value of sticking to its guns, quite literally. Developed by Auroch Digital and published by Big Fan Games and Devolver Digital, this follow-up to 2023’s retro-inspired first-person shooter returns players to the grim darkness of the far future, where the forces of Chaos are once again in need of a thorough purging. Picking up after the original, the campaign follows Ultramarine veteran Malum Caedo and the newly introduced Sister of Battle Nyra Veyrath as they attempt to thwart the plans of Vashtorr the Arkifane. The narrative provides enough context to establish the stakes, but storytelling is clearly secondary to the business of putting as many heretics as possible in the ground. Brief narrative sequences and character exchanges add some personality, yet the plot rarely develops beyond a straightforward excuse to travel between locations and eliminate increasingly dangerous opposition. That approach fits the old-school shooter formula, although the Warhammer 40,000 universe offers enough lore to make the relatively superficial treatment of its characters and conflict feel like a missed opportunity. Continue reading “Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 review (PS5)”
Disney/Pixar Toy Story 3 Complete Edition review
Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3 was released in 2010, but its video game adaptation managed to stand out in a genre that was often associated with rushed, uninspired tie-ins. Developed by Avalanche Software, the original game offered more than a straightforward recreation of the animated film, combining a story-driven platform adventure with a surprisingly substantial sandbox mode. Now, Atari and Digital Eclipse are bringing that experience back with Disney/Pixar Toy Story 3 Complete Edition, an updated release that improves the presentation and gathers previously exclusive content into one package. While this return to Andy’s toy box demonstrates that the original game still has plenty of charm, it also makes clear that a better-looking version of an older game is not necessarily a fully modernised one. Continue reading “Disney/Pixar Toy Story 3 Complete Edition review”
Tales of Eternia Remastered review (PS5)
Tales of Eternia Remastered is another entry in Bandai Namco’s ongoing effort to bring classic instalments of its long-running Tales series to modern platforms. Developed by TOSE CO., the PlayStation 5 version revisits a role-playing adventure originally released for the PlayStation in Japan in 2000, with its Western release following under the name Tales of Destiny II in 2001. Rather than attempting to rebuild the experience from the ground up, this remaster largely preserves the original game while adding modern conveniences and visual adjustments. The result is an enjoyable return to an earlier era of Japanese role-playing games, although its strengths and shortcomings make it clear that preserving a classic does not necessarily mean modernising every aspect of it. Continue reading “Tales of Eternia Remastered review (PS5)”
Disney/Pixar Toy Story: Retro Roundup! review
The era of movie tie-in games produced plenty of forgettable releases, but it also gave players some surprisingly creative adaptations that deserve more than a passing mention in gaming history. Disney/Pixar Toy Story: Retro Roundup!, published by Atari and curated by Digital Eclipse, revisits this period by bringing together eleven versions of games released between 1995 and 2001. Alongside Woody and Buzz Lightyear’s early digital adventures, the collection includes A Bug’s Life, offering a glimpse into how developers approached the same animated properties across different generations of consoles and handhelds. Rather than rebuilding these games for a modern audience, the collection largely preserves their original forms, complete with the quirks and limitations that came with them. This approach makes the package particularly interesting as a historical archive, although it also means that nostalgia cannot always compensate for outdated design. Continue reading “Disney/Pixar Toy Story: Retro Roundup! review”
Hack ‘n’ Stack review (Switch)
Hack ’n’ Stack is a cooperative action and tower defence game from Triple Boris Inc., released under the Dodo Tako and Sticky Rice Games labels. Its premise combines resource gathering, construction and frantic combat, tasking players with protecting their base from increasingly troublesome waves of enemies. The concept has potential, particularly for those who enjoy games that turn teamwork into a source of both success and comedy. However, while the individual ingredients make sense on paper, bringing them together requires a careful balance between strategy and chaos. Hack ’n’ Stack can deliver entertaining moments when everyone works towards the same goal, but its demanding pace and occasionally awkward execution prevent it from being an entirely satisfying experience on the Nintendo Switch. Continue reading “Hack ‘n’ Stack review (Switch)”