Indie roundup: Royal Revolt Survivors, Interlocked: Puzzle Islands & File Destined

Indie releases continue to be a space where experimentation and iteration collide, and this latest roundup reflects that. From the wave-based, progression-driven combat of Royal Revolt Survivors to the tactile, contemplative puzzle design of Interlocked: Puzzle Islands and the tightly scoped psychological horror of File Destined, these are projects that each hone in on a specific idea rather than sprawling ambition. What ties them together is a clear focus on core mechanics and atmosphere, whether that’s through cooperative chaos, meditative problem-solving, or slow-building tension. At the same time, they also highlight a familiar challenge within the indie space – strong concepts that don’t always fully sustain their momentum – resulting in a trio of experiences that are engaging in bursts, even if they occasionally struggle to leave a lasting imprint. Continue reading “Indie roundup: Royal Revolt Survivors, Interlocked: Puzzle Islands & File Destined”

Arkham Horror: The Card Game Core Set (2026) review

Arkham Horror: The Card Game returns in 2026 with a new core set that effectively marks the beginning of a second chapter for Fantasy Flight Games’ long-running cooperative living card game. Positioned as both a continuation and a fresh entry point, this updated box replaces the 2021 revised core set while maintaining full compatibility with the game’s extensive back catalogue. That dual purpose defines much of its design: it needs to onboard new players cleanly while still offering enough structural refinement to justify its place in an already crowded ecosystem – and it largely succeeds, albeit with some notable caveats. Continue reading “Arkham Horror: The Card Game Core Set (2026) review”

Machine Gun Fury review (PS5)

Machine Gun Fury arrives on PlayStation 5 as a deliberate throwback to the era when arcade cabinets thrived on immediacy, spectacle, and punishing difficulty curves. Developed by Reset Games and published by ESDigital Games, it positions itself squarely within the lineage of classic run-and-gun shooters, evoking titles that prioritized reflexes over nuance. Its premise is intentionally barebones, following a trio of heavily armed soldiers as they confront a cartoonishly oppressive threat across a series of global hotspots. While the narrative framing is little more than connective tissue, it aligns with the game’s broader philosophy: strip away modern conventions and deliver pure, uninterrupted action. That simplicity works in its favor thematically, though it also leaves the experience feeling somewhat devoid of personality beyond its nostalgic surface. Continue reading “Machine Gun Fury review (PS5)”

MLB The Show 26 review (PS5)

MLB The Show 26, developed by San Diego Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, continues the long-running baseball simulation series with a focus on incremental refinement rather than sweeping reinvention. On PlayStation 5, the game leans heavily into authenticity, presenting a layered experience that spans career progression, team management, and historical storytelling. While the core premise remains familiar – guiding players from hopeful prospects to legendary status – the latest iteration expands its scope with deeper career pathways and a more structured sense of progression, even if not all additions and changes feel equally impactful. Continue reading “MLB The Show 26 review (PS5)”

ICARUS: Console Edition review (PS5)

ICARUS: Console Edition, originally developed by RocketWerkz and published by GRIP Digital, brings a demanding survival experience to PlayStation 5 that leans heavily into systemic complexity and environmental hostility. Set on a failed terraforming project gone catastrophically wrong, the game drops players onto a planet that actively resists human presence, framing survival not as a gradual climb but as a constant uphill struggle. While its premise is compelling in its harshness and scale, narrative cohesion remains relatively light, with storytelling largely embedded in mission structure and environmental context rather than character-driven arcs. The inclusion of the New Frontiers expansion at launch significantly broadens the scope, adding a more directed narrative thread in the Prometheus region, though it still plays second fiddle to the game’s survival mechanics. Continue reading “ICARUS: Console Edition review (PS5)”