007 First Light

For a franchise that has spent more than a decade away from the spotlight in gaming, 007 First Light arrives carrying considerable expectations after a strong first impression. Rather than adapting an existing film or leaning heavily on nostalgia, IO Interactive opts for a complete reboot that explores James Bond before he became the legendary agent known around the world. The result is a surprisingly confident origin story that feels fresh while still embracing many of the hallmarks associated with the character. By focusing on a younger, less polished Bond and placing him at the beginning of his journey through the revived 00 program, the game creates room for meaningful character development while still delivering the globe-trotting espionage adventure fans would expect. Continue reading “007 First Light”

RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic review (PS5)

Few management games have enjoyed the kind of longevity that RollerCoaster Tycoon has. Decades after the original releases, RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic arrives on PlayStation 5 as a package that combines the first two games and their expansions into a single content-rich release. While newer theme park simulators often emphasize spectacle and accessibility, this collection serves as a reminder of a design philosophy that expected players to engage with systems, budgets, logistics, and the occasional self-inflicted disaster. The result is a surprisingly robust management experience whose age is visible but whose core strengths remain remarkably intact. Continue reading “RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic review (PS5)”

Port roundup: Amanda the Adventurer 3, Soccer Kid & 4PGP

Today’s batch of ports for the PS5 arrivals covers a surprisingly broad spectrum, from the conclusion of a modern indie horror trilogy to the revival of a cult football-themed platformer and a retro-inspired racer making the jump from Switch. Whether revisiting the past or extending the reach of more recent releases, each offers a different perspective on what makes a port worth revisiting – and how well those experiences hold up on Sony’s current-generation hardware. Continue reading “Port roundup: Amanda the Adventurer 3, Soccer Kid & 4PGP”

My Little Puppy review (PS5)

Few games arrive with such obvious emotional intent as My Little Puppy, yet what initially looks like a straightforward pet-loss story quickly reveals itself to be something more thoughtful. Developed by Dreamotion and published by Dreamotion and KRAFTON, the game follows Bong-gu, a Welsh Corgi who leaves dog heaven after catching the scent of his beloved owner. The premise is undeniably sentimental, but it rarely feels manipulative. Instead of dwelling exclusively on grief, the narrative focuses on devotion, companionship and the hope of reunion, creating a journey that feels surprisingly uplifting despite its melancholy foundations. Along the way, the game explores not only the bond between people and their pets, but also broader themes surrounding abandonment, responsibility and loss. Continue reading “My Little Puppy review (PS5)”

River City Saga: Journey to the West review (PS5)

River City Saga: Journey to the West takes one of China’s most famous literary adventures and filters it through the chaotic lens of the Kunio universe, creating a premise that sounds ridiculous on paper but proves surprisingly effective in practice. Rather than attempting a faithful retelling, the game casts familiar River City characters in the roles of Sun Wukong and his companions, leaning heavily into comedy, exaggerated personalities, and playful reinterpretations of the source material. The result is a story that remains entertaining even for players who aren’t deeply familiar with either Journey to the West or the broader River City cast, although longtime fans will undoubtedly appreciate many of the recurring characters and references more than newcomers. Continue reading “River City Saga: Journey to the West review (PS5)”