Splatoon has always been one of Nintendo’s more inventive franchises, but Splatoon Raiders marks its biggest departure yet. Rather than building another multiplayer-focused shooter, Nintendo has created a standalone action RPG that leans heavily into exploration, character progression and cooperative play. The familiar ink-based mechanics remain at the heart of the experience, but they’re wrapped inside a loot-driven adventure that feels closer to an extraction shooter than the competitive Turf Wars fans have grown accustomed to. Surprisingly, the transition works remarkably well, proving that the series has room to grow beyond its traditional formula. Continue reading “Splatoon Raiders review (Switch 2)”
Forensics: Crime Scene Detective review (PS5)
Forensics: Crime Scene Detective takes a refreshing approach to the crime genre by leaving the dramatic interrogations and high-speed chases to someone else. Instead, we step into the role of the forensic specialist who arrives once the chaos has settled, tasked with documenting crime scenes, collecting evidence and performing laboratory analysis that ultimately helps investigators reach their conclusions. Built with input from Germany’s State Criminal Police Office, the game clearly strives for procedural authenticity, and its focus on scientific investigation gives it an identity that stands apart from more traditional detective titles. Continue reading “Forensics: Crime Scene Detective review (PS5)”
Indie roundup: Forest of Deceit, Mechaconda & Blast’N Bounty
Indie releases continue to fill the gaps between the year’s biggest blockbusters, often experimenting with familiar ideas in ways that larger studios rarely attempt. This latest batch showcases that variety, ranging from tense multiplayer deception to inventive arcade action and a fresh spin on a classic formula. Not every experiment is an unqualified success, but each title brings at least one distinctive hook to the table, making for an interesting cross-section of the kinds of experiences that continue to keep the indie scene thriving. Continue reading “Indie roundup: Forest of Deceit, Mechaconda & Blast’N Bounty”
The Relic: First Guardian review (PS5)
The Relic: First Guardian arrives with plenty of ambition, presenting itself as a dark action RPG that borrows from the Soulslike formula while trying to carve out its own identity. Set in the ruined world of Arsilthus after the destruction of the titular Relic, we step into the role of the First Guardian and set out to recover the scattered fragments before corruption completely consumes the land. It’s an intriguing setup, and the world itself certainly looks like it has an extensive history behind it, but the storytelling rarely capitalises on that potential. Instead of drawing us into its mythology through memorable characters or compelling narrative moments, much of the lore is fragmented across notes, voice recordings and item descriptions, leaving the main plot feeling surprisingly detached for much of the adventure. Continue reading “The Relic: First Guardian review (PS5)”
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie review (4K)
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie had the unenviable task of following one of the most successful video game adaptations ever made, and while it doesn’t quite recapture the freshness of its predecessor, it still delivers an energetic family adventure that’s packed with charm, humor and enough Nintendo fan service to keep longtime fans grinning from beginning to end. Rather than simply retelling the Galaxy games, the film uses them as inspiration for a sprawling space adventure in which Mario, Luigi, Peach and their friends set out to rescue Rosalina after Bowser Jr. launches a galaxy-spanning plan to free his father. Along the way, the movie expands the Mario universe with new locations, familiar faces and a surprising number of references to Nintendo’s wider history. The biggest weakness is that its relentless pace sometimes comes at the expense of storytelling, with several character arcs and emotional moments feeling a little rushed before the film races toward its next spectacular set piece. Continue reading “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie review (4K)”