Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes review (PSVR2)

Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes marks a significant shift for the series, translating its signature unsettling aesthetic into a first-person virtual reality experience. Developed by Iconik and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, this PSVR2 iteration reframes the journey of Six into something more intimate and psychologically invasive. Rather than observing the horrors from a distance, players are placed directly inside them, experiencing the world at a scale that emphasizes vulnerability. This transition proves both compelling and occasionally problematic, as the game balances atmospheric immersion with the mechanical constraints of VR design. Continue reading “Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes review (PSVR2)”

The Empty Desk review (PS5)

The Empty Desk, developed by CheesecakeGames and published by Jandusoft, positions itself as the opening chapter in a broader detective saga, blending psychological thriller sensibilities with light investigative gameplay. On PlayStation 5, it delivers a compact, narrative-driven experience centered on veteran detective Thomas H. Bennett, whose final case spirals into something far more introspective and unsettling than a standard homicide investigation. The premise leans heavily into themes of burnout and existential fatigue, using its central mystery not just as a plot device, but as a reflection of Bennett’s deteriorating mental state. While that thematic ambition gives the game a strong identity, it also creates tension between its narrative aspirations and the relatively simple mechanics supporting them. Continue reading “The Empty Desk review (PS5)”

Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth review (Switch)

With Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth, developer Hyper Games returns to the gentle world of Tove Jansson’s Moomin universe following the success of Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley, this time shifting the focus toward a more introspective, winter-bound journey. Published by Kakehashi Games and built as a story-driven puzzle adventure, the Nintendo Switch release leans heavily into themes of solitude, emotional growth, and quiet discovery. Rather than replicating its predecessor’s musical wanderings, it opts for a slower, more contemplative pace that mirrors its frozen setting and its young protagonist’s unfamiliarity with the season. Continue reading “Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth review (Switch)”

DLC roundup: Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel, Synth Riders & NBA Bounce

Downloadable content has become a steady rhythm in the modern release cycle, extending a game’s lifespan while testing how far its core design can stretch without losing identity. This latest roundup looks at three very different approaches to post-launch support – from crossover-driven spectacle and pop-infused rhythm expansions to cinematic sports tie-ins – all built on established foundations. What unites them is a shared balancing act: adding enough new ideas to justify a return visit, while staying firmly within the boundaries that made the original experience work. The results are varied, but they offer a clear snapshot of how developers are choosing to expand, refine, and occasionally play it safe with their existing formulas. Continue reading “DLC roundup: Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel, Synth Riders & NBA Bounce”

Saint Slayer: Spear of Sacrilege review (PS5)

Saint Slayer: Spear of Sacrilege is a deliberate throwback to the brutality and structure of late-era NES action games, and it rarely breaks character. Developed by Lillymo Games, this PlayStation 5 release leans heavily into retro sensibilities, framing its narrative around a war-scarred farmer drawn back into violence as a rogue priest desecrates sacred relics across a fractured Holy Roman Empire. The premise is suitably grim and evocative, offering just enough context to justify the relentless action, though it rarely evolves beyond a functional backdrop. That restraint works in its favor at times, maintaining pacing and focus, but it also limits emotional engagement and narrative payoff. Continue reading “Saint Slayer: Spear of Sacrilege review (PS5)”