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Rebellion has spent years refining its particular brand of action, from the long-range precision of Sniper Elite to the more open-ended experimentation of Atomfall, but Alien Deathstorm looks set to take the studio in a considerably more frantic direction. A sci-fi shooter about an isolated engineer, hostile aliens and a planet being torn apart by a catastrophic storm sounds deliberately straightforward, yet our brief Gamescom hands-on suggested that there is more going on beneath its barrage of gunfire and alien ambushes. With fast-paced combat, a surprisingly hands-off approach to objectives and some impressive environmental spectacle, Alien Deathstorm made for an explosive first encounter. Continue reading “Alien Deathstorm preview (Gamescom)”

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales sees Square Enix and Claytechworks stepping away from turn-based traditions to deliver an action RPG that proudly wears its inspirations on its sleeve. Set across a thousand-year journey through multiple eras, the adventure follows the earnest orphan Elliot and his fairy companion Faie as they attempt to uncover the truth behind a curse threatening the kingdom of Huther. While the opening hours lean heavily on familiar fantasy tropes and a straightforward battle between good and evil, the time-travel premise gradually adds more intrigue, allowing the story to explore how actions ripple across generations. The result is a narrative that starts conventionally but gains momentum as new eras, characters and mysteries emerge, helped by a cast that remains consistently likable throughout the adventure. Continue reading “The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales review (PS5)”

This latest indie roundup brings together three compact releases that each approach familiar genres with their own twist, though not always with the same level of success. From the momentum-driven precision platforming of Nullstar: Solus to the hybrid puzzle ambitions of Solid Void: Topsy Turvy World and the breezy, physics-based platforming of Pengilo, there’s a clear emphasis on distilled mechanics and accessible design. At the same time, these games highlight a recurring challenge within the indie space – balancing simplicity with lasting engagement. While all three titles offer focused experiences that are easy to pick up and play, their ability to maintain depth, variety, and player investment varies. Continue reading “Indie roundup: Nullstar: Solus, Solid Void: Topsy Turvy World & Pengilo”

Crimson Desert positions itself as an ambitious evolution of the open-world action RPG, with Pearl Abyss pivoting away from the MMO structure of Black Desert toward a more narrative-driven, single-player experience. It’s been one of the most eye-catching games on trade show floors for the past two years, and we’d been looking forward to much more hands on time with it – something that was also needed due to the sheer scope of the game and its mechanics. Set across the sprawling continent of Pywel, the game follows Kliff, a mercenary leader trying to rebuild his fractured Greymane faction after a devastating betrayal. The setup leans into familiar revenge-and-reconstruction tropes, but gains traction through its emphasis on political instability and shifting alliances. While the narrative is often engaging in its broader strokes, it occasionally struggles with uneven pacing and character development, with certain arcs feeling underexplored despite the scale of the world and epic story. Continue reading “Crimson Desert review”

Etrange Overlord arrives as a characteristically eccentric project spearheaded by Disgaea creator Sohei Niikawa, developed by Gemdrops and published by NIS America. Out now on PlayStation 5, it blends action RPG sensibilities with musical storytelling and a deliberately chaotic gameplay loop. The premise sets the tone immediately: falsely executed noblewoman Étrange awakens in hell and decides that, rather than accept her fate, she’ll conquer it. It’s a setup that leans heavily into absurdity, and while its humor and theatrical presentation give it a distinct identity, the narrative’s erratic pacing and tonal swings can make it difficult to stay fully invested. Continue reading “Etrange Overlord review (PS5)”