REVIEW: BOULDER DASH 40th Anniversary (2026 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

BOULDER DASH 40th Anniversary is a fitting tribute to one of the most enduring puzzle games in video game history. From the very first moments, it is clear that this edition has been crafted with care for both long-time fans and newcomers. You guide Rockford through perilous caves, collecting diamonds while dodging enemies and avoiding falling rocks, a simple premise that has endured for four decades because it is genuinely fun and rewarding. The gameplay is just as addictive today as it was in 1984, and the modernised engine keeps it feeling fresh without losing the essence of the original.

The game offers a choice between authentic 8-bit graphics and updated HD visuals. The retro mode is a faithful recreation of the classic Atari, C64, ZX Spectrum, and Apple II aesthetics, and it hits all the right nostalgic notes. It feels like stepping back in time, and for anyone who played the originals, the experience is pure joy. The HD mode, meanwhile, brings new life to the 320 levels, six new worlds, and six exclusive fan-designed worlds. The new game elements, such as growing walls, slime, enemy generators, and eggs, add layers of strategy that keep even veteran players on their toes. The level editor and community content are welcome additions, offering endless replayability and creativity.

Chris Huelsbeck's soundtrack deserves a special mention. It is lively, memorable, and perfectly complements the frantic pacing of each cave. The option to play as one of six unique Rockford characters drawn from the series' history is a charming touch that rewards those familiar with the franchise. There is a strong sense that the developers respected the legacy while giving players plenty of reasons to explore and enjoy the new content.

On the downside, the classic games, while enjoyable, feel very dated next to modern standards. Younger players might find the retro visuals charming but will likely prefer the new levels and HD graphics. It is also hard not to reflect on the passing of time when playing something that first appeared 40 years ago. It is a reminder of just how far the industry has come, and it does make you feel older than you would like.

Overall, BOULDER DASH 40th Anniversary is a brilliant puzzle game. It is easy to pick up, fiendishly hard to master, and offers hours of entertainment. Whether you are revisiting a childhood favourite or discovering the series for the first time, there is plenty here to keep you busy. I give BOULDER DASH 40th Anniversary a solid 8 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/boulder-dash-40th-anniversary/9nf27s57jq02

REVIEW: MAVRIX by Matt Jones (2026 Video Game) - Early Access on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Mountain biking games rarely get the space to breathe, but MAVRIX by Matt Jones goes big straight away. This is not a tight circuit racer or a handful of curated trails. It throws you into a sprawling 100 square kilometre playground and simply says go. Downhill tracks, slopestyle lines, bike parks and open stretches of wilderness all sit side by side, inviting you to carve your own routes instead of following a prescribed path. It feels loose, free and refreshingly confident.

At its heart, MAVRIX is a mix of racer, trick sandbox and social space. One minute you are blasting down a timed downhill run chasing a leaderboard spot, the next you are stitching together your own line over jumps and berms just to see what works. Then a mate drops in and suddenly you are riding together, hunting hidden challenges or trying to sync huge sends for the laugh of it. That sense of shared play gives the world a bit of life. It never feels like a sterile menu driven experience.

The physics system is easily the headline act. Dual stick controls split braking and body movement in a way that takes a little learning, but once it clicks, it feels great. You feather the brakes, shift your weight, and manage the suspension with a surprising level of intention. Landings have heft. Drifts feel earned. Even a simple bunny hop has a bit of character. The recent console updates help too, with the bike and rider feeling more grounded thanks to suspension tuning and improved turning physics. Being able to move the rider's body to tighten a corner adds just enough finesse to separate good runs from great ones.

Tricks and the new Slopestyle mode are another strong addition. Three fresh slopestyle courses join the existing jump trails, and the fact that those older trails can now host competitions makes the whole map feel more useful. Instead of isolated arenas, everything connects. You start looking at the landscape differently, spotting transfers and creative lines that were not obvious before. It leans into the playful side of mountain biking, which suits the game well.

There is a pleasing layer of authenticity running through the rest of it. Real world brands let you tweak frames, components and clothing, and the sponsorship system, including the new Red Bull deal, pushes you to grind for contracts like a pro rider would. Add global rankings and competitions with genuine prizes and you have a clear reason to keep pushing for cleaner, faster runs. It is not just messing about in the dirt. There is a bit of purpose behind it all.

Visually and sonically, it does the job nicely. The landscapes are broad and inviting, the parks look the part, and the sound of tyres on dirt and suspension chatter sells the speed. More importantly, it is simply fun. That is the thing that kept pulling me back in. Even after a messy crash or a failed trick line, you just want one more run.

Still, this is early access, and it shows. Bugs crop up, rough edges remain, and there are moments where systems feel unfinished. You can sense that the foundation is strong but the house is not fully built yet. It also wobbles a bit between simulation and arcade. For something marketed as serious and authentic, it sometimes drifts into slightly exaggerated, gamey behaviour. Personally, I did not mind the lighter touch, but hardcore riders looking for a strict sim might raise an eyebrow.

Having played the early access version on PC before this console release, the improvements are obvious. It feels smoother, more considered and generally better put together. The steady updates and clear signs that the developers are listening to players give it a lot of goodwill. You get the sense this is a project that will keep evolving rather than sitting still.

Right now, MAVRIX by Matt Jones is not perfect, but it is promising and already genuinely enjoyable. With its huge world, flexible riding, strong physics and regular updates, it has every chance to cement itself as the go to game for this niche. A bit more polish and it could be something special.

I score MAVRIX by Matt Jones a solid 7.5 out of 10. I look forward to seeing what they have planned next.

Out Now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/mavrix-by-matt-jones-game-preview/9nzx67j81x6f

REVIEW: FreeStyle Football 2 (2026 Video Game) - Closed Beta Test on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

I loaded up FreeStyle Football 2 and my first thought was simple, I loaded it too early and the playtest is not live, ok wait an hour, and.... ok this looks good. The menus are clean, the presentation is smooth, and everything has a bright, street style edge that gives it a bit of personality. On Xbox it runs sharp and sounds great, so before you even start playing it already feels polished and lively, more like a fun arcade kickabout than a serious sim.

The core idea is simple but quite different from the norm. Instead of controlling an entire squad, each player takes charge of a single character in five versus five online matches. Every one of the twelve launch characters comes with their own special skills, whether that is firing off lightning quick passes, lifting team morale, or smashing in a perfectly timed power shot. On paper it adds tactical depth and pushes teamwork to the front. In practice it often does work, especially when everyone sticks to their role and plays with a bit of discipline.

When everything clicks, the game feels fresh. Matches are quick, intense and full of scrappy street football moments. The unique abilities give each character a clear identity, so you start to recognise who should be setting up plays and who should be finishing them. I liked that. It stops everyone feeling the same and encourages coordination rather than just button mashing. Visually, it all ties together nicely. The fields inspired by locations around the world look lively, and the whole thing has a bright, almost festival atmosphere.

There is also a decent amount of content around the edges. A story mode promises ten to twenty hours of single player play, digging into each character's background. You can customise your squad, collect items, and even form clubs to compete in ranked divisions. The companion app features, the management side and the push towards competitive play suggest the developers are serious about building a long term community rather than a throwaway arcade title. Dedicated servers and an eSports focus give it a professional backbone.

Still, for me, the biggest sticking point never went away. I simply do not enjoy football games where you control only one player. The behind the back camera never feels quite right and always leaves me wishing for a wider, more traditional view. Years of FIFA, now EA FC, have set a certain expectation for how football games should handle, and stepping away from that formula feels risky. Instead of feeling immersed, I often felt restricted, like I was watching the action rather than directing it.

Online play also throws up some frustrating moments. I picked a character built to attack, only to find myself placed in defence, which makes those carefully chosen skills almost pointless. It breaks the logic of the system. If most players gravitate towards strikers, which they almost certainly will, you end up with lopsided teams full of people chasing goals and ignoring the rest of the pitch. The concept of one player per person sounds tactical, but in reality it can turn chaotic very quickly.

That leaves FreeStyle Football 2 in an odd place. As a high energy, arcade style take on the sport, it works well in short bursts. Jump in for a few quick matches with mates and it can be good fun. But as something you would sink dozens or even hundreds of hours into, it struggles to compete with the established heavyweights. Outside of the US style arcade crowd, it is hard to see why many players would choose this over the more traditional alternatives.

The training modes were easily the most fun, which is a problem when they are supposed to be there to just get you used to how to play.

Right now, based on the closed beta, it is an interesting experiment with some strong ideas and slick presentation, yet one that never quite fits the way I want to play football games. Unless major changes are made, and the kind of changes needed would alter the very identity of the game, it is not something I see myself returning to at launch.

FreeStyle Football 2 earns a disappointing 5 out of 10.

REVIEW: EBOLA VILLAGE (2026 Video Game) on Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

EBOLA VILLAGE wears its influences proudly. This is a survival horror game rooted firmly in the traditions of the 1990s, where atmosphere matters more than spectacle and progress is earned through patience rather than guidance. Played from a first person view on Xbox, it places you in the shoes of Maria as she travels to a remote USSR village following a chilling emergency broadcast about a biological threat. What follows is a slow, oppressive descent into something deeply unsettling.

One of the game's greatest strengths is its refusal to hold the player's hand. There is no glowing waypoint, no clear signposting, and no linear route laid out for you. You are expected to explore carefully, search rooms thoroughly, manage your inventory and piece together where to go next through observation and logic. Doors stay locked until you earn the right to open them, and new paths only reveal themselves once you have truly engaged with the environment. It is refreshing, and for fans of classic survival horror, deeply satisfying.

The atmosphere does most of the heavy lifting, and it succeeds. The sound design is particularly effective, with creaking floorboards, distant thunder, and the oppressive silence inside abandoned buildings creating constant tension. Music is often absent altogether, which only heightens the unease. The setting of a bleak USSR village feels carefully considered, and the environments are detailed enough to sell the illusion without becoming distracting. The visuals are solid rather than spectacular, but they serve the mood well, which is what matters here.

Puzzles are another highlight. They are balanced and thoughtfully designed, calling back to the style of 90s horror games where solutions make sense once discovered, but rarely feel obvious at first glance. Progress requires attention to detail and an understanding of the story, encouraging players to follow the narrative closely rather than rushing ahead. Combat, when it happens, is brutal and direct, supported by a variety of weapons, realistic enemy physics, and a damage system that does not shy away from dismemberment. Boss encounters add variety and reinforce the sense of danger lurking throughout the village.

That said, EBOLA VILLAGE is not without its drawbacks. The most noticeable is its length. A full playthrough can be completed in roughly five hours, which may leave some players wanting more once the credits roll. There is also the issue of motion sickness. Extended play sessions triggered discomfort for me on several occasions, something players sensitive to this should be aware of before diving in.

Despite these issues, EBOLA VILLAGE left a strong impression. I was genuinely surprised by how effective it is at capturing the spirit of classic survival horror while presenting it through a modern first person perspective. The atmosphere is thick, the gameplay is confident, and the experience feels focused and deliberate from start to finish.

EBOLA VILLAGE is a very decent game with strong atmosphere, solid visuals, and engaging mechanics that respect the player's intelligence. I would score it a confident 8.5 out of 10.

Out Now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/ebola-village/9n6wqfsk8r3x

REVIEW: Chickenhare and the Treasure of Spiking-Beard (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

There's something refreshingly old-school about Chickenhare and the Treasure of Spiking-Beard. Developed and published by N-Zone, this bright, energetic adventure takes its cues from classic platformers while building on the whimsical world of the Chickenhare film and comics. The result is a cheerful romp across colourful kingdoms, packed with puzzles, light combat and the kind of charm that only a talking chicken-rabbit hybrid can deliver.

The story follows Chickenhare and his trusty companions, Abe and Meg, as they race to find seven mystical crystals before the dastardly Spiking-Beard plunges the kingdoms into chaos. It's a familiar "save the world" setup, but the game's warmth and humour keep it from feeling stale. From the lively dialogue to the wonderfully animated cutscenes, everything here feels designed with younger players in mind, yet polished enough that parents won't mind joining in.

What makes the game shine is its trio-based gameplay. You'll constantly swap between Chickenhare, Abe and Meg, each with unique abilities that keep things varied. Chickenhare can glide using his ears, Abe smashes obstacles with his shell, and Meg brings a burst of martial arts flair. The swapping system works beautifully, creating a smooth rhythm between exploration, puzzle-solving and combat. It's surprisingly satisfying to master, and the controls are responsive enough to make even tricky sections feel fair.

Visually, this is one of the better-looking family titles on Xbox this year. Each world bursts with colour and personality, from the golden glow of Featherbeard's Castle to the eerie depths of Demon's Hole. The blend of 2D side-scrolling and full 3D exploration gives the game a playful cinematic flair. The camera transitions are handled neatly, with the shifts in perspective adding depth rather than confusion.

The puzzles, too, deserve credit. They strike a nice balance, challenging enough to make young players think without ever tipping into frustration.

Still, while Chickenhare and the Treasure of Spiking-Beard is brimming with heart, it's not without its limits. Older players might find the challenge level a bit too gentle, as combat and platforming rarely punish mistakes. This is very much a game for children and early teens, and while there's enough polish to keep grown-ups entertained, veterans of the genre will breeze through it.

Despite that, it's hard to hold a grudge against something so cheerful. The combination of character-switching, smart level design and light humour makes for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It's a perfect introduction to the action-adventure genre for younger gamers and a charming nostalgia trip for anyone who grew up on platforming classics.

Chickenhare and the Treasure of Spiking-Beard may not reinvent the genre, but it delivers exactly what it promises: fun, family-friendly adventure with style and heart. Fans of the 2022 film or Chris Grine's original graphic novels will find plenty to love here.

Verdict: 7.5/10 – A delightful, easy-going adventure that soars on charm and colour, even if it plays things a little too safe for older players.

REVIEW: Simon the Sorcerer Origins (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Three decades after Simon first insulted a goblin and bumbled through a magical world of sarcasm and spells, Simon the Sorcerer Origins proves that a classic can find new life without losing its soul. Developed by Smallthing Studios and published by ININ Games, this prequel takes us back to the weeks before the 1993 Amiga adventure, showing how the world's most reluctant sorcerer began his journey.

From the opening scene, it feels like coming home. The humour is unmistakably Simon, dry, biting, and perfectly British. Chris Barrie returns as Simon's voice, and hearing him slip effortlessly back into character is a joy. His timing is spot-on, and every line lands with the kind of warmth and wit that made the original such a cult hit.

The hand-drawn art style is gorgeous. It's full of detail and personality, with lush backdrops and expressive characters that look straight out of a storybook. There's something lovely about seeing a modern game embrace traditional animation in this way, and it gives every frame a touch of charm. The world feels alive, packed with odd wizards, talking beasts, and peculiar devices that constantly draw your eye.

In terms of gameplay, this is pure point-and-click comfort. The puzzles are cleverly designed, often testing both your logic and your patience. Some of them are tricky enough to make you question your intelligence for a while, but the sense of reward when you finally figure things out is exactly what you want from this kind of game. The dialogue and item combinations keep things light, and you can tell the team had fun writing all the absurd scenarios Simon finds himself in.

That said, playing on Xbox takes a bit of getting used to. The controls work fine, but it's hard to shake the feeling that this sort of game still feels best with a mouse. Navigating menus or interacting with smaller items can be fiddly with a gamepad, though switching between control options is quick enough. On the positive side, playing on a big TV really shows off the artwork and helps you get lost in the world.

If there's one thing that might test your patience, it's the puzzle difficulty. A few of them border on obscure, and the temptation to reach for an online guide is always lurking. But if you can resist that urge, the satisfaction of solving everything on your own is worth the effort.

Simon the Sorcerer Origins is a fine example of how to revive a classic properly. It doesn't try to reinvent what made the original special. Instead, it leans into its roots with care, delivering a funny, clever, and beautifully drawn adventure that feels both nostalgic and fresh. For fans of the series, it's everything you'd hope for. For newcomers, it's a charming introduction to one of gaming's great comic heroes.

A well-earned 9 out of 10. Here's hoping Simon's next spell isn't too far away.

Out Now on Xbox - https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/simon-the-sorcerer-origins/9nnm6qrczx76

REVIEW: Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition (2025 Video Game) - For Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition delivers exactly what its name promises. This is the arcade experience brought straight into your living room, full of high-speed racing, over-the-top stunts, and explosions that make no sense in the real world. GameMill Entertainment has kept it simple and focused, which is both the game's biggest strength and its main limitation.

From the moment you start, it is clear this is a pick-up-and-play experience. There is no long tutorial, no narrative distractions, no slow grind through car tiers. You choose a vehicle, step on the accelerator, and race through cinematic tracks packed with shortcuts, hazards, and the occasional missile strike. It captures the thrill of arcade racing perfectly.

The positives are immediate. The full arcade version is faithfully ported to Xbox. If you have played the original, you will recognise every element of its fast, frantic style. Eight licensed cars, including the Dodge Charger and Shelby GT500, handle well enough to feel satisfying while still prioritising fun over realism. Split-screen multiplayer brings a nostalgic competitive edge, allowing two players to race side by side in the same room.

However, the simplicity also exposes its flaws. With only eight cars and six tracks, there is little variety. Everything is unlocked from the start, which delivers instant gratification but removes the sense of achievement that unlocks usually provide. The handling is exaggerated and sometimes absurd, which will delight fans of arcade chaos but frustrate anyone looking for a more precise driving experience.

The game also lacks additional modes or online play, meaning it does not offer much longevity beyond the initial thrill. The bonus objectives are fun for a short time but do not significantly extend gameplay.

Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition is a game that works or fails entirely based on expectations. If you want a deep, realistic racing simulator, it is not for you. If you are after a straightforward, high-octane arcade rush that can be enjoyed in short bursts, it is an excellent choice.

Having enjoyed the arcade original, I found this console version captures the same immediate fun. It is loud, fast, and shallow, but deliberately so, and that is part of its charm. I score Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition a solid 7 out of 10.

Out Now on Consoles

https://amzn.to/4hukvkT

REVIEW: Hot Wheels Let’s Race™: Ultimate Speed (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Hot Wheels Let's Race: Ultimate Speed from Bamtang Games and GameMill isn't trying to be the next Forza or Gran Turismo. It's loud, colourful, and proudly aimed at the younger crowd who already adore the Netflix series it's based on. And in that regard, it mostly succeeds.

The first thing that hits you is how slick everything looks. The bright, looping tracks feel like they've been pulled straight off a living room carpet and dropped into a video game. Each course pops with colour, wild shapes, and over-the-top jumps that make even adults grin the first few times around. The cars themselves, from classics like the Super Twin Mill to the daftly charming Duck N' Roll, look fantastic and all have their own distinct handling quirks. It's the kind of game where even just picking your vehicle feels fun.

The handling is pure arcade. You'll be drifting around corners with ease, collecting flames, and boosting through loops before you know it. It's very forgiving, which makes sense given the target audience, but there's still a nice sense of speed and flow once you get the hang of it. Boss battles are a neat surprise too, especially when you're racing a giant cobra or dodging a fire-breathing dragon. They bring a bit of spectacle to the usual lap racing formula and help break up the action.

Track Builder mode is another highlight. It lets players create their own chaotic circuits filled with loops, jumps, and tight corners. It's not particularly complex, but it gives kids the freedom to make something that feels like their own. Add in four-player split-screen and you've got a setup that's perfect for family sessions, especially when siblings are involved.

Of course, it's not all perfect. If you're an older gamer hoping for a deep, skill-based racer, you'll be disappointed. The AI is simple, the challenges are fairly easy, and the whole experience is built to be accessible rather than demanding. There's also the fact that, outside of the Hot Wheels branding, it doesn't do much that's new. You've probably seen all these ideas before in other arcade racers, just dressed in different colours.

Still, that's not really the point. This is a kids' racer that does exactly what it sets out to do. It looks great, plays smoothly, and keeps little players entertained for hours. The £30+ price tag might raise an eyebrow for parents, but considering the quality and the tie-in appeal, it's hard to complain too much.

For younger players, Hot Wheels Let's Race: Ultimate Speed is fast, flashy, and genuinely fun. For everyone else, it's a charming but forgettable detour.

Score: 7/10

Out Now on Xbox, PS5 and Switch

https://amzn.to/4qslOVi