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

REVIEW: Formula Legends (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Formula Legends is clearly the type of game made by people who love motorsport, developed by 3DClouds, it's a bold attempt to bottle up six decades of open-wheel racing and hand it to Xbox players in one stylised package. At first glance, it feels like a real celebration of the sport, though a few frustrations hold it back from becoming the classic it wants to be.

Hungary Modern Early 20s

Visually, the game is a treat. The art style has a sharp, almost painterly edge to it that gives every circuit and car personality. The variety helps too. One moment you're hurtling through a sunlit marina in a car that looks like it's been lifted straight out of the 1960s, the next you're strapping into a futuristic machine bristling with energy recovery systems and digital dashboards. It's playful rather than hyper-realistic, but that's part of the charm.

The circuits are another highlight. Fourteen locations, each inspired by historic venues, evolve as the decades roll by. You notice the little changes, from broadcast overlays to trackside details, and it all feeds into the sense of travelling through different eras of racing. When the tracks open out, they flow brilliantly, offering a decent challenge without feeling unfair.

Italia Modern Early 00s 

Where Formula Legends really shines is in its atmosphere. There's something genuinely fun about recognising which legendary driver a fictional rival is meant to resemble. Story Mode makes good use of history too, letting you dip into key eras and stringing it together with enough narrative to keep things moving.

But then you hit the handling. And this is where the excitement wobbles. The cars never quite feel right. Cornering is heavy, almost sluggish, while straights feel oddly floaty, as if grip comes and goes without warning. It makes racing inconsistent, which is a problem for a game that's trying to find a balance between simulation and arcade thrills. The "sim-cade" approach is a tricky line to walk, and here it feels like the game hasn't quite nailed either end of the spectrum.

Mexico Modern Mid 10s

Another drawback is the lack of official names. This isn't a licensed product, and while the fictional universe has its charm, some players may find themselves wishing for the authenticity of real drivers and teams. The game's reinterpretations are often clever, but they never fully replace the thrill of seeing familiar legends officially represented.

Even so, there's plenty here to enjoy. Formula Legends is fun, it looks great, and it's stuffed with neat touches that show real affection for motorsport. The core issue is that the handling holds it back. If 3DClouds can fine-tune the driving model, this could go from being a solid racer to something special. Right now, it's close but not quite there.

Score: 6 out of 10, a stylish love letter to racing history that just needs better driving feel to match its ambition.

Out Now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/formula-legends/9p9vj822jrh9

REVIEW: Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek is a surprisingly solid and enjoyable entry in the long-running franchise, and it does a good job of translating the spooky, playful tone of R.L. Stine's books into a game. You step into the shoes of Sloane Spencer, a young teen trying to unravel the eerie mysteries lurking in the town of Little Creek. From fog-filled streets to abandoned theatres and dark, cluttered libraries, the environments are small but well designed, giving players plenty of corners to explore without ever feeling lost. The game balances exploration and narrative nicely, letting younger players wander, discover secrets, and uncover the town's supernatural happenings at a comfortable pace.

The stealth mechanics are a highlight, and they work better than you might expect from a game aimed at children. Timing your movements to avoid monsters, making clever use of your haunted book, and occasionally defending yourself with a slingshot all keep the gameplay engaging. There's a nice variety of creatures to contend with, each with its own behaviour, and the occasional jump scare, while mild, adds tension in just the right way for the target audience. Puzzles and interactive contraptions also provide a good challenge, encouraging players to think without feeling frustrated.

Visually, the game leans into a cartoony style that suits the Goosebumps universe well. Characters and monsters are designed to be creepy without being genuinely frightening, and the environments have enough detail to feel alive. Sound design complements this, with plenty of ambient noise, creature sounds, and spooky effects that heighten the sense of mystery. The learning curve is gentle, so players can pick up the mechanics quickly, and the gameplay loop of exploring, solving puzzles, and avoiding monsters is straightforward but fun.

The main downside is that the game is short. Most players will finish the story relatively quickly, which is understandable given the younger audience it targets, but it does limit replayability. There's also a sense that some areas and encounters could have been expanded to give the map more depth, but the game still manages to deliver a satisfying experience in its compact form.

Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek is a fun, well-paced adventure that does a good job of introducing stealth and puzzle mechanics to younger players while staying true to the franchise's signature blend of spooky thrills and playful twists. It's not a long or complex game, but it doesn't need to be: it's entertaining, easy to pick up, and full of the Goosebumps charm that will appeal to fans old and new. For what it sets out to do, it's a strong effort and deserves recognition. I'd give it a solid 8 out of 10.

Out Now - https://amzn.to/4n2b9Pe

REVIEW: Killing Floor 3 (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

It's 2091. Horzine's created an unstoppable army of bioengineered monsters known as zeds, and Nightfall is the only thing standing in their way. That's the setup for Killing Floor 3, Tripwire Interactive's follow-up to 2016's Killing Floor 2. It sounds solid on paper. And at its core, it is: a first-person survival horror shooter where you take on waves of enemies, solo or in six-player co-op, trying to survive long enough to push back the threat. But this release isn't ready. Not even close.

You start in the Stronghold, a hub space where you pick your character and choose where to deploy. There are six specialist classes, each with unique weapons and special attacks. The Ninja, for example, uses a pair of swords and a grappling hook that pulls you straight into the action. You fight through waves of zeds, with their numbers scaling based on your team size. In between rounds, you restock ammo, buy resources, and use the Multi-tool to activate environmental defences like sentry guns or ziplines. The core loop is familiar, and killing zeds is still fun. But only once you've powered up. Until then, it's punishing.

Starting weapons feel weak. Really weak. You're thrown into the middle of it with underwhelming gear, and the game doesn't let up. The difficulty curve feels completely off, especially when you're new. You either run, or you die. That's the experience early on, and it's not encouraging. If you persist, the upgrades help, but it shouldn't feel like a chore to get there.

Combat has its moments. Zed Time returns, letting you slow everything down and see enemies lit up around you. The M.E.A.T. system is back too, with more dismemberment and persistent blood. There are a few great gory sequences. Visually, it looks good. The detail on the enemies and weapons is solid, though there are occasional glitches that break the immersion. The AI has been improved, with zeds moving more aggressively and in smarter patterns.

That said, the game triggered motion sickness during extended play, even with head bob, motion blur, and camera shake turned off. And while the environments are decent, the overall feel is unfinished. Despite being a full release, it plays more like a beta. Tripwire has said patches and content are coming, but that doesn't change what's on offer right now.

The optional narrative assignments add a bit more to each match, expanding the world and giving some background. You can also mod your weapons and unlock new skills, which helps give the specialists some variety. But the game needs more. More content, more polish, more care. The soundtrack is forgettable, and the whole experience lacks that punch you'd expect from a finished console release.

Right now, Killing Floor 3 feels rushed. There's a solid foundation underneath, and it's likely to improve over time. But at launch, it's not there. This should have stayed in development longer. Console players shouldn't be left hoping for fixes down the line, leave that for PC games.

Score: 5/10

Fun moments buried in an unfinished game. Not worth it yet.

Out Now on Xbox - https://amzn.to/4l6Eu9m

NEWS: The Elder Scrolls Online Welcomes New Players to Seasons of the Worm Cult

By Jon Donnis

Jumping into The Elder Scrolls Online as a new player feels like entering a world that's already lived a thousand lives. There's history in every corner, and now I get to be part of it. Not just by catching up on the main game, but by stepping into Seasons of the Worm Cult, the latest story update that continues a thread first spun a decade ago. It launched for PC and Mac earlier this month, and it's now available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. That means I've arrived just in time.

This new adventure takes players to the tropical island of Solstice, a location never before seen in the Elder Scrolls series. In Part 1, we explore the Western side of the island. It's more than just another setting. It's a full region packed with story quests, World Bosses, Delves, a Public Dungeon, and a new 12-player Trial called the Ossein Cage. The cult at the centre of this chaos is the Worm Cult, making a return from the game's earliest main story. Their presence on Solstice is hidden behind a powerful and ancient barrier called the Writhing Wall. What exactly they're planning remains to be seen, but the clues are already starting to surface.

For players like me, who are discovering this world for the first time, there's something satisfying about being able to jump into a new chapter as it begins. It connects to the past, but it also feels like a fresh start. Exploring Western Solstice is a proper introduction to what ESO can offer, high-stakes quests, dramatic environments, and the chance to uncover secrets that seem to matter.

The Ossein Cage Trial offers a different kind of challenge. This new PvE activity is designed for twelve players and is set in Coldharbour, one of the more sinister planes in Elder Scrolls lore. The objective is to retrieve a powerful relic from deep within one of Molag Bal's fortresses. Success relies on teamwork, strategy and survival. It's the kind of high-pressure content that gives players something big to aim for after getting settled.

Outside the new zone, Update 46 brings in several changes that apply to the whole game, and they're available for free. One of the biggest additions is Subclassing. This new system allows players to combine skill lines from different classes, giving more flexibility in how characters are built and played. It unlocks over three thousand possible combinations, which is hard to even get your head around as a newcomer, but exciting all the same. It means I'm not locked into a single identity. I can experiment, learn as I go, and adjust my approach based on what I enjoy.

Another new feature is called Hero's Return. It's aimed at players who've been away for a while, but as someone brand new, I still appreciated its optional tutorial-style adventure. It gives a quick refresher on the combat systems and some early rewards. It's a nice touch, especially when you're still figuring out how the world works.

Other quality-of-life improvements include an updated in-game map, which makes navigating Tamriel more intuitive, and clearer guidance around the Wayshrine fast travel system. For someone just getting used to the pace and scale of ESO, these small changes make a big difference.

Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 is available as part of the 2025 Content Pass, which also includes everything planned for the rest of the year. That means Part 2 of this story, two dungeon packs, and a full in-game event built around the Writhing Wall. It's a huge amount of content, and knowing it's all connected to this one storyline makes it even more compelling.

Getting into The Elder Scrolls Online now doesn't feel like playing catch-up. It feels like arriving right when things are getting interesting. For anyone starting fresh, this isn't just another expansion. It's a new beginning with a cult uprising, a mysterious island, and more freedom than ever to shape how you play.

"The Elder Scrolls Online: Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 1 is now live on PC/Mac, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Players can purchase the new content with the 2025 Content Pass, which will also give access to every update planned for this year’s adventure, including access to Seasons of the Worm Cult Part 2, two dungeon packs, and a server-wide Writhing Wall in-game event."

https://www.elderscrollsonline.com/en-us/contentpass2025

Thank you to Bethesda for providing a ESO key, time for me to start to understand what I have been missing.