REVIEW: Star Wars Outlaws (2024 Open World Action Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Star Wars Outlaws emerges as an exhilarating addition to the Star Wars video game universe, a testament to Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft's ambition to expand upon the rich lore and landscape of this beloved galaxy far, far away. Set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the game focuses on Kay Vess, a roguish scoundrel with aspirations of escaping her troubled past. The narrative kicks off with a heist gone awry, setting Kay on a path of betrayal, survival, and redemption.

From the outset, Star Wars Outlaws embraces a third-person perspective that immerses players in its expansive open-world setting. Traversing various planets and the vastness of space, players guide Kay as she engages in a spectrum of activities, from strategic combat to intricate exploration. The gameplay expertly blends melee attacks with blaster combat, featuring several firing modes including an electromagnetic pulse that adds a tactical edge. The ability to use environmental objects like explosive barrels enhances the combat experience, while the Adrenaline feature, which slows time for rapid firing, provides a dynamic combat option.

Kay's arsenal is augmented by a grappling hook and an electronic hacking device, tools that broaden the gameplay mechanics and encourage creative problem-solving. Her companion, Nix, a small yet resourceful creature, adds an extra layer of strategy with its scanning abilities, environmental interactions, and combat support. This companionship is a notable highlight, enriching the gameplay with a sense of camaraderie and providing useful tactical advantages.

The open-world design is complemented by the freedom to explore planetary surfaces on a speeder bike and engage in space combat using the Trailblazer. Space travel and combat, while engaging, are perhaps less refined compared to other aspects of the game, and this slight roughness can detract from the overall experience. Nevertheless, the inclusion of space stations as hubs for trade and missions adds depth to the exploration elements, allowing players to immerse themselves further into the Star Wars universe.

The game's narrative is a strong suit, weaving a tale of betrayal and survival through a series of well-crafted missions. Kay's journey from a desperate criminal to a key player in a galaxy-spanning heist provides ample intrigue and emotional investment. The plot's twists and turns, from discovering the true nature of Zerek Besh and the role of Sliro, to the dramatic reveal of Jaylen Vrax's true intentions, keep players engaged and invested in the story's outcome.

While the game excels in creating a compelling Star Wars experience, it does grapple with a few notable shortcomings. The sense of originality is sometimes overshadowed by familiar tropes, and certain technical issues, such as occasional glitches, may impact immersion. Additionally, while the stealth and combat systems are robust, they can occasionally feel rigid and repetitive, which might detract from the overall fluidity of gameplay.

Despite these issues, Star Wars Outlaws stands as a commendable addition to the franchise. It offers an engaging narrative, a richly detailed world, and a variety of gameplay options that cater to fans of both the Star Wars universe and action-adventure games. While it may not be without its flaws, its ability to capture the essence of the original trilogy and deliver a vivid and immersive experience ensures that it holds significant appeal. For those invested in the Star Wars saga, this game is an enjoyable, if imperfect, adventure that offers enough thrills and heart to merit a solid 7.5 out of 10.

REVIEW: Turbo Sliders Unlimited (2024 Racing Game) - On PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Turbo Sliders Unlimited is an ambitious and engaging modern take on classic top-down racing games, offering far more than just a nostalgic return to form. Its vast array of game modes and robust customisation options make it a standout title on the PC (Steam) platform. The game thrives on its community-driven ethos, where players have near-limitless freedom to create their own levels, vehicles, and game modes. Whether you want to race, battle, or invent entirely new ways to play, Turbo Sliders Unlimited offers the tools to make that possible. Its flexibility caters to a wide range of players, from competitive esports enthusiasts to casual gamers seeking a creative sandbox experience.

One of the game's strongest aspects is its multiplayer options. With support for up to 20 players online and local split-screen for up to four players, the possibilities for social gaming are expansive. The option to create custom servers and set unique rules adds even more depth, ensuring that each game can be as structured or chaotic as you like. The inclusion of non-racing modes like sumo, capture the flag, and weapon battles helps to diversify the experience, making this a truly multifaceted title. Additionally, the in-game level and vehicle editors are impressively feature-rich, allowing players to share their creations via the Steam Workshop, further extending the game's lifespan through user-generated content.

Visually, Turbo Sliders Unlimited boasts clean and well-crafted graphics that complement its varied gameplay styles. The tracks and cars are visually sharp, with a degree of polish that makes everything feel cohesive and professional. However, the game does stumble in certain areas. The menu system is needlessly complex, which could easily alienate more casual players. Navigating it feels like a chore, especially when you're just eager to jump into the action. Another drawback is the lack of a simple control guide, a noticeable omission in a game that would benefit greatly from clear button-mapping visuals, particularly given the number of possible game modes and control schemes.

For those prone to motion sickness, the third-person camera may be problematic. While the classic top-down view is functional, the third-person viewpoint, which is more in line with typical racing games, triggered motion sickness for me, making it difficult to enjoy the game from the perspective I preferred. It's an unfortunate downside, especially considering that this view is likely the one many players would gravitate towards for an immersive experience.

Turbo Sliders Unlimited succeeds in being a fun and feature-rich game with a strong community focus. Its extensive customisation options and variety of game modes ensure it can be enjoyed in countless ways. However, issues like the overly complicated menu system and camera-related motion sickness dampen the experience slightly. Despite these flaws, it's an enjoyable game with immense potential, particularly if some of its rougher edges are smoothed out in future updates. I'd rate it 7 out of 10, with the potential to reach 8 if these issues are addressed.

Released on September 12^th 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1478340/Turbo_Sliders_Unlimited/

REVIEW: JDM: Rise of the Scorpion (2024 Video Game) on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

"JDM: Rise of the Scorpion" offers an intriguing glimpse into the upcoming "Japanese Drift Master" game from Gaming Factory, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling journey into the world of Japanese street racing. The prologue does a commendable job in introducing players to the story of Hatori 'Scorpion' Hasashi, immersing them in his world through beautifully illustrated manga panels. This storytelling approach is a refreshing touch, adding a layer of narrative depth often absent in racing games.

Visually, the game is striking. The Japanese setting is rendered with remarkable attention to detail, with the vibrant landscapes and dynamic weather systems contributing to an authentic and atmospheric experience. The day and night cycles, along with the changing traffic patterns, enhance the realism, making each race feel distinct and alive. The sound effects complement the visual experience well, with decent music that keeps the energy high during races.

However, the game is not without its flaws. The driving mechanics, particularly the drifting, leave much to be desired. Drifting, which should be the heart and soul of a game like this, feels unintuitive and frustrating, largely due to the unforgiving crash mechanics. The crash detection is particularly problematic, collisions result in an abrupt halt with no visual car damage, which breaks immersion and detracts from the overall excitement. Additionally, the braking and general driving physics feel unpolished, preventing the game from reaching its full potential in providing a satisfying racing experience.

Despite these issues, "JDM: Rise of the Scorpion" still manages to capture the thrill of racing, especially when the roads open up and you can push your car to its limits. The sense of speed is exhilarating, even if the physics occasionally undermine the fun. Given that this is a free prologue, it's worth a try, especially for fans of the genre or those curious about the full game. While the final product has a long way to go, "JDM: Rise of the Scorpion" lays a promising foundation. With further refinement, it could evolve into a standout title in the world of drift racing games.

Get it now at

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1364930/JDM_Rise_of_the_Scorpion/

REVIEW: The Exit 8 (2024 Video Game) on PS5

Review by Jon Donnis

"The Exit 8" is an evocative and atmospheric walking simulator from Kotake Create, a Japanese indie developer, that stands out for its masterful blend of psychological horror and puzzle-solving. Set in the eerie confines of a Japanese metro station passageway, the game invites players to navigate an unsettling environment where reality seems to unravel. The objective is deceptively simple: spot anomalies in the environment to progress through the passageway. However, this straightforward task is elevated to a nerve-wracking experience as the station's repetitive architecture and subtle shifts in detail foster a sense of paranoia and unease.

The game's inspiration from the surreal nature of underground passageways is palpable. The station's design captures the unnerving liminality of such spaces, where familiarity teeters on the edge of the uncanny. The graphical fidelity is impressive, with a level of realism that blurs the line between game and reality, further enhancing the psychological tension. The meticulous attention to detail is remarkable; every sign, every poster, and every inch of the environment feels purposeful, making the act of spotting discrepancies a genuinely immersive challenge.

What sets "The Exit 8" apart is how it manipulates the player's sense of security. The looping mechanic, reminiscent of the Japanese horror game I'm on Observation Duty, injects a constant undercurrent of dread. The corridor, initially mundane, becomes a psychological battleground where the smallest change, a flickering light, a slightly altered sign, can trigger anxiety. The addition of a passer-by who acts as a timer intensifies the pressure, forcing players to make quick decisions with the knowledge that one wrong move resets their progress. This binary decision-making process, while seemingly simple, becomes a source of profound stress, as the fear of failure looms large.

Despite its strengths, "The Exit 8" does have its limitations. The game is undeniably short, with a playtime of around 20 minutes for those who make the correct decisions swiftly. This brevity, while part of the game's charm, also limits its replayability. Once the anomalies have been spotted and the passageway conquered, there is little incentive to revisit the experience. However, the short duration also ensures that the tension remains high throughout, with no room for the atmosphere to stagnate.

The Exit 8 is a finely crafted experience that distills the essence of psychological horror into a compact, visually stunning package. Its ability to evoke a deep sense of discomfort through subtle environmental changes is a testament to Kotake Create's understanding of the genre. While its length may leave some wanting more, the game's intense, focused experience is likely to linger in the mind long after the final exit is reached. I score "The Exit 8" a strong 8 out of 10; it may be brief, but its impact is lasting.

Out Now on PC and Consoles

REVIEW: Creatures of Ava (2024 Open-world creature-saving puzzle video game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

"Creatures of Ava" offers a refreshing and heartwarming take on the open-world adventure genre, putting players in the shoes of Vic, a young researcher dedicated to saving the creatures of the planet Ava from a mysterious infection known as "the withering." From the outset, the game captivates with its lush, hand-painted art style and evocative soundtrack, which combine to create an immersive and enchanting world. The narrative, co-created by the talented Rhianna Pratchett, strikes a perfect balance between wonder and urgency, as players explore the planet's diverse ecosystems, ranging from the vibrant Nari jungle to the eerie Mâruba swamp.

As Vic, players are accompanied by Tabitha, a seasoned researcher, on an expedition to uncover the secrets of Ava and combat the spreading infection. The gameplay is centred around a unique non-violent combat system where players use a special flute to soothe and cleanse the infected creatures rather than defeating them. This mechanic underscores the game's emphasis on empathy and conservation, challenging players to look beyond a typical human-centric perspective and understand the intrinsic value of the planet's flora and fauna.

One of the game's standout features is its intricate and interconnected world, which is populated with over 20 distinct creatures, each with their own abilities that can assist in solving environmental puzzles. This mechanic not only adds depth to the gameplay but also fosters a strong sense of connection with the wildlife of Ava. The creatures are more than just obstacles or companions; they are integral to the experience, offering unique interactions that are both rewarding and thought-provoking.

The game's narrative is deeply touching, exploring themes of redemption, environmental stewardship, and the consequences of human interference. The story unfolds through a combination of text-based dialogue and occasional voice acting, though the latter leaves something to be desired. The voiced segments feel somewhat lacklustre and disjointed, suggesting they may have been added as an afterthought. This inconsistency can sometimes break immersion, as the quality of voice acting does not match the otherwise polished presentation.

Despite these minor flaws, "Creatures of Ava" excels in creating a vibrant, living world. The four distinct biomes are beautifully realised, each with its own unique aesthetics and challenges. The game's art direction and environmental design are truly exceptional, making exploration a visual delight. However, the camera can sometimes be problematic, particularly in tight spaces or during intense moments of creature cleansing, where it can obstruct the player's view and make precise actions challenging.

Another noteworthy aspect is the game's map, which, while comprehensive, can occasionally be confusing to navigate. The layout of Ava's ecosystems is complex, and the map does not always make it clear how to reach certain locations, leading to moments of frustration. However, these issues are relatively minor in the grand scheme of things and do little to detract from the overall experience.

"Creatures of Ava" also includes a variety of engaging side quests that enhance the main story and offer additional insight into the world's lore. These quests are well-integrated and provide meaningful rewards, encouraging players to delve deeper into the mysteries of Ava. The inclusion of a photography mechanic, reminiscent of the Pokémon Pokédex system, adds another layer of enjoyment, allowing players to document the creatures they encounter, both infected and cleansed.

Creatures of Ava is a beautiful and imaginative game that offers a unique and heartfelt experience. It stands out for its touching narrative, stunning visuals, and innovative gameplay mechanics. While not without its imperfections, such as inconsistent voice acting and occasional camera issues, these are minor blemishes on an otherwise stellar title. The game's length may be relatively short, but it is packed with content that encourages replayability, particularly for those who want to complete all the side quests and immerse themselves fully in Ava's world. Overall, "Creatures of Ava" is a creative and original experience that deserves a solid 8 out of 10.

Xbox Release Date:  Wednesday, August 7th, 2024

https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/creatures-of-ava/9nv5ltsphqd2