REVIEW: Jurassic World Rebirth (2025 Film) - Starring Scarlett Johansson

Jurassic World Rebirth picks up five years after Dominion, with dinosaurs confined to equatorial zones and humans mostly keeping their distance. A pharmaceutical team sets out to harvest DNA samples from three prehistoric species for medical use, only to collide with a stranded civilian family and a mutated dinosaur from a forgotten lab. What follows is a survival story filled with familiar set pieces, high-stakes chases, and corporate betrayal.

Scarlett Johansson leads the film with a grounded performance, standing out in an otherwise serviceable cast. The action looks good, the effects deliver, and the film mostly stays within the safe boundaries of the franchise formula. It's too long and often predictable, but there's enough spectacle to keep fans watching. Not especially bold, but solid enough to keep the series going.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/review-jurassic-world-rebirth-2025-film.html

REVIEW: Superman (2025 film) - Starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult

James Gunn's Superman brings a fresh start to the DC Universe, pulling from the All-Star Superman comics for inspiration. It delivers a visually energetic film with a packed cast of heroes, some quirky humour, and an oddly endearing turn from Krypto the Superdog. But the central figure, Superman himself, ends up feeling underwhelming in his own movie, overshadowed by stronger supporting characters like Mister Terrific and even the comic-relief Fortress robots.

Despite its ambition, the film struggles to balance tone, slipping into goofiness at times that undercut its bigger emotional moments. Lex Luthor's scheme falls flat, largely due to a miscast performance from Nicholas Hoult, and the overstuffed ensemble leaves little room for a focused or resonant Superman arc. There's nothing particularly terrible about it, but not much that sticks either. It's a watch-once kind of film, which isn't what a reboot of this scale should be.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/review-superman-2025-film-starring.html

REVIEW: How to Train Your Dragon (2025 film) - Starring Mason Thames, Nick Frost and Gerard Butler

How to Train Your Dragon returns in a live-action reimagining that closely follows the beloved 2010 animated film. Set on the Viking island of Berk, the story centres on Hiccup, a teenager who breaks with tradition by befriending a feared Night Fury dragon, Toothless. As their unlikely bond grows, Hiccup begins to uncover the truth about dragons, challenging everything his village believes. With strong performances, particularly from Mason Thames and Gerard Butler, and a visually impressive take on Toothless, the film captures the spirit and emotional weight of the original while standing confidently on its own.

Though the core story remains unchanged, the live-action format brings added texture and intensity to familiar scenes. The film balances action with heart, delivering strong messages about empathy, identity, and the courage to stand apart. With a supporting cast that includes Nico Parker, Nick Frost and Julian Dennison, it's as funny and warm as fans would hope. Despite a slightly overlong runtime, it's a thoroughly enjoyable retelling for a new generation, packed with charm and spectacle.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/review-how-to-train-your-dragon-2025.html

REVIEW: Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders (2025 Game) - On Xbox

Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders offers a compelling mix of challenging skiing and laid-back exploration. Its standout feature is the new online multiplayer mode, allowing players to race or cooperate on the slopes, which adds a fresh social element to the game's snowy world. The game's visuals are impressive, creating an immersive winter environment that enhances the experience whether racing against the clock or simply enjoying the scenery.

However, the game's camera can be frustrating, sometimes obscuring the path ahead and forcing players to rely on previous tracks. The content is relatively limited, with little reason to revisit tracks once completed in single-player mode. Though the game is short, it remains enjoyable, especially with friends, but more content would improve its lasting appeal.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/07/review-lonely-mountains-snow-riders.html

REVIEW: The Old Guard 2 (2025 Film) - Starring Charlize Theron

The Old Guard 2 picks up months after the first film, as Andy and her team reunite for a mission that uncovers deeper mysteries behind their immortality. With Booker still in exile and Quỳnh now back from centuries of torment, old wounds resurface, and new dangers emerge. Discord, the first immortal, is introduced as a powerful arms dealer with her own motives, forcing the team to confront both their past and the expanding consequences of their existence.

As the plot unravels across global locations, the team navigates betrayals, shifting alliances, and the discovery of rules that may alter their powers forever. The stakes are raised when a nuclear facility is seized, leading to personal losses and unresolved threats. With the group fractured and allies taken, Andy must decide whether the battle to protect the world is worth the cost when the future is far from certain.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/review-old-guard-2-2025-film-starring.html

REVIEW: M3GAN 2.0 (2025 Film) - Starring Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ivanna Sakhno, Jemaine Clement, Amie Donald and Jenna Davis

M3GAN 2.0 ditches the horror roots of the original and jumps headfirst into sci-fi action territory. Set two years after the events of the first film, Gemma is now an advocate for AI regulation, while her niece Cady is navigating teenage rebellion. When a defence contractor unveils AMELIA, a deadly android built from stolen M3GAN tech, things spiral fast. As AMELIA gains self-awareness and slips the leash, the stakes go global, forcing Gemma to make the unthinkable choice: bring back M3GAN and hope she can be trusted.

What follows is a tense, kinetic showdown between two machines, with human survival caught in the middle. The film leans into its Terminator 2 parallels without losing its own voice, offering strong performances and smart pacing. It's a bold shift from creepy doll horror to full-blown tech thriller, but it works because the characters still matter and the stakes feel real. Not everyone will embrace the change in tone, but as a sequel that takes risks and runs with them, it's a strong evolution.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/review-m3gan-20-2025-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Heads of State (2025 Film) - Starring John Cena, Idris Elba and Priyanka Chopra

Heads of State sets itself apart with a playful, action-packed take on global leadership, focusing on the unlikely partnership between Idris Elba's British Prime Minister and John Cena's brash US President. The film's tone is deliberately light, aiming more for entertainment than sharp political satire. Director Ilya Naishuller keeps the pace moving through various European locations, balancing bombastic action sequences with moments of genuine character chemistry, especially between Elba and Cena.

While the film occasionally falters with some CGI issues and a mid-run slowdown, its strengths lie in the dynamic performances and the subtle hints at leadership and responsibility beneath the surface chaos. Priyanka Chopra Jonas adds a welcome edge as the competent MI6 agent trying to manage the chaos. Overall, Heads of State is an enjoyable, if imperfect, political buddy thriller that knows its place and delivers plenty of fun.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/review-heads-of-state-2025-film.html

REVIEW: Ice Road: Vengeance (2025 Film) - Starring Liam Neeson and Fan Bingbing

Ice Road: Vengeance moves the action from frozen highways to the perilous slopes of the Himalayas, as Mike McCann travels to Nepal to honour his brother's memory. What begins as a reflective journey quickly shifts into survival mode when mercenaries hijack a tour bus, targeting a young local boy tied up in a land dispute. Neeson does what he does best, even if he feels a bit like he's running through the motions. Fan Bingbing brings genuine energy to the screen and steals most of the scenes she's in, with clean action choreography and a grounded performance that lifts the film when it begins to lag.

While the setting is fresh and the international cast adds variety, the film loses some impact by leaning too heavily on formula. The lack of actual ice roads feels like a missed opportunity, and some cheap-looking effects don't help either. There's still enough tension and scenery to keep it watchable, but at nearly two hours, it could've used a leaner cut. For a casual watch, it does the job, just don't expect it to linger in your mind after the credits roll.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/07/review-ice-road-vengeance-2025-film.html

REVIEW: Antro (2025 Video Game) - On PS5

Antro offers a unique blend of rhythm, puzzle solving, and platforming set to a soundtrack of Spanish hip hop, drill, R&B, and electronic music. Players control Nittch, a cynical delivery runner navigating the harsh, stratified underground city of Barcelona, where music and art are outlawed. The game shifts between free exploration and intense autorun parkour sections, challenging players to move in time with the beat while unraveling a story of resistance against a brutal regime.

Despite its striking visuals and immersive soundtrack, Antro suffers from a very short playtime, lasting just over an hour. While the rhythm mechanics and music-driven gameplay are engaging, the game leaves you wanting more depth and longer gameplay to fully realise its potential. Still, for fans of rhythm games and those intrigued by its setting and style, Antro is a memorable, if brief, experience.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/07/review-antro-2025-video-game-on.html

REVIEW: Final Destination Bloodlines (2025 Film) - Starring Kaitlyn Santa Juana

Final Destination: Bloodlines breathes new life into the long-running horror series by tying its familiar death-defying premise to a personal, family-driven mystery. College student Stefani Reyes inherits terrifying visions from her grandmother, uncovering a decades-old premonition that disrupted Death's design. The result is a film that starts strong and keeps the tension tight, blending emotional depth with the franchise's signature dread.

The kills are creative, the pacing relentless, and the stakes feel more real thanks to a cast that actually makes you care. What sets this one apart is how it manages to both respect the existing lore and push it into new territory without losing the fun. It's bold, gory, sometimes silly, but always entertaining. Easily one of the best entries in the series, Bloodlines proves the franchise still has plenty of life left.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/06/review-final-destination-bloodlines.html

Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Review: Smarter, Sharper, and Surprisingly Stylish

Xiaomi Smart Band 10 strikes an impressive balance between functionality and style. Its bright 1.72-inch AMOLED display, long-lasting battery, and sleek design make it feel more premium than the price suggests. With over 150 workout modes, reliable auto-tracking, and enhanced swim features, it handles day-to-day fitness with ease. The expanded sleep monitoring and expert-backed 21-day improvement programme add genuine value for those looking to improve their wellbeing, while 24/7 tracking for heart rate, SpO₂, and stress keeps it useful beyond workouts.

What really sets it apart is how effortlessly it fits into daily life. It connects quickly to smartphones, offers customisable notifications, and includes thoughtful design touches like a ceramic edition and multiple wearing styles. Charging is fast, comfort is high, and smart integration feels smooth rather than overcomplicated. For a smart band priced under £55, it's surprisingly complete and stands out as a strong all-rounder in a crowded market.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/06/review-xiaomi-smart-band-10-2025.html

REVIEW: Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition (2025 Backworms Compatible Update)

Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition is a faithful re-release of the iconic 1999 turn-based strategy game, now available on Nintendo Switch. Packed with over 55 outrageous weapons, a full campaign, and classic multiplayer features, it delivers the same blend of tactical chaos and comedy that made the original a hit. This version also includes an interactive museum and a documentary, giving fans a look at the game's history and legacy.

On top of the main game, the Anniversary Edition features playable emulated versions of Worms for SNES and Mega Drive, Worms World Party for Game Boy Advance, and the Game Boy Color version of Worms Armageddon. With support for modern displays and a retro-styled update called Backworms, this release caters to both new players and long-time fans. It's a nostalgic return to the series' peak that still holds up decades later.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/06/review-worms-armageddon-anniversary.html

REVIEW: Hidden Pictures: Agent Q – A Whimsical VR Puzzle Quest with Real-World Charm

Hidden Pictures: Agent Q is a colourful and imaginative VR puzzle game built for Meta Quest, where players take on the role of a B.A.R.D. agent racing to recover shattered Galaxy Orbs before a gang of space pirates known as the Tumai can steal them. Spread across more than sixty miniaturised worlds, each themed and intricately detailed, the game blends hidden object challenges, logic puzzles and light-hearted interaction with quirky local characters called Muddles. Whether you're exploring a tiny haunted village or a neon-lit megacity, each diorama is packed with secrets, surprises and satisfying tasks.

The game's clever use of mixed reality allows you to explore these vibrant scenes within your own space, adjusting height and perspective to play comfortably whether sitting or standing. With multiple modes including Adventure, Puzzle and Boss battles, and a growing collection of pirates and allies to track down, Agent Q offers a generous helping of gameplay that's both accessible and rewarding. It's playful, well-paced, and designed to keep players of all ages curious and engaged throughout.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/06/review-hidden-pictures-agent-q-2025.html

REVIEW: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025 Film) - Starring Tom Cruise

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning brings Ethan Hunt's journey to an explosive, emotional close without losing sight of what made the series work so well. With the Entity threatening global catastrophe, the film pushes forward at a relentless pace, offering tight action, practical stunts and a sense of finality that never feels forced.

Tom Cruise anchors the story with physical intensity and quiet depth, while the returning cast delivers some of their strongest work yet. Director Christopher McQuarrie keeps the focus sharp and the scale massive, guiding the franchise to a thrilling and surprisingly grounded send-off that's both satisfying and worth the long wait.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/06/review-mission-impossible-final.html

REVIEW: Train Valley Origins (2025 Video Game) - Released on PC Steam

Train Valley Origins takes the beloved formula back to basics, offering a focused and highly replayable puzzle experience. With its top-down view, clean track-building mechanics, and steadily increasing complexity, the game captures the charm and strategy of early entries while smoothing out some of the rougher edges introduced in Train Valley 2. Players will find themselves juggling multiple trains, avoiding crashes, hitting bonus objectives, and aiming for the elusive perfect score, all within tightly designed, visually charming levels.

Though it doesn't reinvent the series, Origins keeps things fresh with four distinct historical settings, a range of unlockable trains, and varied level challenges. The upcoming level editor hints at a much longer shelf life, promising player-made content and community sharing. While the price may feel a touch steep for what resembles a mobile-style experience, the game's addictiveness and smart design offer more than enough to justify it for puzzle fans and railway enthusiasts alike.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/06/review-train-valley-origins-2025-video.html

REVIEW: Karate Kid: Legends (2025 Film) - Starring Ben Wang, Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio

Karate Kid: Legends doesn't try to shake things up too much, and that's exactly why it works. It follows the tried and tested formula of the underdog story, brought to life this time by Ben Wang as Li Fong. With sharp pacing, solid action, and just the right amount of heart, the film hits the right nostalgic beats without feeling like a retread. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio share the screen for the first time, and their scenes carry weight without overplaying the legacy hand.

While the story is simple, it's given emotional depth through Li's backstory and the relationships around him. Chan brings his usual mix of wisdom and humour, and Macchio makes the most of his later arrival. The film never drags, thanks to its lean 90-minute runtime, but maybe a bit more time with Johnny Lawrence or extra training scenes would have added more flavour. Still, it's a satisfying return to a familiar world, and proof the franchise isn't running on fumes just yet.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/06/review-karate-kid-legends-2025-film.html

REVIEW: The Accountant 2 (2025 Film) - Starring Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, and J. K. Simmons

The Accountant 2 picks up years after the original, with Ben Affleck's Christian Wolff pulled back into a murky web of trafficking and family secrets. Jon Bernthal's Braxton returns as both muscle and comic foil, giving the sequel a more playful edge that works surprisingly well. Though the plot leans into thriller territory, it finds room for warmth and some unexpectedly tender moments.

At over two hours, it does sag in places, with stretches that could've been trimmed. But it's saved by the charm and chemistry of its leads, a more confident tone, and enough action to satisfy returning fans. You don't need to have seen the first film to follow this one, but it helps. Not perfect, but solid and memorable.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/06/review-accountant-2-2025-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Assassin's Creed Shadows (2025 Video Game)

Assassin's Creed Shadows takes players to 16th-century Japan during the brutal final years of the Sengoku period, offering a detailed world rich in historical architecture, seasonal changes, and dynamic lighting. Players control two characters with contrasting styles: Naoe, a nimble shinobi with classic stealth mechanics, and Yasuke, a fictionalised African character based on a novel, built for heavy combat. Naoe brings the familiar thrill of classic Assassin's Creed gameplay, while Yasuke's missions feel sluggish and disconnected from the franchise's roots.

While the story touches on real historical events and figures like Oda Nobunaga, the game struggles with pacing, bugs, and a world that often feels empty. Missions are non-linear and the stealth mechanics have moments of brilliance, but poor character balance and frustrating design choices undercut the experience. Shadows is not a complete failure, but it's a clear step down from what long-time fans have come to expect. There's a decent game buried in here, but it never quite breaks through.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/06/review-assassins-creed-shadows-2025.html

REVIEW: The Amateur (2025 film) - Starring Rami Malek and Laurence Fishburne

The Amateur follows Charlie Heller, a reclusive CIA cryptographer whose life is upended when his wife is killed in a terrorist attack. What begins as a quiet story of personal grief spirals into a slow-burning spy thriller, as Charlie unearths a conspiracy within his own agency and sets out on a global pursuit of revenge. With Rami Malek at the centre, the film explores what happens when a man built for silence steps into chaos. The first act grips tightly, showing how Charlie's intelligence becomes his weapon as he navigates the world of killers and cover-ups.

But while the setup and early tension promise a standout revenge tale, the film struggles with its pacing. At two hours, it loses momentum, and the quiet introspection that once felt compelling starts to drain the energy. The ending pulls back from real catharsis, favouring resolution over impact. Despite strong performances and clever sequences, The Amateur falls short of its potential. It's a decent thriller with smart ideas, but it never quite hits the emotional or action highs it seems to reach for.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/06/review-amateur-2025-film-starring-rami.html

REVIEW: Redmi Watch 5 (2025 Release)

The Redmi Watch 5 is Xiaomi's most advanced smartwatch yet, combining a sharp 2.07-inch AMOLED display, robust fitness tracking, and a reliable 24-day battery life in a sleek, lightweight package. With a premium aluminium alloy frame, improved haptic feedback, and built-in GNSS for accurate outdoor tracking, it offers a genuinely solid experience straight from the wrist. Its dual-mic Bluetooth calling and on-board voice recorder add useful functionality without feeling gimmicky, and the comfort-focused design holds up all day.

What really stands out is how well it all works without drawing attention to itself. Everything from heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring to answering calls and logging voice notes feels natural and easy. The only hiccup is Xiaomi's confusing naming scheme across the Watch 5, 5 Lite, and 5 Active, but once you've got the right one, it's an impressively complete smartwatch for the price.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/06/review-redmi-watch-5-2025-release.html

REVIEW: Blades of Fire (2025 Video Game) - A Game of Hot Steel and Cold Frustration

Blades of Fire offers a visually striking and original action-adventure experience, centred around a cursed world, weapon forging, and tactical combat. The premise is compelling, with a warrior named Aran de Lira journeying to overthrow a steel-twisting queen, guided by a loyal scholar who helps unravel the game's secrets. There's a deep weapon crafting system, varied enemy types, and a layered world filled with alternate paths and hidden areas.

However, the game's potential is held back by some frustrating design choices. The forging system, despite being its central feature, feels awkward and unrewarding, and clunky controls limit the sense of freedom. Combat shows promise but can lack fluidity, and the level design sometimes leads to confusing backtracking. While the world and story are engaging, the execution doesn't always support the ambition behind it.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/06/review-blades-of-fire-2025-video-game.html

REVIEW: Locked (2025 Film) - Starring Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins

Locked is a claustrophobic thriller that traps its audience inside a luxury SUV alongside a desperate man who made one bad choice too many. When Eddie, played by Bill Skarsgård, breaks into what he thinks is an empty car, he finds himself caught in a high-tech trap orchestrated by William, a wealthy doctor with a vendetta and a terminal diagnosis. What follows is a tense and disturbing cat-and-mouse game where justice, punishment and survival blur together in uncomfortable ways. With Anthony Hopkins voicing the dispassionate tormentor, the film becomes a slow-burn battle of wills played out in real time.

Anchored almost entirely by Skarsgård's intense performance, Locked builds its tension on physical confinement and psychological breakdown. The script plays with shifting power dynamics as Eddie tries to stay alive, appeal to reason and eventually fight back against his captor. While the premise is stretched to its limits, the film manages to hold together thanks to the strength of its two leads and its unsettling atmosphere. It's a compact, morally murky thriller that makes the most of its limited setting and cast.

Full Review

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/06/review-locked-2025-film-starring-bill.html

REVIEW: Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro (2025 Release)

The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro deliver an impressive mix of comfort, audio quality and smart features in a lightweight design. They're ideal for everything from mobile gaming to travel, with noise cancellation that genuinely cuts through background hum and lets you focus on your audio. Sound performance is well-balanced, with rich bass and clean mids and highs, enhanced by custom EQ profiles. The dual-device connectivity and long battery life add to the convenience, and the ability to get over four hours of playback from a quick 10-minute charge is a real bonus.

One of the standout features is the audio recording function, which lets you capture sounds or conversations by simply tapping the case. It's surprisingly useful and feels like a thoughtful addition. If there's a downside, it's that the buds are so comfortable and discreet that you might not notice if one ever falls out. Still, that's a small concern in an otherwise excellent product. Stylish, affordable and full of advanced features, the Buds 5 Pro are a strong choice.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/06/review-xiaomi-buds-5-pro-2025-release.html

REVIEW: Fountain of Youth (2025 Film) - Starring John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Eiza González, and Domhnall Gleeson

Fountain of Youth is a lively heist action adventure directed by Guy Ritchie that follows disgraced archaeologist Luke Purdue and his sister Charlotte on a global treasure hunt. The film combines fast-paced action, clever puzzles, and a touch of humour, anchored by strong performances from John Krasinski and Natalie Portman. While the story revisits familiar themes of secret societies and ancient mysteries, the engaging characters and well-executed set pieces make it an enjoyable watch.

Visually impressive and well shot, the film takes viewers from London to Cairo, delivering a mix of chase scenes and tense confrontations. Though the plot can feel predictable at times, the chemistry among the cast and the blend of mythology with family dynamics keep the story compelling. Fountain of Youth offers a fun, old-fashioned adventure that, despite its lack of originality, is entertaining from start to finish.

Full review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/06/review-fountain-of-youth-2025-film.html

REVIEW: A Minecraft Movie (2025 Film) - Starring Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, and Sebastian Hansen

A Minecraft Movie translates the game's signature blocky world into a vibrant fantasy adventure led by a group of misfits who must master creativity to survive. With performances from Jason Momoa and Jack Black, the film blends humour and heart while capturing Minecraft's spirit through familiar elements like the Overworld, Piglins and crafting mechanics.

While the narrative leans heavily on established Minecraft lore, its visual inventiveness and family-friendly tone make it an enjoyable watch for younger audiences and fans of the game. It may not reach far beyond that demographic, but its understanding of its source material ensures a faithful and entertaining adaptation.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/05/review-minecraft-movie-2025-film.html

REVIEW: American Arcadia (2025 Video Game) on Xbox

American Arcadia is a distinctive and highly original puzzle-platformer set in a dazzling 1970s-inspired retro-futuristic metropolis. Players follow Trevor Hills, a mild-mannered everyman who learns that his seemingly perfect world is a 24/7 broadcasted reality show where popularity is the difference between life and death. As Trevor attempts to escape the city's deadly ratings system, he's aided by Angela Solano, a stage technician working behind the scenes who manipulates the environment and hacks systems to clear his path to freedom.

With alternating gameplay styles, players control Trevor in stylish 2.5D platforming sequences and Angela in immersive first-person puzzle sections. The story is rich with humour, tension and twists, brought to life by excellent voice performances and a unique visual style. American Arcadia cleverly critiques media culture while delivering compelling and cleverly designed gameplay. It's a thrilling experience that balances light-hearted charm with high-stakes action, and stands as one of the most original indie games in recent years.

Full review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/05/review-american-arcadia-2025-video-game.html

REVIEW: DOOM™: The Dark Ages (2025 Video Game) - on Xbox

Doom: The Dark Ages takes the franchise into a bold new direction, trading the usual fast-paced combat for a heavier, more tactical experience. Set in a techno-medieval world before the events of the 2016 Doom, players control the Doom Slayer as he battles the demonic invasion in Averno City. The introduction of the Shield Saw, slower combat pace, and new melee weapons create a fresh, weighty feel that emphasizes timing and strategy over frantic action. Vehicle sections featuring cybernetic dragons and colossal mechs add variety and spectacle to the gameplay, while a deeper narrative with cutscenes provides insight into the Doom Slayer's origins.

The game's atmospheric setting and inventive combat mechanics make it a strong entry in the series, even if some visual elements feel muted compared to previous titles. The storytelling is more prominent, enriching the player's connection to the characters and the world. Although the soundtrack does not reach the heights of earlier Doom games, the overall package delivers a compelling experience for fans seeking a new challenge. Doom: The Dark Ages is a successful evolution for the franchise.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/05/review-doom-dark-ages-2025-video-game.html

REVIEW: The Precinct (2025 Video Game) Law, Order, and a Touch of Neon Noir - Out On Xbox Now

The Precinct, developed by Fallen Tree Games and published by Kwalee, is a top-down action-adventure that flips the early Grand Theft Auto formula on its head. Set in a neon-soaked version of 1983 New York called Averno City, players step into the shoes of rookie officer Nick Cordell Jr., armed with a revolver, baton, and a procedural handbook. From issuing parking tickets to chasing down gang leaders in squad cars or helicopters, the game blends police simulation with action-packed sandbox gameplay, all under the shadow of the murder mystery surrounding your father.

The game captures its 1980s noir influences brilliantly, with atmospheric visuals, strong voice acting, and a day/night system that brings the city's gritty underbelly to life. Though some mechanics can feel repetitive over longer sessions, the gameplay shines in shorter bursts, making The Precinct a perfect pick-up-and-play title. With potential for future updates and DLC, this is a compelling first entry in what could become a standout series in the indie crime sim genre.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/05/review-precinct-2025-video-game-law.html