REVIEW: KARMA: The Dark World (2025 Video Game) - A Haunting Descent into the Mind

KARMA: The Dark World is a psychological thriller that immerses players in a dystopian world controlled by the Leviathan Corporation. As Roam Agent Daniel McGovern, players investigate crimes, interrogate suspects, and dive into minds to relive memories. The game's bleak atmosphere, haunting soundtrack, and detailed environmental storytelling create a constant sense of paranoia. Its strong narrative explores themes of control and identity, with a fragmented timeline that slowly reveals unsettling truths. While the investigative and puzzle-solving mechanics are engaging, the lack of a hint system and unskippable cutscenes can make the experience frustrating at times.

Visually, the game impresses with its detailed environments and eerie lighting, while the ambient soundtrack heightens the tension. The puzzles are well-crafted but can be difficult without guidance, and the gameplay leans more towards a walking simulator than an action-driven experience. Despite these flaws, its gripping story and immersive world make it a compelling play for fans of investigative horror. Those who enjoy slow-burning psychological thrillers will appreciate its depth, even if the pacing and difficulty may not appeal to everyone.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/03/review-karma-dark-world-2025-video-game.html

REVIEW: Snow White (2025 Film) - Starring Rachel Zegler, Andrew Burnap and Gal Gadot

Disney's Snow White is a disastrous attempt at reimagining a beloved classic, stripping away the magic, charm, and heart of the original in favour of a lifeless, politically driven narrative. Rachel Zegler's Snow White lacks the warmth and innocence of the original character, while the addition of Andrew Burnap's Jonathan is a pointless change that adds nothing of value. The decision to replace the seven dwarfs with bizarre CGI creations is both baffling and insulting, removing one of the most iconic elements of the story. Even the musical numbers, which should have been a highlight, are completely forgettable, failing to capture the timeless appeal of the original songs. The film's heavy reliance on CGI backdrops makes everything look artificial, adding to the soulless feel of the entire production.

The only redeeming element is Gal Gadot's beauty as the Evil Queen, though even she is let down by weak writing and a story that never fully embraces its villain. The idea that she would be jealous of this version of Snow White is laughable, but a deeper exploration of the Queen's insecurities could have made for a better film. Instead, Snow White meanders through meaningless subplots and an uninspired rebellion storyline that turns the fairy tale into a dull and heavy-handed message. At nearly two hours, the film drags unbearably, with a choppy narrative and bad acting making it feel even longer. Rather than faithfully adapting a classic, Disney has produced a joyless, forgettable mess that fails to entertain either new audiences or longtime fans.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/03/review-snow-white-2025-film-starring.html

REVIEW: MLB The Show 25 - Playstation 5

MLB The Show 25 on PlayStation 5 offers a refined and immersive baseball experience, with notable improvements in fielding mechanics, animations, and player models. The introduction of the "ambush hitting" mechanic adds an exciting layer of strategy to batting, rewarding players who can predict pitch locations. The game's presentation is top-notch, capturing the energy and atmosphere of a live MLB game. While the "Road to the Show" mode remains engaging, some players may find its progression system slightly repetitive.

A standout feature is the new "Diamond Quest" mode, which introduces a roguelike-inspired board game experience, offering a fun and addictive alternative to traditional gameplay. Additionally, the inclusion of Storylines, focusing on historical Negro Leagues players, adds depth and educational value to the game. Overall, MLB The Show 25 is a polished and feature-packed title, offering fresh gameplay mechanics and an enhanced simulation, making it a must-play for baseball fans.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/03/review-mlb-show-25-playstation-5.html

REVIEW: Only Way is Down (2025 Video Game) - A Rage Precision Platformer with Unforgiving Difficulty

Only Way is Down offers an intriguing concept where you play as a cat who must navigate a dangerous construction site to reach the ground safely. The game's world is visually appealing, with vibrant cityscapes and a variety of customisation options for the cat. However, the experience is marred by its extreme difficulty, as one small mistake often leads to instant death. The cat's movements are stiff, and there's no recovery from falls, making the game feel punishing rather than rewarding.

While the game targets fans of rage platformers, its high difficulty, poor controls, and frustrating camera angles make it unsuitable for most players. The unresponsive controls and frequent camera issues only add to the frustration, making the game feel more like an exercise in trial and error than an enjoyable challenge. Although Only Way is Down has potential, its lack of forgiveness and overly hard nature will likely leave casual players frustrated.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/03/review-only-way-is-down-2025-video-game.html

REVIEW: Novocaine (2025 Film) – A Gory, Screwball Action Comedy with Heart

Novocaine is a wild, gory action comedy that embraces its over-the-top premise with full force. Jack Quaid shines as Nathan, a bank worker who can't feel pain, throwing himself into chaotic, Looney Tunes-style violence in a desperate bid to save the woman he loves. The film balances absurd action with sharp humour and surprising emotional depth, making it more than just a series of brutal slapstick set pieces. Amber Midthunder and Quaid have great chemistry, and the film's inventive fight sequences keep things fresh and engaging throughout.

While the film is a blast, its near-relentless pace makes it feel slightly too long at an hour and 45 minutes. A tighter 90-minute cut might have helped keep the momentum from dragging in places. However, Novocaine never pretends to be anything other than a ridiculous, screwball action comedy, and it fully delivers on that promise. It's violent, funny, and completely self-aware, making for an entertaining ride from start to finish.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/03/review-novocaine-2025-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Soccer VR (2025 VR Game) - on MetaQuest

Soccer VR on MetaQuest is a fun and surprisingly immersive football game, especially given its budget price of £1.99. It offers full matches with adjustable difficulty, various formations, and practice modes for honing skills like penalties and free kicks. The standout feature is the option to mount the controller to your leg, letting you physically kick the ball for a more realistic feel. This adds a unique layer of immersion, though you can also use hand controls if you prefer. The crowd sound effects help bring matches to life, and despite the simple graphics, the core gameplay is enjoyable.

While the visuals and overall polish reflect the game's low price point, Soccer VR makes up for it with charm and creativity. It's best played in short bursts, especially if you're using the leg-mounted controls, just make sure you have enough space to avoid any accidental kicks. For football fans looking for a casual VR experience, it's a great option that captures the spirit of the sport without breaking the bank.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/03/review-soccer-vr-2025-vr-game.html

REVIEW: Paddington in Peru (2024 Film) - Starring Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Antonio Banderas and Ben Whishaw

Paddington in Peru continues the beloved bear's adventures in a fresh setting, as Paddington and the Brown family travel to Peru to find Aunt Lucy, who has mysteriously gone missing. The film retains the warmth and charm of its predecessors, offering a delightful mix of humour, adventure, and heartfelt moments. While it delivers an engaging story with vibrant visuals, the quest to uncover the legendary El Dorado and rescue Aunt Lucy brings a mix of excitement and comedic mishaps. The cast, including Ben Whishaw as Paddington and Antonio Banderas as the treasure-hunting Hunter Cabot, adds depth to the adventure with strong performances all around.

Despite its many strengths, the film doesn't quite match the high energy and absurdity of Paddington 2, feeling slightly longer and slower in parts. The film's 100-minute runtime may lose the attention of younger viewers, and some of the magic that made the earlier films so memorable seems to be lost here. Still, Paddington in Peru delivers a heartwarming and enjoyable experience for fans of the series, with its core themes of family, love, and perseverance shining through in the film's jungle-filled adventure.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/03/review-paddington-in-peru-2024-film.html

REVIEW: Comfort Racing (VR) on MetaQuest

Comfort Racing (VR) for Meta Quest delivers an accessible and thrilling racing experience tailored to those sensitive to motion sickness. The game uses advanced motion algorithms and visual techniques to reduce discomfort, allowing players to enjoy high-speed racing without the usual queasy side effects. With a range of customizable cars, tracks, and multiple game modes, the game offers a variety of options to keep players engaged. Small touches, such as the ability to adjust seat positioning, further enhance immersion and comfort.

While the game shines in terms of accessibility and content, the AI-controlled cars still need improvement to make races more competitive. Despite this, Comfort Racing (VR) stands out as an affordable and enjoyable option for VR racing fans, especially those who have struggled with motion sickness in the past. The intuitive controls and solid variety of gameplay options ensure that players can have fun while honing their racing skills.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/03/review-comfort-racing-vr-on-metaquest.html

NEWS: Clix and Gunnar Optiks Unveil Next-Gen Gaming Glasses for Serious Players

Cody "Clix" Conrod, a top Fortnite player and streaming sensation, has teamed up with Gunnar Optiks to launch the Clix Gaming Goggles. Priced at $74, these glasses are designed to boost gaming performance with patented blue-light-blocking technology that reduces eye strain, enhances contrast, and protects against UV rays. The sleek, square frames are made from a blend of Premium Engineered Polymer and stainless steel, offering lightweight durability. With smudge-resistant, anti-reflective lenses and flexible multi-spring hinges, they're built for comfort and clarity during long gaming sessions.

The launch was announced during the Fortnite Grand Finals, with the first 1,000 orders including a limited-edition Clix case and a raffle entry to play Fortnite with Clix himself. Each pair also comes with a collector's pouch, cleaning cloth, and a 12-month warranty. Clix, who rose to fame as a Fortnite prodigy, continues to shape the gaming world — now helping others protect their vision and stay sharp with gear designed to match his own high standards for competitive play.

Ful Article at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/03/news-clix-and-gunnar-optiks-unveil-next.html

Deception and Drama: The Appeal of Fake Psychics in TV Shows

Television has long relied on fake psychics and fraudulent mediums as characters, offering both comedic and dramatic moments as their deceptions unravel. Shows like Psych and Frasier showcase fake psychics for laughs, with characters like Shawn Spencer and Frasier Crane hilariously attempting to expose or maintain the ruse. Other comedies, such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine, take the theme to absurd extremes, using fake psychics as the basis for elaborate and outlandish schemes. Even in more serious shows like The Mentalist, the exploration of fraudulent mediums delves into darker territory, focusing on the personal consequences and emotional weight of deception.

Despite the deception, these fake psychic characters often elicit some level of empathy. While their lies may cause harm, they are typically driven by desperation or a need for attention, highlighting the human desire for answers and connection. Whether in the form of a bumbling con artist or a more manipulative figure, these characters' vulnerability makes their eventual exposure both satisfying and emotionally complex. Shows that explore this trope balance the satisfaction of seeing deception revealed with a nuanced understanding of the characters' motives. Ultimately, the fake psychic storylines engage viewers by mixing entertainment with a touch of empathy for those who seek power in illusion.

Read the full article at

https://www.badpsychics.com/2025/03/tvs-best-fake-psychics-when-pretend.html

REVIEW: Captain America: Brave New World (2025 Film) – Starring Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Liv Tyler and Harrison Ford

Captain America: Brave New World tries to push the MCU forward but struggles under the weight of its ambitions. The film follows Sam Wilson as he grows into his role as Captain America, balancing his sense of duty with personal doubts. Anthony Mackie brings emotional depth to the character, and the bond between Wilson and Joaquin Torres adds heart to the story. The plot revolves around the discovery of adamantium and the political chaos that follows, with President Ross and Dr Samuel Sterns at the centre of the conflict. Action sequences, like intercepting mind-controlled pilots and battling Red Hulk, provide excitement, though the film's CGI often falls short.

Despite thrilling set pieces and strong character moments, the film is bogged down by an overcrowded plot and shallow political commentary. Cameos and easter eggs distract from the narrative, and the story sometimes feels like a setup for future projects. Yet, the emotional moments land, especially when Wilson talks Ross down from his Red Hulk rage. The film closes on a hopeful note, with Wilson forming a new Avengers team and Ross accepting responsibility for his actions. It is an enjoyable enough entry in the MCU, with glimpses of greatness, even if it never quite reaches the heights of earlier Captain America films.

Full Review at 

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2025/03/review-captain-america-brave-new-world.html

REVIEW: Eternal Strands (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Eternal Strands is a stunning action-adventure game where players follow Brynn, a young Weaver on a quest to uncover the Enclave's lost secrets. Armed with a magical cloak and elemental powers, she battles colossal creatures and explores a richly detailed world that reacts to her abilities. Fire can burn vegetation, ice freezes water, and telekinesis shifts objects, creating endless possibilities for exploration and combat. The physics-driven system, combined with Brynn's freedom to climb any surface, adds depth and encourages creative problem-solving, while boss fights offer thrilling moments as she scales massive enemies to exploit their weaknesses.

Despite the game's beauty and rewarding mechanics, combat can feel repetitive, and the dialogue lacks energy, though players focused on action can skip conversations. The 2D animated cutscenes contrast beautifully with the 3D world, highlighting the care put into the game's presentation. While not without flaws, Eternal Strands delivers a magical adventure filled with epic battles, environmental manipulation, and a sense of wonder that lingers well after the journey ends.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2025/03/review-eternal-strands-2025-video-game.html