Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Five years has passed since Cal Kestis resumed the Jedi path and began fighting against the Empire. He’s become a valued part of the resistance, but no matter what, the Empire is always one step ahead. Everything changes when he hears of the fabled planet of Tanalorr- a force sensitive planet thought untouchable, unreachable, the perfect haven for the Jedi. Unfortunately, Cal awakens a long dormant High Republic jedi obsessed with the world, who’s willing to do anything to find it. Can Cal reunite his friends and beat the odds while avoiding the dark side?

Survivor is a sequel in every sense, good and bad. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was one of my favorite games of the last console gen, almost a masterpiece. Survivor goes bigger, deeper, but not always for the best. Essentially the game feels like 2 different stories pressed together. Dagan Gera’s story in the first half didn’t really do much for me; I felt Dagan lacked the emotional depth of Trilla in the previous game. The later half, delivers a darker, more compelling story with a villain who not only challenges Cal on a combative level but a personal level, leading to pretty impactful finale (no spoilers on this villain’s identity). I seriously wished the rest of the game was just as powerful as the mid to endgame.

Gameplay is mixed. There’s more force powers which great expand combat in some fun was that are really epic. There are 5 lightsaber stances instead of 2, which vary gameplay style but I feel like dual wield and double bladed are the most OP options; if you max out dual wield, you can virtually become untouchable. I had to use the Kylo Ren crossgard saber for the biggest challenge on my first run. You can do partner attacks at certain points but I rarely used this feature, forgetting they were even there a lot of the time.

Rather than multiple worlds like the first game, we get less that are bigger and more open, including a hub world that unfolds like a typical souls map. I wasn’t a fan of this approach. The worlds of survivor mostly aren’t very interesting or memorable, except for a a few set pieces here and there. I hope you like desert biomes. The platforming feels less Prince of Persia and more cheap Zelda with a bunch of puzzle heavy temples that offer piss to no loot. Oh loot plays a big part of this game, but none of it really adds to much except skins. This big hub world is full of side quests that are predominately stale, generic fetch quests. I felt myself giving up on side missions pretty quickly every playthrough.

Sadly, I do have to say my experience wasn’t as flawless as Fallen Order’s. The previous game was a silky smooth ride. Survivor had some pretty hilarious bugs on my first playthrough, including a rock yeeting me into the sky. There’s also a fair amount of hard crashes I had that set me back a few times. Later play throughs were cleaner but still noticeable like playing with a invisible lightsaber for a while and falling through solid objects.

In the end, Survivor, despite my various complaints, is a solid game that could’ve been great. I feel like if it cooked another year, and dialed some things back it would’ve been much better. If you loved the first game and find it on sale, it’s worth checking out but keep your excitement in check. May the force be with you all.

Ereban: Shadow Legacy PlayStation 5 Review

Ereban: Shadow Legacy was sent to me by Baby Robot Games, and I always appreciate that. The story is very basic but intriguing; you play as the last known member of a race that can literally become one with the shadows. You can use these powers to either kill or simply hide from enemies and make your way through levels and discover what really happened to your people.

There are a few things I didn’t care for, but let’s start with what I liked. First off, as far as a port from a PC game goes, it was really well done. Playing on the base PS5, it was really well done. I never experienced any frame rate drops, and graphics maintained their beautiful cell-shaded look without popping in or out.

The game’s stealth is also really well done, to the point that it won’t allow you not to use it. Killing enemies must be done from stealth; if you try to just run in and stab someone, you will fail. The flip side of this is that the game makes the stealth controls and functions very well. I never felt like I was guessing if an enemy would see me or if I were in shadow.

As for the thing I didn’t like, well, for starters, the game might be 6-7 hour and this is without knowing where I was going. The dialogue also leaves much to be desired. It isn’t the worst I have heard, but it wasn’t great. None of that should be taken as the game is bad; I still had fun with it. It is a solid 7/10 that stealth and even platformer fans will want to pick up. Best wishes, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

The Empty Desk is launching on consoles this April!

JanduSoft ispleased to announce that The Empty Desk, a psychological thriller developed by Cheesecake Games, will be released on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. In this narrative-driven adventure, players step into the shoes of Detective Thomas H. Bennett as he faces his final case before retirement, an investigation that quickly spirals into a disturbing journey where reality begins to fracture.

Set within the mysterious headquarters of Blackthorn & Co, The Empty Desk blends investigation, exploration, and psychological tension to deliver a gripping experience. As players uncover the secrets behind a high-profile death and a puzzling disappearance, they will navigate a haunting environment where every clue brings them closer to the truth… or further into the unknown.

The Empty Desk will launch on April 17 for €10.49 / $10.49, with a 20% launch discount for a limited time.

Immerse yourself in a psychological thriller with narrative adventure elements and unsettling details. Join Detective Bennett on his final case and uncover dark secrets in a world where reality bends and sanity wavers. The Empty Desk is the first chapter of the Detective Bennett: Solved Cases saga—a psychological thriller with narrative adventure elements and hints of horror. It immerses the player in a true crime story while exploring the effects of a mind trapped in a cycle of repetition and emotional burnout.

In this first installment, veteran homicide detective Thomas H. Bennett, just one week away from retirement, faces one final and unsettling case that could change him forever. As you delve deeper into the game, reality crumbles before your eyes.

Features:

  • A complete story you can finish: Between 2.5 and 3.5 hours of gameplay, designed to deliver the full experience from beginning to end.
  • Deep narrative: Follow Detective Bennett’s final mission as he confronts a homicide case that devolves into something far more unsettling and emotionally devastating.
  • Psychological exploration: The game tackles themes of mental health, emotional burnout, and workplace alienation through Bennett’s experiences and the dark mysteries of Blackthorn.
  • Tense atmosphere: Blackthorn offices are a changing, disorienting environment where reality distorts, and every step reveals new threats and secrets.

Etrange Overlord PlayStation 5 Review

Etrange Overlord is an action RPG sent my way by NIS America, which is always appreciated. It has been a while since I worked with them, and I picked a nice title to return with. Etrange Overlord is the story of Etrange Von Rosenburg, and upper class woman obsessed with sweets. She is falsely accused of a crime and sentenced to death, and finds herself in Hell.

What is a noble woman obsessed with sweets to do in hell? Take over and get sweets, of course. Now, if you are familiar with the Disgaea series, you will feel right at home playing this one. The sense of humor is the same, and considering some of the creators are the same, this shouldn’t surprise you. There is even a bad guy named Doomaz. Yes thats said the way you probably think it is.

With adorable graphics and a cast that would be right at home in any anime, the real question becomes, how is the gameplay? Well, it is quite good, honestly. Each character feels different, and it is easy to switch between them at the touch of a button. With items floating around the battlefield to either power you up or toss at enemies that come at you in waves, you will never feel at a loss for something to do during battles. More importantly, with up to 4 players online, there is plenty of strategy involved for those who care to partake in this. You can beat the game without ever doing this. I never found myself being punished for wanting to play solo, as the AI-controlled players are more than competent.

The real question is, do you enjoy these types of games? It is a 9/10 title from NIS America; any fan of theirs or the genre should pick it up. Best wishes, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Albion Online Coming To Xbox on 21 April

 Albion Online, the free-to-play fantasy sandbox MMORPG developed by Sandbox Interactive will launch for Xbox Series X|S on 21 April 2026. Albion Online is currently available for PC, iOS and Android, and the step into console spaces will open up the door to new players while giving long-time fans a new way to play on their existing account.

Albion Online is set in a fantasy medieval world where players can forge their own path by exploring the vast landscapes, crafting everything from basic tools and clothes to armor and powerful weapons, facing enemies or other adventurers, and carving out their own pieces of Albion by forming guilds, claiming land and making it their own. 

The game has been fully optimised for Xbox Series S|X with a brand-new UI navigation flow, a dedicated controller scheme and specifically adapted key screens, like the Marketplace and player inventory. Combat has also been overhauled to work smoothly with controllers, and new accessibility features have been developed with console players in mind.

Players that have already spent time in Albion on PC or mobile, will be able to use the same account for Xbox Series S|X without losing any progress, allowing seamless cross-play no matter which platform they choose.

Albion Online will also receive a full visual upgrade when the Radiant Wilds update launches on 13 April, which will bring the graphics up-to-date for modern systems along with performance improvements, controller support, and a new PvP mode which will benefit Xbox players as well.

Albion Online Key Features:

  • Console Optimisation: When Albion Online launches for Xbox Series S|X it will include a brand-new UI navigation flow, overhauled combat and accessibility features all designed to work smoothly for console players.
  • Cross Platform Play: Albion Online is a true cross-platform MMO experience available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. One account lets you play on all platforms.
  • Player Driven Economy: Nearly every item in the game is crafted by players which can be sold, bought and traded at local marketplaces all across Albion.
  • Classless Combat System: In Albion, weapons and armour define a player’s skills meaning that switching playstyles is as easy as switching gear.
  • Face Deadly foes: From solo to small-group to large-scale battles there’s an array of enemies to take on, including small scouting bands to massive bosses, to dungeons and full-blown faction bases.
  • Put Down Roots: Players can claim land to make their own and use for growing crops to make into food and raising livestock and mounts. Houses can be kitted out with plenty of custom furniture.
  • Explore A Vast World: With five vivid biomes, each with its own challenges, there’s plenty to discover as players seek out resources, dungeons, or the mystical Roads of Avalon.

Albion Online is coming to Xbox Series X|S on 21 April 2026. Keep up to date with Albion Online on its website, X, YouTube, Discord, Facebook, and Twitch. Players can download the game for free on Steam, Epic Game Store, Apple App Store and Google Play.

Icarus PlayStation 5 Review

Icarus Console Edition was sent to me by Grip Digital, which has made more games than I realized. Either way, it is always appreciated. This is one of those games that was on Steam for a long time, so I never really got to play it, so I was pretty excited to get the chance.

The game has a story, and I am sure someone who paid attention to it will happily explain it to you. I didn’t pay attention beyond that. Icarus was supposed to be humanity’s second home, and the attempt to terraform it messed the place up really badly. Now basically everything wants you dead: the weather, the animals, the air, and the water. The planet does have valuable resources, however.

There are multiple ways to play the game; you can go on increasingly difficult time missions or simply play a standard game, and see how long you can survive. In the first one, you will land on a planet with next to nothing and do whatever the game tells you. This might be as simple as building a small house and building a fire, which is more or less the tutorial, or more difficult things like exploring faraway places. Either way, you will learn new things and unlock better things that carry over to future missions. When you level up your character and unlock new technology or skills, they aren’t lost, which I rather like. It made me truly feel like my character was myself.

On the flip side of things, the game can be very unforgiving, and if you don’t have friends to play with, I feel like the game suffers a bit. While the game is completely playable alone, I never felt locked out of anything or like it was designed unfairly for solo players. This really is a game I think is more fun with friends. If you want a co-op survival game to play with friends, this might be the best one on consoles in my opinion. It is a 7/10 experience alone but a 9/10 experience with friends. Best wishes, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Basketball Classics Xbox Review

Basketball Classics is a retro basketball game sent my way by a company that I honestly never expected to work with, not because they are some huge AAA company or anything like that. Acclaim was simply big when I was a kid, and it went out of business for a long time and came back last year, and I played a lot of their games as a kid. So, to sit with my girlfriend and play a retro basketball game with my 9-year-old daughter, and my girlfriend was sent to me by Acclaim, was simply one of those moments in life that seemed surreal to me.

So right out the gate, I have to say, if you are looking for some amazing, graphically impressive game or an alternative to modern games, this is not the game for you. There are no high-definition graphics, in-depth movements, or any of that sort of thing going on. We are going back to the old days of holding A button to jump and a timed release to shoot, B button to pass, and Y to switch characters here. That is essentially all the controls.

There are a few options to choose from when it comes to the game, such as the type of court, CPU difficulty, and quarter length. Just like the old days, Acclaim has really gone hard on recreating that retro feel with Baseketball Classics. They even have all-star teams for most years you can pick teams for, which there are a lot of years.

Truth be told, if you love retro sports games, this is a 9/10 title. It has everything you could want, A story mode to unlock things in, classic graphics, and easy controls. More teams than you could ever need, couch co-op. Everything you could possibly need to relive your childhood. Best wishes, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Cozy Alpine tycoon game Above The Snow launches April 23rd

Above The Snow is a cozy, story-driven tycoon set in the ruthless beauty of the 1960s Alps. Build and customize your dream mountain lodge in striking mid-century modern style, then step outside and take control of the mountain itself. Plan dangerous trails, manage gear, read shifting weather, and rescue stranded alpinists while catering to a diverse cast of guests, each with their own demands, personalities, and breaking points. Every choice shapes your crew, your reputation, and who makes it off the mountain. With 20+ hours of narrative, dynamic systems, and authentic Alpine vehicles, the pressure never stops. Fame grows, competition tightens, and storms loom closer with every passing day. Whether you thrive under pressure or switch to Creative Mode to build without limits, Above The Snow invites you to build, manage, and thrive in the coldest winter of your life.

“Above The Snow is a unique mix of quasi-cozy hot cocoa-sipping relaxing resort simulator with frosty survival management strategy where you must make high-stakes life or death decisions,” said Michał Wasiak, Founder and Studio Director at Above The Desk. “There’s plenty of interpersonal drama in this tale of friendship and business management, and we want players to feel fully immersed in our true-to-life rendition of the 1960s Alps, complete with real world furniture and outerwear from brands like Cortazu, Fjordfiesta, and Heywood-Wakefield. We can’t wait to take you to our virtual summit above the snow!”

Above The Snow features:

  • Alpine Hospitality Simulator: Build and manage your lodge in the heart of the Alps, customize interiors, expand facilities, and cater to daring guests with bold tastes and big personalities.
  • Story-Rich Shelter Life: Dive into 20+ hours of narrative-driven gameplay featuring a colorful cast of crew members, each with unique backstories, strengths, and quirks. 
  • Trailblazing Management: Map out custom trails through icy peaks and scenic vistas, adjust for guest skill levels, upgrade hazards, and rescue anyone who gets in over their skis.
  • Dynamic Alpine Economy: Attract thrill-seekers and casual tourists alike with smart decor choices, expanded services, and a morale system that rewards good hospitality.
  • Creative & Endless Modes: Prefer more relaxed play? Unlock Endless Winter or Creative Mode to build your dream resort without the story pressure. Bonus: import your own custom decor!
  • Vehicles & Logistics: Use land and air vehicles inspired by real Alpine equipment to transport guests, supplies, and complete vital trail tasks, just keep an eye on the weather.

Winner – Best PC City-Building Game – NYX Game Awards: Season 2 (2025)
Nomination – Best Narrative Indie Game Award – Taipei Game Show (2026) 
Nomination – Best Polish Indie Game – Poznań Game Arena (2025)

Trash Goblin PlayStation 5 Review

Trash Goblin was sent my way by Spilt Milk Studios, which I always appreciate. The name has a super simple premise: you are a goblin that owns a small store. You will discover, clean, and fix up little trinkets to sell to some of the weirdest clients you will ever come across.

Thats it, that’s the game. It is just a cute, cozy shop game. Sound like your kind of game? Keep reading. If you already hate it, keep reading anyway. First thing is first, you will need to use a chisel to free the trinket from what seems to be a clay prison. After this comes the next mini game of cleaning it with a sponge. Some customers don’t care if it is clean, but honestly, you always get a cash bonus if it is clean, so as your mother said, always clean your room. I mean trinkets.

If you are still with me and interested, now is the time to sell them to the random people who come looking for trinkets. They may want something specific, like a certain lamp. They also may be vague, like hey, I just want a container. If you don’t have the item, it is possible to just send them away so someone new shows up, and if it is a story person, you can get them to come back, so don’t worry about that.

Now is the time for me to tell you the truth that many reviewers won’t. I did not enjoy playing this game. It was 100% a me thing, by the way, the characters are cute and charming. Graphically, it is nice, and it even has a wonderful price point of only $20. It sits at 5 stars on the PlayStation Store at the time I write this, and Very Positive on Steam. It is an 8/10 title that simply wasn’t for me. If you like cozy games, this is worth checking out. Best wishes, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Grind Survivors PlayStation 5 Review

Grind Survivors was sent my way by Assemble Entertainment, a company that has been great to work with in the past. This time around, they sent me their new Rogue Survivor game that has a nice twist to it. Rather than the usual fight until you die, unlock things, and move along, you will also collect weapons. You can then either recycle these weapons to collect ashes that can then improve other weapons or combine weapons to create stronger weapons.

There is no shortage of weapon types either. While initially you only have a couple, such as dual machine guns, a pistol, and a shotgun, as you beat more difficult runs, you get a Tesla rifle that shoots electricity and buzz saws. Multiple characters to choose from will also increase the strategies available to you, as each one has its own special ability.

The first level and difficulty last 10 minutes, with every one after that usually lasting about 20 minutes. Each biome also has an endless mode to truly test your skill and build on. This brings me to my biggest complaint about the game. When you start, you can only choose the burnt forest biome. Until you beat this at level 5, you can move on to the others. Each time you move up, you are basically stuck repeatedly running through the new difficulty level, upgrading a legendary weapon to beat it, as your old weapon is essentially outdated already. This really throws off your flow.

I honestly can’t pick a favorite game of this genre right now, between this and Devil Jam. PlayStation 5 Review: Fans of the genre are eating well right now. At $15, this 8/10 should not be missed. This game will test your skills in the best way possible, and the replay value is absolutely there. Best wishes, and may the gaming gods bring you glory.