Vicky Jessop

Denshattack! is a colourful, fast‑paced arcade-style game set in a futuristic Japan where players perform tricks and complete objectives using customized train cars. Starring ramen-delivery driver Emi, the game mixes simple level-based challenges with inventive boss battles, varied environments and light narrative moments. While the physics are intentionally unrealistic and some controls feel complex, the game maintains a playful tone, offering strong visual design, frequent surprises and plenty of collectibles. Its limited plot depth and repetitive tricks are offset by consistently fun gameplay, resulting in an engaging experience awarded a score of 7 out of 10.

D-topia is a slow-paced puzzle game in which Shiro manages an apparently utopian community controlled by AI while uncovering a bleak underlying reality. Its grid-based puzzles, charming characters and cosy atmosphere are effective, but its moral choices are overly obvious, its alternate reality is underdeveloped, and navigating the world is unnecessarily slow. The game earns praise for engaging with ethical questions about AI but does not explore them deeply enough to deliver a fully satisfying conclusion.

A personal essay explains why Assassin’s Creed became the writer’s favourite video game franchise after discovering Odyssey during lockdown. The series is praised for its flexible combat and stealth, vivid historical settings, meaningful storytelling, diverse protagonists and ability to turn historical fantasies into immersive adventures. Despite weaker entries and an unsuccessful film adaptation, the author remains enthusiastic about the upcoming Black Flag Resynced remake, particularly its pirate setting, naval combat and wish-fulfilment appeal.

The writer welcomes the upcoming God of War: Laufey, which shifts the series’ focus from Kratos to his deceased wife, Faye/Laufey. They praise the game’s presentation and argue that Faye’s established warrior background—including her ability to defeat Thor—makes her a credible protagonist. The piece criticizes backlash labeling the game “woke” or a “girlboss” project, citing it as part of a broader resistance to female-led games. It also points to Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Horizon and The Last of Us as evidence that diverse protagonists can succeed, while arguing that greater representation helps counter creative stagnation in the games industry.

Mina The Hollower is a retro-inspired top-down action adventure from Yacht Club Games that recreates the feel of the Game Boy Color while adding nuanced combat, extensive exploration and customizable difficulty. Its secret-filled map, varied enemies and satisfying progression are major strengths, though the story is thin, some visual elements are difficult to parse, and the setting is not always clearly explained. The game earns an 8/10 rating and is reviewed on Nintendo Switch 2.

Bubsy 4D revives Atari’s long-running platform mascot in a 3D adventure developed by Fabraz. The game offers inventive levels, enjoyable movement and occasional jokes, but its sensitive controls, narrow paths, unreliable cannons, sparse save points, cheap-looking graphics and repetitive dialogue make it needlessly frustrating. Bubsy’s dated, irritating humor further weakens the experience, resulting in a score of 4/10.

Channel 4 drama Falling follows Anna, a former nun who leaves her convent after 26 years, and David, a Catholic priest ministering to a shrinking congregation in Bristol. Their restrained and unconventional romance unfolds alongside questions about faith, duty and changing religious identities. Keeley Hawes and Paapa Essiedu are praised for their performances and chemistry, while Jack Thorne is credited with balancing tenderness, humor and emotional nuance. The six-episode series is presented as one of the year's most thoughtful television dramas.

Coffee Talk Tokyo is a narrative coffee-shop simulation set in a near-future, fantasy-infused Tokyo, where players serve drinks and listen to customers’ personal problems. The review praises its emotionally resonant stories, inclusive themes, colourful characters, warm retro graphics and relaxing atmosphere, while noting that the gameplay is largely limited to preparing recipes and offers little influence over the story. Its slow pace and minimal agency may frustrate some players, but the reviewer awards it 7/10 and considers the cast and gradual storytelling worth the price.