REVIEW: Resident Evil Requiem (2026 Video Game) - On Xbox

Resident Evil Requiem delivers a powerful mix of classic survival horror and high energy action by splitting the story between two very different protagonists. Grace Ashcroft's sections lean heavily into tension and vulnerability as she navigates dark environments with limited resources while being relentlessly hunted by a stalking creature. Stealth, careful movement and clever distractions become essential tools as players attempt to survive encounters rather than confront them directly.

Leon S. Kennedy's missions shift the pace dramatically, embracing faster combat and explosive encounters with zombies. The contrast between Grace's fearful survival and Leon's confident action keeps the experience varied and engaging throughout the campaign. While the story sometimes feels like a simple framework for the spectacle, the dual protagonist structure works extremely well, resulting in a thrilling entry that feels both fresh and faithful to the long running series.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/02/review-resident-evil-requiem-2026-video.html

REVIEW: Redux Redux (2026 Film) - Starring Michaela McManus

Redux Redux centres on Irene Kelly, a grieving mother who uses a universe hopping machine to track and kill her daughter's murderer across parallel realities. What begins as a stark revenge premise gradually shifts into something more reflective when she saves a teenage runaway, Mia, and the two form an uneasy alliance. The film keeps its focus on emotional fallout rather than technical detail, grounding its multiverse concept in loss, trauma and fragile connection.

Michaela McManus delivers a commanding performance that anchors the story, while the indie scale occasionally shows in its modest visuals. Even so, the stripped back style adds to its intensity. Ambitious, character driven and surprisingly humane in its approach to vengeance, Redux Redux stands out as one of the strongest independent releases of 2026 so far.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/02/review-redux-redux-2026-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Crime 101 (2026 Film) - Starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, and Halle Berry

Crime 101 follows a meticulous jewel thief, a frustrated insurance broker and a stubborn detective whose lives collide over a high stakes diamond robbery in Los Angeles. The film builds tension through carefully staged heists, strong performances from Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry and especially Mark Ruffalo, and a controlled, sun bleached visual style that gives the story weight.

Despite its craft and confident direction from Bart Layton, the film struggles with predictability and an overlong running time. The final act ties everything together neatly but lacks real punch. It remains consistently watchable and well acted, even if it does not feel especially original or likely to linger in the memory.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/02/review-crime-101-2026-film-starring.html

REVIEW: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025 Video Game) - on Xbox

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive delivers a visually stunning dark fantasy Belle Époque world with engaging turn-based combat. Players control a party of six unique characters, each with distinct skills and combat mechanics, navigating a story-driven linear adventure filled with exploration, side quests, and upgrades. The mix of real-time elements in combat, along with weapon, skill, and Picto systems, creates a rich strategic experience that rewards careful planning and experimentation.

Despite its strengths, the game suffers from some design issues. The lack of a mini map makes certain levels frustratingly confusing, and repetitive combat against weaker enemies can feel tedious. Additionally, the lively atmosphere of the prologue town is largely absent in later areas, leaving parts of the world feeling empty. Overall, it remains a strong RPG for fans of Final Fantasy-style combat, offering a compelling story and deep character progression.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/02/review-clair-obscur-expedition-33-2025.html

REVIEW: Ys X: Proud Nordics (2026 Video Game) n Playstation 5

Ys X Proud Nordics on PlayStation 5 the new definitive version of the original adventure, keeping its fast Duo Mode combat, Mana based traversal, and naval exploration while improving performance and overall quality of life. The core story of Adol's clash with the Normans and the Griegr remains intact, with character focused moments and energetic battles carrying the experience.

It also covers the new additions that set this edition apart, including the Öland Island storyline with Canute and Astrid, the Mana Hold ability, and the demanding Muspelheim timed dungeon. Together these extras expand the world and raise the challenge, resulting in a fuller, more polished package that stands as the best way to experience the game on console.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/02/review-ys-x-proud-nordics-2026-video.html

REVIEW: "Wuthering Heights" (2026 Film) - Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi

Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights reimagines the classic story as a raw, sexually charged gothic drama set against the bleak Yorkshire moors. Cathy and Heathcliff's bond is shown as obsessive and destructive from childhood through adulthood, shaped by cruelty, jealousy and missed chances. The film leans into explicit encounters and emotional extremes, presenting love as something feral rather than romantic.

While the production design, costumes and performances are consistently impressive, the story often feels thin and overlong. Despite its beautiful imagery and committed cast, the lack of character depth and uneven pacing hold it back, leaving an adaptation that is visually striking but ultimately average overall.

Full Review at

https://www.beentothemovies.com/2026/02/review-wuthering-heights-2026-film.html

REVIEW: Salmon Man (2026 Video Game) - on MetaQuest VR

Salmon Man is a physics-driven VR platformer for MetaQuest that turns a simple idea into a surprisingly challenging experience. You control a humanoid "salmon man" using only your paddle to climb upstream through inventive, physics-based obstacles. Levels are colourful, absurd, and designed to keep players coming back for "just one more attempt," with lava sections and precise jumps testing your skill and patience. The paddle is responsive and intuitive, making each success satisfying and every failure feel meaningful.

The game caters perfectly to  speedrunners, offering unlockable paddles, side challenges, achievements, and a global leaderboard. While the graphics are modest and some sections may frustrate less patient players, the gameplay remains rewarding and fun. Salmon Man balances absurd humour with demanding platforming, delivering a unique VR experience that rewards persistence, skill, and mastery of its physics.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/02/review-salmon-man-2026-video-game-on.html

REVIEW: MAVRIX by Matt Jones (2026 Video Game) - Early Access on Xbox

MAVRIX by Matt Jones drops riders into a vast 100 square kilometre open world packed with downhill tracks, slopestyle lines and multiple bike parks, blending racing, tricks and social multiplayer into one free flowing playground. Dual stick controls, detailed suspension physics and real world bike brands give every run a grounded, hands on feel, while sponsorships, leaderboards and competitions add purpose beyond casual riding.

This console early access version shows clear improvements over PC, with stronger physics updates, new tricks, fresh Slopestyle courses and ongoing support from the developers. It is not finished and still has bugs, and it sometimes leans a little arcadey, but the core experience is fun, ambitious and full of potential.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/02/review-mavrix-by-matt-jones-2026-video.html

REVIEW: Assassin's Creed Shadows - Revisiting the Game with Updates and Claws of Awaji

Assassin's Creed Shadows has improved considerably since its 2025 launch. Regular updates and the Claws of Awaji DLC have expanded the world, added new missions, gear, abilities, and replayable challenges. Awaji Island introduces fresh environments, ambushes, and traps, giving the expansion a unique identity. Base game updates like New Game+, raised level caps, upgraded forge, and Corrupted Castles have strengthened combat, exploration, and replayability. Quality-of-life changes and bug fixes make the overall experience smoother and more engaging.

Despite some frustrating elements, such as the Nowaki boss and Yasuke's historical liberties, Naoe remains the strongest character and core to the Assassin's Creed experience. Shadows has overcome much of its early criticism, and while it may not surpass Odyssey or Ghosts of Tsushima, it now offers a rewarding and polished experience. With updates and DLC, the game has grown into a worthwhile addition to the franchise.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/02/review-assassins-creed-shadows.html

REVIEW: POCO M8 5G (2026 Smartphone) - 8GB ROM, 512 GB RAM

The POCO M8 5G proves itself as a reliable and capable smartphone that fits comfortably into daily life. Its sleek design, high-durability glass, and comfortable weight make it easy to use while still feeling premium. The screen is bright and responsive, making scrolling, gaming, and video playback a smooth experience. Battery life is strong, and 45W fast charging means you can get going quickly when needed.

Camera performance is solid for its class, capturing deep blacks and sharp detail even in low light. Storage is generous, and the phone handles multitasking and apps without issues. There is some bloatware and RAM is 8GB, which may feel limiting for heavy multitaskers, but overall the POCO M8 5G is an impressive all-rounder at an accessible price.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/02/review-poco-m8-5g-2026-smartphone-8gb.html

REVIEW: FreeStyle Football 2 (2026 Video Game) - Closed Beta Test on Xbox

FreeStyle Football 2 makes a strong first impression with sharp graphics, slick menus and a lively street inspired style that really pops on Xbox. Each of the twelve characters has unique skills that shape how matches play out, and the focus on teamwork, coordination and five versus five battles gives the game a different feel from traditional football titles. Extra modes like story content, customisation, clubs and competitive online support show clear ambition, and in short bursts the fast, arcade approach can be genuinely good fun.

The problems start once you are actually on the pitch. Controlling just one player with a behind the back camera feels limiting compared to the freedom offered by more traditional football games, and online matches often ignore your chosen role, leaving attackers stuck in defence and teams stacked with goal hungry strikers. While it works as a casual arcade experience, it struggles as something you would commit serious time to, making it an average package overall.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/02/review-freestyle-football-2-2026-video.html