REVIEW: Ayasa: Shadows of Silence (2026 Video Game) - on PlayStation 5

Ayasa: Shadows of Silence is a dark, surreal puzzle-platformer with an impressive visual style, an eerie atmosphere and a mysterious world to explore. Its six symbolic lands, environmental puzzles and unlockable abilities provide plenty of interesting ideas, while the graphics, soundtrack and sound effects help create a genuinely captivating experience. The story, told through imagery rather than spoken dialogue, also adds to the sense of mystery. Unfortunately, the excellent presentation is let down by gameplay that simply isn't polished enough.

The biggest problem is the jumping mechanics, with a noticeable delay between pressing the button and Ayasa responding. Combined with imprecise controls, awkward camera angles, collision problems, inconsistent stealth encounters and lengthy loading times, platforming quickly becomes frustrating. It is particularly disappointing that some of these issues have apparently existed in the PC version for months without being properly addressed. Ayasa has plenty of potential, but in its current condition it feels unfinished. I would happily revisit it if the developers fix the underlying problems, but for now, it falls well short of what it could have been.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/11/review-ayasa-shadows-of-silence-2026.html

REVIEW: Frankenstein: Awakening of Horror (2026 Video Game) - on PlayStation 5

Frankenstein: Awakening of Horror takes an interesting approach to Mary Shelley's classic tale, placing Victor Frankenstein's experiments against the backdrop of the Crimean War. With an intriguing mystery, gothic environments and traditional survival horror mechanics, the game gets off to a promising start. Limited ammunition, resource management, environmental puzzles and a suitably sinister soundtrack help create an appealing old-school horror experience.

Unfortunately, the initial promise quickly fades. Clumsy controls, awkward animations, repetitive combat and inconsistent visuals make the experience increasingly frustrating. The outdoor environments are particularly disappointing, looking bland and considerably dated. There is potential in the setting and story, but the overall execution feels rushed and unfinished. Frankenstein: Awakening of Horror could have been considerably better with more development time and a greater attention to detail.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/11/review-frankenstein-awakening-of-horror.html

REVIEW: FIRE AND ASHES (2026 Video Game) - on PS5

FIRE AND ASHES is a first-person psychological survival horror game that follows Henry Gray as he attempts to escape a nightmare involving a psychiatric hospital, disturbing experiments and the ghosts of his past. Its oppressive atmosphere, effective lighting and unsettling sound design help create a world that feels genuinely threatening, while the mystery surrounding Henry provides a good reason to keep exploring. There is a decent variety of enemies, and the straightforward gameplay makes it accessible, although the puzzles are generally easy and the pacing can occasionally lose momentum.

The biggest disappointment is the voice-based mechanic, which sounds more ambitious than it actually is. Rather than recognising spoken responses, it largely relies on sound levels, making the feature feel more like a gimmick than a meaningful innovation. Combat can also feel clumsy, while inconsistent animations and familiar horror clichés prevent the game from reaching its full potential. Despite these shortcomings, FIRE AND ASHES has an intriguing story and enough effective horror moments to make it worth considering. It is a decent game, but one that needed more polish to stand out.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/10/review-fire-and-ashes-2026-video-game.html

REVIEW: YAR: Forgotten Throne (2026 Video Game) - on PS5

YAR: Forgotten Throne is an open-world RPG set in the lands of Borea, where players must uncover what is poisoning the forests and wildlife with darkness. With over 100 quests, three character classes, two factions and a range of crafting activities, there is plenty to explore. The graphics look decent for a low-budget indie game, while its old-school approach brings back memories of PC RPGs from the early 2000s.

Unfortunately, stiff controls, floaty jumping and a number of bugs make the game less enjoyable than it could be. The lack of an on-screen map is frustrating, while some early enemies are capable of killing you with just a couple of shots. YAR: Forgotten Throne has potential and will appeal to players who enjoy traditional RPGs, but it lacks the polish and refinement needed to make the most of its ideas.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/10/review-yar-forgotten-throne-2026-video.html

REVIEW: The Serpent & The Seed (2026 Video Game) - PC (Steam)

The Serpent & The Seed is a Bible-inspired narrative adventure that takes players from the Garden of Eden through to Revelation, using hand-drawn artwork, atmospheric puzzles and a beautiful original soundtrack by Poor Bishop Hooper. Playing as the adorable robin Mungo, players experience familiar Biblical stories through symbolic imagery, gentle puzzle mechanics and strong voice acting. The gameplay is simple and linear, but the puzzles provide a decent challenge, with a few proving trickier than expected. The artwork is delightful, while the music is arguably the game's greatest achievement.

Although those looking for a traditional, challenging point and click adventure may find the experience too straightforward, The Serpent & The Seed succeeds at what it sets out to do. It tells a beautiful story, does not shy away from the more serious elements of the Bible, and presents its familiar stories in an imaginative way. You certainly do not need to be deeply religious to appreciate it. In a gaming landscape dominated by guns and violence, there is something refreshing about a game that offers a very different experience. I thoroughly enjoyed The Serpent & The Seed

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/09/review-serpent-seed-2026-video-game-pc.html

REVIEW: Virtual Hunter (2026 VR Video Game) - on MetaQuest

Virtual Hunter is a realistic hunting simulation that stands out as one of the best hunting games currently available on Meta Quest. Featuring a large open wilderness, detailed animal behaviour, impressive scenery and dynamic weather, it creates an immersive experience where patience and skill are rewarded. Every aspect of the hunt matters, from staying quiet while moving through the environment to carefully selecting the right shot.

The excellent tutorial makes the game's deeper mechanics easy to understand, while the trophy system provides plenty of reasons to keep playing. Multiplayer still has a few technical issues and remains the weakest part of the package, although ongoing updates appear to be improving the experience. For players seeking an authentic hunting simulation in VR, Virtual Hunter is an easy recommendation.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/06/review-virtual-hunter-2026-vr-video.html

REVIEW: Morels: Out of This World (2026 Video Game) on PC (Steam)

Morels: Out of This World delivers a peaceful and visually impressive experience built around alien exploration, mushroom hunting, and wildlife photography. The handcrafted planets are imaginative and atmospheric, with glowing jungles, prehistoric creatures, and changing seasonal conditions helping the worlds feel alive. The photography mechanics are particularly enjoyable, and the non-violent gameplay creates a calm, cosy atmosphere that stands out from most modern games.

The downside is that the gameplay loop quickly becomes repetitive. Despite the varied environments, most of your time is spent walking, collecting mushrooms, and taking photos. Progression can feel slow, and players wanting more challenge or excitement may lose interest early on. Still, for those after a niche and relaxing experience, Morels: Out of This World offers something genuinely different.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/05/review-morels-out-of-this-world-2026.html

REVIEW: Bright Lights of Svetlov (2026 Video Game) - on PlayStation 5

Bright Lights of Svetlov is a short, story focused PlayStation 5 experience set in a fictional Soviet industrial town during the mid 1980s. Rather than relying on action or puzzles, the game focuses on everyday routines, quiet family struggles, and emotional storytelling. Through simple tasks like cooking, cleaning, and repairing the home, players slowly become immersed in the life of an ordinary Soviet family dealing with hardship and uncertainty.

While the deliberately slow pace will not appeal to everyone, the game succeeds through its atmosphere, authentic Russian voice acting, and surprisingly emotional narrative. Small moments of warmth balance the bleakness, and an effective late story twist gives the experience extra depth. Bright Lights of Svetlov may be understated, but for fans of narrative walking simulators it offers a memorable and reflective journey.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/05/review-bright-lights-of-svetlov-2026.html