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: BeamNG.drive (2026 Video Game) - on PS5

BeamNG.drive is finally available on PS5, and it has been well worth the wait. Its remarkably realistic physics, detailed vehicle damage and extensive customisation make it one of the most interesting driving simulators I have played in years. Whether I am drifting around corners, tackling challenging off-road routes or deliberately testing how much punishment a car can take, there is always something enjoyable to discover. The open-world environments offer plenty of room to experiment, while Free Roam, Scenarios and Time Trials provide different ways to enjoy the experience. The graphics are fairly modest by modern PS5 standards, but the convincing handling and spectacular crashes more than compensate.

Unfortunately, the console version has some frustrating shortcomings. The controls rely too heavily on button combinations, the menus can be confusing, and the lack of mod support limits the possibilities compared with PC. Career mode also lacks cohesion, while performance can suffer during demanding scenarios involving multiple AI vehicles. Even so, these problems do not overshadow the quality of the underlying simulation. BeamNG.drive rewards curiosity and gives players the freedom to create their own entertainment, whether that means mastering a difficult route or causing an utterly ridiculous crash. It is not the most polished or accessible driving game, but its physics, versatility and sheer replay value make it a remarkable addition to the PS5 library.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/10/review-beamngdrive-2026-video-game-on.html

REVIEW: MXGP 26 - The Official Game (2026 Video Game) - on PlayStation 5

MXGP 26 - The Official Game has some strong ideas, particularly its dynamic track deformation, which sees ruts develop throughout races and forces players to adapt their lines. The move to Unreal Engine 5 also delivers a significant visual upgrade, while the revised physics give the bikes a satisfying sense of weight once the demanding handling begins to click. The official 2026 championship is well represented, with licensed riders, bikes, teams and all 19 tracks across MXGP and MX2.

Unfortunately, the game lacks the depth needed to make those improvements part of a truly complete experience. There is no proper career mode, no progression from MX2 into MXGP, and no team or bike development. Limited tutorials make the demanding handling harder to learn, while inconsistent physics and unpredictable AI can cause frustration. MXGP 26 has the foundations of an enjoyable motocross game, but it feels like it needed more development and refinement before release.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/10/review-mxgp-26-official-game-2026-video.html

REVIEW: NASCAR 26! (2026 Video Game) - On PlayStation 5

NASCAR 26! is an enjoyable step forward for the series, with improved driving physics, responsive handling and a convincing sense of weight and grip. The dynamic track technology is another major addition, with changing conditions and grip making races feel less predictable. The AI provides strong competition, while improved graphics, lighting, skies and particle effects make the game look noticeably better than NASCAR 25. Cross-platform multiplayer is also a welcome addition for PS5 players.

There are still some problems, including graphical glitches, occasional performance issues and an online system that does not do enough to deal with poor or deliberately aggressive driving. Career Mode also feels familiar despite its additions, while the overall experience can feel more evolutionary than revolutionary. Even so, the actual racing is where NASCAR 26! succeeds, and with some updates and patches, it has the foundations of an excellent NASCAR game.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/09/review-nascar-26-2026-video-game-on.html

REVIEW: Qliphah in Providence's Shadow (2026 Video Game) on PlayStation 5

Qliphah in Providence's Shadow stands out with its clever timeline-based combat, stylish cel-shaded visuals and unusual mix of visual novel storytelling and RPG battles. Predicting attacks, setting up counters and chaining skills can make fights feel wonderfully tactical, while Rena and Souma provide an engaging central duo.

Sadly, the formula starts to wear thin. Limited enemy variety makes combat repetitive, multi-enemy fights can be frustrating, and progression offers little reason to experiment. The investigation elements can also become overloaded with information, while some mysteries feel too obvious. An original and interesting RPG, but one that does not quite fulfil its potential.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/09/review-qliphah-in-providences-shadow.html

REVIEW: The Walking Dead: Streets of Survival (2026 Video Game) - on PlayStation 5

The Walking Dead: Streets of Survival brings AMC's The Walking Dead into classic 2D side-scrolling beat-'em-up territory. Playing as Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon or Michonne, with Negan available to unlock, you fight walkers and Saviors using character-specific abilities and familiar weapons. The combat is simple, responsive and satisfying, while the All Out War storyline, recognisable locations and decent cut scenes give the campaign more personality than a standard arcade brawler.

The simplicity is also the game's biggest weakness, as once you understand the basics, progress through the campaign can be fairly quick. The survival elements, different characters, difficulty levels and boss battles provide some extra variety, but there is limited depth beyond the core fighting. At £17.99 for the standard version and £29.99 for the Deluxe Edition, the pricing is also difficult to overlook. This is a niche release, but for fans of The Walking Dead and classic 2D beat-'em-ups, there is plenty of uncomplicated arcade fun to enjoy.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/09/review-walking-dead-streets-of-survival.html

REVIEW: Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy (2026 Video Game) - On PS5

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy successfully takes the A Plague Tale series in a new direction without losing the atmosphere and storytelling that made its predecessors so memorable. The Greek setting looks beautiful, while the changing environments give each section of the island its own identity. Sophia is a capable and engaging protagonist, with Anna Demetriou delivering an excellent performance. Combat is faster and more fluid than in previous games, while clever light-based puzzles, tense stealth sections and the dual-timeline mechanic provide plenty of variety. The soundtrack and sound design are also excellent, helping create an atmosphere that remains strong throughout.

It is not without its problems. The opening takes too long to find its stride, combat and stealth can become repetitive, and the light-based puzzles occasionally hurt the pacing. The traversal mechanics are fairly simple, while the skill tree adds little to the overall experience. Even so, the story becomes increasingly compelling as it progresses, and the new direction successfully expands the A Plague Tale universe. It may not reach the heights of A Plague Tale: Requiem, but Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy remains an enjoyable and worthwhile addition to the franchise.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/08/review-resonance-plague-tale-legacy.html

REVIEW: This Bed We Made (2026 Video Game) on PlayStation 5

This Bed We Made is an enjoyable narrative mystery set in the 1950s Clarington Hotel, where chambermaid Sophie becomes caught up in a sinister investigation. The story steadily draws together its various mysteries, while the period setting creates an atmospheric backdrop for exploring rooms, inspecting belongings and uncovering secrets. Strong English voice acting, enjoyable dialogue, detailed facial expressions and an excellent collection of letters help bring the hotel's characters and their lives to life. The puzzles are well balanced, while the journal provides a useful way of keeping track of clues and Sophie's thoughts. Sound effects such as squeaking doors, keys, locks and the elevator also add to the suspense.

The biggest problem is the game's short length, with a playthrough taking around three to six hours. Some character animations are awkward, lip-syncing can be inconsistent and certain visual details lack polish. The hint system can become repetitive, while important clues are occasionally difficult to spot and some controls feel overly sensitive. A few character backstories also deserved more development. Even so, the consequences attached to your decisions are a genuine strength, with choices affecting how events unfold and potentially leading to different endings. That gives you a reason to return for another playthrough. It may not satisfy players looking for a deeper detective experience, but as a short, character-driven mystery, This Bed We Made is worth a look.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/08/review-this-bed-we-made-2026-video-game.html

REVIEW: Tour de France 2026 on PlayStation 5

Tour de France 2026 on PS5 is a full commitment cycling simulation that leans heavily into realism, strategy and endurance racing. Every stage feels unpredictable, with shifting weather, technical descents and conditions that can change mid-race. Visually it is outstanding, with detailed environments and strong presentation that helps sell the intensity of professional cycling. The expanded calendar, improved AI and deeper management systems all add layers of authenticity that clearly aim to replicate the real sport as closely as possible.

My main issue with the game is how inaccessible it is. I found it impossible to win, and the steep learning curve makes it very difficult to get to grips with unless you already understand cycling sims. There is no arcade mode, and the slow pacing, repetitive commentary and rigid structure make it feel more like a demanding simulation than something fun to pick up. It is clearly aimed at hardcore fans, but for anyone outside that niche it becomes frustrating and overly complex.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/06/review-tour-de-france-2026-on.html

REVIEW: Sudden Strike 5 (2026 Video Game) on PlayStation 5

Sudden Strike 5 is a large scale real time tactics game built around detailed WWII battlefields, a wide range of units and mission based strategy. It focuses heavily on timing, positioning and careful planning, with plenty of room for different tactical approaches once you understand its systems.

The main issue is accessibility, as the tutorial is weak and the learning curve is extremely steep for new players. It feels aimed at experienced RTS fans, with limited guidance and visuals that do not fully match its price point, making it hard to recommend to newcomers despite its depth and ambition.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/06/review-sudden-strike-5-2026-video-game.html

REVIEW: Tale of Dark Lands (2026 Video Game) on PS5

Tale of Dark Lands presents itself as a compact fantasy action RPG on PS5, built around a low poly visual style that gives the world a simple, storybook feel. You step into the role of a mercenary drawn from basic village work into a wider conflict against an ancient darkness, with progression built through gear, skills and steady character development.

The problem is that the experience never quite finds depth where it matters. Combat relies heavily on repetitive attacking with little need for timing or strategy, while navigation feels restrictive and heavily guided rather than open. The story also remains thin throughout, and with only a few hours of content, it ends before it ever really builds momentum.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/05/review-tale-of-dark-lands-2026-video.html

REVIEW: R-Type Dimensions III (2026 Video Game) on PS5

R-Type Dimensions III is a remastered return to the classic shoot em up formula, set within the ongoing conflict against the Bydo Empire and featuring the R-90 Ragnarok fighter. It updates the original experience with rebuilt visuals and sound while retaining the core arcade structure. A key feature is the ability to switch between original and remastered presentation instantly, which reinforces its nostalgic appeal and highlights how the series has evolved.

The game preserves the series’ high difficulty, relying heavily on memorisation, pattern recognition and repeated attempts to progress through stages. New additions such as infinite mode, co-op play, customisable controls, quality of life settings and adjustable camera options modernise the experience without changing its core identity. However, issues such as bugs affecting hit detection and projectiles, along with a price point of over £30 for a remastered release, are clear drawbacks that affect the overall value.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/05/review-r-type-dimensions-iii-2026-video.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

REVIEW: Adorable Adventures (2026 Video Game) - on PlayStation 5

Adorable Adventures is a charming and relaxing exploration game that follows Boris, a curious baby boar searching for his missing family after a forest fire. Set across beautiful natural environments inspired by Southern France, the game combines peaceful exploration with clever scent tracking mechanics, fun side activities and plenty of rewarding hidden details. Simply moving around the world feels enjoyable, helped by strong visuals and a warm atmosphere that makes the adventure easy to sink into.

The game is especially welcoming for younger players and newcomers to open world games, offering gentle progression and accessible gameplay without pressure. While the camera can occasionally become awkward in tighter spaces and the gameplay loop does grow repetitive over time, the overall experience remains consistently fun and comforting. Adorable Adventures may not be the longest game around, but its charm, personality and relaxing gameplay make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/05/review-adorable-adventures-2026-video.html

REVIEW: Guilty Gear Strive Version 2.0 - (2026 Video Game) by Arc System Works

Guilty Gear Strive Version 2.0 delivers a visually stunning and energetic fighting experience, backed by fluid animation and a powerful rock soundtrack that elevates every match. The refined combat system rewards patience and skill, while modes like training, mission, and combo creation help players gradually find their footing. Features such as the Wall Break mechanic and varied offline content add depth and keep fights feeling fresh.

However, the game demands commitment, both in terms of time and money. New players may feel overwhelmed by the busy on screen action and technical inputs, while the cost of additional characters and online access through PlayStation Plus quickly adds up. It remains an excellent fighter at its core, but one that is easier to recommend to dedicated fans than casual players.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/05/review-guilty-gear-strive-version-20.html

Yakuza: Like a Dragon - How Will You Rise? Trailer | PS4, PS5

Yakuza: Like a Dragon launches on November 13 on PlayStation 4. Coming soon to PlayStation 5.

RISE FROM ROCK BOTTOM Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking grunt of a low-ranking yakuza family in Tokyo, faces an 18-year prison sentence after taking the fall for a crime he didn't commit. Never losing faith, he loyally serves his time and returns to society to discover that no one was waiting for him on the outside, and his clan has been destroyed by the man he respected most.

Confused and alone, he embarks on a mission to discover the truth behind his family's betrayal and take his life back, becoming an unlikely hero for the city's outcasts on his journey.

LEVEL UP FROM UNDERDOG TO DRAGON IN DYNAMIC RPG COMBAT Experience dynamic RPG combat like none other. Switch between 19 unique Jobs ranging from Bodyguard to Musician, and use the battlefield your weapon. Take up bats, umbrellas, bikes, street signs, and everything else at your disposal to crack some skulls!

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2020/08/yakuza-like-dragon-how-will-you-rise.html

Outriders - Gameplay Reveal Trailer | PS5, PS4

OUTRIDERS is a 1-3 player co-op RPG shooter set in an original, dark and desperate sci-fi universe. As mankind bleeds out in the trenches of Enoch, you’ll create your own Outrider and embark on a journey across the hostile planet. With rich storytelling spanning a diverse world, you’ll leave behind the slums and shanty towns of the First City and traverse forests, mountains and desert in the pursuit of a mysterious signal. Combining intense gunplay with violent powers and an arsenal of increasingly twisted weaponry and gear-sets, Outriders offers countless hours of gameplay from one of the finest shooter developers in the industry – People Can Fly.

http://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2020/02/outriders-gameplay-reveal-trailer-ps5.html