REVIEW: Lou’s Lagoon (2026 Video Game) on Xbox

Lou’s Lagoon has plenty of appealing ideas. The colourful Limbo Archipelago is enjoyable to explore, the relaxed pace suits the gameplay, and there is a good mix of crafting, fishing, platforming and resource gathering. The Resource Sucker makes collecting materials straightforward, while building and decorating your own home, customising your character and seaplane, and upgrading gadgets provide worthwhile ways to spend your time. The roughly eleven-hour main story also offers a reasonably contained experience for anyone looking for a cosy adventure.

Unfortunately, too many frustrations get in the way. Limited storage is particularly annoying in a game focused on gathering resources, while slow crafting timers and repeated errands can make progression feel tedious. Platforming suffers from floaty movement, the lack of voice acting makes conversations dull, and the Uncle Lou mystery often feels like an excuse to send you on another task. The seaplane is also a disappointment, functioning mainly as transportation between islands rather than delivering an engaging flying experience. Lou’s Lagoon looks good and has some enjoyable ideas, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. 

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/09/review-lous-lagoon-2026-video-game-on.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: Pit Panic (2026 Video Game) - on PS5

Pit Panic is a fast-paced 2D platformer built around movement, momentum and quick decisions. Its responsive controls make the platforming satisfying, while the hook gives the game a distinctive mechanic that works across movement, exploration and environmental puzzles. The ability to manipulate materials and objects creates some entertaining challenges, while four distinct biomes provide good visual and gameplay variety. The cartoon presentation and humorous tone also work well alongside the demanding gameplay.

The difficulty is both a strength and a weakness. Frequent deaths, precision sections and occasional trial and error can become frustrating, particularly when mistakes significantly set back a run. The large number of levels, daily challenges and player-created content provide plenty to do, although the basic gameplay loop can become repetitive over time. Pit Panic is an enjoyable game to play in shorter bursts, but its long-term appeal will depend heavily on how much the player enjoys mastering challenging platforming.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/08/review-pit-panic-2026-video-game-on-ps5.html

REVIEW: Disgaea Mayhem(2026 Video Game) - on PlayStation 5

Disgaea Mayhem successfully transforms the familiar Disgaea formula into a fast-paced action RPG while keeping the humour, charm and exaggerated style that fans expect. The combat is enjoyable, with different weapon types offering unique play styles, and the ability to upgrade equipment and push character power to ridiculous levels delivers the satisfying progression the series is known for.

The problem is that the experience feels too short and lacking in depth. With a main story that can be completed in under 10 hours, limited post-game content, repetitive missions and only one playable character, it struggles to justify its £49.99 price tag. Disgaea Mayhem is a fun spin-off that works well for newcomers, but it is best picked up during a sale rather than at full price.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/07/review-disgaea-mayhem2026-video-game-on.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: Hyper Cars Ramp Crash (2026 Video Game) - on Playstation 5

Hyper Cars Ramp Crash delivers brief moments of enjoyment, mainly through its freestyle mode where players can roam a large arena and experiment with jumps and destruction. The simple pull of unlocking achievements gives it some momentum, and there is a basic thrill in causing chaos, even if it feels limited.

That novelty fades quickly. Poor level design, unconvincing physics, and irritating sound design drag the experience down. It feels like a mobile game stretched onto a console, and one that never quite fits.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/05/review-hyper-cars-ramp-crash-2026-video.html