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: Silent Hill: Townfall (2026 Video Game) - on PC

Silent Hill: Townfall is an ambitious new chapter for the series that gets many of the important things right. Set in Scotland in 1996, St. Amelia is a superb setting, with fog-soaked streets, abandoned communities, estates and shopping centres that convincingly recreate the look and feel of 1990s Britain. The atmosphere and visual design are exceptional, while the first-person perspective makes exploration feel immediate and personal. The story is also a major strength, taking its time to reveal its mysteries through Simon, Zoe and Richard, while the CRTV is an inventive addition that works as both a narrative device and a useful exploration tool. The puzzles are mostly satisfying, and the sound design and dynamic music create an unsettling atmosphere throughout.

Unfortunately, the encounter design prevents Townfall from reaching the same standard. Stealth is inconsistent, with enemies sometimes detecting or grabbing the player despite apparently successful attempts to remain hidden, while the limited enemy variety means the stealth sections eventually become repetitive. Later encounters, particularly those involving enemies that cannot be killed, can feel more tedious than frightening, and the combat is too clumsy to provide a consistently satisfying alternative. A few later puzzles also lack clarity and can push the player towards trial and error. Townfall remains an interesting and often impressive Silent Hill experience, but its weaker stealth and combat systems turn parts of the game into a slog.

Full Review at

https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2026/09/review-silent-hill-townfall-2026-video.html