There’s a real sense that Xbox is folding in on itself this week. Just when it looked like they were turning a corner, taking a step towards making a renewed push as a console platform again, it seems as though they’re going to close or jettison some of the amazing studios they’ve hoovered up over the last few years. As someone who was an ardent Xbox gamer, it’s a real disappointment to see where the company has ended up, especially after the Xbox 360 helped to cement so much of what modern gaming is. There isn’t an Xbox sat under our main TV anymore – I’ve got a PC, so why would I need one? – and it doesn’t look like there’ll be any need for one in the future. Assuming that Project Helix sees the light of day.
While that feels a little gloomy, my week in gaming has been anything but. I’ve checked out the bright and colourful racing of Hot Wheels: Infinite Rush, swan dived back into Rise of the Tomb Raider, and raced my way to the front of the peloton in Tour de France 2026
You know who loves adventure? Nic B loves adventure, and he’s been playing The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales. He says, “It’s about Elliot the Adventurer going on an adventure. It’s also basically The Legend of Zelda: Final Fantasy, so pretty great. 9/10, solid recommend.”
Jason has been playing a lot of Lost Castle 2 now that it’s hit full release, saying, “It’s just an absolute blast!” That’s not all on his plate, though as he’s “also been chipping away at FF7 Rebirth, and just got to the mini-game-laden Costa Del Sol. Queen’s Blood is a banger. Finally, also Witchspire, which I’m going to write about once I’ve played a bit more of it.”
While the game plays out its final act, Tuffcub has spent more time playing Destiny 2, and he seems rather happy to be back in the fold for its last hurrah. From one kind of cheering to another, Aran has played the football tournament management sim Copa City, telling us, “It’s got some neat ideas but the execution needs improving”
Ade and Laura have been playing the “purr-fectly entertaining co-op adventure” that is Cat Quest 3, while Gamoc has been playing Bellwright, Crimson Desert, and The Necromancers Tale for review. Also 007 First Light, which he says “is great.”
Steve has continued with the Gothic Remake which he says, “Is great but won’t be for everyone, God of War HD on my Vita which is still fantastic and I started the second straight after finishing it. I’ve also been delving into Next Fest and have my usual dozens of demos and will write up a recommends from that.”
Thoroughly in the weeds with his “advanced Japanese nerd bull***t,” Miguel told us, “I’ve been playing a classic Japanese murdery mystery visual novel called Umineko: When The Seagulls Cry, and I’ve also been playing Touhou Legacy of Lunatic Kingdom for the first time!”
And finally, Tef played Control Resonant which is shaping up to be excellent branch from the original, leaning into more character action / action RPG combat, and a kaleidoscopic take on the benign setting of New York City. He’s also dipped into Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok, which you’ll read about soon, and had more Starseekers and 33 Immortals on the go.
And what about you? What have you played?
