Dragonkin The Banished PS5 Review 7/10 "A Solid, If Generic ARPG That Runs Fantastically" 🐲⚔️ @Eko_Software @DragonkinGame #IndieGame #GameDev

A new ARPG from EKO Software, Dragonkin The Banished has a lot going for it in terms of the smooth visuals, intriguing world, city-developing aspect, and dragon-centric story, but fails to stand out from a crowded genre in a meaningful way, and results in a game that makes you wish it had something else up its sleeve – or a little more character – to really leave a mark.

Choosing from a pool of heroes, you (and up to one other player locally, or up to three more if playing online) are challenged with defeating a world being overcome with the corruption of banished dragons. Beginning in the one remaining city as yet untouched by corruption, you start your quest. 

A game full of various options to customise your experience in terms of accessibility and camera zoom – you can choose whether to be closer to the action, or see more of the landscape – it’s here you’ll get to grips with the games mechanics and systems. 

Dragonkin The Banished features a hexagonal upgrade system in which you can put tiles together to boost your powers, not to mention those of your wyrmling; a small dragon that accompanies you on your quest and primarily features elemental powers in a bid to aid your combat finesse, these can eventually be armoured and powered up alongside you. The city also gains its own experience points as you explore in your journey and you’ll find new areas such as stores and features cropping up with each level. 

Pilgrims 'Curious Adventures' Board Game Review By Britt 🎲♟️

I’ve been a big fan of Amanita Design for a few years now, first being introduced to them through their incredible Machinarium (I previously covered the glorious soundtrack to this), Creaks (and the art of the game), and more recently, Phonopolis and Happy Game.

Titles from Amanita Design have incredibly distinct and unique visuals and music, with Radim Jurda being a huge part of this, with his handcrafted artwork and talents. The first board game from them that I’ve covered, Pilgrims casts you as a wanderer that meets new characters whilst building up their tale and hopefully – having enough victory points to best the other players!

ZX Dreams Vol. 2 Review By Britt - Author – Graeme Mason Publisher – Fusion Retro Books 📖 #RetroGaming

I covered ZX Nightmares, the original book in this series back in 2023, and was so taken by it that I followed it up with an interview with the author, Graeme Mason. It remains one of my favourite books on gaming (being one of the few to genuinely make me laugh out loud whilst also being incredibly insightful) and is sadly out of stock on the Fusion Retro Books at present, because so many incredibly wise folks snapped it up upon initial release! 

I remember seeing some noise on the internet that there would be a follow-up (ZX Dreams) which got me excited, and then for reasons I still can’t fathom – it completely passed me by, I can only assume that I was buried deep in some preposterous 90-hour JRPG review for GF and time had all but ceased to hold meaning. Whatever the reason, I recently noticed that a second volume of ZX Dreams had been released, and jumped at the chance to cover it here at GF.

The cover (and included dust jacket) feature a handsome gentleman in a white t-shirt lying in bed, lost in the realms of sleep as various instantly recognisable 8-bit characters dance around his head. From Trap Door characters through to Dizzy via the racer from Super Hang-On – it hints at the titles to be covered inside these hallowed pages. Also included is a white-ribbon page-marker to keep your page – and you will need this, because, like all the best books about gaming – you’ll probably find yourself pausing to jump online and watch some footage of / spend a bit of time playing the game currently being discussed in ZX Dreams, as Mason’s words bring the experience to life, and often add context and intrigue to each title.

🎧 GXTrust unveils PS5‑licensed Forta Wireless headset with 55‑hour battery life 🎧

GXTrust has launched the Forta Wireless Gaming Headset, a PS5‑focused wireless model priced at £79.99 RRP.

GXTrust, Trust’s gaming brand, announces the Forta Wireless Gaming Headset, featuring low-latency wireless audio, immersive 3D sound, and up to 55 hours of battery life – all at an accessible £79.99 RRP. 

 

Building on the success of the original Forta, the new wireless version removes cables, allowing untethered gameplay without sacrificing performance.

 

Designed specifically for PlayStation fans, the Forta Wireless connects via a 2.4GHz USB receiver, providing ultra-low latency and lossless audio. Fitted with 50mm drivers and PS5 3D Audio support, the headset ensures sound remains synchronised with on-screen action—whether reacting to fast-paced multiplayer moments or exploring cinematic worlds.

 

With up to 55 hours of battery life, equivalent to two days, the Forta Wireless is built for long gaming sessions, allowing players to enjoy multiple plays without constantly worrying about power. When the battery is low, players can continue gaming and chatting with teammates using the included 1m USB-C to USB-C charging cable via USB-C.

 

The headset developed by GXTrust is also designed to match every gamer’s setup, with the Forta Wireless available in Midnight Black, White, and an Amazon-exclusive Black & White. Each colourway complements the PS5 console's design, creating a seamless addition to any gaming setup. 

 

Alongside improving the gaming experience for both novice and seasoned gamers, comfort remains a key focus with the Forta Wireless. The headpiece features an adjustable headband for a personalised fit, swivelling ear cups for flexibility, and soft, over-ear cushions designed for long gaming sessions. 

KENA Bridge Of Spirits Arrives on Switch 2 – Is It Worth the Wait? 💎🏹 @emberlab #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich leaps into the magical world of KENA: Bridge of Spirits — now running beautifully on Nintendo Switch 2!

Watch as Rich explores lush environments, battles corrupted spirits, and harnesses the power of the Rot in this stunning action‑adventure experience.

🔗 https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-2-games/Kena-Bridge-of-Spirits-3054992.html#overview

Bethesda Pinball Brings Three Legendary Universes to Life in One Explosive Collection 📌⚽

Bethesda’s most iconic worlds have collided with the fast‑paced chaos of pinball, and the result is a glorious, flipper‑flicking celebration of Fallout, DOOM, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Bethesda Pinball is now available across PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4/5, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2—complete with a purchase link ready for vault dwellers, slayers, and Dragonborn alike.

Whether you’re chasing high scores, mastering ramps, or simply soaking in the nostalgia of these beloved franchises, this three‑table pack delivers a surprising amount of depth, personality, and replayability.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon DLC – Sanctuary of Sarras ⚔️🧙‍♂️ @TaintedGrail_AR #IndieGame #GameDev

I covered Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon last year, and it was one of my GOTY titles for 2025. An absolute gem of a game that takes the ball from Bethesda, and runs with it it into a deep, dark, Arthurian fantasy. Good.

Developers Questline have continued to support this cracking game, and I’m pleased that it’s been such a success that they have the time to polish and craft the experience even further, recently announcing a small FPS boost on console, this DLC and a roadmap for an upcoming free DLC at the end of March 2026, good times for all!

A drowned secret of Avalon
For six centuries, the fate of Sarras and its rebel crew has been shrouded in myth. Now, a hidden passage reveals a path into the past. In a completely new storyline, follow the trail of Nimue and the deserters who challenged King Arthur. Piece together the truth behind their disappearance and Merlin’s horrible retribution.

Sanctuary beneath the waves
The Sanctuary of Sarras invites players into a brand-new realm shaped by the deep sea. Ancient structures rise from the ever-shifting currents, and forgotten paths pulse with the life of a submerged world. But try not to get charmed, as when you begin to explore the unknown, the true nature of Sarras starts to surface.

Ancient treasures to claim
The Sanctuary brims with around 15 hours of challenges and rewards that follow. Meet new characters, hear their stories, and decide whether to help them. Venture into over 20 meticulously crafted dungeons and interiors. Confront unique epic bosses and other new adversaries. Discover over 100 new pieces of equipment, from armour sets and weapons to rings, amulets, relics, spells, and more; each offering a new way to improve your character.

Progression altered
A new progression system transforms the usual journey through Avalon. The underwater enemies scale to your level, keeping every encounter tense. At the same time, sacred shrines you activate weaken foes and grant points to invest in three completely new, distinct skill trees. At any moment, choose which tree is active, reshaping your build on the fly to match your current needs.

Over The Top WW1 – "Rich Takes Part In 200 Player Trench Warfare on the PC!" 💥🪖 @fse_games #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich dons his boots, grabs his bayonet and steps into the mud, chaos, and brutality of World War I trench warfare in Over the Top: World War I. 

This PC gameplay showcases intense frontline combat, desperate pushes across No Man’s Land, and the gritty atmosphere of early‑20th‑century battlefields.

Whether you're here for the authentic WW1 setting, the large‑scale multiplayer battles, or just to see how the game performs on PC, this video gives you a full look at the action.

The Prisoning – Fletcher’s Quest PC Gameplay | First Look & Impressions 👾 @EldenPixels #IndieGame #GameDev

Rich takes a step into the strange, atmospheric world of The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest, a retro‑inspired adventure packed with mystery, puzzles, and eerie encounters. In this PC gameplay video, we dive into the opening moments of Fletcher’s journey as he attempts to uncover the truth behind his imprisonment and the bizarre forces shaping his fate.

Reboxy Review By Britt "every video game has a soul. And every soul deserves a body." 💾 #Retrogaming

One of the things we are very keen on here at GF is the preservation of older video games, and Reboxy is very much in the same vein. Creating high quality products that allow gamers, fans, and collectors to celebrate key games from their gaming histories in physical form.

I first became aware of Reboxy a few weeks ago when I received an email from Ziggurat Interactive – another company that celebrates the legacy of older games- as they were promoting their collaboration with a PC big box release of Terminal Velocity. This really intrigued me, as Ziggurat have brought some really intriguing releases back from the brink (including a personal fave of mine – Boiling Point), and I was soon making my way through the Reboxy website which led to GF being in the position of being able to cover two Reboxy editions – Litil Divil (1993), and Realms of the Haunting (1996).

The presentation is absolutely top notch, these specific titles are officially licensed from Funbox Media, another company that we’ve previously covered here at GF and I especially love the attention to detail, such as the logos on each box regarding Gremlin Graphics / Interactive reflecting the logos used at the time of original release, and the colouring of Reboxy’s logo on each release matching the main font / colour of the game in question, for example – Litil Divil’s box font is red, whilst Realms of the Haunting is gold, and the Reboxy logo on the side is colour-matched accordingly. It’s a small touch but shows the level of detail that goes into these Reboxy editions. Also of note is that all editions are DRM free!

FastSnail 8 in 1 JoyCon Charging Dock for Nintendo Switch 1&2 - Review By Britt🕹️ "GF RECOMMENDED"

I believe that this this is the first time I’ve covered a product from FastSnail, and it’s a solid one to start off with! This is very much a ‘does what it says on the tin’ product, acting as a snazzy charging dock for your Joy-Cons, whether that be the Original Switch, or the Switch 2. You can even mix and match, as I do – for reasons described later in this article -it’s Ring Fit Adventure-related.

Currently priced at around the £15 mark, The FastSnail 8 in 1 Charging Dock is a sleek and practical way to keep your Joy-Cons charged and at the ready. Especially if you own both Switches and need to flit between them, as of course - due to the new magnetic lock design - you cannot physically attach original Switch Joy-Cons to the Switch 2, although they are pair-able with the system.

Top Racer Collection Nintendo Switch Review 7/10 "Top Gear (no, not that one) is back!" 🏎️ @qubytegames #RetroGaming

Known outside of Japan as Top Gear upon its initial release, the Top Racer Collection collects 4 titles from the series (Top Racer, Top Racer 2, Top Racer 3000, and Top Racer Crossroads – which is a ROM mod of the first game and so not wholly original) into a single pack, and as with other QUByte titles, there are various extras and bonus information about the series included, always a boon!

These are all titles from the early-to-mid ‘90s and as such are 16-bit emulations that keep the original frame rates etc. so it’s best not to expect silky smooth 60fps here! These are as close to the original releases as possible in terms of vibe and gameplay, so your mileage will certainly vary dependent on how much nostalgia and enjoyment you get out of typical 16-bit racers. That said, one thing that is solid gold about these games are the soundtracks, which are pure fun and took me right back to the early days of my gaming, bloody lovely stuff.

Brutal Deluxe is back: Rebellion’s Speedball reboot slams onto PC, Xbox, and PS5 Feature By Nate Drake 🪩 @Rebellion #GameDev #IndieGame

If you grew up in the late 80s/early 90s there was one place to go if you wanted you and your friends to scream at each other over a metal ball in a bare steel cyberpunk arena: Speedball (1988) and its successor Speedball II:Brutal Deluxe were future sports games where no-holds-barred violence mattered just as much as scoring goals.

Rebellion’s latest reboot of the franchise leans fully into this brutality and comes out the other side with a 3D epic. Speedball’s Lead Designer Jim Stimpson and Art Director Sam Beattie were good enough to agree to speak to me about their dystopian creation.

This was an interview I'd been itching to do since Rebellion's acquisition of the Bitmap Brothers catalogue in 2019, which includes likes of Xenon, The Chaos, Engine as well as the Speedball series, though there was never much doubt about which the company would focus on first:

“It was more a group decision," Sam explained. "What games people here loved, and what we thought the market would be excited by. Speedball just naturally presented itself as the frontrunner, because tons of people in the studio were super excited about the idea of bringing it back.”

Britt's iOS Odyssey - Adventure To Fate: Dungeons iOS Review 9/10 "A dungeon that begs to be delved into" 🧙‍♂️ @AdventureToFate #IndieGame #GameDev

This is effectively part 2 of my iOS odyssey into finding the best single player RPGs on mobile. In the previous instalment I covered both Dawncaster, and Caves of Lore – both very different games with the linking factor that they were both awesome, a theme that I’m glad to say very much continues on here, with Adventure To Fate: Dungeons.

I want to say upfront that developer Touchmint is a very active dev, with this being a one-cost game, meaning that you pay just once and get full access not only to the entire game, but also any future packs that may be added. Very cool stuff, and this openness is bolstered through the accessibility features that Touchmint has added to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy the game, regardless of their abilities.