Reviews – SmashPad

REVIEW – More than a reboot, Milestone makes “Screamer” more satisfying than ever

by Filippo Dinolfo | PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 22 Mar 2026

In 1995, a small studio from Milan took a risk, trying to bring a fast, well-playing Ridge Racer-inspired game to the PC. Screamer was the result, and it launched a franchise that earned itself a loyal fanbase. The series evolved with the technology of the day, adopting early 3D acceleration to achieve a smooth framerate. It went from pure road racing to rally and off-road, looking poised to become something long-lived. But publisher Virgin Interactive fell on hard times; the IP was sold off, bounced between companies, and became entangled in red tape before going dormant for nearly two decades.

REVIEW – “Mr. Sleepy Man” is an interactive lucid dream

by Michael Fertitta | PC Reviews Steam | 0 Comments | 21 Mar 2026

These days, it can be hard to make a game stand out among the thousands released every year. Whether it’s a title requiring an elaborate marketing campaign or a solid pitching strategy, getting a game noticed becomes more difficult by the day. Mr. Sleepy Man, a dreamy 3D platformer from the mind of solo developer Devin Santi, challenged that narrative with its fascinating visual design and frankly absurd trailers. It absolutely stays true to the game’s world as a lucid dream of an experience.

REVIEW – “MIO: Memories In Orbit” is a punishing take on a Metroidvania that we still recommend

by Brandon Perkins | Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 PC Reviews Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 16 Mar 2026

MIO: Memories in Orbit is a game that attempts to capture that feeling while also expressing it in the form of a Souls-like Metroidvania adventure game. Attempting to capture Melancholy in game form is nothing new (Quintet Co. famously built their entire brand around it), and especially not new when it comes to the world of indie game development.

REVIEW – “Pokémon Pokopia” is the best Pokémon game on any Switch

by Kayla Merritt | Nintendo Switch 2 Reviews | 0 Comments | 16 Mar 2026

As a fan of Pokémon over the past 30 years, Pokémon Pokopia is the game I’ve been waiting for since I was a kid. From the first moment I got to transform my Ditto into its trainer to getting to talk to and help my favorite Kanto region Pokémon, it made my heart warm. This cozy life sim is a deep and surprisingly profound way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this franchise.

REVIEW – Big production values and satirical framing help “Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War!” shine beyond its solid, violent gameplay

by David Rodriguez | Nintendo Switch 2 PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 16 Mar 2026

Ultimately, Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War! bets big and differently on production and wins. The concepts and framing are what make it unique and enhance the game as a total package.

REVIEW – “John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando” has a neat throwback aesthetic and fun co-op action, but lacks on weaker hardware

by David Rodriguez | PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 15 Mar 2026

As of right now at launch, I’m feeling pretty good about John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando overall. What’s here is beyond competent and a remarkable start to what could be a co-op mainstay for friend groups and those that want at least one good game in this lane whenever possible. Carpenter’s work and influence help elevate it enough to be noteworthy, the ’80s lack of subtlety is appreciated, and more good decisions than perplexing or bad ones make for a good game indeed.

REVIEW – “Blossom: The Seed of Life” is a cute survival game that actually ends if you want it to

by Chris Selogy | PC Reviews | 0 Comments | 15 Mar 2026

Survival games have been a huge genre in the industry that gets a lot of attention for being a sandbox of creativity and resourcefulness, where you explore a world that has existed before you arrive and will be the same long after you’re done. It’s how most survival games tend to operate. Blossom: The Seed of Life takes a bit of a different approach, as you are a cute robot tasked with reviving this dead world that resembles Mars — everything around you is red, dusty, and barren as you try to bring life back to the world.

REVIEW – “Minishoot’ Adventures” is anything but mini with its big thrills, progression, and bullet hell challenge

by David Rodriguez | Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 11 Mar 2026

At the end of the game, I felt immense satisfaction. With all but a couple trophies awarded (that I may go back for at some point) and a couple faults worth mentioning, it still felt complete and like something substantial was accomplished. It’s a wonderful playthrough that respects you, your time, money, hard drive space, and effort.

REVIEW – “Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE” is far more beautiful but also far more frustrating

by Andrew Farrell | Nintendo Switch 2 PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 09 Mar 2026

Remakes simply shouldn’t be 1:1 faithful to their original unless the original’s production values were so lacking that merely having better graphics is enough to make the game more palatable. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE could have focused solely on improving the original’s presentation and controls, but it goes farther, adding extra content and new mechanics. Unfortunately, these new mechanics only make the game worse, as they’re almost as frustrating as they are needless, tarnishing a game that could have easily superseded its predecessors while still not outright ruining what made the original so good.

REVIEW – “Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection” sees the spinoff grow up in scope, mechanical density, and emotional maturity

by David Rodriguez | Nintendo Switch 2 PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 09 Mar 2026

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is a lovingly intrepid take on the series’ conventions. There’s a palpable whimsy to its character-driven moments and punchy, elephantine vigor to its action that rivals the greats.

REVIEW — “Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf” Is a Quiet Masterpiece of Curiosity and Consequence

by Tanay Sharma | Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 PC PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Reviews Xbox One Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 04 Mar 2026

Planet of Lana II is studio Wishfully’s second attempt at crafting a visually charming and puzzle-heavy platformer. Three years after the success of their first game, the second entry to the series does a delightful job at expanding on its story, with several twists and turns.

REVIEW — “Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered” is a gothic relic worth revisiting

by Tanay Sharma | Nintendo Switch PC PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Reviews Xbox One Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 03 Mar 2026

As an original fan of Blood Omen and the franchise in general, I’m happy to admit that this remaster is going to bring a lot of joy to fans. The traces of an old classic remain, polished with a modern touch that keeps its essence alive. Part of me wanted a remake, but the remaster shall suffice!

Category: Reviews

REVIEW – More than a reboot, Milestone makes “Screamer” more satisfying than ever

REVIEW – “Mr. Sleepy Man” is an interactive lucid dream

REVIEW – “MIO: Memories In Orbit” is a punishing take on a Metroidvania that we still recommend

REVIEW – “Pokémon Pokopia” is the best Pokémon game on any Switch

REVIEW – Big production values and satirical framing help “Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War!” shine beyond its solid, violent gameplay

REVIEW – “John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando” has a neat throwback aesthetic and fun co-op action, but lacks on weaker hardware

REVIEW – “Blossom: The Seed of Life” is a cute survival game that actually ends if you want it to

REVIEW – “Minishoot’ Adventures” is anything but mini with its big thrills, progression, and bullet hell challenge

REVIEW – “Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE” is far more beautiful but also far more frustrating

REVIEW – “Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection” sees the spinoff grow up in scope, mechanical density, and emotional maturity

REVIEW — “Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf” Is a Quiet Masterpiece of Curiosity and Consequence

REVIEW — “Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered” is a gothic relic worth revisiting

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