Yewone

..and that's game 13 of 2026 completed - Resident Evil: CODE Veronica X

The playthroughs continue with another of my favourites. It's definitely one of the series more challenging titles.
I'm now just hoping the rumours of it getting the remaster treatment are true.

Next up Resident Evil: Zero

..and that's game 12 of 2026 completed - Resident Evil: Requiem

Now that's how you celebrate a milestone anniversary!
A true next gen experience that perfects the Resident Evil feel. Cleverly managing to incorporate elements from 30 years worth of ever evolving titles, all to an astounding effect.

..and that's game 11 of 2026 completed - Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)

Think I actually appreciate this one more today than upon its original release. Also never realised just how much was cut out of the RE3 Remake.

Next up is Code Veronica X, tag teaming alongside a playthrough of Requiem

Only a couple of hours in but so far it's been exceptional 🖤 - #ResidentEvilRequiem

..and that's game 10 of 2026 completed - Resident Evil 2 (1998)

Absolutely loving replaying through these. Resi 2 has always held the top spot of my most beloved games and this playthrough has reconfirmed it. Actually prefer the handling of the intertwining stories in this one more than the remake.

..and that's game 9 of 2026 completed - Resident Evil (1996)

Possibly my most replayed game ever and one I still love dearly to this day. Decided to start a re-playthrough of the entire series in between bigger releases this year.
Perfect timing given the 30th anniversary of the franchise.

and that's game 8 of 2026 completed - Dino Crisis 2

Never actually completed this upon its original release, and it's been great revisiting it. Much more action based than the first game but still perfectly playable and enjoyable to this day.

Next up starts my re-playthrough of the Resi franchise.

If you get any kind of a buzz from exploring a Resident Evil style map then I'd recommend it. Only real downside is a bit of repetition. But it's a fantastic achievement for a small team, and a bargain price too.

..and that's game 7 of 2026 completed - Dino Crisis

My survival horror kick in the runup to RE9's release continues with a playthrough of this Capcom classic.

Hopefully any renewed interest following its recent Steam release leads to a full blown remake at somepoint.

..and that's game 6 of 2026 completed - Crisol: Theater of Idols

This ticks all the right old school survival horror boxes with some interesting imagery, varied puzzles & satisfying gunplay. Just lacks in the enemy variety department.
Certainly packs plenty of game for the insanely cheap price too

..and that's game 5 of 2026 completed - Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

Essentially an indie Skyrim which exceeds expectations in almost every area. Tells a unique story across three massive acts. Also be sure to play the Sanctuary of Sarras DLC.
It's the very definition of a sleeper hit.

..and that's game 4 of 2026 completed - Cairn

My god I LOVED this game! Such a beautiful, challenging and unique gaming experience.
One that offers a true journey of survival and perseverance, with some fantastic environmental storytelling along the way.

..and that's game 3 of 2026 completed - No Rest For The Wicked (Early Access)

Probably the best early access release Ive played since Baldurs Gate 3. Moon Studios have something VERY special on their hands here. Completed all currently available story content & now eagerly awaiting the 1.0 release

..and that's game 2 of 2026 completed - Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Thoroughly enjoyed this over the Xmas period.
Whilst it obviously retreads a lot of the same ground as BOTW, the new additions and gameplay refinements elevate it even further. A true masterpiece of open world game design

..and that's game 1 of 2026 completed - Dispatch

Off to a good start with this incredible interactive story. Yes the actual gameplay may feel a bit mundane but my god the writing, acting and animation more than make up for it. Can't recall a more immediately likeable bunch of characters.

Happy New Year everyone!

Hope to be more active on here again during 2026. In the meantime though here's a final recommendation for a few indies that didnt quite make my top 10 of the year, but still thoroughly deserve a play:

BallxPit
Ninja Gaiden Ragebound
System Shock 2 Remaster
Eternal Strands

Totally agree mate, my Top 10 of the year also reflects that. Hoping this trend continues into 2026.

..and here they are. My top 10 games of 2025:

1 - Hades 2
2 - Absolum
3 - The Seance of Blake Manor
4 - Donkey Kong Bananza
5 - Hollow Knight Silksong
6 - Blue Prince
7 - Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
8 - Pipistrello and the Cursed Yo-yo
9 - Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
10 - Ninja Gaiden 2: Black

Cheers mate..certainly the most rewarding year of gaming I've had in a long while. Might have missed out on a few of the big releases along the way but have loved sticking to a game at a time.
Definitely going to carry it on next year, but doubt I'll reach this number again.

..and that's game 50 of 2025 completed 🎉 - Ghost Town

Easily one of the best standalone Meta Quest titles I've played.
Builiding on the foundations of the Room VR this one offers a series of Escape Room style puzzles, in realistic settings. All wrapped around a well told supernatural story.

Two weeks off work and settling in to a playthrough of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom over the festive period.. Happy days! 🎄

..and that's game 49 of 2025 completed - Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons Battlemarked

I always tend to get back into VR gaming this time of year and this one was a real cracker.
The Demeo/D&D colab is a match made in heaven and captures the tactical combat of tabletop gaming perfectly.

🏆#TheVPAwards // 2025 ARE OPEN!

– Enter your shots NOW –
thefourthfocus.com/thevpawards

You're probably right 😆
Hope you are keeping well mate. Hoping to start to get back into the VP scene again next year so you might see me posting a bit more again

..and that's game 48 of 2025 completed - Routine

My favourite kind of atmospheric horror game. One with a consistent sense of foreboding, plenty of puzzles and the occassional jumpscare. Any SOMA lovers will be right at home with this game.

Now the question is, can I make it to 50 for the year? 🤔

..and that's game 47 of 2025 completed - Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Really really enjoyed this one. Yes the open world desert element is a bit lacking and feels like padding, but the core biomes are as good as the series has even been. It absolutely nails the sci-fi alien world vibes throughout.

..and that's game 46 of 2025 completed - Marvel Cosmic Invasion

If Id have played this before Absolum I may have rated it a bit higher but in comparison this definitely lacks any real form of lasting depth or variety. The incredible pixel work on the key cast of characters is to be commended though

..and that's game 45 of 2025 completed - Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster

Dead Rising is probably one of my most replayed game of any series. It's time based gameplay was divisive at the time but for me it's the games biggest pull. Adding a much needed sense of urgency to the zombie slaying antics.

..and that's game 44 of 2025 completed - Neon Inferno

A beautiful retro run'n'gun shooter with some incredible pixel art/animation. Core gameplay is a mix of Contra with some gallery shooting elements similar to Cabal/Wild Guns (as you also have to contend with enemies in the 2D background plane).

..and that's game 43 of 2025 completed - The Seance of Blake Manor

Easily one of the best detective mystery games I've ever played. It's clever, complex, well written, well acted and has a great time based mechanic that pushes you on without being overly stressful. Go play it and thank me later! 😉