We explore why Stellar Blade and Top Spin 2K25 are worthy purchases, then check out Magic: The Gathering – Outlaws of Thunder Junction and the Logitech Signature Slim Keyboard Combo MK950.
You have to hand it to Stellar Blade, it’s certainly flashy. It’s a mix of Sekiro-style combat, magnificent monsters and bombastic boss battles, but if that video game cocktail works for you, then you’re likely to have a hell of a time with this one.
The story, though hardly original, does well to set the stage. After some horrific monsters known as Naytibas ravaged their way through the planet, humanity packed up shop and hoofed it over to a space-based safe haven. By the time you get involved with Eve (your lead), the battle has long been lost, but she’s sent to Earth to help settle the score and do away with the Naytibas for good. Don’t expect an award-winning narrative, and the resulting dialogue and character development often feels paper thin, but Stellar Blade still manages to deftly achieve its primary purpose: lead you towards its solid combat loop.
Much like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, parrying is the name of the game with Stellar Blade. A various assortment of enemies will barrage you with attacks, and your best offence is of course a strong defence. Time your blocks well to parry each blow and you’ll gradually work to stagger your enemy and deliver a hefty finisher.
Yes, the general concept has been borrowed before, but Stellar Blade’s approach still feels unique thanks to its almost devilish enemy design that constantly sees you shifting gears throughout phases. There’s also a pretty beefy skill tree that allows you to chart your own path.
It’s also worth noting battles in Stellar Blade don’t feel as tough as many of its Soulslike contemporaries, but there is a Story Mode that helps bring things down a notch if you do feel like you’re struggling, which is a nice addition.
There’s also a surprising amount of things to do outside of combat as well. There are semi open-zone areas to explore, cosmetics to unlock and side quests to embark on. You might even stumble upon the odd mini game and they all help to expand Stellar Blade’s world.
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In a year where Sony fans are lacking PlayStation’s usual slate of premier first-party titles, Stellar Blade does well to fill in the gap and offer an experience.
Stellar Blade is out now on PS5. You can buy it from Amazon here.
Also out now…
Top Spin 2K25 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, XBO, PC)
It’s telling that Top Spin 4, a game released back in 2011 is still largely considered one of the best tennis games of the last two decades. But now, after 13 years we finally have the series’ grand return in the form of Top Spin 2K25 and it’s one hell of a first serve.
Hangar 13 may have taken over development duties for this new iteration, but much of the core of the Top Spin series has been retained. As a result, timing-based mechanics are still central to court play in 2K25. The game’s developers claim to have utilised as much of Top Spin 4’s foundations as possible and it shows. There’s sill that classic blend of arcade and simulation action that won over a legion of fans – each shot providing immediate feedback as to how well you struck the ball. There’s also a visual indicator that helps remove some of the guesswork, but I honestly found it more distracting to the on-court action and performed better with it switched off. Regardless, there’s no question that Top Spin 2K25 is the best-feeling tennis game since Top Spin 4.
I’ll admit that I’m a little disappointed that there’s no commentary track at all during games. While John McEnroe’s talents have been enlisted, it’s purely for 2K25’s training academy, which really feels like a missed opportunity. I’m also not entirely sold on the art style. During rallies the game is certainly pretty to look at and one of the most fluid-looking tennis games on the market, but up close things don’t fare as well. Some of the player facial models are particularly questionable, such as cover star Roger Federer who simply looks off.
Neither issues are deal-breakers, but they are areas Hangar 13 can hopefully build upon in the future, alongside a slightly less grindy-feeling MyCareer mode, which occasionally feels like it’s been stretched a little too far.
But while it’s far from perfect, I still adore Top Spin 2K25 and easily recommend it to any tennis fan. Fingers crossed it doesn’t take another 13 years to see the next one…
Magic: The Gathering – Outlaws of Thunder Junction
It’s been a busy few months for Magic: The Gathering. Hardcore fans barely recovered from a recent Fallout collaboration, and now there’s a whole new frontier plane to contend with thanks to Outlaws of Thunder Junction.
This wild-west inspired-jaunt feels like it’s the most fun the series has had in quite some time and it shows across the board. The card’s visual stylings, for example, are truly spectacular. Magic: The Gathering is already well-known for its beautifully detailed designs, but this time the artists behind the scenes are getting especially creative, with a fascinating blend of western and fantasy trappings. Even better, a handful of showcase cards draw inspiration from classic wanted posters and do especially well to embrace the new dynamic.
Likewise, new mechanics smartly lean into the theme and once again provide fun new twists for strategists. Crimes, for example allowed me to target the opposition, but often had strings attached and lead to some kind of personal expense. For example, in one game I could peak at my opponent’s hand and dispose of a card, but it cost me two life points in the process. Tossing up whether to employ such nefarious tactics is a game of risk vs. reward and is always a fun internal battle.
Plot, meanwhile, allows for an equal level of mind games and grants you the ability to exile a card on one turn, but actually play said card duing a later turn without having to pay its mana cost. It’s perhaps Outlaws of Thunder Junction’s most dastardly new mechanics but forcing your opponent into a reactive play as they try to work out when you might finally strike will always cause a wry smile.
Simply put, Outlaws of Thunder Junction is another strong outing for Magic: The Gathering and it’s hard to imagine fans not yee-hawing at all the new possibilities.
Card packs for Outlaws of Thunder Junction start at $7.95 from the Gamesmen.
Logitech Signature Slim Keyboard Combo MK950
If you’re in the market for a new keyboard and mouse setup for your gaming/office hybrid, but aren’t overly fussed about flashing lights and expensive extras, then Logitech might just have you sorted with its MK950 Slim Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Combo.
And slim these units certainly are. The MK950 keyboard for example might not cut down any keys but keeps a shockingly low profile all the same, meaning it never felt like it bulked up my desk. Likewise, the keys, although not as tactile as other mechanical options, provides a light rise to replicate what you might be used to with popular laptops like the beloved MacBook.
The big selling point of the MK950 though is its flexibility. With the simple press of a button you can easily jump between three different devices which is great if you’re trying to juggle work emails and personal discord channels at the same time. During my testing everything worked seamlessly as advertised, allowing me to quickly switch between my gaming PC and work laptop on the fly.
The other half of the combo, the Signature Plus Mouse M750 is equally appealing, and does well to contour neatly to the hand. I also really appreciated the inclusion of SilentTouch technology which Logitech claims produces 90% less click noise. I naturally was unable to scientifically confirm that claim, but it is a hell of a lot quieter than the vast majority of gaming mice out there which was a nice change of pace and a godsend if you’re sharing your office space with others.
Will the MK950 Slim Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Combo boost your eSports cred or be the perfect choice for multiplayer gamers out there? Of course not. But as a multi-purpose, cost effective set that does well to blend into almost any setting, it’s certainly an appealing option all the same.
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