Alexx Aplin | Page 3 | Phenixx Gaming

Where Winds Meet First Impressions

I love martial arts films, and recently I’ve begun to dip my toe more into Wuxia dramas and series. For a long time, I wanted to be able to play a game that captured the same style of fluid, gorgeous choreography in…

Nostalgia and Game Preservation: What do we Remember?

Now more than ever, I find myself thinking about games that I enjoyed when I was younger. This is partially because I have been watching (or listening to) video essays about game franchises, long-forgotten developers, or hidden gems that people may not…

Final Fantasy Needs to Return to Turn-based Combat

I have loved the Final Fantasy franchise for my entire life, or as close to it as I can remember. I watched my mother play Final Fantasy VII when I was 3, and I still remember the first time I finished it…

More Games Should be Weird

Hear me out here. The gaming industry is a colorful, wild array of magical, mysterious things. However, I think as the years have gone by, games have become more… safe. The idea of mass market appeal has overtaken creativity and pure fun,…

Hidden Gems of 2025

This year has been stacked with great games. From Expedition 33, Silksong, and The Ivalice Chronicles, all the way to stuff like South of Midnight and Where Winds Meet, there is a lot of great stuff to play. However, as with every…

Live A Live (Switch) Preview

For a long time, I had heard people talk about a spectacular JRPG called Live a Live. Some conversations about the game came up as I played Octopath Traveler, and for years, I had been told that I needed to play the…

Phenixx Gaming’s GOTY 2025 Picks

Every year, as part of our end-of-the-year festivities, the crew here at Phenixx Gaming gets together and chooses a variety of our favorite Games of the Year. The only rule is that they have to be released this year. Technically, I (Alexx)…

Behind the Curtain – Let’s Talk About Demos

Steam Next Fest has passed us by, but a lot of games are still vying for our attention. As a game review site that covers both news and reviews, a lot of things are grabbing our attention at any moment. Let’s talk…

On the Subject of Bloodrayne 3

I’m a fan of niche franchises, as many readers will no doubt be aware. The Bloodrayne franchise is one of my favorite “cult classics” from the 2000s. Rayne is sassy, fun, and who doesn’t like playing a dhampir with mobility and a…

Trash Goblin Accessibility Report Card

I enjoyed Trash Goblin when I checked it out during its Early Access period. However, a friend recently reminded me that the development team has added a variety of accessibility features based on player feedback. So, let’s start the first “Accessibility Report…