Safe to say I won't be ordering the McDonald's XBOX menu again09:53, 29 Aug 2026McDonald’s UK & Ireland is claiming it has 'levelled up' its menu this August with a limited-edition gaming collaboration. But I was left disappointed and I can’t imagine gamers will be impressed either.‌The XBOX‑inspired Side Missions menu is said to connect fans to six of Microsoft’s most recognisable gaming worlds through a new partnership. This includes Halo: Campaign Evolved, Fallout 76, Forza Horizon 6, Overwatch, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush.‌But the items left me disappointed and honestly, in my opinion, I’d rather stick to McDonald’s regular menu. This has no reflection on Microsoft, XBOX or the games, but one product in particular was so bland it felt like I’d been dropped into a game world where the food is made for emergencies: functional, forgettable and completely lacking in flavour.‌Blamco Cheesy Potato BitesInspired by the game Fallout 76, the Blamco Cheesy Potato Bites were something I was super excited to try. Hailed as "golden, crispy potato rings with a soft, fluffy centre" McDonald's says that it's "filled with melty cheese and served with ketchup for a sweet, tangy finish".But as I tucked into the meal, provided to me by McDonald's for a review, I found that these were easily the most disappointing. The cheesy bites were tasteless and the coating had no flavour. I had to really concentrate just to get a hint of cheese. Even dipping them in ketchup couldn’t save them.‌Black Pepper & Garlic McNuggetsAs part of its new menu, McDonald’s also launched Black Pepper & Garlic McNuggets. These were inspired by the iconic moa bird that has appeared throughout Halo.Made of 100% chicken breast meat in a crispy coating, with a kick of black pepper and Garlic, these were actually good. I love the classic Chicken Sharebox and I'd go as far as to say I am addicted - I will always think of an excuse to order one, especially after a busy day.‌While these were tasty, they could have had more flavour, too. It seems my order was missing the sweet and sour dip, which may have added that kick I wanted. But if you want McNuggets with a different taste, these would be worth it.I did try dipping them into the Fiery Buffalo Dip and it added a kick - that's for sure. Fans are promised a creamy, tangy buffalo-style dip with a fiery kick fit for Ragnaros, the Lord of Fire himself from Azeroth in World of Warcraft. And as someone who has immersed herself in WoW, I think fans will enjoy this.Thirst quencher‌In my order was the Forza Horizon 6-inspired Sour Cherry Fizz. This was lovely and just what I needed after my shift.It's a refreshing mix of Sprite Zero and a sugar-free sour cherry-flavoured syrup. McDonald's says it's inspired by the cherry blossom season featured throughout the world of Forza Horizon 6. If you want something different from your regular Sprite or a Coke, then I would definitely get this.Where is the colour?‌I love a sweet treat, but I was left super confused by the Candy Crush Choco McFlurry. This dessert features soft dairy ice cream, swirled with chocolate-covered biscuits and an indulgent chocolate sauce.Billed as a "colourful and playful dessert inspired by the game’s instantly recognisable sweets and icons”, you’d expect a real burst of colour. But it was just chocolate. No bright toppings, no sprinkles, no bold sauce - nothing to match the description.And it didn't get better with the Sugar Donut. Inspired by Kiriko’s beloved snack in Overwatch, the sweet treat just tasted like a day-old doughnut.‌Overall thoughtsThis is only my opinion, of course - and you should try it for yourself, because taste is subjective. But I’d be lying if I said I loved it.It was fine, but I won’t be ordering from this menu again and I’ll be sticking to the regular options instead. I was starved, excited for the new menu, and it ended up being a disaster of a dinner, which left me hungry for actual flavour. Give me a good Chicken Sharebox and Cheese and Bacon McCrispy any day of the week!‌Gaming rewardsIn good news for gamers, it's more than just food. Side Missions introduces a gamified journey in which fans can use their Reward points to unlock exclusive in-game items across participating titles.This includes:A car voucher for Forza Horizon 6, letting players add a new vehicle to their collectionA Sugar Bomb Bundle in Fallout 76, packed with themed in-game goodiesA Red Hot Portable Bakery in World of Warcraft, a fan-favourite limited-time item that is making a special returnA Candy Crush Choco McFlurryKiriko’s beloved Sugar Donut in OverwatchArticle continues belowPlus, daily deals will be available via the McDonald’s App, giving fans even more reason to take a Side Mission to McDonald’s.The limited-edition menu has landed in McDonald’s restaurants across the UK and Ireland. It won’t be around forever, so if you want to try it, you’ll need to get in before it’s game over.Prices and menu items - full list6 Piece Black Pepper & Garlic McNuggets - £5.396 Piece Black Pepper & Garlic McNuggets EVM - £7.499 Piece Black Pepper & Garlic McNuggets - £6.299 Piece Black Pepper & Garlic McNuggets EVM - £8.1920 Piece Black Pepper & Garlic McNuggets - £8.49Cheesy Potato Bites - £2.69Cheesy Potato Bites Sharebox - £6.89Fiery Buffalo Dip - £0.70Candy Crush Choco McFlurry - £2.69Candy Crush Choco McFlurry Mini - £1.99Sugar Donut - £2.19Sour Cherry Fizz - £2.29