GameByte's Scores

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For 82 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 48% higher than the average critic
  • 8% same as the average critic
  • 44% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 5.2 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 80
Highest review score: 100 Resident Evil 4
Lowest review score: 50 Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 82
  3. Negative: 0 out of 82
82 game reviews
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    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
    In essence, Respawn has understood the need for a Star Wars game that isn’t beholden to the other films and TV series that exist. Cal’s story is so isolated from what we’re familiar with in the original trilogy and other spin-off media that it gives the writers room to innovate and build up their own little slice of lore that fits with the Star Wars continuity. It goes far beyond the scope of where Fallen Order’s story ended, adopting a more unpredictable but satisfying trajectory. It’s because of this that Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is now one of my favourite stories set in that universe. It’s bold, it’s brave, and above all else – it’s exciting. It fits in so well with what we know about the franchise’s overarching lore, while also offering enough new content that it could stand on its own.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Resident Evil 4
    It’s hard to really sell just how perfect Resident Evil 4’s remake is. You’d think after countless re-releases and ports that Capcom wouldn’t have the energy for this anymore, but not only has it treated the source material with the utmost respect, but has also paved the way for an experience that may even surpass the 2005 original.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Returnal
    I’ve raved about how amazing it is that we can play PlayStation exclusives on PC before, and with Returnal I feel that this is the very encapsulation of Sony’s goal. Returnal is a chaotic delight to play, and fits perfectly with the setup and mindset of a PC gamer. I’m already looking forward to trying my next run.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake
    Altogether, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake feels like it’s exactly in line with what the cartoon has become. The humour isn’t quite what it used to be, the characters are flanderisations of their original counterparts, and the plot is just too weird that it probably won’t appeal to older fans. But the children will love it.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dead Space
    As a returning fan that played the original countless times, Dead Space in 2023 is just about as perfect of a remake as we could ask for. It runs with the old saying “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” formula, but the developers at Motive Studio add some subtle improvements and quality-of-life updates to justify the existence of this remake. Even when I know what’s coming, I can’t help but be drawn into the atmospheric tension that had me adore the horror classic of 2008. Dead Space is a prime example of how a remake should be done and unfortunately for you, your neighbours will hear you scream.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    SEASON: A letter to the future
    Season is a reminder that memories of the past are all we’re left with, and it staples the importance of being able to carry over that knowledge into future generations. Because otherwise, we’re left with a culture that is doomed to repeat the same mistakes and won’t have the skills to work past it.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me
    Horror games, at their very core, are all about the fear factor. Developer Supermassive Games did a fantastic job of sustaining the unpleasantness in certain sequences, but couldn’t maintain it for the entire length of the game. I come away from The Devil in Me with a new-found fear of seeing button prompts pop up at every available opportunity. That being said, there’s still a lot to like about this game, particularly if you’re a fan of the previous instalments. I particularly enjoyed the different modes available. There’s a single-player mode which offers different perspectives, as well as a multiplayer mode if you’re not feeling particularly brave that day.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
    As a fan of FPS games and a casual fan of the CoD franchise, it pains me to say Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is one of my most disliked entries in the series. The campaign is a huge step down from its original namesake, and the multiplayer has disappointed me on many levels. I know Activision loves to get a slice of the CoD pie every single year, but I still think we’d be better off with fewer titles, bigger innovations.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    God of War: Ragnarok
    There is a venn diagram for God of War 2018 fans where some liked the combat, others liked the story, and many enjoyed both. Ragnarok is everything you loved about the previous title, but amplified. The longer story and expanded worlds gives way for characters to develop in meaningful ways, making the whole game feel very much like a sequel worthy of its predecessor.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
    With now two excellent games under its belt, it beckons the question of where the franchise goes next. Do we go for a simple Mario & Rabbids 3? Do we add Zelda or Pokemon characters into the mix? Do we change genres, turn it into a soulslike or roguelike? Whatever happens, I just need more.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Last of Us Part I
    The Last of Us Part 1 is a game that doesn’t feel like it needs to exist, but I’m glad it does. Even though that outdated 2013 design still bleeds through, the visual upgrades, combat tweaks and accessibility improvements makes it feel like a brand new title. In time, this will become the de facto definitive edition of the game that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    F1 Manager 2022
    My major disappointment comes from the lack of F1 Sprint at launch. It might not be the most tactically engaging aspect of F1, but it is a major component of 3 weekends (6 from 2023). I think it could provide a really interesting challenge with players only having 1 session to work on their setup before parc ferme locks the majority of changes, something that real team principals are forced to contend with. A shame, but as a foundation F1 Manager 2022 is an incredible triumph that has me excited for the future of motorsport management.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Saints Row
    Although hindered by technical issues and packed in an overly inflated map, building your criminal empire via driving and shooting your way through Santo Ileso is a molotov cocktail of fun – made more so with the wealth or perks, skills, and customisation options at your disposal. Be that as it may, it’s the modern take of the Saint’s Row series’ signature writing and tone – carried through an entertaining story and its lovable characters – that shines brightest.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rollerdrome
    Rollerdrome is fantastic. It’s easily one of the coolest games I’ve played all year. Although there are a few missed opportunities here and there, the gameplay is continuously creative, the story alluring, and there’s never a dull moment.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Thymesia
    By now we’re definitely starting to feel the effects of genre fatigue amongst soulslikes. And Thymesia certainly reaches a point where it can’t separate itself from the games that came before. However, there is still a lot of originality in its combat systems and world design so that the game doesn’t feel too derivative. It’s just a shame that clunky controls and awkward bugs hold it back.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered
    When I think about Marvel’s Spider-Man, my mind keeps returning to a moment early on in the game, where Peter gives Miles Morales a couple of pointers about how to fight well. The pair exchange jokes, look out for each other, and there’s the inception of a real bond there that carries through the rest of the game. This is at the core of Spider-Man’s heart; how well the character warms to the people of New York City. Insomniac Games’ understanding of the source material is truly what makes it shine.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Digimon Survive
    You don’t need any previous knowledge of Digimon, and even with my own extensive history with the franchise there were still plenty of twists I didn’t see coming because the story was just that compelling.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Stray
    Though short, Stray is a delight of a game to experience. Forcing players to make organic progress feels like a genuine achievement, and viewing this world through the unique perspective of a cat gives the story considerable more weight. Stray is a game that you will think about even when you’re not playing it. Like a good book, its world pulls you in and you never want to put it down. It’s nice to see at least one cyberpunk game live up to the hype, eh?
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As Dusk Falls
    As Dusk Falls has a captivating story with more than a few rocky moments, but is as close to feeling “genre” as it can get. It also has a lot of shortcomings that might only be saved by the interesting multiplayer features. It’s the perfect game to pull out for any digital or physical get-togethers, but is otherwise a reminder of wasted potential.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    F1 22
    If the core F1 racing experience is what you care about most, then you likely won’t be disappointed by this year’s latest instalment.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    We Were Here Forever
    We Were Here Forever represents the growth of its developers – the franchise has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a school project and it’s brilliant to see just what this indie studio is capable of at its full capacity. It’s definitely worth playing if you have a friend to play with. Despite the loss of simplicity the previous games were known for, this doesn’t spoil an otherwise unique and interesting puzzler.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Quarry
    The Quarry is a fascinating mix of gameplay, story, and casting which brings the teen drama horror experience to life on multiple levels. Suspense and the ever-feeling sense of danger is what we often love most about horror films, but even then, much of that can dissipate after the first viewing.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sniper Elite 5
    Putting it under the scope, Rebellion Developments has delivered a coherent, open-ended stealth experience filled with plenty of freedom. This is peak Sniper Elite, with so much about the game inspiring tactical, sneaky gameplay that makes you feel like a real wartime marksman.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Evil Dead: The Game
    Despite its faults, I think I’ll be coming back to Evil Dead: The Game quite often. It’s got a solid foundation for asymmetrical multiplayer that doesn’t tread on the toes of its competitors, while also remaining a fun and cohesive adaptation of the source material.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Kirby and the Forgotten Land
    Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a joyous, colourful adventure that bursting with invention at the seams. It’s a magically daft time, perfect for those nights when the world just looks a little too bleak. With its gorgeous level design and inventive approach to gameplay, a waltz through the Forgotten Lands is a charming way to spend your evenings. The only issues I found were that some of the mini bosses felt slightly repetitive, and the co-op limitations. But, despite this, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a triumph that Nintendo should not forget so easily.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
    Altogether, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is the best LEGO game I’ve played in years. It rightly innovates far beyond the standardised formula that this series has built over the years with some fresh ideas. With such strong source material, however, there are so many sequences that feel hung out to dry. Star Wars fans will find it to be a little undercooked as an adaptation.
    • 39 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Abermore
    Abermore is a fantastic idea with lots of potential. I love the writing, the comedy that comes through in gameplay, and the whole vibe as a modern Thief. But just like the classic games that inspire it, Abermore comes with its fair share of jank and bugs. Right now that makes it a frustrating experience.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Tiny Tina's Wonderlands
    I’m going to be honest here and say that Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands doesn’t make the best impression. Despite a fantasy-themed facelift and a bigger emphasis on character freedom, the issues that plagued previous entries in the series are still too numerous for it to feel like a substantial change. However, I’m still finding things to enjoy in it which, even as a Borderlands skeptic, at least makes it worth the price of admission for anyone playing this with friends.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    GhostWire: Tokyo
    For those that like the supernatural and action-adventure games you’ll have a great time with Ghostwire Tokyo. If you’re coming into it expecting a terrifying horror experience you’ll be disappointed but there are still moments there that will get under your skin. Bethesda’s PlayStation swan song might not hit all the right notes but it still delivers a melody that’ll be stuck in your head for a while.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
    When paired with the “so bad, it’s good” story and dialogue, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is a good time for the partly the wrong reasons. Critically, it’s not great. You’ve still got a car crash of a game on your hands. But, it’s a car crash you can’t look away from. In the meantime, the combat and job system is a rollercoaster ride which takes you right past it, being a wild ride in its own right.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Assetto Corsa Competizione
    Want to take on this mega GT World Challenge, but don’t have a PC capable of running it? Assetto Corsa Competizione on PS5 is one of the most visually and mechanically realistic racing experiences out there. This update is miles better than any other ACC console offering, with its buttery-smooth gameplay and 4k graphics. The DLCs help to pad out the game and set it apart from any of its competitors. And, whilst the career mode doesn’t bring anything new to the table, the championship, challenge and online modes more than make up for it. Unfortunately, if you don’t have the spare cash for a wheel and pedals, it’s a sub-par racing experience that leaves the taste of burnt rubber in your mouth.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Gran Turismo 7
    Gran Turismo 7 does its best to straddle the gap between casual and hardcore racers. While it certainly does a great job of onboarding newcomers warmly, it does so at the risk of boring it's more eager fanbase. That makes GT7 a difficult game to recommend unless you love cars and their culture with your whole heart.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    FAR: Changing Tides
    All-in-all, FAR Changing Tides does all the right things you want from a sequel. It makes visible improvements over the first game, while also not overshadowing what that game did brilliantly. On the other hand, those who couldn’t get on with the original’s micromanagement aspects won’t find it to be anymore lenient.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Elden Ring
    If Dark Souls was the earthquake, Elden Ring is the aftershock. In a sense, it’s more of a love letter to the Soulsborne fanbase, incorporating dramatic fragments of each past game into a single product that is rewarding and fulfilling. While not perfect, I believe that FromSoftware has followed through on the hype surrounding this game and been able to create something truly mesmerising.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Horizon Forbidden West
    Horizon Forbidden West is a triumph for Guerrilla Games. It takes the shining promise of Zero Dawn and elevates it in almost every way possible. This truly feels like the RPG the studio has always wanted to make, and I’m so glad that it finally gets to breathe without being overshadowed.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    SIFU
    Despite an excellent combat system and intriguing world design, Sifu falls too short of its premise. Regardless of whether you’re playing it casually or going harder, the death mechanic is simply too punishing to be enjoyable. Perhaps with a fairer system, this would make for a better game.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    OlliOlli World
    OlliOlli World’s visual style, fluid controls and accessible flow make it a fantastic entry to the platformer genre. Abundant in personality, it was obvious that taking some time out to create a worthy sequel has paid off for Roll7. Fans will adore it.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection
    Even if you’ve played through Uncharted 4 and Lost Legacy before, I’d recommend returning to them for this collection. Playing at a higher frame rate won’t completely transform these games, but it certainly makes them more enjoyable. After five years with nothing new in the world of Uncharted, now is a better time than ever to jump back in.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
    As with any new game, the future of this game entirely is uncertain, but this launch has made us very hopeful. Konami seemingly is keen to learn and is already doing user surveys to find any flaws in the system, and with the questions chosen it seems the team are looking at the right areas already. With some patches and more quality of life features, this game could easily become the definitive Yu-Gi-Oh! experience, but only time can tell.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    God of War
    God of War is a narrative gem. What it lacks in pacing and agency, it more than triumphs in writing, acting, and directing.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Scarf (2021)
    Is Scarf a good game then? It’s certainly not terrible. I’d suggest it might even get lost in the shuffle that is the end-of-year period, which it doesn’t deserve. The game has a great foundation for puzzle design blended with platforming and exploration. Otherwise, the shortcomings with the game’s story aren’t intrusive enough for it to be a massive problem. It’s a solid little thing to spend a couple of evenings with.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Halo Infinite
    Overall, the 16 hours I spent with the Halo Infinite campaign certainly had dull points. However, sheer thrill shines through at several points, proving that there’s still life in this 20-year-old franchise. It’s now up to 343 Industries to keep it that way.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Exo One
    Exo One is almost a perfect sci-fi puzzle game, let down by one poor level right in the middle. The movement, the beauty of its scenery, and the peculiarity of the narrative is something I really appreciate about video games as an art form.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Battlefield 2042
    After spending time with each of the three modes in Battlefield 2042, none of them are worth purchasing the game for in its current state. All-Out Warfare loses focus of what makes Battlefield games fun and feels lethargic to play. Hazard Zone feels like an afterthought that’s merely included as a box-checking exercise. Portal shows the most promise, but mostly serves as a bittersweet reminder of how great the series once was.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Back 4 Blood
    I don’t think I’ll revisit Back 4 Blood in a decades’ time the same way I do with Left 4 Dead now, but it does a good enough job at modernising the formula for better or worse.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Vanguard
    Overall, Call of Duty: Vanguard is another solid entry to the CoD series. Sledgehammer has worked almost entirely by the rulebook, but has made enough improvements to deliver a template that can carry the series forward for another year. There’s a promising lineup of post launch content on the way too, leaving the future looking relatively bright for the future of Call of Duty.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Forza Horizon 5
    Overall, I’m extremely happy with how Forza Horizon 5 has turned out. The variety in activities as well as care and attention put into its mechanics and world makes Mexico such a delight to explore. It’s most certainly the best game in the series, and could well be the best game on Xbox right now.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Riders Republic
    Going into Riders Republic, I thought it was going to be the gunning down steep slopes at high velocity that would make me feel ill. It turns out that the only aspect of Riders Republic that knocks me sick is the out-of-touch presentation of the NPCs. I’m being facetious here, because Riders Republic is one of the more genuine surprises of the year. I didn’t expect to find myself trying to perfect downhill runs until 3am. And yet, Riders Republic has completely dug its hooks into me. It imitates the unbridled feeling of freedom from the Forza Horizon games and perfects it in its own subgenre. If you’re looking for an octane-fuelled romp of a game with guaranteed fun, look no further than Riders Republic. Just be sure to bring your own jukebox.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Escape Simulator
    Aside from some minor technical hitches, though, Escape Simulator is absolutely worth your time. If you and your mates have been craving some escape room action throughout the pandemic, then Escape Simulator is a sure-fire alternative that won’t leave you disappointed.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water
    Enemy encounters are also made annoying by the fact that your character’s movement feels like you’re trying to weave through a busy train. You pull back on the thumbstick to move backwards, and instead the avatar does a mindless dance around the space they’re in. Try to position yourself just right to avoid an enemy attack, and you’ll spend a great deal of time fumbling around with the controls that you’ll get hit anyway. With most of the playable areas being so tight and close-quartered, why do we even have the option to dodge an enemy attack when they’ll end up getting you anyway?
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Age of Empires IV
    It’s certainly a competently-designed RTS. Thanks to unique units, buildings and technologies, playing around with each civilisation is fun and offers a different experience each time. Unfortunately, with it feeling so similar to Age of Empires 2 but with many stripped down features, it’s extremely difficult for me to recommend spending £50 on this when you can grab Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition for £15. Maybe it will be better after some updates, but right now it’s just reminding me of better games.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
    There’s some frequent but minor performance issues aside. Be that as it may, Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the most enjoyable games you’ll play all year. You might have never gotten into one of the comics or films. Still, there’s something in this space-adventure epic for everyone. You could wait until the last of the technical creases are ironed out, but none ruin the core experience. If you’re looking for a game that’s brimming with heart in both story and gameplay, this is one for you.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Far Cry 6
    It sounds like I’m ragging on Far Cry 6 a fair bit, but that’s mostly just because of how much it feels like squandered potential. We’re at the sixth installment of this series now, spin-offs notwithstanding. And yet dismantling Castillo’s grip on Yara doesn’t feel too far removed from going up against Hoyt Volker, Pagan Min, or Joseph Seed. If you’ve played a recent Far Cry game, you know exactly what you’re in for with 6. It’s a well-trodden formula of epic scale that has just enough life in it to keep it from being tired.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Alan Wake Remastered
    Overall though, Alan Wake Remastered is the same game it was in 2010 but with slightly nicer looking graphics. If you enjoyed the original, you’ll most likely enjoy this. If you hated it, there’s nothing about this new release that will change your mind. And if you’re brand new to the series, it’s definitely the best place to start.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania
    Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is perfect for fans wanting to revisit what they grew up with on modern consoles. It’s also a great entry point for new fans. Some of the best levels and modes in Super Monkey Ball history are all in one place. Although some elements of the game have aged better than others and there are a few missteps there’s no denying that there’s a charm to the latest Super Monkey Ball. Even with its issues, Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is a delight to play. It fills you with nostalgia whilst also showing the strengths of the series. It will be interesting to see where the franchise goes next.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    No More Heroes III
    Some battles may not be as enjoyable as others but there’s so much fun to be had in most of them that it doesn’t matter. The story is interestingly bizarre, the characters are larger than life and the combat is a delight. Arguably the most important thing though is that it’s a worthy entry in the franchise that will no doubt be another cult classic in the world of gaming.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Death Stranding: Director's Cut
    If you’ve been holding off on Death Stranding in the hope they would improve it then Death Stranding Director’s Cut is the perfect time to jump in. Even outside of that though I found Death Stranding a fascinating game to be playing for the first time.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Deathloop
    Despite these gripes, Deathloop on the PS5 offers some fantastically unique features that properly elevate the experience in new and creative ways. It’s the definitive place to play the game if you’re on console – though it’s not like you have much choice.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tales of Arise
    Tales of Arise is a beautiful JRPG that is fun to play that fans of the genre will no doubt get a lot out of. Its gradual introduction of mechanics also makes it a wonderful experience for those looking to dip their toes into JRPGs for the first time or after a long time away from them.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Life is Strange: True Colors
    When Alex experiences joy for the first time, a warm golden glow emanates from the characters, sparkling and twisting into the laughter-filled air. Life Is Strange: True Colors fills my heart with the same sensation. Then breaks it in the most bittersweet way I could imagine. Alex’s story is a colourful tapestry, stitched together with the gossamer thread of what it means to be human. It’s a glimmering, supernatural journey that reminds you life really is… weird.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    NEO: The World Ends With You
    This is one of the most stylish and heartfelt games I’ve had the pleasure of playing in years. It gave me everything I was looking for, and so much more I didn’t even know I wanted.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Psychonauts 2
    Playing Psychonauts 2 is like taking a step back in time in the best way possible. The fact that the game’s core concept still holds up 16 years later is a testament to how far ahead of its time the first game was. Psychonauts 2 feels like it’s the game Double Fine always wanted to make. It incites a childlike, playful nature that I’ve not experienced in games for ages. At the same time, it deals with some heavy subject topics in ways that feel nuanced. Even if you haven’t touched the original, Psychonauts 2 is absolutely worth playing through.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Hades
    It’s a tough genre piece, but it’s one where dying feels like progress. The more escapes you attempt, the more story you unravel as your relationships with these characters develop. Reaching the end of a run after levelling up your upgrades and finding that right combination of boons is the perfect sense of accomplishment.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Sims 4: Dream Home Decorator
    Overall, I think the Dream Home Decorator pack successfully adds a new dimension to The Sims 4. As we hope all expansions do, it positively reflects the portion of the community who love all things build mode.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    F1 2021
    There’s enough here to keep the die-hard fans happy and more than enough to enable newcomers to further explore their love for the sport. Simply lovely.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Scarlet Nexus
    Scarlet Nexus is an addictive action RPG. Combat is fast-paced, visuals are bright and colourful and the story is so wonderfully bizarre that it will keep you wanting to keep playing. It may not be a game for everyone and it may not be without its flaws but those flaws are counteracted by what it does right. There’s a lot of mileage in the game for those that it clicks with.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
    It doesn’t reinvent the wheel but it makes sure that the wheel provides the smoothest experience you can get. This is the Ratchet and Clank you’ve grown to love over the years brought into a new generation of gaming. Fans of the original series will love it and fans of platformers will definitely find something they enjoy. It has its flaws but with collectables to find, side quests to complete, a story full of great moments and more it’s a game that will keep you entertained until the very end.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Bravely Default II
    There is so much potential here that doesn’t quite reach the mark, and it’s quite mind boggling as to why some of these problems exist when they didn’t in their previous work. However, with that incredibly addictive gameplay alone, along with the plethora of side-content, I can see traditional Final Fantasy fans having a lot of fun here, even if it’s a bit of a shallow adventure. Now that this engine has proven it’s worth in terms of gameplay, I am very excited for their next project if they have more time to spare in the writing room.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Resident Evil Village
    Barring remakes, Resident Evil Village is the best entry in the series since Resident Evil 4.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Oddworld: Soulstorm
    If you’re looking for a new Oddworld experience, then Soulstorm will likely scratch that itch. However, Soulstorm is far from being the 1997 sequel you might know and love. While a lot of what makes Oddworld wonderfully “odd” is still intact, Soulstorm’s experimental nature is almost a detriment. Nevertheless, being able to step into a new Oddworld experience in 2021 is something to behold. Soulstorm might be a little rough around the edges, but hopefully, the game serves as an experiment to determine the best direction for a brand new Oddworld quintology.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Evil Genius 2: World Domination
    Overall, Evil Genius 2 is a fun, addictive, simulation game that’s easy to pour time into. If you’re a fan of the genre, it’s definitely worth checking out.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mundaun
    Mundaun is one of the most unique and beautiful horror games I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. If you’re a fan of slow-paced and tension-filled horror games like Amnesia, you absolutely shouldn’t sleep on this one. A true labour of love, Mundaun is one which will stick with you for years to come.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    It Takes Two
    There’s so much on offer in It Takes Two and it does it all so well. If you’re looking for a new game to play with your friend or partner then It Takes Two should be at the top of your list. It’s a delight.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town
    Whilst the graphics are packed with charm, the story feels as empty as my farm on the day I arrived. Farming sims owe a lot to this series, but other games perfected it. But for newcomers to the genre, or for those who are looking for a simple life on a plot of land, Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town certainly isn’t one to miss.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Apex Legends
    The pacing of the game is so favourable for those just starting out, and offers a great place to learn the mechanics of the game at a much slower pace than the console versions. Apex Legends on Nintendo Switch is definitely worth a download, just go in with an open mind.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
    Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a colourful, roaring romp packed with charm, adventure and cuteness. For long-term Mario fans, or just someone who owned a Wii U and wanted to play one decent game, the name Super Mario 3D World might ring some faint, dusty bells in the back of their head.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Hitman 3
    Hitman 3 feels like a love letter to the ‘World of Assassination’ and I can’t think of a better way to conclude the series. With its delightfully witty dialogue and the fact that all existing Hitman content (as long as you’ve bought Hitman and Hitman 2) has progression carry over into Hitman 3, this game is a joy to play and the best Hitman has ever been. It takes all the best parts of the series we’ve come to love and leaves us with a bittersweet, Agent 47-sized gap in our hearts.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    The Medium
    The Medium is an absolutely chilling romp, and considering it’s an Xbox Game Pass Day One title, there’s literally no reason not to give it a go if you’re a member of the service. While the story could be a lot simpler, this is definitely a horror experience I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. I’ve been waiting a long time for Bloober to finally nail down true horror, and The Medium is a wonderful example of how to do scary without relying on cheap tricks. If you’re a fan of Silent Hill, Clock Tower, Haunting Ground or even if you just want to test out the capabilities of the latest Xbox consoles, The Medium is a must-play.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Disjunction
    Disjunction is a fun, cyberpunk stealth game, with beautiful pixel art and great sound that is more than worth its price tag. Be prepared for some difficult levels and many moments of frustration, but enjoy basking in the glory of your successes at the end, whilst you enjoy an intriguing story in a dystopian world.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Persona 5 Strikers
    But as I cooked curry on the sandy shores of a lake, with the friends I spent so much time coming to love, Persona 5 Strikers and its effortless charm struck a chord with me. Not many games have done that before. I certainly doubt I’ll find it again in 2021.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Little Nightmares II
    If you enjoy dark stories, difficult gameplay and the original game, Little Nightmares 2 is absolutely a must-play dark fairytale that you shouldn’t miss out on (if you can help it)! LN2 is a triumph for Tarsier Studios, but definitely needs to rethink accessibility.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Eternal Hope
    Eternal Hope is a fascinating game that favours style over substance. Whilst the narrative is lofty and ambitious, the short playtime and repetitive puzzles dock it marks for me. However, that’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy my time with Ti’Bi. The heartwarming story and the bold design are more than enough to make me swoon. If you love puzzle platformers and striking aesthetics, this wonderful indie title will stay in your mind for days.

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