GameSpew's Scores

  • Games
For 3,618 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 51% higher than the average critic
  • 10% same as the average critic
  • 39% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 2.2 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 73
Highest review score: 100 Returnal
Lowest review score: 10 Planet 2000
Score distribution:
3629 game reviews
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you’re looking to buy only one multiplayer FPS this year, Battlefield 1 is more than worthy of your hard-earned cash – I honestly can’t envisage anything being better.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Beneath all the trimmings and little things that this game does so well, and outside of the intense competitive nature that keeps driving me back again and again, Laser League does something even more important: it reminds you, like all my favourite games of yesteryear, that gaming is supposed to be fun.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It’s hard to play Concrete Genie and not be charmed by it. You can just tell that a whole lot of love has been put into making it. It may not be complex in terms of gameplay, and many of its mechanics feel appropriated from other games, but it’s surprising and unique in numerous ways.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    For F1 fans, the improvements and new content found in F1 2019 make it an absolute must-buy. It’ll feel familiar in many ways, but everything is just so polished and refined that it won’t bother you all that much.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    While Blind Drive‘s premise is incredibly simple, it’s immediately addicting and the excellent narrative will keep you glued to the screen from beginning to end. You might be going into this adventure blind, but you won’t be disappointed.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A triumph of a finale that gives the players – and the characters – the ending they deserved.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you’ve played Ori and the Blind Forest and found it enjoyable, you really need to play Ori and the Will of the Wisps. And if you haven’t yet played either, seriously consider picking both up. This sequel is the better of the two, but they’re both brilliant games that are particularly enjoyable on Switch thanks to its portability. Though a word of warning: if you’re an emotional person, they’ll probably make you cry. But it’s testament to just how well put together these games are that they can instil such feelings.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Aside from some disappointing story elements and frame rate dips in battles, Sun and Moon encapsulate 20 years of series strengths and introduce enough freshness to keep the series running strong.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It's Goro Majima's time to shine, and shine he does in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. This ridiculous adventure has the typical Like a Dragon gameplay you've come to expect, as well as fast-paced real-time combat that's more electrifying than ever. Add in being able to sail across numerous maps, engaging in naval battles and disembarking to plunder legendary treasures, and you have the most varied entry in the series yet.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The concept is not original, nor is Stories: The Path of Destinies‘ mechanics but there’s just something so endearing about it that makes me love the game that much more.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I completed the main campaign in a little under 25 hours, and even as the credits roll, Pokémon Sun and Moon assures you that there is still plenty of game ahead.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    One of the best survivors-like games currently available, Grind Survivors sets itself apart with a persistent weapon mechanic. Meaningful upgrades, excellent visuals and silky-smooth action all help to make this a game you're not going to want to put down.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Planet of Lana deserves a spot up there with the greatest hits of the genre. It’s every bit as impressive as the likes of Inside, but stands out due to its colourful visuals and heart-warming story. Sure, there’s not much to do once you’ve completed it unless you’re an achievement/trophy hunter, but it’s an experience that you really shouldn’t miss out on.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sociological questions about mental illness and crime, unethical romantic relationships, and mysterious world building all combine into a game that demands you to think in ways many others do not.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ultimately, if you’re lucky enough to have a PS5, that’s the format to get Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition on. If not, the PC version will serve you well. There will be hiccups along the way, however, at least until DLSS arrives or any other performance-improving updates. But even those technical issues can’t get in the way of how fantastic Nioh 2 is to play, especially when all it takes is a bit of experimentation with settings to find the perfect balance.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    There has never been a better time for a new Animal Crossing game to arrive. It cannot fix what’s going on in the world right now, but Animal Crossing: New Horizons gives us the joyful, meditative escape that so many of us desperately need right now. Whether you’re young or old, you’ll find something to like. What isn’t to love about customising your dream island and being able to sit on a bench by the beach, listening to the waves, just because you can? Nothing I can think of, that’s for sure.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Unreasonable expectation of perfection aside, Stellaris is a expertly blended mosaic of 4X, grand strategy and self-created narrative. For the relatively small niche that this game occupies, it is the undisputed master and commander.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is quite simply the best skateboarding game available right now, irrespective of the format you play it on. Thanks to numerous improvements, however, including DualSense support, the PS5 is undoubtedly the best format to experience it. The visuals are cleaner and more eye-catching than ever, loading times are noticeably reduced, and, if you have a TV capable of it, 120fps support makes the gameplay smoother than a baby’s backside and more responsive than… well, a really responsive thing. The next-gen version of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 isn’t revelatory, but it makes an outstanding game even better. What more could you ask for?
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you have any love for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, the Dimension Shellshock DLC should be considered essential. It’s as simple as that. Both characters included here are wonderful to take control of and bring yet more variety to the game, and Survival mode adds a fun and lasting challenge in which no two runs are ever exactly the same. Ultimately, it makes a brilliant game even better. What more could you ask for?
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Each Sonic game presented here in Sonic Origins has something that makes it stand out from the rest. But they all share a certain magic that means we return to them, time and time again, year after year; that's why this collection exists, after all. And it's thanks to this collection that yet more players, young and old, are going to be able to enjoy these classics. Hardcore Sonic fans will rue the music changes in Sonic 3, for sure, but everything else new or tweaked here is for the better. Sonic's 3D offerings over the years have been sketchy at best, but as long as we can still enjoy his origins, we'll love him regardless.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The wait for Tape 2 is going to be a long one, because Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 has me utterly hooked. It perfectly captures the highs and lows of being a teenage girl, brought to life with a cast of characters that feel as real as your childhood friends. While it's a slow burn, and most of the game's major secrets will (hopefully) unravel in Tape 2, this is still an absolute must-play for any fans of the narrative adventure genre.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Needless to say, if you enjoyed The Division 2 and are looking for more content to stick your teeth into, consider The Division 2: Warlords of New York an essential purchase. Its missions are some of the most nail-bitingly tense and exciting yet, and returning to New York City is a pure delight – even if the state of its streets is even more harrowing than before.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    There’s something special about the power that Season: A Letter to the Future gives to the player; the freedom you have to explore, to document, to see and do exactly as you wish. Free of threat and any real time pressure, you’ll simply become absorbed, seeing everything for the first time just as your protagonist is. For the action-oriented amongst you, that might sound a little dull. But we can’t overstate just how wonderful it feels to play something like this, a game that really doesn’t mind what you do or how you do it, as long as you’re doing… something. It’s freeing, wholesome, relaxing but evocative. And we wish it didn’t have to end. Let us explore more corners of this enchanting, mysterious world, please.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Prey expertly blends a compelling narrative with open level design, a fear-inducing mechanic and near-unparalleled player freedom to deliver an appealing, atmospheric and aesthetically pleasing chunk of sci-fi that will get sink its spiky teeth into you and never let go.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Perhaps you could argue that the streets of Gotham feel a little empty at times, or that when facing off against a large number of enemies, the combat gets a little messy, but it’s hard to truly find fault with Gotham Knights. It’s an immensely enjoyable adventure from beginning to end, with lots to offer to Batman fans even though they don’t get to play as the caped crusader himself. Don’t let the lack of a performance mode put you off: with stunning visuals, varied gameplay and great online co-op, Gotham Knights is one of the best games of the year.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Minishoot’ Adventures is a game that’s easy to bestow praise upon. It’s easy on the eyes, being clean and colourful, and its soundtrack is a bit of a treat. But most important of all, it’s an absolute joy to play. From the minute you take control of your small ship and discover that it’s a joy to manoeuvre, chances are you’ll be hooked. From then on, you’ll just be focused on exploring the game’s wonderfully crafted world and making your ship mighty.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The dark, foreboding, post-apocalyptic worlds are beautifully drawn with some amazing attention to detail.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Holy Gosh Darn may well be Perfectly Paranormal's best game yet, and it's clear the team has learned a lot from developing Manual Samuel and Helheim Hassle. This is a seriously slick adventure: it looks fantastic, its puzzles are fun to solve and it will have you laughing out loud every step of the way.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A gem. A look back into what Nintendo can do, and a shining example of why they should never be counted out. It’ll keep you laughing, engaged, and having a blast. It truly took my breath away at times, and looks and plays with staggering beauty.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Yesterday Origins is simply charming, and the developers have shown a real understanding of how to make a point and click game stand out in its genre.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    F1 2021 is, without a doubt, Codemasters’ best F1 game to date. It’s just a shame that coronavirus hasn’t made its career mode quite as accurate as some might hope it to be, and some bits here and there seem to be lacking a bit of polish. Still, if you’re open to look past such issues, you’ll find a deep, rewarding racing experience that’s highly customisable. And if you delve into Braking Point, you’ll also find a story mode that genuinely adds to the package. Whether you’re an ardent F1 fan or not, F1 2021 is likely to be a contender for the accolade of best racing game of the year, that’s for sure.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Necrobarista is what a good cup of coffee should be: warm, a little nutty and exactly what you crave. It leaves a lasting impression. Its characters are lovable and relatable; its story covers a deeply complicated topic with humour and charm; and the world is so well-crafted and intriguing that it could easily tell a thousand more stories. Add to that an excellent soundtrack and gorgeous art style, and it’s unlikely you’ll find another visual novel that compares to Necrobarista.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With improved performance and sharper visuals than the original Switch version, Switch 2 might just be the best format on which to enjoy Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars. Enjoy it handheld on the go, or play docked and get engrossed playing it on a big screen. It's just a shame there's no upgrade path for those who have already picked it up on Switch.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    One of the most original horror games I've played, Among Ashes presents a game within a game which quickly draws you in and keeps you captivated until the credits roll. Considering this is the work of a solo developer, it's hugely impressive and deserves a place amongst 2024's highlights.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mutant Year Zero: Deluxe Edition is now out on Nintendo Switch, and it includes new expansion, Seeds Of Evil. While this version runs smoothly, it exhibits poor visual fidelity compared to its console and PC counterparts. Whether in handheld or docked mode, a low resolution and blurry overall look reduce the luster of post-apocalyptic Sweden. It also makes scavenging areas for scrap and weapon parts--essential to keeping your Stalkers well-equipped, and already difficult items to spot--a lot harder.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Bundling together three classic metroidvania format Castlevania titles originally released on the Nintendo DS, the Castlevania Dominus Collection presents excellent value for money. And with various extras thrown into the mix including art and music galleries and a remake of arcade game Haunted Castle, it's a must-have for series fans.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As music rhythm games go, VOEZ is one of the best I’ve ever played, up there with the likes of Parappa The Rapper, Hatsune Miku Project DIVA X and Gitaroo Man.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Tales of Kenzera: Zau is a delight from beginning to end, with only the odd frustration along the way. Add in an absolutely sublime soundtrack by Nainita Desai and strong voice acting throughout, and you have a Metroidvania with a unique flavour that absolutely deserves to be played. It’s safe to say that whatever Abubakar Salim does next with Surgent Studios, we’re here for it. Whether it’s another emotional tale from Kenzera or something entirely different, we look forward to welcoming it with open arms.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mega Man 11 strikes the perfect balance between old and new, paying homage to its past while taking risks into the present. I couldn’t be more pleased.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    One of the most inventive and interesting twin-stick shooters we’ve played in some time. From its meticulously-created enemies to its responsive controls, everything here has been tuned for your enjoyment. And so once you’ve started playing, chances are you’ll have a hard time pulling yourself away from it. If you’re a fan of twin-stick shooters, make sure you check this out.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Neo: The World Ends With You exudes style and sophistication, its presentation is modern and its gameplay is gripping with a pace that never lets up. Elements of action, adventure, RPG, visual novel and puzzle genres collide with gusto to create an epic experience that will keep you hooked until the credits roll. If you like games with plenty of variety in their gameplay, or games that tell a compelling story, look no further; this is an outstanding RPG unlike any other.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    One of the best and most under-appreciated games of 2024, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess has made the successful leap to Switch 2 and is as unique and essential as ever in 2025. Offering a mesmerising combination of action and strategy, it will grab you from the outset. And as you get about your work cleansing a mountain of defilement, you'll be floored by the brilliant enemy designs.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you’re wanting to pick up an accessible space shooter that you can casually play but has a great deal of depth, Everspace comes more than highly recommended. It’s a game that will have you hooked no matter your skill level.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Disc Room is incredibly difficult. It definitely won’t be for everyone. If you lack patience and find yourself getting frustrated in games where you die frequently, it’s probably not for you. But for those of us that enjoy being furious, who let that fury push us further and faster because we crave a challenge, Disc Room is fantastic. You’ll find yourself going back again and again, getting a little bit further each time until you reach its conclusion. And you won’t be sorry when you do.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The brilliance of this game lies in the fact that these are all viable strategies, and that all are possible if you plan enough moves ahead.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Actress Again Current Code is an obvious passion project from Arc System Works.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    You shouldn’t hesitate to pick up Unpacking. This is a true indie gem; a game that deserves to be celebrated for years, or even decades, to come. From the clever storytelling through objects to the incredible sound design imprinted into each and every item you pick up, every minute spent with this game is a joy. You’ll be invested from start to finish – and you won’t want it to end.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The pixelation, the darkness, the lack of story, and the sounds all come together in this synthesis that hammers home a single point deftly: die endlessly in an arena of death, and die better every time.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Aside from some repetition between the two titles, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a joy from start to finish. Super Mario 3D World is the perfect balance between Old Mario and New Mario, and its huge variety of levels ensures it’s nothing but entertaining from start to finish. Bowser’s Fury, on the other hand, leans more into modern, open world design, but the thrill of fighting against a giant version of Bowser is unrivalled. If you’re a Mario fan – hell, if you’re just a fan of having fun – Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is an absolute no-brainer.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Endlessly joyous.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As music rhythm games go, Cytus Alpha is up there with the best of them.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A joy to play. It oozes happiness, it makes me smile, and I absolutely love it.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    This is the beautiful game in its greatest digital form, oozing gameplay from every sweaty pore. If someone wants to pass on the experience because the names aren’t right, more fool them, I say.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A marked improvement over the already-beloved House Flipper, House Flipper 2 allows you to get more immersed in the relaxing thrill of house renovations than ever before. Some quality of life changes take previous frustrations away, streamlining processes and allowing players to focus on what’s important. That, coupled with a face lift that makes House Flipper 2 look absolutely gorgeous, makes this a must-play for any sim fan. If only cleaning and renovating my real-life house was so enjoyable.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It's been a long time coming to PS5, but Monster Train has been worth the wait. This roguelike card battler is sure to win over fans of the likes of Slay the Spire, but with its own unique twists on the formula, it feels unlike any other game in the genre. Suffice to say, this is one we're going to be coming back to, time and time again.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Whereas particular genre elements and features make a point of setting it in the past, 2064: Read Only Memories‘ outlook and perspective firmly place it as one of the best point and click adventure games of late.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monster Prom was already one of the best dating simulators out there. And since this XXL version includes the Second Term DLC, which features bonus characters and tonnes of extra events, it’s better than ever. If you’re looking for some crude, ridiculous fun then look no further. While Monster Prom XXL might feel like it’s working against you sometimes, getting rejected and having to try again is just part of the fun.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition is the ultimate version of Devil May Cry 5. Including all of the additional content released for the original version and more, it makes a great game even better, it’s as simple as that. It’s a shame that ray tracing comes at such a cost when playing at 4K, but it still looks glorious without it, and if you want to make use of Turbo or Legendary Dark Knight Modes they can’t be used in conjunction with it anyway. The real draw for most, though, will be the chance to once again take control of Vergil, and he doesn’t disappoint. If you’ve been itching for more of the high-octane action that only the Devil May Cry series provides, you’d be mad to let Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition pass you by.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mutazione only took four or five hours to complete, but every moment spent with it was magical. From its extraordinary and beautiful landscape to its ordinary tales of life, love and loss, I was enraptured from start to finish.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 is a must-have for fans of the series, offering yet more outrageous skateboarding antics along with stunning visuals. Purists might not like that the format of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 has been changed, and that most of the music here is new, but embrace these updates and you'll have a very good time indeed. Also, the new skateparks that have been introduced are fantastic.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With a wealth of new environments and a decent storyline to boot, Middle-earth: Shadow of War doesn’t feel like a forced entry but a great expansion on the original concept. It’s rather funny, too.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As wrestling games go, there’s little to fault about WWE 2K23. There’s still room for a touch of polish and tweaking of mechanics, and perhaps some actions and features remain a little convoluted. On the whole, though, a WWE 2K game has never looked or played better. And with all the usual modes making a return with some solid tweaks and additions, this is a must-have for any wrestling fan.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Even for those who’ve dug into the Bitterblack Sanctum and defeated the Daimon, other secrets seem to always be lurking somewhere else. If you haven’t found the time to try out Dragon’s Dogma yet, there’s no better time than the present.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It’s a game that I’ll return to time and time again, steadily upgrading my ship and attempting to master the fiendish later stages. The grind will be a problem for some, sure, but for most it will be a harmless hook that draws them into some brilliant vertically scrolling shooter gameplay, backed up with a solid soundtrack and eye-catching visuals. Sky Force Reloaded is indeed like a drug, but it’s one that provides high upon high.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rabi-Ribi’s magic really lies in being relevant right now, as an innovative, deep and well-crafted 2D platformer complete with cutesy retro/Anime artstyle. It’s incredibly good fun to play, engaging and witty, easy to pick up and almost impossible to put down.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Grapple Dog: Cosmic Canines improves on the original in every way. It's one of the best platformers we've played, and a superb buy whether you've tackled the original or not.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A standout entry in the Survivors-like genre, Achilles: Survivor looks great, plays well and mixes things up by adding in tower defence elements. There's a huge amount of content on offer here, including plenty of characters to unlock and levels to play through, and given the game's budget asking price, consider it an absolute must-have.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you didn’t like the gameplay loop of Steamworld Dig, then there are probably not enough changes here to massively alter your opinion. But for those of us who did enjoy it, then Steamworld Dig 2 will happily suck us right back in, the refinements made creating the perfect balance between familiarity and freshness.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Its ridiculous advert starring David Hasselhoff isn't the only brilliant thing about SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide. This is an excellent platforming adventure, featuring a great mix of character skills, fantastic level design and plenty of side quests. Even if you're not a fan of SpongeBob, there's a lot here to love.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Some games are simply a pleasure to play from beginning to end, and Unravel Two is one of them. It’s a masterfully crafted adventure that keeps you glued to your screen, and melts your heart as the credits roll.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    So, should you buy Monster Hunter Rise on PS5? The answer is a resounding yes if you’ve not played it before. Providing you don’t mind too much that you can’t carry your progress over, you might want to jump in for a variety of reasons even if you’ve played the game on Switch or PC, too. While the Sunbreak expansion isn’t included, there’s still a hell of a lot of game here. And with its wealth of new gameplay features over previous entries in the series, PS5-centric enhancements and faster-paced gameplay, this is undoubtedly the best Monster Hunter game yet.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Immortal Redneck is a game that rarely frustrates, even though it'll kick your ass. Repeatedly. Why? Because it always feels fair. The controls are perfect, the visuals are charming, and no enemies or traps ever feel overpowered.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    NieR: Automata is a product of auteur game making at its finest.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ultimately, this is pretty much everything you’d expect of a modern day remake of Resident Evil 4. The story has been renewed to tie it into the other games in the series with more panache, and the gameplay has been updated. It doesn’t feel as revolutionary as the original did way back in 2005, but that’s to be expected. And while we sometimes felt frustrated after taking a health bar-demolishing attack with little sense of how we should have avoided it, it just made us keen to play through the game again to get better. And that speaks of the game’s quality: warts and all, once you step into the boots of Leon Kennedy, there’s not much else that delivers the same thrills.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dynasty Warriors: Origins is essentially a reboot of the series, retelling the familiar story from a more personal perspective with a new amnesiac protagonist. The good news is that it works, with the narrative being more engaging than ever. But it's the gameplay that truly impresses, with multiple changes to the combat system resulting in this being the most dynamic and rewarding Dynasty Warriors game to date.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It doesn’t take away from the fact that for those up to task, Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak delivers. You could say it’s just more of the same but that would be doing this expansion a disservice. Like Monster Hunter World’s Iceborne expansion before it, this is essentially a full game served up as DLC. With its generous number of gameplay improvements and hunting opportunities, it’s an absolute must-have for series veterans. And while it’s still not the most accessible game on the whole, it’s undoubtedly the best starting point for aspiring hunters.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Shinobi: Art of Vengeance once again puts us in control of the legendary Joe Musashi, and it's a genuine treat. Fast and fluid combat meets slick platforming and traversal, and when you add in the game's stunning art and excellent soundtrack, you're looking at game of the year material.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Star Wars Pinball is the total package for pinball fans with a penchant for Star Wars. Or vice versa. You can even rotate your Switch 90° and play in vertical mode for more of an authentic pinball experience. If I had to nitpick, I’d point out that some text is awfully small when playing in handheld mode but that’s about it. Zen Studios pretty much perfected video game pinball with Pinball FX 3, and so it stands to reason that Star Wars Pinball is equally impressive.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A cosy and intriguing sim game that you won't be able to put down, seeing your store in The Last Gas Station come together is wonderfully rewarding. Add in the game's mysterious storyline and its beautiful pixelated graphics, and you've got something rather special.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    For a game with as much crafting as Subnautica has, it needs to constantly steer the player towards materials they’ve not seen before. Excellently, Subnautica delivers here too.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you like to immerse yourself in tough but rewarding puzzles, pick up Nelly Cootalot. If you want to step into the shoes of a delightful, cartoon pirate – if only for a few hours -pick up Nelly Cootalot. If you want to laugh, smile, and generally have a jolly ol’ time, pick up Nelly Cootalot. You can thank me later.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ultimately, [NieR: Automata is] a game that will stay with you long after you’ve seen the credits roll for the second, third or even fourth time; the memories of its characters and music lingering in your head, reminding you of what games can be like if they dare to be different.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you’re a fighting game fan then, Tekken 7 is absolutely essential in my book. Sure, it doesn’t offer the same value for money as the recently released Injustice 2, but the combat feels better. It’s more technical and has a greater flow. If you’re a fan of the series, Tekken 7 will blow your bloody socks off. And if not, well, it’s still likely to impress if you give it the chance.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    11-11 takes things to the next level, with more realistic characters, brought to life in a way that makes us feel almost like we know them. It’s a tall order for a game to make us care so deeply about its protagonists – especially when it only has a few hours to do so – but 11-11: Memories Retold does so admirably. It’s compassionate, believable, beautiful and touching; it weaves a narrative that’s so carefully strung together.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Episode 2: The Pact far exceeded my expectations.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It might not propel the series forward by leaps and bounds, but it takes small meaningful steps that improve the formula nonetheless.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    One of the best Picross games I've played, Squeakross deals up more than 600 engaging and intuitive puzzles alongside a fun little sub-game that has you decorating a home for a cartoon mouse. Each puzzle you solve unlocks a new piece of furniture, and you won't want to stop until your mouse has the best mouse-house on the street.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It provides the sort of addictive gameplay loop that you think you’ll get bored of after 10 minutes – yet four hours later you’re still there, continuing to decimate stick men with a huge grin on your face. Seriously, One Finger Death Punch 2 is a hell of a lot more fun than it has any right to be. And for such a cheap price, there’s absolutely no reason to not give it a go.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    We loved it when we tried it in Early Access, and we still love it now: Warstride Challenges is a bit of a gem. This is a thrilling, fast-paced first-person shooter that’s rewarding to play and has that “just one more go” factor that keeps you playing until the early hours of the morning. Whether you’re simply a fan of the first-person genre and want something offers quick bursts of fun or are into speed-running, you’d be wise to consider this a must-have.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    No two games of Balatro are ever the same, which is only one of the reasons why we love this poker roguelike so much. Sure, it’s annoying if your run doesn’t get off the ground — it’s easy to fail early on if you can’t get your hands on a good Joker. But when you’re in the swing of things, scoring tens of thousands with just one hand, you’ll feel like the most powerful card baron there ever was. Simple and devious, Balatro is, quite frankly, brilliant — and I’m going to be playing this for months to come.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    What LKA has created here transcends being “just another video game”; The Town of Light is an incredibly important insight into a dark part of history that, thankfully, most of us are too young to have lived through.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Grindstone‘s premise is simple in the best way possible: this is the sort of puzzle game that really gets its claws into you and doesn’t let go. Getting a high score in a daily challenge is a thrill, and getting a record-breaking chain is oh-so-satisfying. It helps that it looks fantastic, too, with a sumptuous hand-drawn art style. If you’re after a casual puzzle game with some substance, you really can’t get any better than this. Just prepare yourself to be unable to put it down.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Still Wakes the Deep: Siren’s Rest costs a measly £9.99/$12.99, and for that, it packs in a few hours of fantastic exploration, genuine terror and perhaps even more atmosphere than the base game. If you loved Still Wakes the Deep, consider this an absolute must-play.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I absolutely recommend picking up K Station if you love a good mystery and you love solving puzzles.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Austin Wintory’s masterful and emotive score is ultimately the perfect accompaniment… the soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful from start to finish.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    All three games in Borderlands Legendary Collection are very nearly flawless. There’s perhaps just a little too much to-ing and fro-ing; and as you go from one game to the other you’ll find that the series hasn’t evolved all that much over the years. Still, if you’re into looting and shooting, you really can’t go wrong. Gyro aiming is built into the Switch versions of these games, too, adding a new gameplay dimension. Needless to say, whether you’re a fan of the series or someone interested in jumping in, Borderlands Legendary Collection is outstanding.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It’s worth every penny.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Thanks to its revamped visuals and a wealth of meaningful gameplay improvements, Borderlands Game of the Year Edition is without a doubt the best way way to experience a classic.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Even with its lack of replayability, you should buy Katana Zero right now if you’re a fan of action games with great tales to tell. When its thumping music kicks in, you know it’s time for action of the highest calibre.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With Tales of Arise, I think the Tales series is finally ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the heavy hitters of the JRPG genre – Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. This is a masterfully crafted adventure, and the best JRPG I've played in a very long time. Combining stunning visuals with a gripping story and the most exciting combat system found in a JRPG yet, this is a must-have for fans of the genre. Its standalone story makes this a great entry point for those looking to get into the Tales series, too. Put simply, Tales of Arise is outstanding.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.

In Progress & Unscored

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    • 79 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    There isn’t really anything to be said negatively about Defiant Honor, other than, like Dragon of the North, I just want more. But Nioh is more than enough, I’m just greedy. I will be eagerly awaiting the final DLC, and the pain it will bring me. Don’t let this game slip away. Experience its ever growing brilliance.
    • 96 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    We’ve very much enjoyed our time with it so far. This is an expansive RPG that offers players an unprecedented amount of choice, and as such, it’s a game that you can easily lose yourself in. From trying to keep your party members happy to dealing with those you meet on your travels, the freedom which you’re provided is refreshing. Along with its engaging combat system, this is an RPG like no other, genuinely pushing the genre forward into exciting territory. [Review in Progress]
    • 75 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Its 3D scanned recreation of Chernobyl’s exclusion zone looks absolutely gorgeous, too, being picturesque yet also haunting. [Review in Progress]
    • 83 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Even as newcomers to the Anno series, we’re finding Anno 1800 Console Edition a joy to get to grips with, and we can’t wait to see our town flourish into a thriving metropolis. We need to spend more time with it before delivering our final verdict, but all signs point to this being an excellent city building strategy game, and one that’s been exceptionally ported to consoles. With easy to learn controls, fantastic visuals and a gripping campaign, we’re having a lot of fun with it so far. [Provisional Score = 80]
    • 69 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Between its bugs and its busywork, Outcast – A New Beginning does feel a tad dated. But it’s charmed us with its characters, combat and a world that, thanks in part to your jetpack, is a joy to roam. [Review in Progress]
    • 81 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    So far, Black Myth: Wukong is a game that I'm really wanting to like, but sometimes it feels like it's fighting against me. I'm loving its visuals, which make exploring each environment feel somewhat magical, and I'm mostly enjoying its combat until I come up against an enemy or situation that feels somewhat unfair. Elsewhere there are other issues. And so, while I'm keen to continue playing and see the Destined One's journey to an end, I'm prepared for bumps in the road along the way. [Review in Progress]
    • 87 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    It’s the best the game has ever looked or played, and is available at a more than reasonable price.
    • tbd Metascore
    • Critic Score
    If you enjoy the likes of Animal Crossing: New Horizons and its ilk and you’re a fan of Disney, you’re going to absolutely love Disney Dreamlight Valley. Yes, we remain slightly cautious about how its free to play mechanics will evolve over time – it may not always be so easy to progress, for example – but our early impressions are very positive. We’ve had a great deal of fun with the game so far, and have plenty more to do. We foresee it being quite the timesink over the next few months, and so we’ll be keeping you updated on our Disney-flavoured escapades. [Review in Progress]
    • 63 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    We’ve still got some time to spend with Mato Anomalies, but we’ve enjoyed what we’ve played of it so far. It’s not the most polished RPG, which may disappoint some, but its streamlined nature is a breath of fresh air, and it has a neat premise and some cool ideas. Fans of the likes of Persona are most likely to resonate with it, but it’s perhaps worth a look for any RPG fan looking for something new to sink their teeth into. [Provisional Score = 70]
    • 79 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    I’m very much enjoying what I’m playing so far, with just one or two minor issues encountered along the way. It looks great, has plenty to do, and offers a surprising amount of freedom while also putting a smile on my face from time to time thanks to its humour. What more could I ask for, really? As a sequel, it may not be all that ambitious, but it takes the first game, expands upon its formula, and is much more polished from the outset. For most, that’s probably all they need to hear to know that they’ll love The Outer Worlds 2. [Review in Progress]

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