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
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Nintendo Switch version of Istanbul is a fantastic board game adaptation.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is largely more of the same, but that isn't much of a issue when the first game was already so enjoyable. Story mode here picks up where the last left off and covers three new dramatic arcs, and the gameplay has been refreshed a little with new elements such as Gear. It's the whopping number of characters now available in Versus mode that's the real draw, though.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Like with so many Nintendo platformers, the controls and physics are so rock solid that the mere acts of running and jumping making playing a pleasure.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tacoma is a beautifully told story filled with real characters and real emotion that you won’t be able to put down until you’ve experienced it in full.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dimension Tripper Neptune: TOP NEP‘s ace up its sleeve is the fact that it costs just £3.99/$4.99. And for that price you just can’t go wrong. Whether you’re a fan of Neptune or rail shooters, it’s highly recommended that you add this to your Steam library. It may be short, but it’s also very sweet.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    No matter whether you’re a football fan or not, Headmaster‘s original gameplay is simple yet utterly addictive, and no minor frustrations can do much to take the shine off of it.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Another solid entry in the series and probably your best bet for a demon-hunting experience on current gen consoles.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a bit of a no-brainer for fans of the series – it’s three more solid entries enhanced for modern consoles alongside a wealth of extras and quality of life improvements. What’s not to love? Saying that, however, we’re of the opinion that this offers the weakest selection of games when it comes to the three collections now available. If you’re new to the Ace Attorney series, perhaps start with the Phoenix Wright Trilogy or Great Ace Chronicles, then think about picking this one up.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Catherine: Full Body is as much of a joy to play as it ever has been. If you’re wanting to play on a big TV, the PS4 version of the game is the clear way to go, but getting absorbed in the game’s excellent narrative or sinking your teeth into a puzzle is hugely rewarding in handheld mode. You’re not going to regret picking it up on Switch, put it that way.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A 2D firefighting game, Nuclear Blaze will draw you in with its mysterious premise and then keep you hooked with its engaging puzzle-platforming gameplay. Thanks to its dedicated kids mode, it's suitable for all ages, too.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The campaign may only last for a few hours, but the additional multiplayer is good for days of fun. CastleStorm will challenge you, make you laugh, and keep you on your toes.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Undoubtedly, Overcooked! All You Can Eat is the best way to play Ghost Town Games’ excellent co-op party game. There’s a ridiculous amount of content here, and the new features make it a truly impressive package. It’s just a shame that it’s only available on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and there’s no discounted upgrade if you own any of the games on the previous generation. But if you’re lucky enough to have a next-gen console and want something to play with friends, you won’t be disappointed with this co-op extravaganza.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    2019's MediEvil has done nothing but improve upon the original in every conceivable way, and if you can look past its faults, it's a wonderful adventure whether you're familiar with the original or not.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whilst Toy Odyssey eventually may feel a little repetitive… the layouts, enemies and tasks at hand change enough that replayability does genuinely feel unlimited.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Glitches aside, we enjoyed every moment of our time with Lake. This six-or-so hour adventure forces you to take things slowly; to stop and think. That’s something we all could do with more of in this hectic, stressful world. Meredith may be fictional, as may be the gorgeous Providence Oaks, but the life choices she ponders during the course of the game are something we can all relate to. If you’re anything like us, you’ll rue the credits finally rolling, wishing you could continue to deliver mail in that small, sleepy town forever.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    [Fast RMX] may be little more than a port with spruced-up visuals and a smattering of new content, but it’s a bloody good one, so if you have a penchant for arcade racers you should definitely pick it up.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s simple: if you enjoyed Dredge, you’ll enjoy The Pale Reach. While this DLC doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it offers a solid reason to return to one of this year’s best indie games. It’s a fairly small expansion, but for a budget price you’re getting new mysteries to unravel, new fish to catch and a new area to explore – what more could you want?
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The story at the heart of Disciples: Liberation perhaps isn’t the most engaging, and the voice acting is certainly questionable at times, but you’ll soon look past both issues and simply enjoy what the game does right. Nevendaar is a world densely populated with things to do, and Disciples: Liberation wants you to engage with it without bogging you down. What’s more, with most quests posing choices that could affect your standing with the factions present in the world and your companions, there’s plenty of soul-searching to be done. Ultimately, no matter which of the multiple endings you receive once your journey is over, you’ll remember having to make those tough decisions along the way.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It successfully picks up the pace and raises the ante without abandoning the themes of friendship, personal growth and responsibility that made the first episode such a great start to the season. Whether you’re a Minecraft fan or not, this well-woven tale of dilemmas and derring-do will have you on the edge of your oddly blocky seat.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Casting players as Sushi-bot, your goal in Rolling Hills: Make Sushi Make Friends is to run the best sushi restaurant you possibly can. This is a thoroughly cosy and relaxing sim where stresses are kept to a minimum — and while it may be simple, we've enjoyed every moment we've spent with it.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Very short but powerfully sweet, Pieced Together is a cosy scrapbooking game that reminisces over the course of a childhood friendship. It's not only fun to play, but a powerful reminder of how precious childhood friends can be.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cheap and cheerful, Hidden Cats in Rio de Janeiro is a real joy for any fan of hidden object games, particularly if they also love cats. Beautifully presented and packed with personality, it's yet another great entry in the lovable Hidden Cats series.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For fans of classic 2D platformers, Kaze and the Wild Masks is up there with the best of them. Even at its most frustrating, the gorgeous artwork and excellent craftsmanship will keep you playing. It’s a shining example of what a great platformer should be, and just goes to show that the classics never go out of style.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite its difficulty, Flywrench never lets up. While it’s not casting a particularly wide net, for those that fell in love with the games of its kind it is without a doubt one of the best in its class.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s bright, bold and colourful, and most importantly, a lot of fun to play. It’s simple to get the hang of, but each separate game mode requires serious practice to truly master. If you enjoy the simple pleasures of a classic arcade-style game, you can’t go far wrong here.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    FIA European Truck Racing Championship is a surprisingly good racer, though it’s not going to appeal to all due to the fact that it’s about racing big heavy trucks rather than the latest sports cars. Still, for those seeking something a little bit different, it’s definitely worth investigating. I wouldn’t say it does anything spectacularly well, but when there’s nothing else quite like it available, it doesn’t matter all that much.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you’re a fighting game fan who remembers some of these classics from yesteryear, or someone new to the genre who’s open to digging into some past treasures, Capcom Fighting Collection is well worth picking up. Sure, it’s fairly Darkstalkers-heavy, and the lack of cross-platform play is unfortunate, but the hours of fun that can be had from this collection far outweigh such disappointments. Capcom has once again plundered its extensive back catalogue and come up with the goods.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Streets of Rogue is an odd yet hugely entertaining outing, one that rewards the time you put into it and never says no to even your most ridiculous ideas. It’s far more than the sum of its inspirations and even if you find permadeath an obstacle, there’s so much to love about this deceptively complex gem
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Truth be told, there’s less than an hour’s worth of content in My Friend Peppa Pig, making its £34.99 price tag a little questionable. But since there is plenty of replayability here – kids will watch the same movies and TV episodes again and again, after all – it’s a worthwhile consideration for young fans of Peppa Pig. No other kids game has ever come as close to perfectly recreating the look and feel of the TV series it’s based on. And so, the joy on a young child’s face as they star in an interactive episode of their favourite cartoon? That’s priceless, surely.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s a shame that The King of Fighters XV doesn’t have some of the modes we’ve come to expect as standard now in fighting games, but thanks to its large roster of fighters and solid mechanics it still impresses. Its team-based battles differentiate it a little from the competition out there, and on PS5 it looks and performs beautifully. So, if you’re on the market for a new fighting game, you should definitely give it a look. Especially if you plan on mainly playing against others online.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Call of Cthulhu weaves a supernatural detective tale that’s frequently unsettling, occasionally horrifying and always engaging.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    99Vidas‘ humour can be very hit and miss, and the game’s challenging difficulty level may put some people off. But persist and you’ll find it a rewarding and hugely enjoyable brawling experience that will have you coming back for more, no matter how many virtual teeth you lose.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Halo Wars 2 is hands-down the best RTS available on console, and a game that rightfully deserves a place in any thinking Xbox One owner’s library.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With a large number of weapons and other upgrades to play around with, and many difficulty levels to conquer, you can have a lot of fun with Jets ‘n’ Guns 2. Though even without them, the explosive gameplay here is so enjoyable that you’d likely return to it time and time again anyway. Jets ‘n’ Guns 2 may not have any complex gameplay systems, but for those who just want to shoot things and watch them go boom, this does the job rather admirably.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I really wasn’t expecting to be taken as much as I was with Infitite Minigolf. With its cutesy visuals, fun gameplay and strong editing features and customisation options, I couldn’t help but constantly smile and enjoy myself during my time with it.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Breakout: Recharged is a simple affair, but it’s a wonderful recreation of a classic game. A great job has been done in modernising Breakout, and the new challenge mode makes it a worthwhile investment. It may be available on PC, PlayStation and Xbox too, but it feels particularly at home on Switch, where the handheld format makes it perfect to pick up and play in short bursts.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With a lengthy campaign offering plenty of high-octane racing action across a variety of events, Trail Out is easy to recommend to arcade racing games fans who are also fond of a little destruction. It has some technical issues that pull it down a little, and there's no online multiplayer, but if you can live with those things, you'll have an absolute blast.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While Planet Coaster 2 is undoubtedly the best park-building sim currently available (and a worthwhile improvement on its predecessor), it's held back by some frustrations, particularly on console where its controls can be fiddly. Still, there's plenty of fun to be had here, and building a waterpark is an undeniable joy.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Beautiful and mysterious, Call of the Elder Gods is a must-play for any fan of puzzle games. It might not be quite as good as its predecessor in terms of story and setting, but it's still absolutely worth your time, as long as you've got your thinking cap on.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There’s no doubting that EA Sports UFC 5 is the best representation of the sport yet, with stellar visuals and realistic animations now powered by the Frostbite Engine. There are some brilliant new features here, too, the most impactful being the gruesome injury system. For some though, the changes from UFC 4 might not quite be enough to convince them that it’s worthy of a purchase. That is of course unless they’re won over by the idea of an actual online career mode. EA Sports UFC 5 isn’t a reinvention of the series for the current-generation of consoles, but it at least has some advancements that make it somewhat compelling.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is a collection that has had a lot of care and thought put into its construction. It has all the features that you’d expect and more, and while it’s not quite the budget release that other retro compilations tend to be, you do get what you pay for.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Super Cloudbuilt‘s frenetic nature means it won’t be for everybody – it starts challenging and only gets harder from there – but for those who can keep up with its breakneck pace and conundrum like levels it’ll be addictive and utterly mesmerising.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Circuit Superstars is a very nice surprise. It’s accessible and has a delightful visual style. Yet it also has a high skill bar, allowing those who put in the time to master its handling model to run rings around those less skilled. It has plenty of content and modes, too. It’s just a shame that it’s missing some options and features we’d expect to find in some of its multiplayer options. But even then, there’s more than enough here to provide hours upon hours of fun for those who like to race against others.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Those who put in the time will be rewarded with deeply strategic gameplay, beautiful environments and a surprisingly insightful story.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Spin Rhythm XD is one of the most enjoyable music rhythm games we've played in a long while, being easy to pick up but having a lot of depth as you ramp up the difficulty. It's the control system that impresses us the most, though, making you feel like a DJ. It's just a shame that unless you love EDM, its track list has nothing for you.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for a platforming experience that won’t push you to your limits but instead engage you in a thoughtful, sometimes meditative journey, then you won’t go far wrong with Journey of the Broken Circle. There are a few issues with its writing and translation, but there’s nothing to detract from its beautiful art and sumptuous soundtrack. Slow down, enjoy the scenery, and take heed of its message.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Soundfall is one of the most unique experiences of the year so far, and that alone ought to pique the interest of gamers. But it’s those who love music-rhythm games that are assuredly going to get the most out of it. And if they also like twin-stick shooters and loot games, they’ll be in heaven. In any case, this eclectic mix of genres works, and whether played alone or in co-op it’s largely a beat-filled blast.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Put simply, if you're a fan of the series, Bayonetta 1 & 2 are essential on the Nintendo Switch, especially if, like me, you only plan to play them in handheld mode. It's undeniably disappointing that they're less attractive in docked mode, but nevertheless they're still wildly enjoyable and engaging, just not as sharp as you'd probably expect.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is likely to delight Yakuza fans. While this is a cut down affair taking place largely in just one location, being reunited with Kazuma Kiryu once again is joyous, especially with the new tricks he has up his sleeves. It’s not really suitable for newcomers, but if you’re looking forward to the release of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, you should consider this an essential purchase. Those who wish to further pry into the life of the fearsome Dragon of Dojima will want to play it, too.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Trials of the Blood Dragon may have come out of nowhere, but it does a hell of a lot to command your attention.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While Visions of Four Heroes largely offers more of the same Dynasty Warriors: Origins action, it's not exactly a bad thing. The four new stories presented here have lots of exciting battles to play through, and there are some new features such as Strategic Battles and additional weapons to make things feel somewhat fresh.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you like games that are fast-paced and that don’t bog you down with gameplay elements that can feel like busywork, Ghostwire: Tokyo may not be for you. If you don’t mind the slower pace, however, and are excited by the prospect of busting ghosts with magic thrown from your hands, chances are you’ll love it. It may feel like virtual tourism during a cataclysmic event at times, but that’s the charm of it. And there’s plenty of it to be done as you traipse back and forth across Tokyo trying to thwart a Hannya mask-wearing psycho.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The real draw here is the captivating looter-shooter action that grabs you early on and simply doesn’t let go. You’ll love running into each combat encounter, commanding the battlefield like the Altered being that you are, before sweeping up any loot left by those you’ve slain. Then, back at camp, you’ll paw over your stats, improving and modding your gear as you see fit, before heading out into the fray once again. To play Outriders is to become engrossed in it, whether you’re alone or with others. Needless to say, it might just prove to be the biggest surprise of the year.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you enjoy the likes of Stardew Valley, you’ll get a kick out of Spirittea. There’s serious joy to be found in seeing your bathhouse improve over time, but that’s only part of the fun to be found here. Simply existing in Spirittea’s unique little world is wonderful, making friends with its colourful residents – and enjoying a spot of karaoke. It’s a unique take on the genre, for sure, and if you’re not too spooked out by spirits, Spirittea is absolutely worth soaking up.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The gameplay of Puzzle Bobble never gets old, and in Everybubble it’s no different. Popping bubbles is just as much fun as it was in the 1990s: almost 30 years later, and it’s as enjoyable as ever. Puzzle Bobble Everybubble offers up a well-rounded package with plenty of modes to jump into, with Baron’s Tower and the joyous Space Invaders twist giving players reason to keep jumping back in long after the story mode has been completed. What’s not to like, really?
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re a fan of The Surge and you’re fine with the idea of A Walk in the Park only taking up a few hours of your time, I’d say jump into it. It may be quite short but it’s enjoyable every step of the way, and there’s plenty of goodies to carry through to the rest of the game. For those expecting a longer running time, however, you may want to wait until A Walk in the Park becomes a little cheaper. Though do make sure you pick it up.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    What I know for certain is that Genital Jousting is a secret gem that far surpasses the toilet humour you’d expect.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sonic x Shadow Generations feels right at home on Switch 2. Both Sonic Generations and the new Shadow campaign look fantastic, and performance is solid, making these fast-paced platforming experiences a joy to return to time and time again. It's just a shame there's no upgrade path for those who already own the game on the original Switch.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    After the disappointing Halo 5: Guardians, it really does feel like 343 Industries is getting the series back on track with Halo Infinite. The setting is familiar, and so is the gameplay, but like returning to your hometown to meet up with long-lost friends, it’s a wholesome experience and, once you scratch the surface, things are different enough to allay any fears that you’re just re-treading the same old ground. Perhaps the biggest shame is that co-op won’t be available until after launch, because those open areas could really do with multiple Spartans causing havoc in them. But until then, even playing solo is bound to be captivating thanks to firefights that put most other first-person shooters to shame.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s safe to say that Frontier has done a fantastic job bringing Planet Zoo: Console Edition to life. Playing on console is just as joyous as playing on PC, even if it may take a little while to get used to the controls. It’s intuitive enough, though, and it’s a game worth persevering for: growing your own zoo, seeing your animals thrive in your built environments and watching your visitors have a jolly old time in your park is endlessly rewarding.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As its name suggests, Find My Frogs is a game about, well, finding frogs. And gnomes, and insects, and other bits and bobs. With a gorgeous art style, this is a seriously pretty and relaxing hidden object game that's well worth its discount asking price.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For shoot ’em up fans, the decision whether to purchase Raiden IV x MIKADO Remix or not on Switch should be a no-brainer. Not only is this one of the best shoot ’em ups around, but here it’s enhanced with additional modes, global leaderboards and a brilliant remixed soundtrack. Throw in co-op, an abundance of options to fiddle with, and TATE mode, and you have a game that will keep fans of the genre entertained long into the future.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Without a doubt, The Assembly is one of the first high-quality, content-rich VR games, and if this is any indication to go by, then VR narrative games are going to be a huge and exciting chunk in that VR pie. [Tested with HTC Vive]
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you feel like taking on Lady Luck and fancy a roll of the dice, Dicey Dungeons is a hell of a lot of fun. Its vibrant art style is a delight, and its simple but endlessly entertaining gameplay loop will keep you coming back time and time again.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Grow: Song of the Evertree is the epitome of cosy, wholesome gaming. With a healthy mix of town-building, farming and adventuring, there’s a huge amount of content here for the modest asking price. If you enjoy relaxing games that you can take at your own pace, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a shame that it’s still waiting for some bugs to be ironed out, but once they’re fixed, this will be a must-have.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Thanks to its retro-styled visuals and old-fashioned gameplay, Terminator 2D: No Fate genuinely feels like a blast from the past, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. While it's rather short and it's disappointing that there's no voice acting, it perfectly captures the essence of the classic film and remains fun to play throughout.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Working out the real from the fake, the safe from the damaging is all just part of the game’s mystique, and [hackmud] is almost entirely player driven; nearly everything has been built by other players.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    [Blackwood Crossing is] not perfect, but the amount of love that pours out of the game – both in terms of the visual and technical quality from the team of developers and in the palpable relationship between the characters – far outweighs any minor nitpicks you could have.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s hard not to love Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Yes, I wish there was more scope for open exploration, and I wish some of the combat encounters were a little more varied. But there’s a ridiculous amount of heart here. From an absolutely killer soundtrack to brilliantly-written characters that you can’t help but adore, it’s a rip-roaring adventure through space that left me wanting more. Ultimately, it’s one of Marvel’s best video game outings yet.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're a fan of run-and-gun shooters, Iron Meat is a must-have thanks to its responsive controls and excellently-designed stages. A genuine blast from beginning to end, it's just a shame there aren't more modes.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    No matter your age, there’s plenty of fun to be had in Pile Up! Box by Box. Its papercraft world is beautiful, and exploring each of its levels proves to be an entertaining endeavour filled with enjoyable puzzles. It’s just a shame that it’s all over too quickly. But if being left wanting more is the only real problem, then that’s a pretty good sign of a great game.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    So, for fans on the Contra series or the run ‘n’ gun genre, Contra Anniversary Collection is a must-have. A lot of its games might feel overly similar to one another, but for its budget price you’d have to be a bit of a scrooge to hold it against it.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If starting all over again drives you up the wall, then Lone Ruin probably isn’t for you. For everyone else, it’s a frenetic, fun and highly replayable outing that’ll have you coming back for more. But if you do find a strange meteor in your backyard, do the sensible thing and toss it in next door’s wheelie bin.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Evil Genius 2: World Domination was a great game on PC and thankfully it’s equally as great on console. If lair building and managing a criminal empire is your thing, consider this an absolute must-play. Rebellion has done a great job ensuring that pretty much every action you could want to perform is at your fingertips on a controller. And with a robust tutorial system, this is a game that’s accessible to all, regardless of their skill level. Evil Genius 2: World Domination really does make it dangerously fun to be bad.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite its steep learning curve and occasional forced endings, Elsie is a fast, frenetic and fun roguelike with plenty of ways to change up your runs. It'll have you running and gunning for hours on end, leaving you eager to jump in for yet another run. If roguelikes are your thing, Elsie is well worth its bargain price.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A fantastic introduction to The Walking Dead: A New Frontier. The story is incredibly well created, still managing to feel fresh despite the amount of baggage its carrying from two previous seasons of diverging narrative.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For fans of vampiric tales, dark narratives and grizzly visuals, there’s a lot to love about Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong. You may be thrown straight into the deep end, but once you acclimatise yourself with the fascinating, macabre world around you, you’ll feel right at home. It blends intriguing storytelling with investigation, skill-building and player agency, leading to a game that you’ll most likely struggle to put down.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While there’s a lot to love within The Arges Adventure, it’s mostly superficial due to a frustrating combat system that forces most of the game to become a slog.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Adding yet more layers to the web of intrigue, episode two of Blues and Bullets offers us few answers to the questions on our lips at the end of the first episode, but it doesn’t leave you dissatisfied; it just leaves you eager for the next chapter of the chilling and mysterious tale that’s unravelling to arrive. For a story-driven experience, surely that’s the highest praise that can be given.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you’re a fan of the classic Rampage and want to play something like it on modern consoles and PC, or simply love fun arcade games full of accessible, over-the-top action, Terror of Hemasaurus is well worth checking out. It may look like a blast from the past but its gameplay is timeless. And it offers a hell of a lot of chaotic fun for its humble price.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whatever flaws you can find with Dread Templar, one thing counters them all: it’s hellishly fun to play. The speed of the action, your impressive arsenal, the pounding soundtrack – it all combines to create a thrilling first-person experience that you can’t help but lose yourself in. As far as retro-inspired shooters go, Dread Templar is up there with the best of them.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you want to pay £7.99 for a standalone adventure you may have already played before is up to you. If you missed out on the DLC the first time around, though, and you’re a Borderlands fan, it’s well worth jumping into; Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep was a highlight of Borderlands 2‘s season pass, and it’s just as joyous to play now. And if you’ve never tried a Borderlands game before, why not start here? The first-person shooter action is on point, and it’s packed with silly humour and more loot than you can ever imagine. For less than a tenner, you really can’t go wrong.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    By largely sticking to its own tried-and-tested formula, Let’s Sing 2021 is yet another opportunity to have an enjoyable time belting out some tunes to the best of your ability. Is it worth buying if you have last year’s version? It depends if you think its selection of songs is any good, and if you like singing alone. If the answer’s no on both counts, then don’t bother. Otherwise, it’s probably worth adding to your collection.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Set in a world and fascinating world brought to life with brilliant visuals, a fantastic soundtrack and wonderfully likeable characters, it’s a shame that The Inner World‘s controls on console are so awkward, as otherwise the game is perhaps one of the best examples of the point and click genre.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you enjoy first-person puzzle games and quite fancy jumping into one that puts quirkiness and personality front and centre, then you’ll find a lot to enjoy in Backfirewall. With well-written and acted dialogue and plenty of engaging puzzles to work your way through, it’s a hidden gem that’s well worth seeking out.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Alongside the visual upgrades, improved gameplay mechanics and the somewhat budget price they are. Observer was a great game, and Observer: System Redux sees it further improved in every area. It’s just a shame that the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions haven’t been created equally. Still, if you’re after a comparably inexpensive game to show off what your next-gen console can do, it’s well worth picking up, especially on PS5 where it particularly shines thanks to its DualSense implementation. Though be warned: it’s not for the faint of heart.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Much bigger than I ever expected, and a joy to play from beginning to end. It’s a fantastic throwback to the days of 2D platformers in which character was just as important as a sky high difficulty curve. You’ll die, die and then die again, but you’ll only ever lose a minute or so of progress, keeping you going back for more.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hatsune Miku and picross might seem like an odd combination, but it works. It's a shame that music feels like an afterthought here, but as far as picross games go, this is one of the best you can get on PlayStation.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For ardent fans of Forza Horizon 3, Blizzard Mountain does not disappoint. It offers more of the sublime racing action that the series is known for, but in yet another environment that keeps the experience feeling fresh and engaging.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Zombie Army 4: Dead War is an entertaining rollercoaster ride of horror and co-op zombie slaughter. It doesn't really bring anything truly new to the table, but that shouldn't put you off as it undoubtedly provides some of the best fun you can have killing zombies alone or with friends right now.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker is a fantastically compelling, suspenseful slow burn that shows just what can be done with a medium that, for years, has been misused and misunderstood. Look past its clunky parser and you’ll be in for one hell of a head trip.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The action is expertly metered against moments of exploration and light puzzling, creating the right balance of highs and lows that promotes extended bouts of gameplay.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With its huge roster of fighters, thrilling combat system and satisfying selection of modes, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a must-have for fans of the franchise. Newcomers are likely to enjoy it, too, though they might find themselves a little lost when tackling its story-driven Episode Battle mode.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With beautiful pixel art brought to life with bright neon colours and wonderfully absurd enemy designs, Neon Abyss is an absolute joy to play. Its bombastic soundtrack spurs you on through each dungeon and if you die – no, when you die – you’ll just shake it off, eager to jump back in.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Set in a a thoroughly unique dystopian world, 1000xRESIST is a gripping sci-fi adventure exploring weighty themes, ensuring you're thoroughly invested in your fate and that of your flawed world.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Although Episode INTERmission doesn’t build much on Final Fantasy VII Remake‘s story, instead being mostly its own diversion, it’s an excellent excuse to revisit Midgar. Not that we need an excuse when it looks as fantastic as this. Yuffie makes an excellent protagonist; her combat is fast-paced and dynamic, and her straight-faced sidekick Sonon is the ideal antidote to her loveable but in-your-face personality. It may only be short, but there are plenty of side activities to keep you busy. Essentially, if you have Final Fantasy VII Remake and a PS5, then this DLC is not to be missed.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Available at a budget price, CarX Street is likely to prove to be a nice surprise for open world street racing fans. There are many clubs to join and complete, and you can take the action online if you wish. The only real downer here is that its cars aren't licensed, but you can easily tell what their real-world counterparts are, and you can customise them to your heart's content.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you've got a taste for the macabre, you really can't go wrong with The Necromancer's Tale. It makes you work for your necromantic powers but its gripping story will have hooked from beginning to end.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Lion’s Song: Episode 1 – Silence is a short yet very enjoyable experience.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There’s a lot to like about Remnant II – this is a very worthy sequel. It offers more of the same challenging, world-hopping, third-person shooter action, but this time with more choice, more polish, and a variety of gameplay improvements. Fans of Remnant: From the Ashes will lap this up, and newcomers are likely to get a lot of enjoyment from it too – as long as they’re brave and persistent.

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