GameSpew's Scores

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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:
  1. Positive: 1,821 out of 3618
  2. Mixed: 1,640 out of 3618
  3. Negative: 157 out of 3618
3629 game reviews
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    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Cub
    Short but entertaining, there’s a lot to like with The Cub. Its post-apocalyptic world is fascinating, and getting to collect numerous artefacts gives good reason to poke around off the beaten path when you’re given the opportunity. The platforming here is fun and varied, mixing up fast-paced running-and-jumping with more measured stealth sections. Sure, there’s the odd frustration – but that comes with the territory of 2D platforming. This is a fun way to spend a few hours – particularly if you enjoyed the atmosphere of Golf Club Nostalgia.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus
    There are those who will enjoy Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus, no doubt; those who revel in a challenge and who have the dexterity to overcome its airborne antics without breaking a sweat. On the whole, though, there’s nothing all that original or exciting here, and many of the obstacles put in your path simply frustrate rather than provide an enjoyable hurdle to get the better of.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Still Wakes the Deep
    Impeccably weaving Lovecraftian horror with real human emotion, Still Wakes the Deep is a fantastic, tense tale that we're not going to forget in a hurry. It's just the right amount of horrifying in all the right places, brought to life with characters who feel as believable as people you'd meet on the street. Only a few technical issues bring it down a little, but they're not enough to truly sully the experience.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville - Complete Edition
    It’s not the best way to enjoy it, but if you don’t mind the blurry visuals and reduced performance then the Switch version of Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville is just about as good as any other. The biggest downside is the absence of split-screen co-op, which is understandable but disappointing nonetheless. Still, with the core gameplay intact and all post-launch content included, this is one of the best shooters currently available on Switch without any doubt. And even better, it’s suitable for all ages and skill levels.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Neon Chrome
    It’s fast, it’s frantic and it’s hairy, but Neon Chrome will undoubtedly keep you coming back for more!
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Anarcute
    On the whole, those who manage to gel with Anarcute’s unique gameplay despite its haphazard combat and repetitive nature will find a reasonably enjoyable game to work through. For many though, I’d wager there’s a real risk that frustration and boredom may hamper the experience.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Forgive me Father
    If you have the time for another retro FPS in your life, Forgive Me Father will provide some solid entertainment. The fact that it’s fairly inexpensive and has Lovecraft-inspired enemies will be attractive to some, too. There are better examples available in the genre though. So, while it’s in no way a bad game, it’s hard to call it essential. It’s simply an enjoyable but unspectacular old-fashioned romp.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Blues and Bullets - Episode 2: Shaking The Hive
    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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Contra Anniversary Collection
    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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle
    If you already have Attack on Titan 2 and want more combat options and content, it’s yours for probably nearly what you originally payed for the game. But if you care about trophies or achievements, you’ll be massively let down by the fact that it has none. If you’ve not yet purchased Attack on Titan 2 though and are keen on playing it, the Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle bundle offers a hell of a lot of content for your money. And there’s still nothing else out there that plays quite like it.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    TASTEE: Lethal Tactics
    It’s fair to say that TASTEE is probably one of the most tactically fulfilling games on the market at the moment, but it’s also incredibly good fun and is not as complicated as it might at first seem.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    John Wick Hex
    The important thing is John Wick Hex has an abundance of intuitive and original ideas, and it’s fun and engaging to play. It’s certainly worth your time if you like strategy games, and if you also happen to be a fan of the films then that’s just the icing on the cake.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers
    Overall, though, the good far outweighs the bad. Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers does a great job of living up to its predecessor, offering a story and cast of characters almost as engaging and lovable. Whether or not you’ve played the first game, this is a worthwhile visual novel for anyone who loves the arcade scene and wants to get engrossed in a narrative enriched with gaming culture.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pac-Man World 2: Re-PAC
    This remaster feels right at home in 2025, offering a charming and colourful 3D platforming adventure that's every bit as enjoyable as something made today. With plenty of collectibles and numerous reasons to go back and replay, Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac is well worth jumping into, whether you're a Pac-Man fan or a lover of 3D platformers.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Sonic Colors: Ultimate
    Sonic Colors: Ultimate is undoubtedly better than the abysmal Sonic Forces, a game that I was strangely compelled to play through again recently. But still, it’s far from being a great Sonic game. There are some nice new additions here, and while the cutscenes are still low quality, the in-game visuals have cleaned up very nicely indeed. It’s just the shame the gameplay is so all over the place – one minute you’ll be having the time of your life, the next, pulling your hair out in frustration. It’s tough being a Sonic fan, and Sonic Colors: Ultimate does little to ease the pain.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising
    With its to-ing and fro-ing and overly basic combat for its first hour or two, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Those that stick with it though, will find a game that develops into something very enjoyable indeed. This is a charming adventure, with combat and platforming that grows ever richer with each new upgrade and ability you obtain. But it’s the world that’s the real star here. The story of Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising might not be all that grand, but it’s full of characters that we’ve already grown to love. And so, as a taster for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, it does its job admirably.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Jurassic World Evolution 2
    There’s still room for improvement, a Jurassic World Evolution 1.999 by my calculations, but even with its issues, Jurassic World Evolution 2 is a fantastic sim game that’ll have you coming back for more, even when you’ve exhausted its campaign and Chaos Theory mode. It’s an absolute must if you’ve got the remotest interest in Jurassic Park, dinosaurs or unleashing nightmarish giant lizards upon an unsuspecting public.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Beholder: Complete Edition
    A unique and thought-provoking package that should pique the interest of any gamer that isn't averse to a bit of strategy. It may not stand up so well to many repeated playthroughs, despite it having multiple endings aplenty, but while it lasts it'll have you on tenterhooks as you go about your duplicitous operations.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Neverending Nightmares
    Given Neverending Nightmare’s lack of closure, rather than feeling dead and done about it, it leaves us wondering about the game’s meaning. A cascade of “why” and “how” and multiple theories swirl around our heads like cartoon birds. It’s certainly not an experience I’ll be forgetting about too soon and one that people should play at some point in their lives.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Walking Dead: The Telltale Series - A New Frontier Episode 5: From The Gallows
    What really makes From the Gallows stand out as one of the better episodes this season is that in and among all the action and drama, there are some really touching moments of laughter and love.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dead In Vinland
    For the most part, Dead in Vinland is a gorgeous-looking, entertaining survival romp that is well worth hopping into a longboat for.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Blacksea Odyssey
    Blacksea Odyssey is by no means perfect, but it does get a lot right.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fate/Extella Link
    Fate/Extella Link doesn’t provide an experience that’s a million miles away from Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star, but pretty much everything about it is just better. Its story is shorter but more entertaining, its combat is massively improved thanks to you having more abilities at your disposal, and it both looks and sounds better too.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    CYGNI: All Guns Blazing
    Cygni: All Guns Blazing is the best-looking shoot 'em up out there, and along with its epic soundtrack, it's a treat for the eyes and ears. But a number of issues, such as its stages being too long and the screen often being simply too busy, mean that it doesn't fulfil its potential.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ariana and the Elder Codex
    It might not offer up anything particularly new or exciting, but Ariana and the Elder Codex is a solid metroidvania adventure game with an enjoyable narrative. Multiple difficulty levels make this readily accessible too, so this combat-heavy romp never needs to feel too challenging.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    BPM: Bullets Per Minute
    If heavy metal has you running for the hills, then BPM: Bullets Per Minute won’t convert you. But for everyone else, this is an adrenaline fuelled heavy-metal ride that you’d be daft to miss.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon
    Peril on Gorgon is an entertainingly substantial chunk of The Outer Worlds content, with a handful of side-quests that will keep you poking around the planet until you’ve seen every inch. It may not push the envelope, but it’s good, clean, corporation-crushing fun. And it’s made me eager to see just what the The Outer Worlds’ next expansion will bring.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Swords of Ditto
    There really is so much to love. It’s just a shame it ends up outstaying its welcome by having you repeat yourself time and time again.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 1: Realm of Shadows
    It’s easy to say that Batman: The Telltale Series Episode 1 – Realm of Shadows is one of Telltale’s best first episodes yet.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    NASCAR Heat 4
    NASCAR Heat 4 is, without a doubt, the best NASCAR racing game yet, but there’s still some room for improvement. Many will find its online features lacking; career mode still isn’t what you’d call “deep”; and crashes remain unspectacular. Still, the whole experience is engaging enough to make it worthwhile. There is pleasure to be found in managing your team and coming out on top, which means you’ll find yourself returning to NASCAR Heat 4 until next year’s inevitable follow-up.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Planet of Lana
    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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    DeathSprint 66
    Challenging you to run around tracks filled with hazards such as laser beams and circular saws, DeathSprint 66 is like nothing else out there. Providing you're not squeamish, it provides hours of fun whether played alone or against others online.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Disney Illusion Island Starring Mickey & Friends
    Disney Illusion Island looks great, but being devoid of combat, the gameplay of this Metroidvania eventually comes to feel a bit stale and repetitive. Still, Disney fans will certainly get some enjoyment out of it, especially if they play it in local co-op with friends or family members.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Atomfall
    Placing you at the centre of a mystery, Atomfall gives you the freedom to achieve your goal in numerous ways via its engaging and rewarding leads system. Captivating from beginning to end, you'll enjoy exploring its various locations, meeting its quirky NPCs and engagaing in combat. Then, once you've discovered one ending, you'll likely jump in again to discover another.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Minecraft Dungeons
    Young or old, whether you’re a fan of OG Minecraft or not, there’s a lot to love about Minecraft Dungeons. Exploring its vast levels is a delight, and coming across new loot is just as fulfilling here as it is in any loot-based game. Smooth controls and a range of abilities make it an absolute joy to play; even when you die, you’ll be eager to pick yourself back up and start again. Considering the game’s asking price, Minecraft Dungeons should be a must-buy for anyone who enjoys a good dungeon-crawling adventure.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pure Chess: Grandmaster Edition
    Pure Chess: Grandmaster Edition is the definitive chess-playing experience. It’s a must for any fan of the classic game; the choice of beautifully rendered locations and board types even makes this a preferable option over a real board. It’s a shame that the online multiplayer isn’t a little busier as playing against a real opponent is always more enjoyable than an AI counterpart, but the option to play locally is a nice touch.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Copycat
    Copycat is a game that tackles some serious issues, but its characters are hard to warm to and will make you angry at times. Still, being a cat and doing cat things can be fun, despite clunky controls and unspired gameplay.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    One Piece Odyssey
    One Piece Odyssey is going to be most loved by people who are already invested in the One Piece franchise. Its clever approach to storytelling feels like a ‘greatest hits’ of sorts, and revisiting familiar places and faces is sure to be a joy for any fan. That said, this colourful, lively world is such a pleasure to be part of that even if you’re not well acquainted with Luffy and co, you’ll soon warm to their charm. An excellent blend of combat, adventure and storytelling, this is a JRPG not to be missed.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mainlining
    For all its linearity, Mainlining does a fantastic job of making you feel like a detective. It’s as much a puzzle game as it is a point-and-click, and the continous light-hearted humour keeps the experience from feeling too drab.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Extraction
    While some of Rainbow Six Extraction‘s systems do feel a little unfair at times, there’s one hell of a thrilling experience to be found if you can get into the groove. I’m not usually a fan of stealth, but sneaking around the game’s excellently-designed environments trying to get the upper hand on a bunch of freaky-as-hell aliens is exhilarating. You’re constantly on-edge, not knowing what waits around the next corner, poised to attack if you need to. Add to that a solid progression system that keeps you wanting to jump back in, and you’ve got one of Ubisoft’s best multiplayer experiences yet.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Chorus
    With a patch or two, Chorus could easily be turned around. When you’re engaging your enemies in the middle of deep space, boosting then drifting to rotate your ship around and snipe three or more enemies with your laser rifle before warping behind another and switching to your missiles to unleash a mighty payload, there’s nothing else quite like it. It’s just a shame that there are moments in between where you might consider just giving up your adventure, either thanks to a bug or a poorly-designed section that causes undue frustration.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Going Under
    Running around Going Under‘s dungeons is a joy, and you’re never quite sure what will be waiting for you behind a new door. Every time you die, you’ll be keen to jump straight back in and see if you can get just that bit further. It might not be the deepest Rogue-like game out there, but you’ll be hard pushed to find another quite as fun as this.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sons of Valhalla
    Heavily inspired by the Kingdom games, Sons of Valhalla is great fun — if not a little too unforgiving at times. It's seriously rewarding though, and the sort of thing we can imagine jumping back into time and time again.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    LEGO 2K Drive
    It’s safe to say that 2K and Visual Concepts have hit the ball out of the park with LEGO 2K Drive. We haven’t had this much fun with an open world racing game since Forza Horizon 4. The racing action is tense and chaotic, the open worlds are a pleasure to explore, and everything is just so varied. Everything pretty much is awesome when it comes to LEGO 2K Drive, resulting in a game that’s fun for all ages and skill levels. And the coup de grâce is the vehicle builder, allowing you to truly let your imagination run wild.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition
    Aimed at those who are yet to experience The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim for the first time, this Anniversary Edition offers exceptional value for money, and is easily the best way to jump into one of the best role-playing games ever made. It may not quite look current-gen, but the fast loading times and reduced storage footprint are both meaningful gains for PS5 players, while the included Creation Club content adds yet more meat to the game’s bones which are already heaped with flesh. For those that have already played Skyrim to exhaustion, however, there’s not much here to draw them back. Though being able to upgrade from the Special Edition for just £15.99/$19.99 makes it very enticing.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Caravan SandWitch
    An open-world adventure game set in an intriguing sci-fi world, I've absolutely loved every moment I've spent with Caravan SandWitch. Whether you're exploring, completing a side quest or hunting down important components, there's so much to do — and the fact you can do it all at your own pace makes this an absolute joy to play.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Anode
    That said, Anode‘s incredibly low price alone makes this a recommended purchase for all Xbox One owners. When you also add in the crisp visuals and variety of great game modes it’s enough to raise it above many similar efforts out there.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Jotun: Valhalla Edition
    Without a doubt the highlight of Jotun is also its raison d’etre: spectacularly epic boss fights against gargantuan Gods.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Skybolt Zack
    Like a bolt of out of the blue, Skybolt Zack has truly won me over. It’s inventive, wholly original, and most importantly a lot of fun. Some might find the challenge it presents a little too steep as they make their way further into the game – situations can indeed get a little messy at times – but with practice and perseverance, no gauntlet it presents you with can’t be overcome. It just requires coordination and quick-thinking. Don’t be a fool; check it out if you like fast-paced platformers with a difference.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    What Comes After
    If What Comes After can help those dealing with mental health struggles, then that’s a wonderful thing. But it doesn’t cover these topics delicately; its messages aren’t hidden anywhere, they’re in-your-face, front and centre. However, it’s all the other issues What Comes After tries to deal with – deforestation, animal abuse and more – that ruin the experience. As important as all of those issues are, What Comes After doesn’t give enough time for them to have any real purpose or meaning. Had it been more focused, it could have had much more impact.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Drums Rock
    While we wish it had more licensed songs – and the official versions at that – we’ve had an absolute blast playing Drums Rock. Getting into the swing of a song and nailing a combo leaves us feeling like a rock legend, and unless you’ve got access to a full drum kit, this is the closest thing you’re going to get. Make no bones about it: Drums Rock rocks.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Forestrike
    Letting you practice battles until you're confident you can win, Forestrike often feels like a puzzle game. That can also lead to frustration, however; just one mistake can make it pretty much impossible to win some fights. Throw in the fact that sometimes you can't practice, and that there's little in the way of permanent upgrades, and Forestrike doesn't always feel fair. Still, there's a fun roguelite here for those who can hack it.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sleep Awake
    Sleep Awake has an interesting premise, and makes nice use of full motion video to assist in blurring the lines between what's real and imaginary. It's just a shame that it's not as engaging to play as it should be. And it's not all that scary, either.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries
    Playing MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, I couldn’t help but feel like it’s an old game given a fresh lick of paint. There’s just something about it that is firmly rooted in the past. Not that that’s a bad thing per se, but it lacks a certain something to make a must-play title in 2019.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tesla vs Lovecraft
    Tesla vs. Lovecraft is a wonderful and creative twin-stick shooter that manages to stand out from the crowd in what is something of an oversaturated genre. Despite the small reservation I have with the game's initial difficulty level, everything else — its art style, sountrack, gameplay and overall atmosphere — adds up to make a truly worthwhile experience. It might just be one of 10tons' best.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sniper Elite III: Ultimate Edition
    On Switch, Sniper Elite 3: Ultimate Edition is just as good as it’s ever been, which is to say that it’s very good indeed. It looks great, performs well, has plenty of content where it really counts and doesn’t skimp on online multiplayer like so many Switch ports often do.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Call of Duty: Vanguard
    Does Call of Duty: Vanguard advance the series in any meaningful way? Of course not, but that doesn’t stop it from being a fantastic package for Call of Duty fans, or a good entry point for those seeking a way in. The campaign here is brief but captivating, managing to make you feel for its band of heroes despite your short time with them. Zombies has some interesting twists that keep you on your toes. And multiplayer is more of the same but with tweaks that some will love and others will hate, as usual. All in all, this is one of the best Call of Duty releases to date, and we’d love to see more of Vanguard’s exploits in the future.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Outriders
    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
    • 70 Critic Score
    Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 4: Guardian of Gotham
    I went into the fourth episode expecting intense turmoil that would lead to an exciting finale, but instead came out thinking, ‘Oh, that’s it.’
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Vasara Collection
    For the budget price that’s being asked for VASARA Collection, it’s an absolute steal.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Nowhere Prophet
    As a lover of strategy card games, I was extremely pleased by Nowhere Prophet and am excited to go back to it again. It has everything you’d want from a card game: combat, strategy and a huge plethora of options for your decks. It can be very difficult to begin with until you’ve mastered the game’s rules, which may initially turn some players away, but stick with it and you’ll find an excellent adventure lying in wait.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Eternal Threads
    You won’t have played anything like Eternal Threads before, and unless Cosmonaut Studios makes a follow-up, you likely never will again. This is a remarkable piece of storytelling, expertly written and crafted, weaving together the ordinary and the futuristic to create something incredibly compelling. You won’t want to put it down, and once you’ve finished, you’ll be thinking about it for weeks to come. It truly is something special.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Katamari Damacy REROLL
    Whether you’ve never played Katamari Damacy before, or if you’ve already played it a thousand times, Katamari Damacy REROLL remains an absolute delight. PS4 and Xbox One players can now join in the fun, finally, and it’s just as good as ever. The world needs more games like this; weird and wonderful experiences that are nothing but pure joy. Well, apart from the poor people who end up getting rolled into your Katamari. They’ve undoubtedly had better days.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Resident Evil Village: Winters' Expansion
    For those who enjoyed Resident Evil Village and want to spend more time with it, perhaps also getting a hint as to where the series is heading next, the Winters’ Expansion should be considered a must-have. Shadows of Rose offers an enjoyable shot of true horror, Additional Orders invigorates Mercenaries mode with new life, and third-person mode gives players another way to experience two campaigns. For the modest asking price, why wouldn’t you want to make your copy of Resident Evil Village feel definitive?
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Amnesia: The Bunker
    When it comes to Amnesia: The Bunker, you can tell that Frictional Games really wanted to up the horror. And it’s achieved it. This is true survival horror where resources are limited, and while you can fight, it feels hopeless. It’s not the biggest game in the world, and feeling constantly stalked and preyed upon means this won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But those who get a kick out of skulking around in the dark, solving puzzles while evading something grotesque, will absolutely love this
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Lumo
    It’s a gorgeous game in a simple yet enchanting package, but it’s just a shame that as you unwrap it and delve deeper into its core, you’re left with little but frustration and disdain.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    NHL 26
    With a number of improvements such as a new goalie crease system and NHL EDGE data being used to enhance player behaviour, NHL 26 is undoubtedly a great hockey game. Be A Pro mode still has some issues, though, and you can just tell that the series doesn't get as much love as the likes of EA Sports FC.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    R-Type Final 2
    A game funded by fans for fans, it’s perhaps miraculous that R-Type Final 2 even exists. It’s a shame that Granzella wasn’t a little forward thinking with its development, enticing new players into the fold to ensure the future of the franchise. As it is, R-Type Final 2 feels old-fashioned and punishing to a fault. There are simply better shoot ’em ups available that are faster paced, fairer, better looking and more accessible.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cricket 19
    Cricket 19 is by far the best cricket game available right now. There’s enough about it to keep cricket newbies entertained while its high level of authenticity will no doubt delight die-hard cricket fans. Even England’s Barmy Army, however, would get quickly tired of the loading times, and may notice the small imperfections to the matchday experiences. Despite this, Cricket 19 is a solid boundary, with the career mode hitting nothing but sixes.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Life is Strange: Double Exposure
    A slightly more grown-up Max might not always seem believable, and there's a good chance that a few choices made in Life is Strange: Double Exposure might annoy you. But overall, this new instalment into the Life is Strange series is a success: its story will keep you guessing, its puzzles are fun to solve, and Max's new powers are a lot of fun to play around with.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Regalia: Of Men and Monarchs
    A safe bet for anyone looking to scratch an old tactical JRPG itch. It may not reinvent any part of the wheel, but it reconstructs it in a way that is quite admirable.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
    Should you buy Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord? If you’ve got the slightest taste for big battles or an interest in medieval conquest, absolutely. Don’t expect the depth of, say, Crusader Kings III, but for fans of medieval warfare this is a real winner.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight
    Those who simply love music rhythm games and haven’t got much experience with the Persona series, though, should probably just dip their toes in with Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight to test the water. And maybe wait for it to go on sale before they do so. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight are both very good, but they don’t quite feel like they’re worth their asking price.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Weird West
    For those what want to immerse themselves in a strange, alternative take on the Wild West and unravel a mysterious story, Weird West should do the trick. This is an engaging action RPG that while narrative-driven, still gives players a large amount of choice. And though there are some issues, they’re worth bearing with to see each of the game’s protagonists journeys through to their end. As the first game from WolfEye Studios, this is a very commendable effort indeed.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Metal Eden
    Part Ghostrunner, part DOOM, and part Metroid, Metal Eden is a fast-paced first-person shooter that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping with its core-ripping action.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate
    Whether you're a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or simply enjoy roguelikes, there's a lot to love about Splintered Fate. Aside from being well presented, its core gameplay is ever-so moreish thanks to a wide variety of upgrades being available. And thanks to local and online co-op options, you don't have to play alone.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mom Hid My Game!
    It's wholesome, harmless fun — it's just a shame there isn't more of it.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    South of the Circle
    While not every part of the story hits the mark – we didn’t quite gel with the ending, for example – it’s still very easy to recommend South of the Circle. If you’re the type of person who enjoys interactive dramas, like the recent As Dusk Falls or Gone Home, you’ll likely find yourself engrossed in the narrative that unfolds here. It’s interesting, cleverly told and very intelligent – and, if nothing else, it’ll likely encourage you to learn more about the Cold War and the Antarctic Treaty. Any game that inspires us to educate ourselves more about the world around us is a win in our book.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Swarm Grinder
    A Survivors-like with a twist, Swarm Grinder is the type of game that'll have you coming back again and again. With meaningful upgrades and plenty of reason to keep playing, it's an excellent example of the genre — with a few unique twists thrown in too.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Stela
    Stela is good but unspectacular. It grabs your attention from the outset and packs a lot of tense and testing scenarios into its short running time. But there’s nothing overly compelling about it; nothing that elevates it from being just an inoffensive way to waste a couple of hours. It’s enjoyable, sure, but its short length and lack of wow factor makes it hard to recommended at full price. Still, if you really loved Limbo and know what Planet Alpha is, you might want to give Stela a go.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Batman: The Telltale Series - Episode 3: New World Order
    With Rocksteady turning their back on the caped crusader now that Arkham VR is out in the wild, this is your chance to own the defining titles that put them on the map, now with more clarity and pizazz than ever.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Fobia - St. Dinfna Hotel
    Ultimately, Fobia – St. Dinfna Hotel is a bit rough around the edges. Its voice acting isn’t great, which ruins the tension at times, as do its poor enemy animations and sub-par combat. But in an age where new, half-decent survival horror games are few and far between, this isn’t worth writing off completely. Its puzzles are enjoyable, and it does a good job of creating an eerie atmosphere. Particularly if you’re a fan of the classics like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, it’s worth checking into St. Dinfna Hotel.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dark Souls III: Ashes of Ariandel
    Ashes of Ariandel offers more Dark Souls III, which can only ever be a good thing in my book. It offers anywhere from five to eight hours of content depending on how thorough and skilled you are, an interesting new world to explore, wonderful new enemies to fight, new loot to plunder and use and two new bosses to fell.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Lushfoil Photography Sim
    If you love photo modes, Lushfoil Photography Sim is the game for you. Your only goal here is to snap away, with photography tools about as close to picking up a real DSLR camera as you're ever going to get. There are a few bugbears, such as locations being locked behind arbitrary goals, but ultimately this is a gorgeous, relaxing experience that's well worth checking out.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Earth Defense Force 6
    Earth Defense Force 6 feels more like Earth Defense 5.5, what with it being so similar to its predecessor. There are some welcome tweaks to various features, however, and along with some new enemies and more missions than ever, it makes for the best entry in the series yet. We just hope the inevitable Earth Defense Force 7 is a bit more adventurous.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mulaka
    If Mulaka is proof of anything, it's that there is a definitive impact when games are made by more diverse voices. Mulaka feels deeply personal.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The TakeOver
    Despite its issues, if you’ve had your fill of Streets of Rage 4 and are after another side-scrolling beat ’em up to play, you should definitely consider adding The TakeOver to your collection. Though it does eventually lose some of its shine, its combat system offers more depth than most in the genre, and the package as a whole has some genuinely nice ideas. The fact that it looks so good and has a great soundtrack is just icing on the cake.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Oxenfree II: Lost Signals
    There’s a lot to love about Oxenfree II: Lost Signals. Its spooky, supernatural tale will get its hooks in you instantly, helped along by fantastic voice acting and characters that you can’t help but want to know more about. Night School Studios has once again proven itself to be a master of storytelling: it’s been a long wait for Oxenfree’s sequel, but now we’re even more excited to see what the team might do next.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Stories: The Path of Destinies
    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.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pokemon Brilliant Diamond
    Whether you’re a Pokémon fan who fondly remembers the original or a newcomer looking for a way in to the series, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond is easy to recommend. It may seem a little bit costly for a remake that stays fairly close to the source material aside from a snazzy new look, but there’s still a lot of game here. Even better, it’s enjoyable no matter your age, gender or skill level. Once you’ve started playing Pokémon Brilliant Diamond you really will feel the urge to catch ’em all. And the improvements here mean it’s never been as easy or enjoyable.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dragon Ball: Xenoverse 2
    If you’re an ardent Dragon Ball fan, then picking up Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 should be a no-brainer, but even if you’re just a fan of fighting games and RPGs in general you should give it a try – the combat is fun and there’s a surprising amount of depth to the character development that doesn’t fail to satisfy.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mother Russia Bleeds
    Mother Russia Bleeds doesn’t come anywhere near to toppling Streets of Rage 2 as the best scrolling beat’em up, but it has a decent stab at it, making it a recommended purchase for fans of the genre.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    MotoGP 18
    Visually identical to its predecessor, the additions made in this outing are more like scrapings than noticeable steps forward. With Ride 3 just around the bend most casual fans might be better off waiting. Anyone returning to the perennial racer may not be able to help but have a sense of déjà vu.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Council - Episode 4: Burning Bridges
    Burning Bridges feels like a turning point that episodes two and three have been building up to. It introduces welcome plot twists and revisits interesting topics that have been mostly at the wayside since episode one. But I fear it’s too little too late.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    ADIOS Amigos
    After many hours of playing ADIOS Amigos, I’m still completely hooked. on trying to beat my high scores. Everything from the graphics, to the setting, and the music is just so inviting.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dead or Alive 6
    It perhaps plays things a little safe, but mechanically Dead or Alive 6 is up there with the best fighting games currently available.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Vaporum
    If you’re a steampunk aficionado then Vaporum will doubtless hold some appeal for you; it’s smartly presented and tells a tantalisingly haunting tale of man’s folly. But for those who aren’t as taken with steam power, Vaporum is a rather average dungeon crawler.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sniper Elite V2 Remastered
    Sniper Elite V2 Remastered is far from being the best Sniper Elite game you can play right now, but it’s still worth your time if you want to see bullets travel through bodies in gory detail.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Team Sonic Racing
    Team Sonic Racing might not be the strongest, most innovative racer out there, but fans of Sega’s previous karting games as well as fans of Sonic will definitely find something to enjoy. The team elements are very well implemented, and it’s nice being encouraged to work as a team in a game where you would otherwise do everything in your power to take your friends down.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Helheim Hassle
    There’s a hell of a lot to love about Helheim Hassle. Its world, animation, characters and storytelling are all excellent; in terms of art and sound design there’s a level of polish rarely seen outside of AAA releases. But there’s also a lot that lets it down. Had it been a little tighter and had the most frustrating puzzles been worked on just a bit more, Helheim Hassle could have been one of the best indie games of the year. As it is, a convoluted control system and some badly-designed timed puzzles are going to most likely make you rage. You’ll get a kick out of many aspects of Bjørn and Pesto’s journey, but there’ll be times you’ll just want to throw Bjørn’s limbs into the fieriest pits of Hel yourself.
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