GameSpew's Scores

  • Games
For 3,619 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:
3630 game reviews
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With lovably odd characters, a fantastic art design, and a really engaging style of gameplay, Deponia shows what a modern point and click game should be. Despite a steep incline in difficulty that may catch a few players off guard, Deponia’s highlight is its character design and writing, and you can expect to be entertained throughout.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Instruments of Destruction lets you take on one bite-sized mission after another, where typically your goal is to simply destroy things. With over 130 vehicles available, it's mostly a lot of fun, too, though some missions can be dull and/or a little frustrating.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Not For Broadcast: Live & Spooky is still a blast and if you’ve been craving more of the main game’s humour and charm, you’ll find it here. Patrick Bannon is someone you’ll love to hate and Live & Spooky couldn’t happen to a nicer person.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Above and Beyond isn't the best Minecraft Story Mode has to offer, but it's nevertheless an appropriately action-packed conclusion to a strong season. It's a shame that certain elements have been overlooked in this last episode, but as a whole, the second season of Minecraft Story Mode has been a worthwhile outing, especially for fans of the block-building franchise.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite those flaws however, Agatha Christie: The ABC Murders still provides a great and thoroughly engrossing crime story that any fan of the point and click genre will surely gleam some enjoyment out of.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Duck Detective is back, and his down-and-out personality is as wonderful as ever. Unfortunately, the mystery on offer here isn't quite as good as last time, but there are still plenty of pleasing puzzles and investigations to get your beak stuck into.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator’s longevity feels somewhat artificially expanded, as you’ll need to repeatedly wait for seeds to spawn randomly, we can’t lie: we’ve had a lovely time tending to our flowers and seeing our garden take shape. The story mode has a good sense of progression, and reaching the next goal or meeting a new character is always a cause for celebration. We wish there wasn’t a limit on how many plants we can have, though.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    River City Girls‘ semi-open world does it no favours, and neither does the abundance of pointless items you can buy or its recruitment system. Even its RPG elements are unnecessary. If it was a simple side-scrolling beat ’em up with stages, I think I’d enjoy it a hell of a lot more. Regardless, there is a lot here to like despite some frustrations, so if you fancy walking some streets while pummelling goons, it’s certainly worth a look. Especially if you have someone at hand to play it with you.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hollow Realization is the strongest iteration of Sword Art Online to date, and an easy recommendation for fans of the anime and previous games.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Whether you’re into challenging Soulslikes or sprawling Metroidvanias, there’s a lot to like about Moonscars. Its atmosphere is thick thanks to its moody visuals and soundtrack, while its moment-to-moment gameplay is utterly engrossing once it has its hooks in you. If you’re up to the task and can accept that the experience won’t always feel fair, this is a game well worth sinking some time into.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Jump into Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception expecting a traditional Japanese visual novel experience, and you’ll no doubt be a little disappointed… but look past its intermittent battle sections and there’s a fulfilling character-driven tale just waiting to be uncovered.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sporting wonderful pixel art and a fantastic soundtrack, Eldest Souls is sure to go down a storm with Soulslike fans who would simply like to get to the nitty-gritty. Of course, the loss of the smaller battles in between means that there’s no opportunity to level your character up if you’re struggling, but the short and sharp nature of the fights on offer, and the ease of which you can respec to try a different approach, makes up for that somewhat. It’s a just a shame that Eldest Souls sometimes feels unfair, with victory being the result of your foes not making use of certain powerful skills.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Wreckfest isn’t overly pretty, but its damage engine is unparalleled; Bugbear just needs to find more ways to add to its ridiculous nature, because that’s where the game really excels.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Creature in the Well has more staying power than the pinball machines that inspired it, and that’s even before you consider its distinctive visual style and entertaining story. It won’t turn you into a pinball wizard, but it will provide you with several hours of unique entertainment.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a game best enjoyed in bite-sized sessions, otherwise it soon begins to feel like a chore.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Some may find it repetitive, but those who like the idea of going on a strange and spooky safari through an abandoned wildlife park will love Penko Park. It’s a short and sweet experience brought to life with a cast of creative critters – and hunting them down to shoot them (with your camera of course) is nothing but a joy. If you like Pokémon Snap, this one is for you.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With a simple but cute art style that’s hard not to love, and an enjoyable gameplay loop that sees you hacking and slashing your way through a range of well-designed enemies, there’s plenty to like about Conan Chop Chop. If you dig roguelikes and enjoy being challenged to improve yourself with each subsequent run, it’s well worth jumping into.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Small text aside, Cultist Simulator is a real merry-go-round of emotions, mixing horror, joy, repulsion and much more. It’ll take a couple of playthroughs for it to really get its tentacles into you, but when it does, you won’t want it to let to go.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite the few negative things mentioned, Koihime Enbu is still a fantastic anime fighter and a great addition to the fighting genre. All of the different female characters are animated beautifully, the voices are done very well, and overall the gameplay is fluid and nearly perfect. Perhaps a quick ironing out of the strange multiplayer glitch and confusing controls will make Koihime Enbu get its well-deserved spot next to the classic fighting games that we all know and love.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Starman offers a pleasant couple of hours to sit and relax while focused on the game.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Playing Project Zero / Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse just reaffirms to us that we really need a new entry in this under-appreciated series. But until then, there are a lot of enjoyable chills to be had with this remaster. Its controls may be archaic by today’s standards, but everything else stands the test of time. Add in a wealth of unlockables, including a mission mode, and this is the type of horror game you might return to time and time again.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    What Pixel Gear lacks in depth and length, it makes up for in fluidity, simplicity, and fun.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Landing on an arid alien planet littered with waste and rubble, Distant Bloom tasks you with bringing life back to its lands. It's a little repetitive, and there are a few UI problems, but for fans of chilled-out, relaxing games, there's joy to be found in seeing this world bloom around you.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s undeniable though that if you’re after some solid strategy action to exercise both the brain and the thumbs that Samurai Warriors 4: Empires will satiate your desires; just don’t expect it to blow you away.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Old-school dungeon crawlers aren’t all that common these days, so The Lost Child made for a refreshing experience. A little more depth – and better balanced difficulty – in the combat wouldn’t have gone amiss, though. But even as it is, The Lost Child is worth picking up.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's showing its age now, but Gears of War: Reloaded finally allows PlayStation gamers to experience one of the best campaigns in the previously Xbox-exclusive series. It's just a shame you'll likely run into AI issues if playing it alone. Needless to say, this is a game best played with others, either enjoying the campaign in co-op, or engaging in its competitive multiplayer modes.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s colourful and challenging, has enough depth to keep you going back for more, and you can play it with friends.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Snoopy shows us he's just as relevant (and adorable) as ever in Snoopy & the Great Mystery Club, a laid-back and family-friendly whodunnit about solving quaint mysteries. A few performance issues let it down, but on the whole this is an easy recommendation for kids and lovers of easy games.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Caligula Effect is a difficult game to review, mainly because of how contradictory it can be at times. Its writing can make it seem leagues above most other JRPGs despite its low production value, yet many of its systems are too complicated to recommend, despite however deep they may be.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Some will undoubtedly be disappointed that Big Rumble Boxing: Creed Champions doesn’t have more modes – the lack of online multiplayer is especially egregious. Still, those looking for a fun boxing game that doesn’t take itself too seriously will find enjoyment here. While it’s obviously aimed at fans of the Rocky film franchise, even those who have never watched a single Rocky or Creed film will get a kick out of the action. Just like boxing itself, there’s nothing clever about Big Rumble Boxing: Creed Champions, but it puts on a good show.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The joy of the game comes from Kitty Powers herself. Her hilarious and sparkling personality is enough to keep you engaged at least for a few hours.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Furi isn’t exactly perfect, but with its unique visual and audio design, there’s plenty to like.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The cliffhanger, on the other hand, is perhaps the best so far – at least, in the way my game ended, it was – and episode four is set up to be the darkest and most twisted yet. I can’t wait.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Heading Out doesn't fulfil its true potential. But while its story isn't as gripping as it should be, and its driving mechanics aren't anything special, together, along with an eye-catching black and white comic book visual style, they make for an enjoyable time on the whole.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sclash is a simple fighting game featuring samurai that can beat their opponents with just one hit. Battles are tense and exciting as a result, but disappointing single-player options and a lack of overall depth let it down somewhat.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Its brevity aside, Twin Mirror is an investigative thriller worth playing. A more grown-up story than Dontnod’s other narrative endeavours, it’ll keep you glued to your screen as you unravel its dark mysteries. Sam is an intriguing and complex protagonist, and the people he meets along the way are equally rich and realistic. It’s just hard to shake that feeling of disappointment, though, when it all gets wrapped up a bit too quickly.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Far: Changing Tides isn’t going to be for everyone. But if the idea of a quiet, lonesome adventure about keeping your boat moving forward puts wind in your sails, you’ll love it. There’s a wonderful soundtrack to enjoy, and the puzzles it presents to you are engaging and well thought-out. But sometimes it’s just a little too barren for its own good, and the awkwardness of controlling your ship can get in the way of its serenity.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Access Denied: Escape has a few missteps, with some of its puzzles not being very clear and its hint system not always helpful. But for its absolute bargain price, it's hard to begrudge those too much: if you're a puzzle fan, you'll undoubtedly get a big kick out of making your way through this bite-sized puzzle adventure.
    • 47 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hellboy: Web of Wyrd has a handful of issues that somewhat mar what is otherwise an intense and rewarding experience – but they don’t completely ruin it. Like many roguelites, the core gameplay can become repetitive over time, and there isn’t the widest selection of helpful perks and boons on offer, but at least the combat here is unique. Ultimately, fans of Hellboy are likely to just appreciate that they have a decent game based on one of their favourite comic book characters – though Web of Wyrd should also appeal to those who like third-person brawlers and roguelikes in general.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Devil is in the Details is easily the most ambitious anomaly-hunting game yet, with traps, enemies and entities for you to avoid as you go around watching out for anomalous items. Some of these don't always make the experience better, though, but you can at least enable and disable them as you please.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s something of a dilemma to be left disappointed by a game where your only complaint is that it left you wanting more. But that’s how I feel about Donut County. What it does, it does very well. But there just isn’t enough of it.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Rolling Bob, though by no means groundbreaking, is perhaps best described as harmless side-scrolling fun. It may not excel in the visual department and may suffer from some technical issues early on, but when knee-deep in one of the game’s fun puzzle-platformer levels it’s hard not to find yourself tense and gripped as you make your way through.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s okay that Red Ronin doesn’t feature a killer story, because the actual gameplay does exactly what it needs to, and it does it well. Will it be a memorable game? Probably not. But this kind of puzzle games scratches a particular itch and provides a enjoyable way to pass the time. It is only a shame that this isn’t a mobile game, where it would probably find a bigger audience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Some of the games here haven't aged as well as others, and it's hard to consider one of them a beat 'em up at all, but Beat 'Em Up Collection: QUByte Classics remains a solid package overall. It even packs in some neat extras and cheats.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The incredible proliferation of options when it comes to routing your way through some of the larger environments is a clear standout.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you have a PS5 and a love for motocross racing, MXGP 2020 is a bit of a no-brainer, really. It’s undoubtedly the best looking and playing game in the series yet. With no real new modes or features, however, casual players may want to think twice before splashing the cash, especially if they own last year’s MXGP 2019. It’s about time Milestone at least injected more depth into the career mode, as the series is becoming a little stale.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Often too complex and obtuse in its teachings to cater to newcomer coders, Human Resource Machine is bound to push away some of its audience with unnecessary difficulty spikes. On the other hand, successfully wrapping my mind around a difficult problem and coming out victorious is an exhilarating feeling.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Whether you’re a masochist or a hardcore masochist, Death’s Gambit might have something for you.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The vehicles radically change the gameplay but are in keeping with the outrageous power and unpredictability of Worms combat.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Metroid: Samus Returns’ amalgamation of some things old and some things new results in a 2D Metroid game that, while at its most evolved, is caught in somewhat of an identity crisis. There are brief flickers of brilliance showing us what this exploratory new take on the series could have been, but it often finds itself carrying the overbearing weight of being a pseudo-authentic remake.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s the sort of game I can imagine myself playing in quiet downtime while waiting for something else.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite being formulaic and repetitive, you know what you’re getting with a Warriors game. And if that’s your thing, you’ll no doubt have some fun with Warriors Orochi 4.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re a big fan of shooters and don’t already own the majority of the games included, Psikyo Shooting Stars Alpha is a bit of a no-brainer, really. You could spend more money just trying to pick a battered old copy of one of the included games up, so of course you’ve got to buy it. If you just like to delve into the occasional bit of shooter action, however, then there are more modern shooters available that are simply better than anything on offer here and also cheaper. With Psikyo Shooting Stars Alpha you get six blasts from the past, but the lack of fanfare alongside them is a little disappointing.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Whilst Action Henk certainly won’t float everyone’s boat with its iffy visuals and reliance on score chasing to provide any long-lasting attraction, it is still an interesting and addictive combination of racing and platforming.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    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
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While Super Perils of Baking can feel a tad too generic at times, then, is has to lot to offer for its modest price. It evokes the spirit of 90s platformers that were never as popular as the big hitters – games like Zool, Cool Spot and Boogerman. And so for those who yearn for a new platforming experience that relishes in that old-school feel, it’ll go down a storm. Perhaps the worst thing about it is its soundtrack, but that can be easily remedied. Ultimately, it will never be remembered as a classic, but Super Perils of Baking can at least remind you of the golden days of the genre.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s simple, but simplicity can be handled in a classy way and I think that Soul Axiom does a great job with something pretty barebones.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    We feel like Ultros is destined to become a cult classic. It will undoubtedly be loved by some, but many will find it overly vague in terms of story and direction to leave a lasting impact. It has some interesting ideas, a stunning visual style and a neat soundtrack, but the further you progress, more and more frustrations are likely to creep in, undermining them all. Add in the combat which doesn’t really go anywhere during your adventure, leading it to eventually become stale, and you have a game that doesn’t live up to its potential.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The mixture of level types helps keep the game varied and entertaining, and the frequency of impressive boss battles means slower moments never last for too long. It’s a respectable addition to the shmup genre.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    But as annoying as those issues are, there’s no denying the actual gameplay of Torchlight III is a joy. Very few – if any – Diablo-likes have been able to grab our attention like Torchlight III has. It’s just a real shame that the weak endgame offerings means your desire to keep playing screeches to a halt fairly quickly. But if Echtra Games adds in further content at a later date, it’s something we’d be keen to rush back into.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The combat of Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade is enjoyable enough, and it's great that there are three unique playable characters, each with a range of weapons to unlock. A lack of variety when it comes to stages and enemies really hurts the game's longevity, though, as the story at the heart of this adventure isn't enough to carry it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    VILE: Exhumed is not for the faint of heart: described as horror, this voyeuristic exploration into someone's PC gives us a glimpse of the darkest side of humanity, and it's filled with themes of violence against women. It's certainly an experience that will stay with you, and some of its puzzles are enticing — but the nature of the game means you aren't going to find it "fun".
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite the control issues though, Masquerade: The Baubles of Doom is still very much an enjoyable game.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re not shy about a tough challenge, Cruel Bands Career is a creative and interesting little game worth picking up. I can’t say I’ve ever played a puzzle game like it; its unique art style alone is a pleasure to look at. With plenty of levels and content to enjoy, it’s a bargain considering its sub-£4 asking price – even if you have to give up because it gets too overwhelming.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It may be let down by its lack of original sountrack and the fact that four of the five games here are practically identical. But the museum content makes Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition a worthwhile purchase for fans – and there's no denying that Rayman still stands the test of time as one of the best platformers from the 90s.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    DRIFTCE doesn’t have mass appeal – that’s a given. For those that it’s aimed at though, it should prove to be quite the delight. The physics are solid, making pulling off impressive drifts all the more rewarding. And the fact that you have to assemble and maintain your vehicles gives everything more of a personal touch. It’s just a shame that there isn’t a little more assistance for those who aren’t fully aware where an intercooler should be fitted, for example. Still, there’s always the opportunity to learn.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite its lack of real consequences, Astrologaster is a lot of fun to play; the excellent writing and top-notch voice acting really bring this ridiculous concept to life. Yes, it’s a shame the player’s actions don’t make more of a difference, but Astrologaster is still worth going along with – especially if you want a unique look at 16th century London.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Keep your expectations in check, and there’s a decent karting game to be found in Smurfs Kart. It’s rather light on content, but the on-track action is enjoyable, with controls aimed towards younger players. It’s a great game for the whole family to enjoy, then – particularly if there are Smurfs fans in your ranks.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    An isometric action game set in a highly destructible world, Deliver At All Costs puts you in the shoes of a courier and tasks you with completing a range of chaotic and often challenging delivery missions. It's good fun, but it doesn't quite fulfill its potential, thanks to annoying loading screens and a range of other issues that spoil the experience to some degree.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Is Peppa Pig: World Adventures better than Peppa’s first game? Yes and no. Its young fan base will undoubtedly lap up another opportunity to star alongside Peppa in their very own episode, and its character creator is better than ever by letting kids create their own families this time, too. There’s also way more content, and the worldwide locations are bound to delight and inspire. If your little one is a Peppa Pig fan, they will love it. But as adults, we simply wish there was more educational value here.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While little has been done to make these games truly shine on new, more powerful formats, they’re all still highly enjoyable action games – Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 in particular. It’s just a shame that Ryu Hayabusa hasn’t been shown a little more love.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s the game’s zany but gripping narrative that’s the real star of the show, though. If science fiction interwoven with tales of family, loss, relationships and survival sounds like your thing, then Zanki Zero is worth a look.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There's fun to be had with Elden Ring Nightreign, especially if you're a skilled Elden Ring player who loves a challenge or can get a good team together, but it does have a range of issues. The fact that there's only one map means repetition quickly creeps in, for example, and the Relic system simply doesn't feel as impactful as it should. Being a multiplayer-focused game, the lack of cross-play is also egregious.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There's certainly fun to be had with Killing Floor 3. Killing waves of demons is as enjoyable as ever, but some of the changes here are unfortunate, and the new additions don't wholly make up for them. There's some work to be done by Tripwire to allow this game to fulfil its potential, then, and it's up to you if you want to jump in in the meantime.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Remote Life is very impressive, considering it’s made by just one person. But it does have some issues that will prevent it from being remembered as one of the classics. Still, shoot ’em up fans are likely to want to add this to their collection. Not only does it look great, but the twin-stick shooter element makes it unique. If only it didn’t have so many gates to wait around for.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you can forgive the odd technical issue and you’re happy to sink into a rhythm of somewhat repetitive missions, Wavetale offers up an enjoyable five or six hours of laid-back gameplay. Its stylish and smooth traversal remains an absolute joy from start to finish: whether you’re skating along the water’s surface or jumping through wind tunnels, you’re going to have a smile on your face.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Thrones of Britannia has neither the length of its predecessor, nor has the variety of units – and as such, it lacks something that its fuller counterparts have. But what it does have is a straightforward approach that has solved some of the chronic complications of recent titles while providing you with a engaging story that can build over time.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a hugely entertaining co-op shooter, only brought down by the formulaic structure of its missions and the odd rough edge. Developer Cold Iron Studios is promising more free content in the future, however, and has the chance to turn the game into something rather special. With more horde maps, marine classes and perhaps a mission tweak here and there, we could imagine returning to Aliens: Fireteam Elite time and time again, long into the future. Right now though, while some team-based third-person shooter fans will have plenty of fun with it, it’s only really a must for Alien fans.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Matterfall is perhaps the least essential Housemarque title in the PlayStation 4’s catalogue, but it’s still a cut above the majority of the competition. Had there been more variety to its levels, some additional features and a tweak or two to the gameplay it could have stood toe-to-to with the like of Nex Machina, but as it is, it just doesn’t feel like the well-rounded package that we’ve become used to.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Thanks to a colourful, well-designed world, challenging platforming sections and engaging gameplay, The Smurfs – Mission Vileaf solidifies itself as an example of one of the best children’s franchise tie-in games we’ve seen in recent years. It might be a bit too challenging for younger players by themselves, but it means it’s just as fun for adults, too. This is a commendable 3D platforming adventure that players of all ages will enjoy.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Focusing on puzzles rather than action – most noteworthy encounters are delivered via quick time events – Oxide Room 104 may be rough around the edges but it has a certain something that elevates it above many of its competitors. It has a genuinely oppressive atmosphere, its puzzles are engaging, and its looping mechanic adds a exciting twist. If you’re a survival horror fan looking for something that will occupy an evening or two, this may just fit the bill.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Consisting of remakes of the first two games in the series, Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake is a somewhat simpler experience than Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. You play the first game with just one party member, for example. It's still charming, though, with Dragon Quest 2 being a highlight, but both titles still might feel a little too archaic in ways.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There’s not a great deal of competition out there when it comes to tennis games on current-gen consoles, but it’s safe to say AO Tennis 2 is one of the better options. If you can forgive its overly-long load times and mediocre graphics, it’ll provide you with plenty of options for a solid game of tennis.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Skate City isn’t going to wow you. If you have the patience to master its awkward controls, however, it’s a game you can keep going back to, delving into it for as long or little as you please. With its action more grounded, it’s not as exciting to play as some of its competitors, but some will enjoy its more technical gameplay and showboating element that arises out of its video editing features.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    When you take Feather at face value, it’s a lovely little game to have on the Switch for times when you’ve had a stressful day and want something to distract yourself. It would be nice if the game offered some guidance or a simple mission structure to give you more purpose, but as Feather is right now, it’s enjoyable if you go in knowing it’s a short, relaxing, simplistic experience.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Is Iron Man VR the best VR superhero game out there? No – that honour has to go to Megaton Rainfall. But it’s still up there, and thanks to the Quest 2’s superior tracking, this is a much better experience than it was on PSVR. And so, you’re a Meta Quest 2-owning Marvel fan, you won’t regret stepping into Tony Stark’s iron underpants.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The full package is great experience and offers plenty of fun, but just don’t go into UEFA Euro 2016 expecting an authentic representation of the competition.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ultimately, whether you should buy Space Invaders Invincible Collection depends on how much of an ardent Space Invaders fan you are. If you really do have fond memories of the original and feel like you could play it for hours again, as well as discover some more associated titles, it’s probably well worth your hard-earned cash. Most, though, are probably better off opting for the cheaper Space Invaders Forever collection; it also includes Space Invaders Extreme, offering the same core gameplay wrapped up in a much more modern and enjoyable package.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite its problematic narrative, Shadwen is a very unique game that breathes new life into a genre that hasn’t seen much development in a while.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Human: Fall Flat is without a doubt an interesting little game. The dream-like tone is achieved to great effect, and the core gameplay hook is a solid one that has theoretically limitless possibilities. It is a shame therefore that there are only eight levels, which can be quickly played through in around five hours, and that only a few feel like a true sandbox.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Those fond of the Spelunker series will find plenty to like about Spelunker HD Deluxe, and those that enjoy challenging retro games will probably get a kick out of it too. It perhaps stays a little too close to its roots for the majority of modern audiences, and the new 3D visuals can make some of its pitfalls harder to spot, which is a nuisance, but for the most part this is a solid remake of a blast from the past.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite the issues thrown my way while playing Mundaun, I kept going because it had me hooked. From the opening moments, it had my attention in a vice-like grip. Some aspects of its gameplay threatened to loosen that grip from time to time, but I soon get over them because I wanted to unravel the mystery at the heart of the game. With multiple endings, there’s reason to return, too. Whether you will or not is questionable, but there’s no denying that your first playthrough of this utterly unique experience will stick with you. Mundaun is far from perfect, but it’s destined to be a horror classic.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I haven’t played anything as delightfully Christmassy as Lake: Season’s Greetings, and for that it’s an absolute success. It’s just a shame that the stories around Providence Oaks haven’t been quite as compelling as those in the main game, making it more of a slog to get through. Still, I’m glad to have seen Providence Oaks covered in snow: simply beautiful.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There's nothing all that special about the gameplay of Platypus Reclayed, but shoot 'em up fans will likely be won over by its wonderful claymation visuals and often amusing weapons.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    At its best, League of Evil is a simple but challenging ride suited to short bursts of play. One that controls exceptionally, but struggles to fully amaze where its peers do so elsewhere.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If wrestling is your thing, WWE 2K18 does just enough to make it worthy of your attention, but you’ll always be left thinking that it could be so much more.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The low-res sprites of the original are gone, replaced with wonderfully drawn characters that are much more visually appealing.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re up for a challenge and fondly remember classic action games like Shinobi 3 or Strider, you’d be wise to pick Ganryu 2 up. It looks and plays great; aside from some bouts of slowdown and a dearth of options, there’s nothing really to complain about. And best of all, it’s available at a price that won’t break the bank.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’ve been longing for more Cuphead, then The Delicious Last Course is for you. But if you were, for whatever reason, hoping for a big shake-up in terms of gameplay or difficulty, you’re not going to find it here. Brutal but beautiful, this is simply more Cuphead, be that for better or for worse.

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