GameSpew's Scores

  • Games
For 3,616 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 2.3 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 73
Highest review score: 100 Knights And Bikes
Lowest review score: 10 Soda Drinker Pro
Score distribution:
3627 game reviews
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Yakuza 0 was brilliant when it released on PS4, was even better when released on PC, and remains brilliant now that it’s on Xbox One. If you’ve never played a Yakuza game before, this is the ideal place to jump in, and the budget price along with its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass means the barrier to entry is low. Yakuza 0 is addictive, zany, compelling, funny… I could go on for a very long time. All you need to know is that you should play it. So do it. Now.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There’s some fun to be had with Granblue Fantasy: Versus. Its cast is likeable and the accessible combat means that anyone can play and have a good time time. At least initially, anyway. And I’m sure I’ve already mentioned that it’s probably the best looking fighting game available. It’s just a shame that the combat lacks depth in the long run, that its RPG mode is a bit grindy, and that there isn’t a great deal of content. Granblue Fantasy: Versus is a good fighting game, but there are many better, more generous, offerings out there, even if they don’t look quite as nice.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As unappealing as Separation‘s opening is, it’s worth pushing past, mountain-hopping and all. Separation’s creator was supposedly inspired by Ico – and while the first location you encounter is a dead ringer for Shadow of the Colossus, it’s got a character all its own. It’s almost a shame it’s VR only; while it might not have quite the same impact otherwise, Separation deserves to be experienced by as many people as possible.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re a Picross fan, there’s a lot to like in Depixtion. It’s a worthy addition to an ever-growing picture puzzle library on Switch. The nice twist on the colour format makes it feel like something slightly different, and its intuitive controls and easy-to-navigate menus make it one of the better options out there. For $7.99, it provides excellent value for money, too – it’s just a shame it’s missing a couple of accessibility options.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you love Hotline Miami and are after an experience that’s similar but faster-paced, by all means give Bloodroots a try. You’ll probably like it. If you have access to a PS4 or PC, however, you should probably pick it up on one of those formats instead.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    If Overpass‘ events were a bit shorter, if you felt like you had more of a connection with your vehicle, if you didn’t get stuck so often, then it would actually be a decent game. As it stands, however, it’s rarely fun. Playing Overpass just made me angry, and I don’t like being angry. It’s like banging your head against a brick wall, repeatedly. It’s frustrating beyond belief. Why would you want to pay to introduce that feeling into your life?
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Samurai Shodown is a good fighting game. It really is. But the Switch version’s framerate issues, long loading times, and blurry visuals stacking on top of the existing lack of content and modes, however, its cost is a large pill to swallow. If you’ve got money to burn you’ll certainly get some joy out of it, but with fighters like Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late[cl-r] now available on Switch, it could be better spent elsewhere.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It provides the sort of addictive gameplay loop that you think you’ll get bored of after 10 minutes – yet four hours later you’re still there, continuing to decimate stick men with a huge grin on your face. Seriously, One Finger Death Punch 2 is a hell of a lot more fun than it has any right to be. And for such a cheap price, there’s absolutely no reason to not give it a go.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Two Point Hospital on console is simply a delight. Anyone who has fond memories of playing Theme Hospital will find themselves right at home here. Packed with challenge, wonderful humour and a flawless control scheme, it’s very hard to find fault with anything Two Point Hospital has to offer. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have patients to tend to – and will you please stop dying in the corridors?
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you’ve never played Metro 2033 or Metro Last Light before, consider Metro Redux on Switch a mandatory purchase. You deserve it. And if you’ve already played these games but fancy having them available on the go, be aware that they’re perhaps not best played in handheld mode in broad daylight, but don’t let it totally put you off.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    By all means, add Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection to your library with haste if you want yet more hardcore platforming action. Even faster if the mere mention of Mega Man has your nostalgia senses tingling. Unless you’re a fan though, be cautious and know what you’re getting yourself into. There’s fun to be had here, sure, but it’s found in pockets among huge swathes of frustration.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Infliction: Extended Cut can’t match the mighty P.T. when it comes to playing with your mind or providing scares, but it has a good go at it. For a game largely developed by just one man, that’s a pretty great achievement. Check it out the next time you want a spooky night in.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The main campaign will take you at least 25-30 hours to beat, and if you’re having fun, dozens more hours can be sunk into end-game content. As long as you don’t want it do, the quest for better gear never ends.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As 2D platformers go, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is up there with the best of them. It has brilliant music, colourful visuals, inventive stages, and is generally just a joy to play. This SEGA Ages version is better than most thanks to its responsive controls and wealth of additional features, and that’s why you should probably pick it up. Whether you’re experiencing it for the first time or are a massive fan looking for another speedy blue fix, you can’t really go wrong with SEGA AGES: Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    You’re not going to blown away by Katana Kami: A Way of the Samurai Story. Don’t expect it to amaze you in any way. It is, however, a very enjoyable dungeon crawler that’s very easy to sink time into. Developing powerful swords and using them to get further into a cavernous dungeon is as engrossing as you’d expect it to be. And the fact that those swords could be lost at any moment should you suffer defeat adds tension. This isn’t the Way of the Samurai experience you’re probably used to, but it’s just as entertaining nonetheless.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    It feels like a pointless endeavour to stick a score on something like this, really. Thanks to recent titles such as River City Girls and timeless classics such as Streets of Rage 2, I’ve found playing most of the titles in Double Dragon & Kunio-Kun: Retro Brawler Bundle to be painful, at best. To me, they’re now nothing more than curios; relics of the past that are good to be remembered but not to be played. But you might feel differently. It’s a costly gamble to find out.
    • 48 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ciel Fledge: A Daughter Raising Simulator has some great ideas. But the moment-to-moment gameplay is, for the most part, dull and not all that engaging.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late[cl-r] might just be the best fighting game available on Switch. In fact, I’ll just say it: it is the best fighting game on Switch. It doesn’t have 40+ characters and it doesn’t have the history or familiarity of franchises such as Street Fighter, but it doesn’t need them. Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late[cl-r] simply puts up a bloody good fight and that’s all you can ask for. The cavalcade of modes in which to sink your teeth into is just the icing on an already delicious cake.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There’s no question that LUNA: The Shadow Dust has been a passion project for Lantern Studio. The care and attention that’s gone into even the smallest details is plain and clear to see. While its puzzles can be quite obtuse at times, any video game enthusiast will be happy to turn a blind eye to experience what this game has to offer. It isn’t perfect, and it isn’t for everyone, but it’s a true accomplishment – of that I have no doubt.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It’s not as good as Psikyo Shooting Stars Alpha, but Psikyo Shooting Stars Bravo is still an interesting proposition for shoot ’em up fans. It’s expected, what with this collection launching so quickly after the first, that it doesn’t do anything to address its predecessor’s shortfalls, but it’s still a little disappointing. If you’re after yet more shoot ’em ups to add to your ever-growing Switch collection and don’t mind the lack of extras, go ahead and jump right in. Most will probably want to wait for a decent sale though.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    What’s really special about Florence, though, is how relatable everything is. No matter what walk of life we come from, there’s something here we’ve all experienced. Be it falling in love, breaking up, being stuck in a boring job – there’s a bit of Florence in all of us.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Bayonetta & Vanquish 10th Anniversary Bundle is a must-have, especially for those who haven’t yet played either of these stunning games.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Packed with droves of tension and atmosphere, The Suicide of Rachel Foster will keep you on your toes. Even when nothing awaits you around the next corner other than an empty corridor, you’ll find yourself constantly looking over your shoulder, expecting the worst at any moment. And with a twisting, gut-wrenching story spanning past and present, it’ll keep you glued to your screen until the credits roll.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you like a good book but also appreciate aural and visual stimulation, it’s definitely worth picking up on Switch, allowing you to enjoy it on your big TV or in handheld mode in bed.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    It’s quite the comprehensive package. Powering through it all will be a test for many, though. Daemon X Machina has many of the ingredients of a great mech combat game but the end result isn’t wholesome. It’s flat, lacking in flavour, and gets stale all too quickly.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    I’d have liked to have had more fun with Table Manners, but its purposefully-awkward controls ended up being just too awkward to bear. It’s a balancing act, and sadly I feel like developer Echo Chamber Games has missed the mark. It should be silly and entertaining – and it is, for a few minutes – but it quickly devolves into frustration. Maybe involving some friends might make it a bit more enjoyable. But by yourself, Table Manners just isn’t much fun.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While it initially took me a while to get into, and the random nature of the encounters can sometimes be annoying, there’s a lot to enjoy with Here Be Dragons.
    • 46 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    With a running time of around ten hours, it speaks volumes that Arc of Alchemist still manages to outstay its welcome. Chances are you’ll be bored of it within two. Even its bosses aren’t noteworthy. If you do somehow manage to find yourself fond of the game, there’s New Game + so you can start again and maybe try a different party, but god knows why you’d want to. Arc of Alchemist isn’t the worst action RPG I’ve ever played, but it’s crushingly dire, and not worthy of your time or money.
    • 33 Metascore
    • 20 Critic Score
    Unless Dawn of Fear gets heavily patched after launch, steer well clear of it unless you’re a glutton for punishment or have the patience of a saint.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Sisters Royale: Five Sisters Under Fire isn’t a bad game by any means. It struggles to impress, however. It’s just too light on features and content, and its gameplay doesn’t excite on the same level that many of the other shooters currently available do. If you’ve exhausted every other shooter in your library and want something new to play, you’ll find some enjoyment here, but it’ll be short-lived. This a game best put on your ‘wait for sale’ list.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Quite a sizeable game for its price – you can expect to get at least ten hours of play out of it. It has decent music and visuals, too. It’s just a shame that its story isn’t engaging at all. If it wasn’t for the enjoyable nature of its battles – which admittedly don’t try to raise the bar – it’d be a total disaster. So, if you’re a fan of The Dark Crystal or just love strategy RPGs, you’ll get some enjoyment out of it. Just don’t expect it to blow you away.
    • 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.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    More than being a video game, Kentucky Route Zero is a work of art – in fact it probably belongs in a museum rather than on our PCs or consoles. And just like any piece of art, it’s unlikely to resonate with everyone who experiences it. But if you’ve been waiting for the conclusion of this drawn-out adventure, you’ll be glad to finally have it.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Monster Energy Supercross 3 is yet another great Supercross racing experience by Milestone. It’s a shame that the developer has trimmed content from the career mode rather than add to it or give it more meaning, but improvements elsewhere make an impact. Thanks to improved physics, the usual graphical tweaks and the introduction of dedicated servers, Monster Energy Supercross 3 is the best entry in the series to date.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If you have an Xbox One X and sit a fair distance away from your TV to play though, definitely give it a wide berth until you know its text has been enlarged via a patch. Assuming one is ever delivered, that is.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    I did not enjoy my time with Bookbound Brigade, but I do say that with a heavy heart. I really wanted to like the game. It has a lot of character and some nice work has gone into its visual design. But its problems are insurmountable and ultimately you’re left with a game that’s too frustrating and filled with too many issues to ever be fun to play. At least Bookbound Brigade tries some different ideas on for size. They don’t fit, but at least the developer tries. Isn’t that what counts? “It’s not the winning, but the taking part.” Sadly, nobody’s a winner playing Bookbound Brigade, and there’s nothing to celebrate by taking part, either.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I’ve nothing but praise for The Pedestrian. Its fantastic concept shines through, but beautiful graphics and excellent, inclusive game design make it something quite special. If you enjoy platforming games and want something with a bit of a twist, you could do a lot worse than The Pedestrian.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The timeless, colourful visuals and stand-out gameplay means even those who aren’t familiar with it will have a blast, too. SEGA AGES gets yet another stellar addition to its range: whether you’ve played it before or not, SEGA AGES Fantasy Zone needs to be in any self-respecting shooter fan’s game library.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I can’t see Cuisine Royale becoming an esport, but it’s got a respectable following and I never once had problems getting a match. While the push to purchase/unlock items can be irritating, there’s still a lot of fun to be had here. Even if you’re not last man standing, you can rest easy in the knowledge you went to your grave wearing a posing pouch and a plague doctor’s mask.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With solid mechanics, one of the most imaginative game worlds we've seen in a long time and a killer sense of humour, Journey to the Savage Planet is pure joy from start to finish.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Shinobi isn’t the best game in the series – that accolade belongs to Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master – but it’s still a classic, and it’s still very much playable. Like all of the SEGA AGES entries, it’s fairly priced considering the additional features, so if you’ve ever enjoyed combating ZEED as Joe Musashi it’s worth picking up. It’s just a shame that AGES mode focuses on making the game easier rather than changing the gameplay up.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ultimately, this Switch port of Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath is seriously worth considering if you’ve never played the game before. Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath HD remains original, engaging, fun, and humorous. It feels nearly as fresh now as it did 15 years ago – though I’m not sure if that’s a compliment to the game or an indictment of the games industry. Either way, Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath HD deserves to be loved, so give it a go. The Switch is as good a format as any to play it on. In fact, it might even be the best. Only its inflated price should make you think twice.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite its problems though, Rugby 20 still boasts the most impressive rugby videogame experience you’ll be able to find. While its lack of atmosphere and limited longevity stand in the way of it being as good as it could be, the joy of actually playing a match is hard to beat. Hard-hitting tackles, tense build-up play and tactical tweaks make Rugby 20 a must-play for any fan, as long as they’re willing to overlook its shortcomings.
    • 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.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hardcore Mecha is a gorgeous, robotic thrill-ride with more than enough variety to keep you hooked from beginning to end. Even if mechs leave you cold, it’s well worth strapping in for.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If, like me, you love The Surge 2 and are after some additional content to draw you back into the game, you’ll enjoy your time with its Kraken expansion but will be very disappointed with its short running time.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot you can simply enjoy an epic story from start to finish, while engaging in action RPG gameplay that's both rewarding and exciting despite its shortcomings.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While Super Crush KO isn’t perfect, it’s hard to play without a smile on your face. Brawlers aren’t usually my cup of tea, but this title is smooth, exciting, fun and a real joy to play. And it really fits perfectly on the Nintendo Switch. With a few tweaks to allow players to up the difficulty, I have no doubt that Super Crush KO will attract a passionate band of followers.
    • 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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    You could argue ’til the nightmare cows come home about the fractured nature of SELF‘s narrative. The lack of a clear conclusion might be off-putting to some, and there are a couple of points where the translation or spelling is off. But SELF is a joyously unsettling experience, entertaining and mind-bending in equal measure and one that will stay with you long after you’re done.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Atelier Dusk Trilogy Deluxe Pack is a great package. It’s true that Atelier Ayesha through to Atelier Shallie aren’t exactly the pinnacle of JRPGs, but they’re very solid nonetheless. And here you’re getting them enhanced and with a considerable amount of DLC. The only real downer in the whole affair is Atelier Ayesha‘s performance problems.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Devoid of any conflict or action, Mythic Ocean is a tranquil, laid-back experience. It’s the perfect remedy for a busy day; traversing the ocean depths is serene and relaxing, and encountering the game’s myriad of weird and wonderful creatures is continually delightful. If you’ve enjoyed games in the past such as Abzu or Dear Esther, you’ll find something to love here. And the fact that Mythic Ocean has been created by such a small team makes it even more impressive.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training for Nintendo Switch certainly isn’t as good as its predecessors. With its letter and number recognition problems and the Switch’s controllers not detecting arm movements accurately, there are some minigames that players will definitely be put off by. But its unique new additions that utilise the Switch’s IR camera are a real joy to play – and more than anything, even if it’s not perfect, it’s just lovely to have Dr. Kawashima on the Switch at last.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you want to play Monster Hunter World: Iceborne at its prettiest, be warned that you need a beefy PC. With every graphical option set at max and at 4K resolution, my poor RTX 2070 struggles to provide a consistent 30fps experience. That is, unless I enable DLSS, which improves performance considerably. In the end, however, I’ve settled at 1440p, which still provides the eye candy but allows me to play at a pretty much constant 60fps.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    It has moments of fun which means it’s probably worth dipping in if you’re a hardcore dino-fan, but there’s little here to make it stand out. And given the potential of the game’s scaly antagonists, that’s a Jurassic disappointment.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s a shame the graphics don’t look as sharp as they should on Xbox One X, but it’s a small issue in an otherwise unique game.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Wattam isn’t without its flaws; in particular, the more characters you gather, the harder it is to quickly switch between them. But even when your journey’s done, there’s more than enough here to draw you back in, whether you’re tackling the game in co-op mode, hunting for those few elusive characters you’ve missed or just diving into this daft and wonderfully charming world.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    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.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Once you’ve figured out what you’re supposed to be doing, Tools Up! is good for a few laughs with a friend or two. But don’t expect to take the game seriously; if you’re aiming for three-star success you’re likely to find it more frustrating than fun.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I’ve had a lot to complain about, but SuperEpic is still quite fun to play, and I never found it difficult to keep coming back to fight and explore the twisting halls of RegnantCorp.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    The fact that it’s free if you have the Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove means it’s worth giving a go, but don’t expect it to keep you going back for more.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It’s a game I’ll certainly be coming back to again and again, hoping to perform just that little better each time.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It’s my least favourite of the Shovel Knight entries, but with the bar raised so high, that doesn’t mean that King of Cards isn’t worth your time. Plus, if you already own Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove you get it included in that for free anyway, so you may as well give it a go. I feel like Shovel Knight: King of Cards is going to be like Marmite: some will love it and others will hate it. Though “hate” might be too strong a word. Rather they just won’t be as enamoured with it as other Shovel Knight releases.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite its issues, Simulacra still kept me hooked for the duration of my playthrough. I’m not sure I’ll want to jump back in any time soon, but I’m glad I snooped on Anna’s phone and found out what happened to her. However, if you have a PC, perhaps play it on there: not only is it easier to navigate than the console release, it’s also less than half the price on Steam.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re after yet more Darksiders action and aren’t put off by the change in viewpoint, which you shouldn’t be, Darksiders Genesis will not disappoint. Even better, it’s available a bit cheaper than usual releases. Airship Syndicate has created a game that both fans and those new to the series can jump into and have a great deal of fun. And thanks to co-op, it no longer has to be a solitary affair.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Phoenix Point’s blend of combat, research management and global exploration is thoroughly compelling, even if the factions can be a little trying. Whether you’ve got fond memories of Julian Gollop’s original game or not, he and his team have taken old school strategy and dragged it kicking, screaming and gurgling into the modern day.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    For those attempting to use a controller you’ll likely give up before the game has barely started.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ultimately, while Arise: A Simple Story has some wonderful ideas, it’s let down by unenjoyable gameplay.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With a lovely art style and an entirely intriguing concept, Where the Water Tastes Like Wine is unlike anything you’ll have played before. Its uniqueness makes it worthwhile, but some slow-moving elements, inconsequential mechanics and a few lacklustre stories mean it doesn’t stand out quite as much as it should.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Age of Empires II is a game that has demonstrably lasted the test of time and arguably didn’t need an update; even in its original form it remains a real staple of the real-time strategy genre. However, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has taken that winning formula and ever-so-slightly tweaked it; not enough to disrupt anything that makes the game some great in the first place, but just enough to bring the game into the modern day.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I have to give credit to Hideo Kojima for trying to make something different. For me it didn’t pay off, but I did feel there were moments of brilliance here and there. Death Stranding is an ambitious game, but it’s also one that’s self-indulgent and overwrought. With better pacing and the excising of some of its less flattering content and features, Death Stranding could have been something special. As it is, however, it’s just a slog that ultimately turns around and spits in your face.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With a few more song options and maybe a way to slow down the dances so you can learn them at a slower pace, Zumba Burn It Up! is a worthwhile addition to your library if you’re looking for a fun way to work out.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Even if you’re not the type to want to fill your Pokédex or endlessly hunt for shinies, Pokémon Sword‘s charm is enough to keep you engaged until after the credits roll.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With a wonderfully designed setting, it’s hard not to love Pokémon Sword.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Galar is simply a joy to explore.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I’m glad that Shenmue 3 exists, and I hope the series continues so fans get the conclusion they deserve. It’s just a shame that it has rooted itself in the past. What’s been delivered is sure to delight those who were eager for Ryo Hazuki’s story to continue, but more could have been done to make the series relevant to gamers who haven’t played the 20 year old originals. Shenmue 3 is both a miracle and a missed opportunity. It’s no doubt a masterpiece for a minority, but most will find it simply mediocre.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Due to its extensive range of options and the amount of challenge provided, the highs that can be achieved from being successful in Football Manager 2020 Touch are that much greater than last year’s iteration. And thanks to newly added features to improve the youth team, and a much wider set of goals from the club, that success feels more dynamic than ever before. Football Manager 2020 Touch proves that the series is more than the stuffy old manager with the same ideas that always work; it’s also a young and exciting manager ready to innovate.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It feels like a reinvention of the series, and if this is the starting block that is built upon in further releases, I’m in.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Still There is deeply complicated and sophisticated combining genres in such a way that it feels like something brand new. Taking about five hours to complete, give or take however long it takes players to beat the puzzles, Still There is a pleasure to play and one that will stick with you for a long time after.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Cut features, heavily downgraded visuals and inadequate controls make the Switch version of WRC 8 simply a lot less enjoyable. And that’s a real shame.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you’re a fan of the Terminator franchise and are after a single-player experience that lets you faithfully enter its world, you won’t be disappointed with Terminator: Resistance. Even its story is pretty good. Just don’t go in expecting a big-budget epic, because that’s not what it is. It’s simply a budget game with a fair amount of soul.
    • 46 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    While some will no doubt find enjoyment in beating up goons in Stay Cool, Kobayashi-san!, most will find it overly repetitive and a tad too obscure. With its basic combat, small pool of enemies and often unfair bosses, there’s little here to pull Stay Cool, Kobayashi-san! out of mediocrity. Its saving grace is that it’s relatively cheap, so you won’t feel too let down by its short running time should you decide to take the plunge.
    • 52 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Doctor Who: The Edge of Time has flashes of excellence and, if you’re a hardcore Doctor Who fan, you’ll get something out of it. But for a show that’s had this long a run, there’s really nothing remarkable about Doctor Who: The Edge of Time.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Being able to jump straight in to everything right from the start is a huge bonus, and being free of limitations – at least in terms of how far a toy village can go, of course – is a breath of fresh air.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Its blend of action and adventure works brilliantly for the most part, and once you've acquired all of the powers at your disposal, you do often truly feel like a Jedi; there's nothing quite like using Force Push to send an entire squadron of Stormtroopers off the edge of a cliff to their inevitable doom. Players are likely to encounter some frustrations throughout the adventure though. The Force is strong with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, but sometimes glimpses of the dark side seep through.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There’s not much to dislike in Bubble Bobble 4 Friends if you’re looking for some simple yet solid arcade action. Whether you play alone or with friends, there’s fun to be had, and with 100 levels to get through, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into. Its modern facelift looks great, but it is little more than an old classic in disguise.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For fans of the Rogue-like genre, Sparklite is a cute, easy-to-learn title. If you’re looking for a single-player adventure and you don’t mind spending some time grinding in order to upgrade your character, then this is a great title for you. The controls are smooth and sleek, its characters intriguing, and its boss battles ingeniously challenging. The fun soundtrack is also worth a mention, channelling classic adventure games of the 90s. Just don’t expect much from the co-op elements of the game, and you’ll have a good time.
    • 47 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With its interesting story and a variety of unique ideas Thief of Thieves: Season One is bound to entertain. Just don’t expect it to make a lasting impact on you, because it won’t.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    At the very least, it’s made me think twice about swatting any bee that ends up inside the house from now on. Not wasps, though. They can still go right to hell.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Superliminal is fun. It may not be challenging, and it might not have a deeper message behind it, but it’s a hell of a ride – and on many levels it’s a technical masterpiece. Actually that description makes it sound like a Marvel film, so I guess that means I can recommend it to pretty much anyone unless you’re Martin Scorsese or Francis Ford Coppola.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A triumphant return to form for a series that has gone off the track in recent years. With its nail-biting police chases and electrifying sense of speed, Need for Speed Heat is the most exciting and tense arcade racing game we’ve had the pleasure of playing in years. It proves that there’s life in the old dog yet, even in a world in which Forza Horizon exists, and we’re very glad of that.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    We Were Here Together isn’t going to be for everyone, but if you’re a good communicator and enjoy working together then you really ought to give it a try.
    • 45 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Despite what you might have seen or read on social media, WWE 2K20 isn’t unplayable or broken. Or at least not in my experience. But it also doesn’t push the series forward in any way, nor is it polished. MyCareer mode has an entertaining story to tell, but it’s not worth the price of the game alone, and other modes don’t really offer anything groundbreaking or truly new. So overall, while WWE 2K20 isn’t terrible, there’s no reason to pick it up if you already have WWE 2K19 in your games library.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    New Super Lucky’s Tale is better than its predecessor in many ways, but in some areas it falls short, mainly because of the hardware it’s running on. By streamlining Super Lucky’s Tale, Playful Studios has made its colourful 3D platformer even better, removing unnecessary fluff that brought the experience down.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    As a game, its handling and level design redeem it, but the lack of track variety and the disappointing amount of content make it poor value for money.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    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.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s a charming adventure set against a gorgeous backdrop, and even though it may take a while to get going, it’s worth persevering with. Its combat is engaging, exploration is a delight, and its characters are a pleasure to know. Even if you’ve never played an Atelier game before, Atelier Ryza is one worth jumping into.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s the perfect game to get out when you have family around for an occasion, and the retro events will likely elicit fond memories from gamers of a certain age. And to top it all off, there’s a decent single-player mode to get stuck into. It’s not perfect, but as mini-game collections go, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is up there with the best of them.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It’s a bit simple, so it’s never going to excite in the same way that God of War or Devil May Cry V does, but that doesn’t mean some won’t get a decent amount of enjoyment out of it.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With the addition of truly inventive boss battles and puzzles that really make you think, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a joy to play and was well worth the six year wait. And with the addition of multiplayer mode, you and your friends are sure to be talking about it for months to come.

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