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
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Its final boss is destined to prevent all but the most dedicated of players from truly finishing it, but the journey there is so enjoyable that most won’t care. Ninjin: Clash of Carrots is so unique that you can’t help but give it some slack.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s shame that Andro Dunos 2 doesn’t have more modes. And a lack of online leaderboards and display options in this day and age is perplexing. But still, there’s a very well put together shoot ’em up here for anyone keen on some old-school action. It doesn’t do anything particularly new, but its gameplay truly shines, making this very much worth playing.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It may not be original, and with only 25 levels you’ll likely be done with it in a few hours, but that doesn’t stop Manic Mechanics being jolly good fun to play. Tackle it by yourself if you want, but this zany repair ’em up shines when you’re playing with a friend or three. It’s colourful, it’s humorous, and it’s easy to pick up and play – basically, it ticks all the boxes of a solid co-operative party game.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Shadow Warrior 3 isn’t a very big game. It doesn’t really innovate, either, or let you breathe. But on the flipside of that, it’s focused, and doesn’t waste any of your time. You’re ushered from one combat encounter to another with a big smile on your face, the action never letting up, all the while bombarded with witty dialogue and visual gags that will genuinely make you chuckle. So, if that sounds like your idea of fun, jump right in. You won’t be disappointed.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I can’t think of many other open world games that pack in as much character, as much wonderfully crafted narrative that Days Gone does. Sure, it’s a story about a world overrun with a deadly virus. But it’s also a story about people, about hope, about survival. It's at times uplifting, others heartbreaking. Couple that with Days Gone's beautiful setting and a varied array of well-designed story missions, and you're left with something pretty special.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Don’t skip the dialogue, investigate everything properly, and experience Corpse Party in its full glory.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There’s a lot to praise about A Memoir Blue. It looks and sounds beautiful, and feels almost experimental in its design – it’s always a joy to see small developers trying something new. But it does leave a little to be desired; its short narrative fails to deliver any real punch, and when the credits roll you may be left thinking “…is that it?”. But considering its small asking price, we can’t really complain. If you enjoy narrative-led journeys, particularly those that deal in human emotion, A Memoir Blue is worth picking up.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While Fishing Sim World hasn’t got me hooked for the long term, I can see myself biting and going back for more from time to time.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I loved my time with Beyond Blue. It’s incredibly relaxing being able to swim through the ocean, and mesmerising to reach depths that many of us will never see in real life. From its interesting story, fantastic soundtrack and admirable inclusion of educational elements, Beyond Blue is an excellent title that a wide gamut of gamers will enjoy. It isn’t free of issues, but they don’t deter from the magic of diving into an unexplored underwater world.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Song of the Deep doesn’t simply shine in one place more than another because there are so many elements that all come together to make this game truly fantastic.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If Telltale continues down this path, the season finale of The New Frontier may be one of their best yet. Sure, it might be too early to call, but the biased fan in me reckons Telltale might just pull it off. Telltale has seriously upped the ante with more action and tougher decisions to make, and Thicker Than Water has definitely been my favourite of the series so far.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As always, [Freeplay] adds a great deal of value and content to the game, and is likely to be where you’ll have most fun.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    For most of us though, the frustrating world traversal, disappointing combat flourishes and all-too-generic gameplay will make it hard to find a reason to stick with Death end; re Quest.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fairy Tail is over-the-top, comical and captivating – and it’s one of the most enjoyable JRPGs I’ve sank my teeth into in some time.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With its elegant design, solid gameplay and a narrative that keeps you engaged, Aragami is a wonderful return – and tribute – to the old formula of classic stealth.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    GRIP: Combat Racing may never really dazzle you, but it does enough to keep your attention. It has the content, the customisation, the intensity, and the replayability.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A fitting end to Max and Chloe's story, it's a real joy to have these two iconic characters back together again. While the story, revolving around Caledon University and Abraxas, might not be quite as gripping as it should be, this is still a very strong entry into the series, with brilliant visuals, stellar voice acting, and a great mixture of puzzle-solving, evidence-hunting and exploration.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    So, The Detail Season 1 isn’t perfect, but what ever is? It fails in some places and shines in others. Despite the clunky gameplay elements, there’s a unique style and an expertly written cast of characters waiting to be uncovered for those who are willing to stick it out. For all its problems, The Detail still has plenty there to make me excited for the next season.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s rare a story can be so powerful without the need to rely on some kind of grand narrative. It may not be the best in terms of gameplay, and at times you may wish you were just watching a movie, but the story that Fragments of Him tells is in equal measures important, beautiful, heartbreaking and uplifting. For that reason alone, it’s an experience well worth investing in.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Lion’s Song: Episode 1 – Silence is a short yet very enjoyable experience.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A Normal Lost Phone is a game with a really brilliant concept. It covers complicated, sensitive topics which, in many ways, is a bold and brave thing to do in today’s world.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re the patient type who longs for something unequivocally different to play on the Nintendo Switch, Little Inferno certainly delivers the goods.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Big things come in small packages, and much like its levels, OVIVO shows that it’s not about getting caught up in the details; it’s about looking at the bigger picture.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Episode 2: The Pact far exceeded my expectations.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite its disappointing combat system and its missed opportunity for providing a more engaging story, Thea: The Awakening still manages to be a riveting game that’ll keep you hooked for hours.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Like most tactical RPGs, there’s a lot to keep track of in Warsaw. If you’re new to the genre, it can be overwhelming; the game does have adjustable difficulty levels, but lowering the difficulty doesn’t change all that players have to pay attention to as they play. The story is well-written, but combat gets quickly repetitive as it contains no bosses, special events or anything to differentiate one battle from another. If you’re looking for a challenging tactics-based game, Warsaw is well worth a go. It’s just a shame that the excellent world-building takes something of a back seat.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As a turn-based strategy game primarily aimed at kids, its hard not to view Transformers: Battlegrounds as anything other than a success. It’s streamlined, but not so much so that older Transformers fans won’t be able get a kick out of the action, especially if they crank up the difficulty. And while its presentation isn’t the best, it’s bold and colourful enough to excite its target market. Add in the fact that it’s somewhat budget priced, and you have a game that should prove a hit with younger Transformers fans, and a good introduction to the turn-based strategy genre.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for a platforming experience that won’t push you to your limits but instead engage you in a thoughtful, sometimes meditative journey, then you won’t go far wrong with Journey of the Broken Circle. There are a few issues with its writing and translation, but there’s nothing to detract from its beautiful art and sumptuous soundtrack. Slow down, enjoy the scenery, and take heed of its message.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Persistence Enhanced is well worth checking out if you’re a horror fan, especially if you also like a bit of stealth. Those fond of roguelikes will no doubt get a kick out of it too. However, the game’s repetitive nature alongside its clunky and often unfair combat will likely result in some frustration, and maybe even cause some to give up on their bid for freedom. Players who do see their journey to its end, though, will find a welcome assortment of complimentary modes that will entice them to go back for more deck exploring action.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A roguelike first-person shooter with a brinepunk aesthetic, Abyssus provides a lot of frantic fun, especially if played in co-op. Its progression could do with a little work, though, with you needing to grind Soul Fragments to unlock basic upgrades that feel necessary for your survival, alongside some pesky difficulty spikes.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The developers have created a very interesting world, and the brilliant atmosphere coupled with varied gameplay makes for a very worthwhile experience. Sure, some of the mechanics of Get Even could have been a little more polished or refined, and perhaps some players will be turned off by the intense surrealism employed by the game, but if you can look past that and stay for the ride, it's definitely worth it.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There’s something about Tokyo 42 that makes it quite engrossing. Playing it often feels like hard work due to the annoying camera, but it’s strangely rewarding.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A wonderful open world adventure filled with racing and exploration, Wheel World is a joy to behold thanks to its intuitive controls and stunning cel-shaded art style. Even if you're not a fan of bicycles, this gorgeous little game is well worth your time.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s a challenging racer that may drive you up the wall at times, but it’s so rewarding when you finally tame the bikes in your garage and start being able to truly compete. It’s just a shame that, since its last-gen launch last October, nothing has been done to bolster its online offerings or make it a little bit easier for new players to get onboard. Still, the best bike-based racing game has assuredly just got better. If you love bikes, you need RIDE 4; it’s as simple as that.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s safe to say that our time with The Texas Chain Saw Massacre so far has had its ups and downs. We’ve generally loved playing as a killer, using our various skills to hunt down and execute unfortunate victims. Playing as a victim, however, our feelings are more complicated. Getting slaughtered while having no idea where you should be going or what you should be doing isn’t particularly enjoyable, though thankfully things do pick up once you’ve learned the maps a little. The sometimes finicky contextual actions and troublesome matchmaking remain, though, and the latter is only likely to get worse. In any case, there’s lots of fun to be had here for multiplayer horror fans. We’re just intrigued to see how Sumo Digital and Gun Interactive plan to keep the experience balanced and interesting in the long-term.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Things picked up with the ending, but Silt‘s bosses are in sore need of an overhaul. Thankfully, Silt has plenty of stand-out encounters to help erase the memory of those few middling ones. If you’ve the remotest interest in what lies below, this atmospheric aquatic outing is well worth diving into.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Uno
    Ultimately, if you enjoy Uno then you’ll probably enjoy this version of it.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If Capcom wanted to use this re-release as a way to drum-up interest in a new Devil May Cry game then I feel they've gone about it the wrong way, as there's nothing here that's going to expand the series' player base. But, for those who simply want to play the games and rekindle memories of times gone by, the Devil May Cry HD Collection may just suffice.
    • 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.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    For all its imperfections, Cozy Grove is enjoyable enough, even if it does start to get monotonous after a little while. Its limited daily playtime is suited better to a mobile device, but even on console there’s something nice about having somewhere to visit for a short while each day. There does need to be more to keep players occupied outside of a handful of quests, though. And performance is an issue that really needs to be addressed. Don’t expect a replacement for Animal Crossing, but Cozy Grove will raise a smile or two.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s the perfect pick-up-and-play game, and the Switch’s portable nature means Conga Master Party is right at home.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    I’ve spent hundreds of hours playing video games before now and, at the conclusion, felt good for having completed it… but it’s those shorter games, games like Pinstripe, that stick out in my mind as having formed a real connection and left a lasting impression.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Knockout Home Fitness is fairly simple when it comes to content and presentation, but there’s everything here you need for a great workout. The exercise regimes it has you completing are energetic, fun, and really do work up a sweat. It’s easy enough to follow along even if you’re a complete beginner, and the fact that you can tailor your daily workout to suit you is a nice touch. If you’re looking for a video game to help you get in shape, this is a fine choice.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    BOOR remains an enthralling, charming game that, with its beautifully rendered, challenging levels and innovative central mechanic, will have you hooked from beginning to end.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Akimbot feels like a blast from the past, but one that hasn't aged all that well. Sure, it's smooth, fast-paced and responsive, and there are some nice setpieces here and there to break up the gameplay — but it's not quite enough to stop it from feeling repetitive and a little long in the tooth.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    It’s a completely fine and competent game that may satisfying someone who is less discerning or has some time to kill with it. However, if you’re a fan of Zelda or action RPGs in general, you can do much better than Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you give Sublevel Zero Redux the time it deserves, you won’t be able to help falling in love with its approach to upgrades and consistent unrelenting challenge.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Medium isn't a bad game by any stretch of the imagination – it's just nothing special. The dual world mechanic doesn't offer much that's genuinely new or interesting, the next-gen visuals are let down by poor animation, and the controls are a bit clunky. It's also simply not scary. The saving grace is that the world that's been created here is interesting, allowing for a story that keeps you wondering what the next revelation will be throughout its eight-or-so hour running time. Still, there's good groundwork here if Bloober Team does ever deliver a sequel – hopefully with better facial animation, more grotesque enemies roaming its environments, and an actual combat system.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tequila Works has done a standout job of bringing to life a wonderful story in an unusual and accessible way, and I'd love to see more like this.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    RiMS Racing is an enticing prospect for motorbike racing fans. It’s got great audio and visuals, convincing physics, and eight of the world’s most desirable bikes recreated in stunning detail. Even better, the actual act of racing is challenging, but highly enjoyable. It’s just a shame that one of the features that makes it truly unique – fiddling with components to make sure your bike is in tip-top shape – quickly becomes rather tedious thanks to the long string of button inputs required. Thankfully you can get around it with a little bit of effort, then you’ll have a much better time.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Everything considered, No More Heroes 3 is an absolute treat on PS5. With the performance issues found in the Switch version a thing of the past, the visuals tidied up, and less waiting around for loading screens, you’re free to simply enjoy the zany story and wild action of Travis Touchdown’s latest caper. And what a rollercoaster of an experience it is. It won’t be for everyone, but if you have any love for the No More Heroes series or enjoy action games that are filled with silly humour and outrageous characters, this is for you.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mixing together adventure, stealth and a gripping narrative makes Tides of Tomorrow a very intriguing prospect indeed. It's just a shame that its novel 'online story-link' mechanic isn't as enjoyable as it should be, leaving you feeling like you're existing in someone else's shadow rather than carving out your own path through this unique world.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    As unpolished as it may be, though, there’s no denying that Crash Drive 3 is entertaining. It doesn’t try to be the best racing game or the best stunt-driving game, but it is a fun sandbox of exploration, competition and vehicular mayhem. If you’ve got a friend or two to join in with, it’s a perfectly adequate way to while away some hours.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Invincible has just about everything one could ask for in a sci-fi thriller: robots, the unknown, a foreboding sense of unease. Add to that some absolutely breath-taking visuals and you’ve got an adventure that’s hard to put down. Starward Industries has created something rather wonderful here, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There’s no doubt that 8-Bit Adventure Anthology Volume 1 is a good addition to your library if you’re a fan of classic point-and-click adventures, but if you’re new to the titles, then get ready for some frustration. If you do decide, at your own risk, to pick them up I’d consider getting them on PC rather than on console to avoid controller-induced rage fits.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mutant Year Zero: Deluxe Edition is now out on Nintendo Switch, and it includes new expansion, Seeds Of Evil. While this version runs smoothly, it exhibits poor visual fidelity compared to its console and PC counterparts. Whether in handheld or docked mode, a low resolution and blurry overall look reduce the luster of post-apocalyptic Sweden. It also makes scavenging areas for scrap and weapon parts--essential to keeping your Stalkers well-equipped, and already difficult items to spot--a lot harder.
    • 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.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Similar to a good RPG, any time spent with Riptide GP: Renegade is not wasted, even in defeat.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Drifting Lands takes two fantastic genres and marries the best aspects of them together with flair, creating an original and massively addictive experience that deserves to be on your radar.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    For the devout Assassin’s Creed Valhalla fan, there’s about 20 hours or so of solid gameplay to be gleamed out of Dawn of Ragnarok. A bit more if you want to see and do everything. But chances are it won’t particularly impress. It’s simply more of the same for the most part, with a story that fails to truly engage.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you like tense mysteries and slow-burning thrillers, Conway: Disappearance at Dahlia View really ought to be high on your most-wanted list. Expertly written and fantastically acted, its story is simply the decadent cherry on top of a thoroughly engaging dark investigative adventure.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Offering no single-player or online options, team ok’s love letter to the 90s yearns for the day when couch co-op reigned supreme.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Without convoluted gameplay systems and a myriad of menus to get your head around, Impact Winter's streamlined approach to the genre is faultlessly welcoming and instantly engaging.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    There is some joy to be gleaned from the game and if you’re avid follower of the Anima series you’ll enjoy picking through the game’s lore. Dip into it by all means but, stylish as it is, Anima Gate of Memories: The Nameless Chronicles does relatively little else to distinguish itself.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether or not you played its years-old predecessor, Beyond a Steel Sky is well worth your time. It’s well-written, funny and engaging – and despite a somewhat disappointing final act, it still shows that Revolution Software is leading the pack when it comes to crafting timeless adventure games. Robert Foster may have a forgettable name, but his journey is one that you’ll remember.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The parry-based combat style isn't going to be for everyone, but The Knightling has plenty more to offer to make up for it. This whimsical adventure has won me over thanks to its clever puzzles and its seriously enjoyable traversal — sledging down a big hill on the back of a big shield has no right being this much fun.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With Psychonauts 2 currently scheduled for release in 2018, Psychonauts: In the Rhombus of Ruin is the perfect way for long-time fans to revisit old friends, and for series newcomers to meet the gang in preparation for it.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It won’t scare your socks off, but if you can avoid getting bogged down by The Sinking City’s clunkier elements, there’s enough to enjoy here.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While Fox n Forests is never going to be remembered as a classic, it’s certainly just as good, if not better, than many of the platformers of yesteryear that people cling to with rose-tinted glasses.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Taken in reasonable doses, like the board game it’s based on, Space Hulk: Tactics is a rewarding and satisfying strategy game, whether you’re purging the unclean or punching your extendable jaws through an intergalactic fascist’s face. Thanks to its board game roots it’s a more claustrophobic experience than other turn-based strategy games, but set foot aboard this Space Hulk and you’ll have nothing to lose but your spleen.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A pleasant surprise. With an intriguing concept, open story, immersive environments and dynamic yet silent characters, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything else as unique. If you can look past the few technical issues – which can hopefully be ironed out with a patch – you’ll find a worthwhile story about overcoming loneliness and self-doubt, cherishing your friendships and rediscovering who you are.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There’s no denying that Deliver Us The Moon is an excellent sci-fi adventure. It gets the balance of puzzles, exploration and storytelling just right, and the narrative running through it is one that will keep you invested until the credits roll. It’s a great-looking game, too, and on the latest hardware, it looks even better than ever. DualSense features would have been nice for the PS5 version, but it’s hardly a dealbreaker. Go on: go deliver the moon. You won’t regret it.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It’s a shame that the combat of Born of Bread only feels half-baked, as it brings down what is otherwise a relatively entertaining adventure. Though while it might prove to be too irksome for some players, those who can at least tolerate it will find that the positives of the game outweigh the negatives on the whole, resulting in an RPG with plenty of charm and some genuinely funny moments.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Speaking as a fan of a more relaxed paced games, as an owner and backer of both Elite: Dangerous and Star Citizen and as a wannabe Minecraft survival-mode architect, I find it incredibly easy to look past No Man’s Sky’s admittedly rough exterior and see the brightly shining diamond beneath and I think I’m going to playing it for a long time.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While the platforming elements themselves are basic it is the addition of outside forces that make ADIOS truly unique.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fearful Symmetry & The Cursed Prince might not impress with its presentation, but its puzzles are devilishly moreish, keeping you going back for one last try until the early hours of the morning.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ultimately, My Hero One’s Justice will entertain those who it’s made for, but it wont impress them.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s not the biggest title in the world, but Chronos: Before the Ashes keeps you riveted from beginning to end. If you’re after an action RPG with some unique tricks up its sleeve you’d be wise to give it a go. And thanks to multiple difficulty levels, it doesn’t have to be an arduous affair. Those who have found themselves getting invested into Remnant: From the Ashes are particularly recommended to give Chronos: Before the Ashes a try. It may not have as much depth, and be more melee-focused, but you’re bound to get a kick out of visiting the origins of the series.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Take God of War, Dark Souls and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, put them in a blender along with some new elements such as being able to craft weapons and target specific body parts, and you have Blades of Fire. Its map design can be devious at times, and its enemy placement a little questionable, but overall it's an engaging, and rather epic, adventure.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As Media.Vision’s first crack at the series, Summon Night 6 is a surprisingly solid entry in the series. While we were unable to get our hands on any of the physical packaging that Gaijinworks is known for, their localisation efforts shine through clearly. While strategy RPGs may be harder to come by these days, Summon Night 6 is a thirst quenching oasis for any genre-loving desert travellers.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Those looking at Grim Guardians: Demon Purge expecting a metroidvania might be disappointed when they realise it’s more of a straightforward platformer, like the original Castlevania games. And while it is derivative of Konami’s classic series, it does just enough to give itself a character of its own. If only its revival mechanic didn’t cause issues in single-player, and it didn’t get a little weird in its later half, then it would be a pretty enjoyable jaunt.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The combat is fast paced and really gives the player a feeling of desperation.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With its foul language and crude sense of humour, Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered certainly isn't for everyone. Those who do get on with it, however, are likely to have an absolute blast for the most part, thanks to its thrilling combat and engaging scenarios. Ultimately, there's nothing else quite it.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Considering all that it has to offer, Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is probably the best JRPG currently available on the PS4 (although stiff competition is incoming)
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    What was delivered is more of the same in a sharp new overcoat and handsome rugged face which serve to conceal nothing of the vapidness underneath.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    This grim, pixellated gorefest successfully channels the spirit of 8 and 16 bit shoot-’em-ups but doesn’t stand up to sustained play; spend too long with Butcher in one sitting and it starts feeling like an infuriating grind.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There’s one thing for certain: Actraiser Renaissance is much better than SolSeraph, the spiritual sequel to the ActRaiser series released in 2019. It has its flaws in both the action and settlement-building stages, but they’re quite easily overlooked in the grand scheme of things thanks to the fact that it’s still such a unique blend. Add in a fantastic soundtrack reworked by Yuzo Koshiro as well as additional content and multiple difficulty levels, and you have a game that should please the majority of series fans while also possibly bringing some new ones into the fold.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Monster Energy Supercross 25 isn’t all that different from Monster Energy Supercross 6, which wasn’t all that different from Monster Energy Supercross 5, and so on. There are small improvements across the board which make it the best entry in the series to date, though, which should make it worthwhile purchase for fans of the sport. Newcomers should just be aware that it’s pretty uncompromising, demanding some serious effort to master.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With its stunning visuals and unique mechanics, Lords of the Fallen has quickly become one of our favourite Soulslikes. Its setting may be derivative, but it’s so well realised that you likely won’t care, especially when you’re switching between the worlds of the living and the dead, each with their own monstrosities to deal with and treasures to find. Hexworks has created something that genuinely feels like a successor to Dark Souls, leveraging the power of next-gen to push the genre forward. And so, put the mediocrity of the original Lords of the Fallen out of your mind: this may have the same name, but it stands head and shoulders above its predecessor in every single way.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    For Sonic fans, this is an entertaining adventure, with plenty of variety packed into its 20-hour running time. Chances are you'll encounter plenty of frustrations while making your way through it, but when things are going right you'll see that there's great potential in this formula going forward. 'Inconsistent' is perhaps the best word to describe Sonic Frontiers: it's a grab-bag full of ideas, all pulled off with varying degrees of quality. But there's one thing for certain: it's got a cracking soundtrack.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it will likely still only appeal to a niche audience, Monster Jam Showdown is the best monster truck game yet, inviting players to tackle a range of events across three distinct environments. Numerous assists and settings are available to make it accessible to all skill levels, and whether you prefer to play on your own or with others, you're decently catered for.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Last Stop tells a story so compelling, so wonderfully told, that you’ll be glued to the screen for the entirety of its six-or-so hour running time. With an incredibly high standard of voice talent on board, sublime art direction and an outstanding soundtrack, it sets a new standard for interactive narration. This is more than a video game, it’s a work of art. And once you’ve played it, it’s one you won’t be forgetting about in a hurry.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tonally, the episode is all over the place, though that’s to be expected with the Guardians. At times it’s quite serious and a bit depressing, but then there are moments of joy and some genuinely laugh-out-loud gags. As the series moves on, it’s obvious that the relationships within the team are really becoming strained. Like a family, however, they stick together when the going gets tough. But who knows how long that will last.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It doesn’t provide an experience that’s free of frustration or hiccups, but that doesn’t stop In Sound Mind from being one of this year’s biggest surprises – an action-horror game that delivers not only scares, but also head-scratching puzzles and plenty of engaging combat encounters, all wrapped up in a story that makes you think. With this sort of creativity, it’s exciting to see what We Create Stuff comes up with next. But until then, if you’re brave – and clever – enough, you’d be wise to throw yourself into In Sound Mind.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's a shame that there isn't a little bit more depth when it comes to exploration, but thanks to its stunning visuals, enjoyable humour and fun combat, it's hard to not be won over by LEGO Horizon Adventures. It's light-hearted entertainment for all the family, and a brilliant way to introduce younger players to the world of Horizon.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    True, there are times you will hate oOo, and I came pretty close to deleting the game on more than one occasion. But if arcade thrills are your thing and you can view failure as a learning experience, then oOo Ascension will be right up your street.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    We’ve come away from Under The Waves with mixed feelings. We’ve very much enjoyed some elements of the game: exploring the ocean is simply wonderful, and the more tense moments set in the eerie underwater facilities have kept us on the edge of our seats. But there are plenty of frustrations, too, and the impact of the experience is ultimately dampened by the fact it all feels like one big advert for a non-profit organisation.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Deadly Premonition Origins, like previous versions of the game, is far from being perfect; like a million miles away. But it’s quirky, unique and memorable, and that goes a long way.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pacer is an accomplished anti-gravity racer, no doubt. But it falls short of being great due to its ho-hum campaign mode and the restrictive nature of some of its tracks. If you’re looking for a worthy Wipeout replacement on PC you’d be wise to give it a go; and while it pales in comparison to Wipeout Omega Collection on PS4, if you’ve played that title to death this will entertain you for decent amount of time. A Wipeout beater it is not, but it’s a fair contender.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There’s no doubt that some will absolutely love what The Last Case of Benedict Fox: Definitive Edition sets out to offer. It is genuinely unique, and you might feel a pull to bring the case to an end in spite of its many issues. It is a bit of a mess, though, both technically and mechanically, and it’s telling that there are options to trivialise both the game’s combat and puzzles. Still, they help make completing Benedict’s last case more palatable, and that’s all you can ask.

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