GameSpew's Scores

  • Games
For 3,618 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 51% higher than the average critic
  • 10% same as the average critic
  • 39% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 2.2 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 73
Highest review score: 100 Returnal
Lowest review score: 10 Planet 2000
Score distribution:
3629 game reviews
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    They Always Run may have its issues, but the good outweighs the bad. The combat is exciting and the chase sequences exhilarating. The platforming bits in-between are fun for the most part, too, apart from the odd moment where the controls feel like they’re working against you. And while the story may be quite brief, it does keep you invested. So, if you’re interested in becoming a bounty hunter for a short while, They Always Run is worth your attention.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you're after a VR game that's fun in small doses but has lots of long-lasting appeal, then it's quite easy to recommend Time Carnage. The action's a little repetitive to consider playing through more than a few stages at once without it becoming to feel like a chore, but it's an accomplished title nonetheless.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Superhot isn’t ground-breaking. It’s a fun game with a unique concept and I was fully immersed during my playthrough, but I like to look at the replay value of anything I review, especially when it comes to FPS games. Some people might find it addictive and they might get huge amounts of enjoyment out of playing through the challenges and endless mode, but for me, after playing through some of the after-game content I’m fairly confident that I won’t pick it up again, at least not for a while. Not because it’s a sub-par product but because there’s nothing else for me to gain in playing it.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For a 2D platform game, this level of storytelling is very rare and makes a refreshing change.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Short but entertaining, there’s a lot to like with The Cub. Its post-apocalyptic world is fascinating, and getting to collect numerous artefacts gives good reason to poke around off the beaten path when you’re given the opportunity. The platforming here is fun and varied, mixing up fast-paced running-and-jumping with more measured stealth sections. Sure, there’s the odd frustration – but that comes with the territory of 2D platforming. This is a fun way to spend a few hours – particularly if you enjoyed the atmosphere of Golf Club Nostalgia.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There’s no denying Link’s Awakening is a very enjoyable adventure, however. It hits you right in the nostalgia spot if you’ve played before, and even if you haven’t it stands up well against more modern titles. After all, games are still continually being made in the vein of classic Zelda adventures. It’s just a shame it’s let down by such troublesome graphical and performance issues. With an optimisation patch and a price cut, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening would be a must-buy. Until then, it isn’t.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Although I didn’t care much for its story, Solar Ash still got its hooks in me. That sweet, speedy traversal is second to none; the almost-rhythmic pattern of gliding, jumping and grinding to get to those hard-to-reach areas and to take down gargantuan bosses is oh-so satisfying when you nail it. It misses a trick by not including any DualSense features, though – a bit of feedback as you move through the environment would take the game to the next level – but even without it, it’s a very nice world to get lost in indeed.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    What you are here for is the titillation, and to pretend otherwise would be a joke. There is more than enough to keep a fan occupied, despite the long wait for events to reach their climax.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise feels like a more ridiculous entry into the Yakuza series, but with less content and a smaller budget. As a result, it’s a fun excursion, especially for fans of the Fist of the North Star franchise, but it never truly impresses.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s acutely aware of its own silliness, even giving you the option to unlock (no, there are no microtransactions here) different colours and ridiculous accessories for your foe.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fairy Tail 2 wastes no time in throwing players into the action, perhaps at the expense of being welcoming to newcomers. Those who have played the first game, however, will probably love this sequel, even though its new combat system becomes a little repetitive during extended playing sessions.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There’s a decent amount of depth to Zoids Wild: Blast Unleashed despite its simple appearance. There’s plenty of single-player content, thanks to the hefty Story mode, but seasoned fighting game fans will notice the absence of online multiplayer. Still, there’s an enjoyable fighter here – and getting to control a giant dinosaur-shaped mech is a novelty that doesn’t quickly wear off.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Gear.Club Unlimited is a fun but flawed racer. If you put in the effort to get to grips with its unique handling model you’ll find a game that you can really sink your teeth into, and it’ll reward you with plenty of licensed cars and a ton of events to complete. Go in expecting something that handles like Gran Turismo or Forza Motorsport, however, and you’ll be very disappointed.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    We do enjoy a good party game, and Trivial Pursuit Live! 2 fits the bill well enough. If you revel in general knowledge quizzes, there’s a good range of questions on offer, and some interesting rounds to take part in. It’s all presented very nicely too, with jazzy visuals and lovable character models. But if you’re expecting something that resembles a classic game of Trivial Pursuit, this isn’t it.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For gamers who still enjoy the retro allure of games like Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, there’s a lot to like as you explore the swamps, caves and forests to attempt to unearth all the secrets.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With its charming player models and fast-paced 3v3 matches with simplified mechanics, NBA Bounce offers a fun take on basketball that's suitable for all ages and skill levels. It's not quite as exciting to play as it could be, however, and a lack of online multiplayer will be disapponting to some.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Experimental, rough around the edges and lo-fi by design, Apartment Story isn't going to wow you in a technical sense, but there's still a certain charm to it. Mixing The Sims-like mood management with a gritty, dark story, it'll only take you a couple of hours to complete — and it'll be unlike anything else you've played this year.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Everything from the plot to the in-game models to the user interface is uncomplicated and utilitarian. The developers seem to have focused on creating an immersive Antarctic setting that feels brutal and imposing, and to that respect, they succeeded.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Considering just the gameplay alone, it’s incredibly fulfilling – and at times, quite tricky.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    By trying to diversify the experience that Aaero delivers, Mad Fellows has created a game that’s certainly different, but often feels like a game of two parts, and unfortunately one of those isn’t that impressive at all.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway is a competent karting game. It looks nice, there’s plenty of single player content, and it boasts a strong roster of characters and tracks. But did we need another game in the series? Could the new content and characters not simply be an expansion to the previous release? Questions we’ll never know the answer to. If you already own Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2, you’re not exactly getting a completely new experience. But if you’re new to the franchise and enjoy easy-going karting games, you likely won’t be disappointed with what is undoubtedly the best entry yet.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As ports go, Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered on Switch is a good one. But it’s a game that’s starting to show its age now, and while it’s great to be able to play it on the go, the Switch is not the best way to play it on a big screen.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s not without its problems, then, but Chernobylite offers an intoxicating blend of horror, survival, base-building and FPS action. Repetition could be an issue for some, and shying away from playing with the poorly-acted English dialogue is highly recommended. Once you’ve settled in to your quest to find out what happened to your long-lost love, however, it’s hard to not feel the urge to do one more mission before turning it off, ever in the hope of finding valuable resources or a crumb of information.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s just as entertaining as any other LEGO game. But that’s the problem. It doesn’t stand out in any way.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Warplanes: WW2 Dogfight is a real gem, and for its cheap price it offers a bite just as big as its bark. Combat is exhilarating and highly addictive, and upgrading is simple yet impactful. Sadly, it does feel like it’s missing a story element, or a real reason to want to progress within the game, but the silky smooth controls and combat will get you jumping back into the cockpit in no time at all.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for a happy go-lucky adventure, this is not it. Framed through the eyes of this young girl, Torn Away lets you experience a distressing, personal slice of an already disturbing period of history. Is it heartwarming? Hardly. But it’s honest, heartfelt and, in a grim enough way, entertaining. When you’re dealing with a topic like this, what more could you ask for?
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re up for the challenge, we’d recommend you do give Blast Brigade a go. Thanks to its sumptuous art style, reminiscent of an action-packed cartoon, it feels wholly modern. But its classic side-scrolling sensibilities means it also packs in plenty of old-school charm. Blast Brigade vs. the Evil Legion of Dr. Cread has a wonderful world waiting for you to explore, and tonnes of upgrades and abilities to unlock. But you’re going to have to overcome some truly gruelling boss fights along the way.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Lord Winklebottom Investigates isn’t perfect – the arbitrary order of some of the puzzles in particular is bothersome, and some of the solutions are too obtuse for their own good. But despite its rough edges, we’re glad we stepped into Lord Winklebottom’s weird, wonderful world. And if there are further adventures on the cards, you can count us in.
    • 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.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Visage goes far beyond cheap jump scares and will chill you to the bone if you give it half a chance. It might never completely shed its inspiration, but it spins it in enough clever (and unsettling) ways to keep you hooked. If you’re a fan of horror, you won’t regret stepping into Visage‘s suburban haunted house – even if your character might.
    • 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.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    iO
    Though far from revolutionary, iO is a simple, yet intuitive puzzler that is sure to dig its hooks into fans of the genre looking for a unique challenge.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The simplistic nature of the combat system means that fights, though enjoyable, can become quite repetitive.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    doesn’t have the look or feel of a triple-A title which might put some off, but it’s a game that isn’t afraid of trying new things.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I’ll no doubt be sinking many hours into FIFA 19 in the months to come, but I do wish the effort put into the game by EA Sports hadn’t been spent on the modes I’m not really keen on.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Band of Bastards isn’t epic in length or bursting with content, and its overarching story isn’t likely to get its hooks in you, but it’s still a good reason to revisit Kingdom Come: Deliverance. And if you’re still making your way through the game for the first time, it’s even better. Thanks to its witty, humorous dialogue and multiple outcomes as a result of your actions, it’ll likely remind you why Kingdom Come: Deliverance is such a great game in the first place.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If it wasn't for Jump Force's highly entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable combat, the game would be a disaster. But Jump Force is a fighting game, and so everything about it that's turgid and unnecessary can largely be avoided or overlooked. It's got a large roster of fighters, plenty of content, and looks great in action. Those are the things to focus on. Could it have been a hell of a lot better? Of course. But that doesn't mean you should write it off. Neither should you write it off for its unusual art style. Just engage in its unique brand of fighting, block out the rest, and enjoy.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Succeeds in replicating what’s already been done, which is fine, but it fails to be a classic in its own right.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Camper Van: Make it Home is squarely aimed at Unpacking fans: people who want the zen-filled joy of finding a home for a range of items. This time, though, you're dealing with the limited space of a camper van. It's great fun and it looks wonderful, but the fiddly controls and camera can sometimes take some of the meditative spirit away.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Minor complaints aside, Mini-Mech Mayhem offers PSVR owners a fun, bright, and lighthearted strategy game to fill that niche in their VR library. It’s approachable, engaging and packs in plenty of charm.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Part roguelike, part horror, part puzzle adventure, we've not played anything quite like Withering Rooms before. It's a little scrappy, and we wish combat was better, but there's something about it that will keep us coming back.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you have fond memories of early Puzzle Bobble games, you’ll get a sweet nostalgia kick out of Puzzle Bobble 3D: Vacation Odyssey. It looks fantastic, and with 100 campaign levels alongside an infinite and duel mode, there’s a generous amount of content for its modest asking price. There’s a lot of fun to be had, no doubt – but you’ll not be able to shake the nagging feeling that it’s just not quite as enjoyable as its 2D counterparts.
    • 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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    At the outset, Future Unfolding is magical experience; an elegant world waiting to be explored, with wonder at every step. But with each discovery, the wonder disappears – and isn’t replaced with anything new. Once you’ve uncovered everything the game has to show you, puzzles soon become petty barriers, the magic runs out and the procedurally-generated world loses its charm. In the end, Future Unfolding keeps unfolding for just a little too long.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A charming quiz game based on a popular TV franchise. Its presentation is top-notch, though you may get bogged down in its unnecessary exposition if you’re the type of person who just wants to get straight on with the quizzing. Still, there’s a pleasant experience to be had here – and since it boasts almost 7,000 unique questions there’s dozens of hours of gameplay before you should even get a whiff of repetition.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Thanks to its genuinely intriguing narrative and collection of quirky characters, there's a lot to love about Promise Mascot Agency, and some players will simply adore it. This open-world adventure pretty much revolves around collecting items, however, and some elements of the game quickly become nothing more than a chore.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The lack of modes and the high level of difficulty will mean that Star Hunter DX won’t be for everyone, but for ardent shoot ’em up fans it’s well worth a look, especially considering its budget price. Its Bullet Time mechanic, at least, makes this shooter stand out from the crowd, and the charming audio and visuals are the icing on the cake.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fate/EXTELLA: The Umbral Star makes for an entertaining hack and slash experience which feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch. It’s admittedly a little pricey at £49.99, but for those looking for some Dynasty Warriors style action, it fits the bill quite nicely.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    All told, Crush Your Enemies is a great combination of depth and simplicity. Varied levels with unique challenges provide several hours of entertainment with a consistent, witty tone. Whether you prefer your games creatively bite-sized or just want to take a break from a game that’s been sucking up all your time, Crush Your Enemies is definitely worth a look.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Imagine Link to the Past without the combat and threat: that's sort-of what Pine Hearts feels like. There's a lot to like about this cosy adventure set in a colourful world, but a few issues hold it back from being quite as good as it could have been.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door looks great on Switch, making it exciting to move from one location to the next, each interesting in its own way. Its writing is brilliant, too, with some genuinely funny jokes that will have you grinning as you play. It's just a shame that its turn-based combat gets old quite fast, and is devoid of challenge.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The gameplay feels a little too one-dimensional at this moment and really required an added twist. But Roads sets up some intriguing plot points which I’m really excited to see unfold in later episodes of Life is Strange 2.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Those who have played and enjoyed Sniper Elite 5 are likely to slide into Sniper Elite: Resistance like a glove. Over familiarity might be an issue for some, though, and there are some other minor issues to consider as well, such as sub-par visuals. But overall, lining up the perfect shot and watching the aftermath via the x-ray kill cam is as entertaining as ever.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It surprises just as often as it confounds, and that in itself makes this a rather extraordinary experience. It’s also perhaps one of the purest examples of video games as art we’ve seen to date: a piece of art about artists. Does that make for an enjoyable experience? Not always. At times it’s drawn-out, boring, a chore, even, as you obsess over every bit of footage available to you. But are we glad we’ve played it? Absolutely.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I won’t pretend [Dungeons 2] blew me away, but it did surprise me how addicted I became to playing it.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    de Blob is a prime example of a game that has stood the test of time because of both its simplicity and originality. Its gameplay is timeless, its humour tickles the young and the old, and its soundtrack is both dynamic and infectious. This Switch port still doesn’t address the game’s camera or control issues, but they’re worth working through to enjoy an experience that rarely fails to put a smile on your face.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With its old-school gameplay and lack of guidance, Killing Time: Resurrected isn't a game for all. This fast-paced first-person shooter does have charm, however, and it's at least an interesting curio thanks to its clever use of full motion video.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    In many ways, Unplugged: Air Guitar feels like the modern-day equivalent of Guitar Hero, without the need for a fake, plastic guitar. Easy to pick up but hard to master, it’s an experience that really can make you feel like you’re playing an instrument if you put in the time and effort to learn its intricacies. And with its impressive setlist of songs, anyone fond of having a good strum should probably pick it up if they have a PSVR 2 and machinations of becoming a rock god.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    RetroMania Wrestling isn’t the most technically accomplished wrestling game out there, but it is a joyous arcade brawler that gets more entertaining the more people you can rope in to a match. Like the game that inspired it, it’s not going to occupy you for hours in a single sitting but you’ll keep coming back for another dose of wrestle ’em up action.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Like a scratched record, then, we end our review of Madden NFL 23 like we have the last few releases. That’s by saying that with its numerous incremental improvements, it’s the best Madden yet. But as ever, unless you’re an ardent fan who knows the series like the back of their hand, it’s an inessential purchase if you have last year’s offering. Or perhaps even the one before that. In terms of what’s actually new here, there’s very little. And even less of monumental value.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Aphelion may not impress all that much on the gameplay front, with its traversal and stealth sections sometimes marred by its clunky controls, but its story and presentation pick up the slack, making it an enjoyable trek across an alien planet on the whole.
    • 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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Insurgency was made by someone who’d experienced warfare for people who wanted to get as close to experiencing it as they dared.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With repetitiveness being part and parcel of the roguelike genre, those familiar with it probably won’t be too aggrieved with the lack of randomness in Helvetii. Some, though, may come to appreciate its combat and visuals but perhaps wish they’d been served up in a straight-up action game. In any case, perhaps its greatest crime is that it doesn’t try to do anything original. But you can tell that developer Team KwaKwa has put some love into this release, and the end result is sure to delight roguelike fans eager for something new to sink their teeth into.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While Binaries doesn’t necessarily break the mold, it shows itself to be a puzzle worth solving.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake successfully builds on the original game, adding new mechanics that enhance the gameplay and more. It's just a shame that its inventive camera-based combat can be frustrating at times, and its stealth sections can feel a little trial and error.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    At its most frustrating, I Want To Be Human is at its best… the intense, demanding platforming was superb.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There’s nothing really new or overly exciting to be found in Flynn: Son of Crimson, but its well-executed blend of platforming, combat and light puzzle-solving keeps you occupied from beginning to end. It’s a fairly short, easy-going adventure (though it does have difficulty levels if you want more of a challenge), and one that’s sure to please fans of old-school platformers – just as long as they’re not expecting anything revolutionary.
    • 52 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While it can be a little ham-fisted with its messaging, Silent Hill: The Short Message is a suitably dark and disturbing experience that certainly captures the look and feel of Silent Hill. Those who dig into it will find that it offers an interesting take on how these stories can occur outside of the actual town of Silent Hill, too. In any case, for the price of free, it’s hard to complain about a short horror experience that is as good as (or better than) most of its ilk released at a cost.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Drink More Glurp is a great party game, but perhaps one that’s best enjoyed in short bursts. Although the game claims to support up to 20 players, it’s better enjoyed in smaller numbers to keep game times short. Don’t expect it to entertain you for hours at a time due to how similar many of the games are. But for half an hour sessions at a time, Drink More Glurp is hilarious. It’s fun, silly, unique and brilliantly challenging – even if it’s not for everyone. Pick it up if you’ve been looking for a good party game to entertain your guests with, but keep your options open in case it loses its charm after a while.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Inertial Drift is a satisfying arcade racer. Its scant multiplayer features mean that it’s best suited for those who like to play by themselves, but at least they’ll find a lot to get stuck into. And even better, its budget price means it won’t break the bank. If you like getting cars sideways and aren’t afraid of trying a new way of doing so, Inertial Drift is well worth investing in.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Bleak Faith: Forsaken invites players to a world where sci-fi meets fantasy, and while it's not the best soulslike available, its mix of rewarding exploration and solid combat makes it well worth checking out.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    We’re pleasantly surprised by the quality and amount of content in Baby Shark: Sing and Swim Party. This isn’t just some branded cash grab; it’s clear a lot of love and effort has gone into bringing Pinkfong’s massive brand to the world of video games. It’s just a shame that there’s some discrepancy between the target audience of Baby Shark and the difficulty pitch of the game: just as children are old enough to properly play the game for themselves, they’ll likely have lost interest in the colourful singing sharks.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As far as karting games go, Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix is one of the better entries in the genre. If you’ve played the first, you’ll appreciate the extra work that’s gone into making this a bigger and better sequel. Extra characters, improved visuals and a whole host of extra content are all very welcome. It’s just a shame that there’s still no real personality coming through from any of its included franchises. Still, if you want to play a fun racing game, solo or with friends, you can do a lot worse.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Simon the Sorcerer Origins looks fantastic, its writing is brilliant and its voice acting (particularly Chris Barrie) is absolutely stellar. It's a great example of a modern point-and-click game — but it's let down by some frustratingly difficult puzzles. It sorely needs a built-in hint system, but hey, at least you can just look up a guide.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite its questionable development status, Stranded Deep has a lot to offer. I’d welcome further development, but even in its current incarnation, this compelling survival sim is more than worth diving into.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While Airoheart takes some small steps to be its own thing, there’s nothing here that truly separates it from its inspirations. Is that such a bad thing? After all, A Link to the Past is over 30 years old now, but it’s still a beloved classic. Playing something so similar that it invokes that warm feeling of nostalgia is rather nice, in all honesty. Airoheart might not reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s not going to redefine what it means to be a 3D platformer, but Kukoos: Lost Pets is a pleasant enough addition that fans of the genre will enjoy. Bright and colourful, and with a nice mixture of collecting, platforming and puzzles, there’s plenty here to keep you invested. It’s just a shame that co-op is held back by some technical issues and its visuals aren’t quite as sharp as they ought to be.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Like many games ported to Switch, Vampyr is perfectly adequate on the format, but nothing more. If you don’t own a PS4, Xbox One or a PC up to the task and have been itching to play the game, by all means pick it up; you’ll get a lot of enjoyment out of it. The Switch version is the weakest available though, and since Vampyr has such a wonderfully haunting atmosphere, the downgrades and performance issues do detract from it somewhat. Vampyr is still a good game on Switch, but it’s not the best way to play it.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Factotum 90 is certainly not a game that will appeal to everyone, especially if you one of these people who likes to turn off their brain when they play, but for those who like a challenge and want to make the old grey matter work a bit harder, then this might just be the game you are looking for.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Set after the events of Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, this latest game set in the Chicken Run universe lets you put together your own team and attempt to rescue yet more chickens from a variety of locations. The result is a simple stealth game with one or two frustrations, but thanks to its charming animation and impressive voice cast, franchise fans will likely enjoy it quite a lot.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’ve stared at music visualisation algorithms for hours on end wishing they could have depth and place you squarely in their 3D space in some kind of magical VR land, then Dimensional Intersection is exactly what you’re looking for.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It isn’t without its faults, but altogether the cast of Duke Grabowski, along with its hilarious story, make it a great addition to the point-and-click genre.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's almost educational with its retelling of events and plethora of notes and videos giving you information about items and places of interest. You can tell a lot of care has gone into making the game, which is also evidenced by the beautiful visuals and accomplished voice acting. For a downloadable title, it's got great production values.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    One Piece: World Seeker isn’t the most inventive open world game out there. It’s not the biggest or the most varied in terms of mission design and structure. But it is a delight to play, thanks in part to its wonderful characters, well-written story and absolutely stunning-looking world.
    • 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.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Horror fans are likely to appreciate the brilliant premise of The Mortuary Assistant, and will enjoy the fact it's genuinely creepy and unpredictable. Preparing bodies is surprisingly engaging, and there are multiple endings to discover which will keep players returning for more, but unfortunately the PS5 version is very rough around the edges.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re expecting a full-on tactical adventure, then you won’t find it here. But if you’re keen to sink into an engaging visual novel, Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- The Prophecy of the Throne has plenty to offer. Its story is wholly original and engaging, if a little long-winded at times, but it’s brought to life with gorgeous animation and wonderful characterisation. It’s a shame there aren’t more gameplay sections, but what’s here is enjoyable enough.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ultimately, the day-to-day gameplay of Cat Cafe Manager does get somewhat tedious. You’ll forever be going through the same motions: cleaning up mess, interacting with customers, serving food and drink. Rinse and repeat. But there is fun to be found in growing your cat-filled empire. Seeing your café expand, and replacing old, run-down furnishings with fancy new goods is a joy. And it helps that it all looks so wonderfully cute, too. Don’t expect Cat Cafe Manager to entertain you for weeks, but for fans of cosy sim games, there’s enough here to warrant a purr-chase.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ultimately, despite not really doing anything new, Serious Sam: Tormental has that “one more go” draw to it that makes it worth adding to your Steam library, especially if you’re a fan of Sam “Serious” Stone, twin-stick shooters or roguelikes. If you like all three, it’s a must-have. Even better, you can play it in co-op, and it has much more to offer such as challenges and gameplay mods that will increase the difficulty somewhat, but also the score you can earn. This is Serious Sam, but not as you know it. But it’s still a barrel of laughs.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Eternal Strands doesn't make the best first impression, and certain aspects of it, such as the basics of combat, simply aren't impressive at all. Give it some time, though, and its unique features start to shine through, making this action-adventure definitely worth a look for fans of the genre.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s safe to say that Sonic Superstars is one of the better Sonic games available. In fact, it might even be the best Sonic game since the original trilogy, outside of Sonic Mania at least. It can be a bit chaotic at times, and some bosses need some fine-tuning or at least some checkpoints between their phases, but Sonic fans are likely to appreciate the classic feel and wealth of new zones. Just don’t buy it on the basis of its local co-op features, or you’ll likely be seriously disappointed.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    What really matters is that the core of The Outer Worlds, a current-gen open-world(ish) action RPG, is intact, and fully playable on what is essentially a handheld. That’s pretty amazing if you ask me.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you don’t mind that its career mode doesn’t really have much pizzazz, MXGP Pro will provide you with many hours of dirty racing activity.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re a fan of pop music, you’re going to get a big kick out of Invector: Rhythm Galaxy. Its uneven difficulty might prove to be an obstacle for some players, but if you’re willing to persevere – or don’t mind playing on its ultra-easy ‘Casual’ mode – there’s a lot of content here to enjoy. Being able to play more than 30 songs straight away is a real boon, and the chance to unlock more by playing Campaign mode is a very welcome incentive. Is it quite as good as Avicii: Invector? Inexplicably, perhaps not – but we welcome the new range of songs with open arms.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I think it’s fair to say that Townsmen isn’t going to be the deepest or most engaging game that you’ll play this year, but for me, it still manages to tick the two most important boxes that make me like it regardless.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re a big fan of the original Watch Dogs, there’s no doubt you’ll get a kick out of stepping into Aiden Pearce’s Iconic shoes once more. Watch Dogs Legion: Bloodline tells a decent story, but it doesn’t do a great deal to expand the game’s world in any meaningful way. It’s another excuse to roam around London and gawp at the beautiful sights – but aside from one truly standout gameplay section, that’s about it.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    However, as a final product, Alone With You is still very-much worth investing in due to the fantastic story it tells and the game’s palpable world. It’s just a shame however, that these features of the game weren’t simply left alone.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    At the moment, with its fantastic gameplay but a serious lack of content, Street Fighter 5 is a solid 7/10; a good game that is a great for fans of the genre but can’t be recommended to all. Hopefully though, in a year’s time when the promised features have been added and the roster of fighters has been increased in number, it’ll be worthy of a 9/10. Until then however, those looking for single player fighting thrills should look elsewhere to get their kicks, whilst those wanting to just play online will definitely enjoy Street Fighter 5, but may find its repetition of stages and fighters slightly irksome.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A colourful, digital puzzle book if you like, Nightmares from the Deep 2 stuffs in puzzle after puzzle, with plenty of variety and type on offer.

Top Trailers