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
    • 51 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Silver Chains succeeds because, rather than piling on the terror, it leaves you to dwell on the thoroughly unsettling situation you’re in.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It’s objectively not a very good game. But it’s not unplayable, either, and it’s hard to not get swept up by its overall ridiculousness. Like a movie that’s so bad that it’s actually quite good, there’s something about Metal Wolf Chaos XD that makes you fond of it despite its flaws. So, if you like strange curios and want to unravel one of the craziest stories ever committed to video game form, you should maybe give it a go. Everyone else, however, is probably better off giving it a wide berth.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Like the rest of We Happy Few, Lightbearer is a bit rough around the edges. It also sometimes feels like there are too many loading screens. Once its story has got its hooks in you, however, you’ll want to keep playing until you find out if Nick Lightbearer is a cold-blooded killer or not. It’s just a shame that it’s all over in two to three hours, and there’s no reason to return afterwards. But it doesn’t cost a great deal, and it’s part of the game’s season pass if you’re after yet more We Happy Few escapades.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cricket 19 is by far the best cricket game available right now. There’s enough about it to keep cricket newbies entertained while its high level of authenticity will no doubt delight die-hard cricket fans. Even England’s Barmy Army, however, would get quickly tired of the loading times, and may notice the small imperfections to the matchday experiences. Despite this, Cricket 19 is a solid boundary, with the career mode hitting nothing but sixes.
    • 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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Available at a budget price on PC, you’ll be hugely impressed by its visuals, and while some scenes feel like filler, you’ll feel the urge to push on to discoverer Jodie’s, and Aiden’s, ultimate fate. Like any Quantic Dream tale, the narrative is sometimes ham-fisted, but it’s still head and shoulders above what’s offered by most videogames, making the time spent with Beyond: Two Souls something you’ll remember.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    For the most part, Secret Files 2: Puritas Cordis stands up pretty well considering it’s 10 years old. But sub-par cutscenes and less-than-stellar acting really let the experience down. If you’re a big fan of point and click adventures, then it’s certainly a boon that another one is available on Nintendo Switch. Ultimately though, its storytelling falls short of what’s needed to make this a truly memorable experience.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Limited PC graphics settings aside, Kill la Kill: IF isn’t a bad game; its just not worth its asking price. After you’ve spent five hours making your way through its story mode, a paltry eight characters and six stages aren’t likely to keep your attention for too long, especially if you don’t plan on playing online. And even if you do take the action online, chances are you’re not going to encounter much competition. All style and no substance, Kill la Kill: IF is mostly fun while it lasts, but leaves you wanting more.
    • 50 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Wolfenstein: Cyberpilot really should not have been a standalone release; at the very least it should have been bundled in with the superior Wolfenstein: Youngblood. There are glimpses of potential here, but it’s lacking nearly everything that makes Wolfenstein fun. Gunning down Nazis in a virtual reality mech might sound like a lot of fun on paper, but the reality completely misses the mark.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s no doubt better when played with a friend, but even if you plan on playing it alone, Wolfenstein: Youngblood is worth picking up.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation is a good visual novel with everything you might want: an intriguing story, tonnes of different endings, a great art style and cute anime girls. And considering it packs in three games in one, it’s a bit of a bargain for fans of the genre.
    • 45 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Well-acted and with an intriguing story, She Sees Red is a short FMV game that fans of the genre are sure to enjoy. But do yourself a favour and play it in a few sittings, because without a way to skip past scenes, it can be a pretty painful slog to see the game’s four endings.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The type of gameplay that Automachef offers in’t going to be for everyone, but if you enjoy having to flex your brain a little, it offers a rewarding experience. It’s also a great entry point into basic programming. Perhaps playing on PC will offer a more intuitive experience, but the Switch version’s button controls aren’t enough of a barrier to stop Automachef being worthwhile to play.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ultimately then, unless you’re a score chaser, your fun with Pawarumi is likely to be a short-lived affair. It’s an exciting game that feels surprisingly unique, but there just isn’t much to it. Depending on your skill level, you might be done with it in just a matter of hours. Though chances are you’ll return to it in the future for a quick blast of futuristic Aztec shoot ’em up fun.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you really are new to fighting games, Fantasy Strike is worth giving a go. But you’re probably going to want to move onto something a little more advanced fairly quickly. It’s a well made game, but the action just gets too repetitive too fast because of its limited movesets. I just can’t help but feel that Fantasy Strike is a little too simple for its own good.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    God Eater 3 isn’t for everyone. Some will find it too easy, its story is passable, its controls take some getting to… I could go on. Thanks to its engaging fast-paced combat and considerable character development options, however, it’s well worth working through its flaws.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There’s no doubt about it – Redeemer: Enhanced Edition is indeed an improvement over the original game. It is still ultimately a victim to repetition though. As good as the new levelling and perk system is, it’s not transformative; it just keeps the tedium at bay for an extra handful of levels.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As a lover of strategy card games, I was extremely pleased by Nowhere Prophet and am excited to go back to it again. It has everything you’d want from a card game: combat, strategy and a huge plethora of options for your decks. It can be very difficult to begin with until you’ve mastered the game’s rules, which may initially turn some players away, but stick with it and you’ll find an excellent adventure lying in wait.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Streets of Rogue is an odd yet hugely entertaining outing, one that rewards the time you put into it and never says no to even your most ridiculous ideas. It’s far more than the sum of its inspirations and even if you find permadeath an obstacle, there’s so much to love about this deceptively complex gem
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    FIA European Truck Racing Championship is a surprisingly good racer, though it’s not going to appeal to all due to the fact that it’s about racing big heavy trucks rather than the latest sports cars. Still, for those seeking something a little bit different, it’s definitely worth investigating. I wouldn’t say it does anything spectacularly well, but when there’s nothing else quite like it available, it doesn’t matter all that much.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As music rhythm games go, Cytus Alpha is up there with the best of them.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s worth putting up with these glitchy moments, though, because Sairento VR is such a ridiculous, over-the-top joy to play and once you’re done with the campaign mode, the game’s additional challenge levels and multiplayer mode will keep you occupied. Sairento VR the closest thing you’ll get to a truly interactive, immersive action movie, and if you’ve invested in a PSVR you’d be mad to miss it.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    I just don’t see the point in Senran Kagura Peach Ball. If you want to play pinball, download Pinball FX3 for free and you’re all sorted. Maybe buy a table or two that take your fancy to expand your options. If you want to see some anime tiddies, open up your browser and do a google search. I mean, Senran Kagura Peach Ball isn’t awful, but I don’t see any reason why you need to spend £35.99/$39.99 on it.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It pretty much perfects the run ‘n’ gun formula, only it doesn’t really offer anything new while doing so. That shouldn’t, and won’t, be a problem for the many clambering for the return of the action-packed genre though. And who knows, developer Joymasher might throw in some surprises if Blazing Chrome does well enough to get a sequel. And it really should do.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite some unforgivable frustrations created through some of the quests though, the overall experience of Dragon Quest Builders 2 is very gratifying. It builds on the success of the first game by adding a range of new features and materials. Building feels effortless and allows for the player to be as creative as they can be, while each island offers a whole new world of adventure. Dragon Quest Builders 2 is close enough to being the building canvas you have always hoped for, and it gives you the power to be the creative builder you’ve always wanted to be.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Due to They Are Billions’ difficulty, compounded by its permadeath feature, it’s easy to assume that only hardcore gamers will feel welcome in its hostile steampunk world. It’s true; players looking for strategy game that’s going to hold their hand likely will feel out of their depth here. But stick with it and take the time to learn the game’s intricacies, and there’s a lot of fun to be had with They Are Billions. It isn’t for everyone, but there’s not much else that compares to the rush of thousands upon thousands of zombies swarming your settlement all at once.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    It’s unlike anything else currently available, and if you have the patience for it you might find it strangely enjoyable like I sometimes did, but also occasionally mightily frustrating.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you already have Attack on Titan 2 and want more combat options and content, it’s yours for probably nearly what you originally payed for the game. But if you care about trophies or achievements, you’ll be massively let down by the fact that it has none. If you’ve not yet purchased Attack on Titan 2 though and are keen on playing it, the Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle bundle offers a hell of a lot of content for your money. And there’s still nothing else out there that plays quite like it.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The real brilliance of Sea of Solitude is how each of the manifestations that Kay experiences have significance to a person or event in her own life.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hue
    I was pleasantly surprised by Hue. Having played numerous other puzzle/platformer titles in the same vein, Fiddlesticks had some pretty big shoes to fill. But it has done a wonderful job; Hue fits right alongside the big names like Limbo or Braid, and its colourful twist on the formula helps it stand out from the crowd. With a fun, curious soundtrack and diverse levels filled with dozens of different ways to manipulate the rainbow, Hue is a charming adventure well worth diving into.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I just wish it tried less hard to be funny and more hard to be fun.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    More could have been done to make Heavy Rain a bit more palatable for modern audiences, but the fact is that it’s still a great story-driven game despite its myriad of issues.
    • 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.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It may seem a little pricey, but, considering that Trials of Mana has never been available outside of Japan before, Collection of Mana is a must-have for Switch owning JRPG fans.
    • 47 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    The foundations are here for a refreshing and unique experience, but they need building upon and refining. Devout monster truck fans are likely to get some fun out of it, but everyone else is better off either avoiding it or picking it up with a discount. Monster Jam Steel Titans isn’t the worst racing game available right now, but it’s still very much trailing behind the competition.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you can live with its budget nature, War Tech Fighters will provide you with many hours of mech building fun. Just don’t expect too much from its monotonous campaign devoid of any real highlights. Its real draw is levelling up, powering up and customising your very own tool of destruction. If you pick it up for that, you won’t be disappointed.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’ve ever fancied having a go at being a mechanic but don’t like being covered in oil or having to actually do hard work, Car Mechanic Simulator is easy to recommend. As a game it’s far from being perfect, and it certainly isn’t for the masses, but it’ll prove to be entertaining to those who want to virtually fiddle under car bonnets to their heart’s content. There really is nothing else quite like it.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For £20/$25, Dandy Dungeon: The Legend of Brave Yamada packs in plenty of content. It’s taken me about 15 hours to see the credits roll, but even now there’s better equipment for me to aim for and higher scores to aspire to. It’s not your usual dungeon-crawling RPG, and it might not be much of a looker, but Dandy Dungeon is a hell of a lot of fun. It’ll get its quirky little claws in you and refuse to let go.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has had me hooked like no other game released this year. Koji Igarashi and those who have worked with him have proved that there’s still life in the old Metroidvania formula and delivered a modern-day classic. It perhaps loses a little something without the iconic Dracula as the big-bad, but the gameplay surpasses that of any previous Castlevania games created with the same mould. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night looks great, has a brilliant soundtrack and is overwhelmingly gratifying to play. If only it had a little more polish, then it’d be pretty much perfect.
    • 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.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The characters are silly and unique, as is the setting in which the game takes place. The switching between real-life and game isn’t necessarily seamless, but if you’re a patient person it isn’t likely to affect you. With only some other minor issues, Chook & Sosig: Walk the Plank is a fun bite-sized adventure that would work as a great entry point into the point-and-click genre.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re a serious fighting game fan, you’ll get a lot out of Samurai Shodown. Those expecting the single player offerings of titles like Mortal Kombat 11 will be left disappointed though. Samurai Shodown just isn’t that type of fighting game.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    For F1 fans, the improvements and new content found in F1 2019 make it an absolute must-buy. It’ll feel familiar in many ways, but everything is just so polished and refined that it won’t bother you all that much.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Judgment is more than “more Yakuza”; it’s a markedly different beast that, despite using assets from Yakuza 6, re-introduces you to Kamurocho through a new set of eyes. Tak is brasher, smarter, and more inclined to use brains than brawn, and the characters he goes up against are surprisingly grounded. Altogether, it's a thoroughly delightful detective adventure.
    • 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.
    • 52 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If you’re desperate for a sleazy point and click adventure on Switch, you might get some enjoyment out of Leisure Suit Larry: Wet Dreams Don’t Dry. It’s certainly not unplayable. But as point and click games go, its lack of a compelling story and poor puzzles relegate it to the bargain bin. Larry Laffer may be back, but he’s going to need better moves if he wants to attract the attention of 21st century gamers. You can only ride the coattails of past success for so long.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Forza Horizon 4: LEGO Speed Champions doesn’t do anything wrong. Everything that’s there is absolutely stellar; it just leaves you wanting more.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s not going to be remembered as a classic, but Dragon Star Varnir is one of the better JRPGs available on PS4. Its engaging story and deep character development enables you to look past its somewhat budget presentation and enjoy it for what it is – a JRPG that feels like it has come straight out of the PS2 age.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    So, for fans on the Contra series or the run ‘n’ gun genre, Contra Anniversary Collection is a must-have. A lot of its games might feel overly similar to one another, but for its budget price you’d have to be a bit of a scrooge to hold it against it.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you’re a fan of MotoGP or motorbikes in general, MotoGP 19 should be at the top of your list when picking up a new racing game. It may not have the variety of bikes offered by the RIDE series, or offer the tension of TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge, but none of those compare when it comes to the actual act of racing.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The lack of enemy and level variety makes it feel like a slog at times, and the drip-feed of new features while failing to explain them is irritating. But the hard-hitting action and addictive character development go some way to make up for its issues.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s a little rough around the edges, but Golem Gates’ fantastic audio design and the fun deck building is enough to carry it through.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It may not have the grand scale of some other space exploration games but, frequent deaths included, Outer Wilds is such an enthralling excursion that you’d be mad to miss out.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Once the credits roll, you truly get a sensation of closing out the thrilling finale of an action movie. There are very few parts of Blood & Truth that left me wanting.
    • 48 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There isn’t much that Yet Another Zombie Defense HD does wrong, but there is a fair amount that feels left out. That being said, the amount of content and engaging gameplay you get for the small price tag makes this barebones experience worth a play.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s three hours of thrilling Metroidvania action for less than the cost of a cinema ticket; you can’t really grumble with that.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’ve been waiting for a racing game that will truly test your abilities on the Switch, this is it. It doesn’t have a massive amount of content or modes, but no other game on Switch provides a similar racing experience. It’s hardcore, immersive, and certainly not an eyesore. TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge is undoubtedly the best serious racing game that the Switch has to offer right now.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Pathologic 2 is an engaging and disquieting game, one that has the potential to be something really quite special. But its survival mechanics are unnecessarily suffocating and take much of the joy out of it. Until Pathologic 2 is cured of that particular problem, be prepared for an uneven slog.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I reached the end of my first playthrough of Void Bastards in around 12 hours, and for at least half of that time it felt like a slog.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If the thrill of collecting loot and the joy of upgrading your party is enough for you, then definitely make sure Lapis x Labyrinth is on your radar. If you hope for a little depth in terms of narrative development and refined combat, you won’t find it here. But you will find a lot of chaotic fun. With its bite-sized levels and constant rewards, it’s the perfect game to pick up and play in short bursts on Nintendo Switch.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Unruly Heroes is a gorgeous action platformer that oozes charm. The single-player story mode is an absolute gem that I will undoubtedly revisit. The simplistic gameplay combined with a cast of four well-designed and unique characters makes for a fantastic experience that stands out from other platform games. If you don’t want to go on this adventure alone Unruly Heroes can even be played with up to four players locally. There’s also a PvP mode if you wish to test your skills against your friends. Pick up Unruly Heroes now for a wildly exciting adventure.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With lovably odd characters, a fantastic art design, and a really engaging style of gameplay, Deponia shows what a modern point and click game should be. Despite a steep incline in difficulty that may catch a few players off guard, Deponia’s highlight is its character design and writing, and you can expect to be entertained throughout.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Short on puzzles and scares, Layers of Fear 2 ultimately feels like an overly dark walking simulator. You’ll have covered a fair bit of ground by the time you reach the credits, and avoided some pretty unusual hazards, but the unfair deaths you’ll have suffered along along the way will leave a bad taste in your mouth. And the game’s story doesn’t quite pay off, either. Layers of Fear 2 is a swing and a miss for Bloober Team in my eyes, unfortunately.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Team Sonic Racing might not be the strongest, most innovative racer out there, but fans of Sega’s previous karting games as well as fans of Sonic will definitely find something to enjoy. The team elements are very well implemented, and it’s nice being encouraged to work as a team in a game where you would otherwise do everything in your power to take your friends down.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Fighting games just don’t get much better than Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R, and that’s all you need to know.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall though, Irony Curtain: From Matryoshka is a unique triumph, a game that offers a fresh take on a well-trodden genre that’s far funnier than a game about communist history has any right to be. It manages to feel incredibly polished without losing that distinctive indie touch; the feeling that you’re playing a distinctly authored experience that hasn’t been focus-grouped to oblivion. Be prepared to think outside the box, but make sure you check out this beautifully constructed and often hilarious adventure that’s sure to delight anyone who loves a good point and click game.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you’re after an experience like no other, that will challenge your problem-solving skills in logical and believable ways, you absolutely need to play Observation. It’s one of the most compelling and surprising games I’ve played in recent years. Its biggest achievement, though, is that it didn’t make me feel like I was playing a game; it made me feel like I was genuinely assisting a crew member in distress.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Lovecraft’s Untold Stories is a fun shooter, for the most part. It doesn’t gain much from mining Lovecraft lore; you could swap out the foes for any other number of pixellated nightmares. But slaughtering your way through the hordes is a satisfying and challenging experience, and there’s enough replayability here to keep you diving back into the abyss.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Rage 2 isn’t the biggest game in the world. Nor is it the prettiest, or the most polished. Once you’ve explored its tame open world enough to open up your combat options however, it doesn’t really matter. In the heat of battle, the only thing you’ll be experiencing while playing Rage 2 is sheer joy. And it’s good enough to make all the boring bits in between feel worthwhile. It’s not perfect, but it shows that id’s brilliant brand of combat can be enhanced and implanted into an open world.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As retro collections go, Castlevania Anniversary Collection doesn’t impress with its features, but the games themselves pick up the slack. Buy this, and you’ll be in classic vampire-killing heaven.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you fondly remember the games and want to revisit them on your fancy modern console, sure, why not? Just bear in mind they might not be as engaging as you remember them to be.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sniper Elite V2 Remastered is far from being the best Sniper Elite game you can play right now, but it’s still worth your time if you want to see bullets travel through bodies in gory detail.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If the idea of a game that lets you poke around and learn everything on your own, you’ll have some fun with Save Koch‘s wacky, hectic world. There’s a lot to like if you have the patience to figure it out. But if you prefer your sim games with clear instructions, then you’d better pass on this one.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An adventure game at heart, A Plague Tale: Innocence expertly fuses storytelling, stealth and action to form a coherent, flowing and altogether gripping experience that's hard to put down.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’ve never played Saints Row: The Third before and can’t imagine playing a game on anything other than the Switch, The Full Package is a must-buy despite its technical issues. To be fair, when docked, the Switch version probably falls in line with the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions anyway. It’s also a must-buy if you use your Switch pretty much exclusively as a handheld device.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Playing against the CPU is bound to lose its appeal eventually, which leaves Puyo Puyo Champion‘s local and online multiplayer modes being the main draw. But for not much more than the price of a couple of coffees, that shouldn’t be much of an issue.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’ve played Table Top Racing to death already on another format there’s probably no reason to pick up this new Switch version unless you’re really keen to play it in local multiplayer. If you’ve never played it before though, this new Nitro Edition may be worth adding to your collection if you fondly remember the mad antics of games like Micro Machines. Its races may not be all that exciting, and success may sometimes feel dependent more on luck than skill, but Table Top Racing: World Tour – Nitro Edition is still entertaining.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This is a collection that has had a lot of care and thought put into its construction. It has all the features that you’d expect and more, and while it’s not quite the budget release that other retro compilations tend to be, you do get what you pay for.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Close to the Sun is a game that’s only remarkable for its scenery. And it’s a shame, really, as the Helios could have carried a great tale. As it is though, while there’s nothing about Close to the Sun that’s broken, there’s nothing compelling enough to make it worth your while, especially with its short run time and lack of replayability.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Mainly thanks to its dull combat and floaty controls, Giga Wrecker Alt. isn’t the game it could have been. There’s a great story waiting to be unravelled if you have the patience to work through the game’s issues, but a few hours in, it really will become a slog. Giga Wrecker Alt. is a unique game, for sure, but uniqueness alone doesn’t make something good. The basics have to be there first, and in this case, they’re just not.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Nintendo Switch version of Istanbul is a fantastic board game adaptation.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re a fan of snooker, then Snooker 19 is a must have. Its realism, range of players and arenas make it the Fifa of snooker games. But the lack of depth and repetitive career mode means that Snooker 19 pots the white ball just after the black. Casual players may not find much longevity, but snooker fans will enjoy it nevertheless.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s a beautifully executed hybrid of puzzle game and tycoon sim that charms and challenges in equal measure.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fade to Silence‘s strengths definitely outweigh its weaknesses, though. Its unique setting makes you want to go out and discover its secrets. Its camp building elements reward you for seeking out other survivors and building bonds with them. And the survival aspects give the game depth and added challenge. It isn’t just a bog-standard adventure game with a frosty backdrop; in Fade to Silence, the weather is your biggest foe.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Don’t go into it with lofty expectations, and Konami Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection will serve you just fine.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    A “chore” is the best word to describe UglyDolls: An Imperfect Adventure. Just because a game is aimed at children isn’t an excuse for lazy, uninspired design. With a boring world, mind-numbing and repetitive missions and a waste of its source material, this is one game not worth your time, no matter what your age.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s actually surprising just how good World War Z is.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Even with its lack of replayability, you should buy Katana Zero right now if you’re a fan of action games with great tales to tell. When its thumping music kicks in, you know it’s time for action of the highest calibre.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mortal Kombat 11’s combat is fluid and intuitive, and even when you’re losing it’s a joy to play. It’s a game that's fun just to mess about with, but once you master its nuances it becomes even more rewarding. Once a gory joke, Mortal Kombat has evolved to become one of the most accomplished fighters you’ll get your hands on.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    it’s hard not to be very impressed with what Imperator: Rome has to offer. The feel of the game is exactly what Paradox promised: a true test of management of early civilisation on the brink of modernisation. You can develop your nation and expand to your heart’s content – but like the mighty Romans, you must constantly look outwards to your neighbours and inwards to your own people for threats and disturbances. Imperator: Rome truly has the depth and versatility to become one of Paradox’s finest.
    • 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.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ploughing through both games is going to take at least 100 hours, probably closer to 200 if you’re thorough. They may be close to 20 years old now, but these Final Fantasy games still have charm.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Without a doubt, the Switch version of Cuphead is the best. It’s still not the game I think it could have been, but the ability to play it anywhere and at anytime really does do it wonders. It may be a straight port, but it’s a bloody good one.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Like any game on Switch its portability is a great boon, and while the visuals are clearly compromised when playing in handheld mode they don’t detract from Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen‘s brilliantly absorbing gameplay. For action RPG fans that are on the go, it’s an absolute must.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It’s up there with the likes of Hotline Miami and Mr Shifty when it comes to providing exhilarating top-down action, and it has also got a great soundtrack. Coming straight out of nowhere, it’s undoubtedly one of the best games released this year, and is an absolute must for anyone who loves local co-op.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    For those that eke fun out of balancing profits against supply and demand and don’t mind a bit of repetitive click-work, then Weedcraft Inc may well be engaging enough. But for everyone else, its divisive subject matter is mostly wasted on dull gameplay mechanics, so if you were hoping for an engaging and edgy management sim, you’re still better off looking elsewhere.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s the game’s zany but gripping narrative that’s the real star of the show, though. If science fiction interwoven with tales of family, loss, relationships and survival sounds like your thing, then Zanki Zero is worth a look.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    An enchanting adventure, no doubt, and one that lasts quite a while. I just don’t know if it feels quite at home on Switch.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Thanks to its revamped visuals and a wealth of meaningful gameplay improvements, Borderlands Game of the Year Edition is without a doubt the best way way to experience a classic.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Iron Rain might just be my new favourite Earth Defense Force game. Sure, it doesn’t throw quite as many enemies at you, and performance isn’t as smooth as usual, but the latter issue isn’t so bad if you’re playing on a PS4 Pro. The improved visuals and gameplay tweaks make it more of an immersive and enjoyable experience, and that’s what really matters.

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