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
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite a few niggles, our journey through Aveum has been a blast. Being in the shoes of Jak is a great deal of fun and although his range of abilities can feel a little overwhelming, mastering his powers is exhilarating. If a fast-paced adventure through a gorgeous world, backed by a solid story and excellent acting sounds like your thing (and why wouldn’t it?), don’t hesitate to jump right into Immortals of Aveum.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rarely putting a foot wrong in terms of production and storytelling, we’ve loved every moment we’ve spent with The Devil in Me, an absolutely wonderful conclusion to The Dark Pictures Anthology’s first season. Its story is the most captivating and the most well-realised; so much work has gone into crafting characters and locations, and the sheer goriness will delight and horrify in equal measures. Supermassive Games continues to go from strength to strength, and with The Devil in Me, the studio has cemented itself as a master of the horror genre.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s a testament to the game’s staying power that, even when your ship has been destroyed, you’ll come back for more. Just don’t go sticking your face in any oversized eggs.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Lionsgate was wise to let Bloober Team loose with its Blair Witch IP. It has treated it with respect, delivering a game that truly does justice to the source material. While its centre part lets it down somewhat, and Bullet’s pathfinding could do with a bit of improvement, it’s one of the scariest horror games ever made. And your reliance on Bullet, as well as the manipulation of found video footage, adds gameplay meat to what usually ends up being little more than a walking simulator. If you’re brave enough, you should definitely enter the woods and face the Blair Witch.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With the credits rolling, sat in the dark having begun playing when it was light outside, I felt fulfilled with what I’d just played; a game that is assuredly made by a very talented group of people wanting to make something different.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 21 isn’t a bad game. It’s good, in fact. It just feels wholly unnecessary.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Final Fantasy Explorers is okay. It’s neither a worthy heir to Phantasy Star Online‘s crown nor is it a successful Final Fantasy title in its own right. I mean, did I even mention the story? Yeah, that wasn’t an accident. If you’re desperate for more hunting then you could do worse, but it’s an easy pass for everyone else.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A short but sweet adventure, you might replay Trek to Yomi to collect all of its collectibles and upgrades, perhaps even on a harder difficulty to test your skills. It has multiple endings to discover, too. And so for its modest price it’s easy to recommend to action adventure fans, especially if they also love samurai movies. Its stunning presentation is just the icing on the cake.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I feel the greatest mistake that Project CARS 3 makes is being called what it is. Fans of the previous two games probably won’t find what they expect here, while those who disliked them could possibly be put off by the name. This is essentially a paradigm shift for the series, taking it into new territory with mass-market appeal. And for racers like me, who like a game that controls well, has rewarding progression, and who aren’t particularly bothered by the absence of serious sim elements, it’s Slightly Mad Studios’ best and most accessible game yet.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fans of the comic books will surely love this addition to Michonne’s story, as it gives a glimpse into what went on during her disappearance in the comics. Others will enjoy it for its easy to learn gameplay, terrifying post-apocalyptic world, and its cast of unique characters.
    • 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.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Being able to jump straight in to everything right from the start is a huge bonus, and being free of limitations – at least in terms of how far a toy village can go, of course – is a breath of fresh air.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While it initially took me a while to get into, and the random nature of the encounters can sometimes be annoying, there’s a lot to enjoy with Here Be Dragons.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’ve played a Warriors game before, then you’ve basically played One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4. Thin story, okay graphics, and somewhat shallow but satisfying action gameplay are all par for the course here, not to mention a lion’s share of content to work through. If you’ve ever been curious what this sub-genre is all about, this is a great place to jump in with its easily approachable gameplay and that lovably goofy One Piece aesthetic. If you’re a long time fan, we’d encourage you to ask yourself how much you want more of the same and decide based on that. One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is the furthest thing from reinventing the wheel, but it sure has its unique and addictive gameplay loop down to a science.
    • 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.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it may not have Civilization’s country-spanning scale or Total War’s grand battles, it’s nevertheless a satisfyingly deep strategy game. Age of Empires may be ancient by videogame standards but this engaging, challenging overhaul is well worth digging up.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    99Vidas‘ humour can be very hit and miss, and the game’s challenging difficulty level may put some people off. But persist and you’ll find it a rewarding and hugely enjoyable brawling experience that will have you coming back for more, no matter how many virtual teeth you lose.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Best enjoyed in co-op, Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is a seriously satifsying tower defence game about destroying as many orcs as you can. With a wealth of traps to place and a number of skills and weapons up your sleeve, you'll need to be creative and strategic to get the most out of the game — but success doesn't always come easy.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hollow Realization is the strongest iteration of Sword Art Online to date, and an easy recommendation for fans of the anime and previous games.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Repetitiveness is undoubtedly God Eater 2: Rage Burst’s biggest issue. The mission structure is repetitive, the basic combat system is repetitive, and even your actions within the hub are repetitive.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    In the end, if you’ve got the patience to deal with Deadlight: Director’s Cut’s problems you’ll find a decent game, but you should certainly exercise caution before jumping in.
    • 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.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    In the end, what I wanted from this title was more; I wanted to do more puzzles in this world, in this unique way, and that’s exactly what We Were Here Too delivers on.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Sadly, a tedious story combined with finicky menus and dull characters means that Shadows Awakening doesn’t fully wake up to its potential. It’s a decent RPG with some new ideas, but it’s not going to set your world on fire.
    • 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.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles is a great anime-based fighting game that’s only going to get better. Its story mode is a lot of fun to play through, thanks to the quality of the source material and CyberConnects2’s refined battle system that’s easy to pick up yet rewarding to master. Factor in the beautiful visuals and a decent amount of side content to engage in, and you have one of the best videogame adaptations of an anime we’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. If you’re a fan of the franchise, consider this a must-have. And even if you’re not, you might want to give it a go.
    • 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
    An open world arcade racer, JDM: Japanese Drift Master may not be as pretty or expansive as its peers, but those who love getting sideways will still find lots to love about it. The drifting focus here makes the game feel relatively unique, and while there are no multiplayer options, its campaign should keep players entertained for a considerable amount of time.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There are a few rough edges to Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One; the odd duff texture here and there, and lip syncing that never quite looks right. But none of that ever gets in the way of just how engaging a game this is to play. Stepping into the shoes of the young Sherlock Holmes is a real treat, and Frogwares continues to excel at doing what it does best: delivering an immersive experience that really makes the player feel like they’re actually a detective. This is by far the developer’s best yet.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Regardless of its issues, there’s no denying that Cris Tales fulfils the mission its developers set out to achieve, and with gusto: this truly is a gorgeous love letter to classic JRPGs. An epic story combined with a truly beautiful visual style will keep you hooked until the credits roll. With a small update here and there, Cris Tales has all the makings of a modern classic.
    • 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.
    • 69 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Between its bugs and its busywork, Outcast – A New Beginning does feel a tad dated. But it’s charmed us with its characters, combat and a world that, thanks in part to your jetpack, is a joy to roam. [Review in Progress]
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A beautiful-looking game that tells a charming story, but its gameplay is just lacking.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    There’s a lot to like about No Straight Roads, there really is. But ultimately, its gameplay is disappointing. It’s essentially a boss rush game that’s been stretched thin by repetitive platforming sections and a hub that’s just a mindless collectathon. The boss battles themselves are of varying quality too, and are laden with frustration. With a patch or two No Straight Roads could be a decent game, but as it stands it’s impossible to recommend to even those who are really into music-infused adventures.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While fans of the anime will no doubt get the most out of Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening, its engaging mix of run 'n' gun gameplay with platforming and Metroidvania elements make it suitable for all. The unique Psychogun with its guidable bullets is the standout feature here. It's just a shame that the overall experience is brought down a little by some minor issues that can cause frustration.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With a lovely art style and an entirely intriguing concept, Where the Water Tastes Like Wine is unlike anything you’ll have played before. Its uniqueness makes it worthwhile, but some slow-moving elements, inconsequential mechanics and a few lacklustre stories mean it doesn’t stand out quite as much as it should.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I very much enjoyed my time with AER Memories of Old. It’s not perfect; it’s a little on the short side, its puzzles are a bit lacklustre, and it has an overt religious message — although if anything, that it adds to the world that AER creates. It’s beautifully designed, and if you stop often enough to take in your surroundings, you’ll find a very strong, moving narrative. If nothing else, though, it’s just so much fun to fly around.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As long as you can stomach the slow opening stretch and that the game doesn’t quite live up to its title, you’ll enjoy this gruesome spin on the farming genre.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For much of Reveil we were worried that it was just going to be another bog-standard first-person psychological horror game, but it’s safe to say that its late-game twist saved it. And so while it’s not all that scary, and the voice acting of the main character somewhat ruins the atmosphere at times, it’s still very much worth a play if you’re a fan of the genre or just enjoy a good story that throws you a curveball.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Aside from one or two overly frustrating encounters, we’ve truly enjoyed our time with The Callisto Protocol. And over time, we’re sure it’s going to get better. This is a mighty debut for Striking Distance Studios, and we can’t wait to get our hands on an improved sequel or something entirely new from the studio in the future. We wholeheartedly recommended The Callisto Protocol to horror fans open to brutal close-combat encounters, but some might want to wait until features such as New Game Plus have been added and certain issues have perhaps been ironed out. With a solid update or two, it will be essential.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If you’re a big fan of Captain Tsubasa, you might actually get a kick out of what’s on offer here. While its story scenes are a bit lifeless, they are genuinely entertaining, and there are plenty of twists and turns. You’ll have to grit your teeth and make your way through many unfulfilling football matches to enjoy them though. Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions didn’t have to be FIFA, but it at least had to provide a game of football that felt dynamic, fair and fun. It doesn’t do that, unfortunately, and so for most it’s going to be a major disappointment.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Although short, A Juggler’s Tale is an intelligent game well worth spending a few hours with. Its visuals are spectacular, and its haunting poetic narration – although jarring at times – provides an excellent and unexpected ending. Abby might not speak, but you’ll be rooting for her each step of the way.
    • 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.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There’s not a great deal of competition out there when it comes to tennis games on current-gen consoles, but it’s safe to say AO Tennis 2 is one of the better options. If you can forgive its overly-long load times and mediocre graphics, it’ll provide you with plenty of options for a solid game of tennis.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you can handle the gyroscope, you’re in for a quality thrill ride through the Lylat System, difficult but rewarding.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The horror genre is a tough nut to crack, but Man of Medan proves, once again, that Supermassive Games is truly the master of video game horror. I’m more excited than ever to see what the rest of the Dark Pictures Anthology will hold.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ultimately though [Gear Gauntlet is] really challenging and it’s up to you to decide whether you enjoy this type of punishing, repetitive, retro gameplay experience.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A lot of Epic Manager‘s mechanics, like the map, contract negotiations, and the random encounters are fleshed out and well-designed, but core gameplay elements like the turn-based combat are so simplistic that the game quickly becomes tedious.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    DeadCore doesn’t quite knock Portal off its podium but it offers a wild, well-paced, otherworldly ride that is well worth taking.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Caveman Warriors isn’t so much a bad game then; it’s just one that’s a bit bland and exceedingly niche.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Despite its initial allure, The Mage’s Tale just didn’t connect with me in the long run. PSVR has some incredibly high notes, and some pretty low lows, and this game sits comfortably in the middle. It doesn’t do anything exceptionally well, and its shortcomings are somewhat tied to the shortcomings of the format it’s presented on.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With a few more song options and maybe a way to slow down the dances so you can learn them at a slower pace, Zumba Burn It Up! is a worthwhile addition to your library if you’re looking for a fun way to work out.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you’re after a short platforming adventure with a story that will make you think just as much as the odd puzzle, you’d be wise to give Metamorphosis a try. It won’t wow you or set your world on fire, but it is interesting and inventive. It’s quite a laid-back experience too as there’s no combat. Just be prepared for it to somehow feel like it outstays its welcome at times, before hurtling to a conclusion at great speed.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Thanks to a colourful, well-designed world, challenging platforming sections and engaging gameplay, The Smurfs – Mission Vileaf solidifies itself as an example of one of the best children’s franchise tie-in games we’ve seen in recent years. It might be a bit too challenging for younger players by themselves, but it means it’s just as fun for adults, too. This is a commendable 3D platforming adventure that players of all ages will enjoy.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite its niggles, there’s a lot to like about Zoeti: its poker hand twist on typical card-based battler gameplay makes it stand out from the crowd. Add to that its beautiful 2D animation – and a surprisingly excellent soundtrack – and you’ve got a unique roguelike that we can see ourselves returning to again and again. With a bit of polish, it really could be a stand-out title in the genre.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Creative and beautifully designed, admiring the environments of House of Golf 2 is almost as much fun as playing golf itself. This is a game built with fun in mind and, particularly when you're playing with friends, you're going to have an absolute ball.
    • 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.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you enjoy narrative adventures that are accompanied with laid-back gameplay, then you might want to give Sea of Solitude: The Director’s Cut a go. However, those who like their experiences more complex, both in terms of gameplay and narrative, might want to think otherwise. Sea of Solitude: The Director’s Cut pulls on the heartstrings but does so like a blunt instrument, while the actions you perform getting from A to B rarely entertain like they should.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Knack 2 just doesn’t do enough to make its existence worthwhile.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    As it is, it’s simply okay.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re a big fan of shooters and don’t already own the majority of the games included, Psikyo Shooting Stars Alpha is a bit of a no-brainer, really. You could spend more money just trying to pick a battered old copy of one of the included games up, so of course you’ve got to buy it. If you just like to delve into the occasional bit of shooter action, however, then there are more modern shooters available that are simply better than anything on offer here and also cheaper. With Psikyo Shooting Stars Alpha you get six blasts from the past, but the lack of fanfare alongside them is a little disappointing.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Casting players as a game tester, A.I.L.A presents them with multiple experiences to play through, each with their own setting and enemies. What's worrying, however, is how they bleed into your reality. It's an interesting premise, but ultimately it's let down by poor combat and a general lack of polish.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s a shame the graphics don’t look as sharp as they should on Xbox One X, but it’s a small issue in an otherwise unique game.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Basically, no matter what floats your boat, there’s a good chance that The Crew 2 has it. And that’s why I can’t help but love it. Warts and all.
    • 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.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite its brevity, A Musical Story is a game that will stick with you long after you’ve completed it. Its sumptuous artwork, simple yet incredibly emotive, will leave a lasting impression, though not as much as the fantastic soundtrack, which will pulse through your head long after you’ve turned it off. Combining a narrative driven experience with engaging rhythm-led gameplay, the result is something rather special, unlike anything you’ll have played before.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    In many ways, Iron Crypticle is old fashioned to a fault – the lack of persistence and awkward 8-directional movement and shooting mires it in the past, bereft of any modern gameplay enhancements.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Being fans of LEGO and puzzle games, we wanted to love LEGO Bricktales. We’ve found it very hard to do so, however. Crashes are one thing, but when the gameplay itself is hampered by fiddly controls and the feeling of repetition, there’s not a great deal of fun to be had.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s the perfect game to get out when you have family around for an occasion, and the retro events will likely elicit fond memories from gamers of a certain age. And to top it all off, there’s a decent single-player mode to get stuck into. It’s not perfect, but as mini-game collections go, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is up there with the best of them.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you skipped last year’s NASCAR Heat 4 and are looking to pick up a new NASCAR game, NASCAR Heat 5 is the one to grab, no doubt. It is indeed the best NASCAR game to date. There’s such a small margin between them, however, that unless you’ve got a wad of cash burning a hole in your pocket, there’s no real reason to pick this up if you do already own NASCAR Heat 4. Hopefully there’ll be some genuine new features and improvements in next year’s inevitable NASCAR Heat 6.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game is fun, especially when played with a friend. While some events aren’t as engaging as others, there’s enough variety here that everyone will find something they can enjoy or excel at. The huge range of outfits available to unlock gives completionists a reason to keep going back, but most players will find this best enjoyed in short bursts.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    [Arslan is] not really that different from those that have come before it, but the focus on story leads to missions that feel more urgent and engaging.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    More than just a case of survival, Sheltered pushes you to grow and eventually thrive, and the moment your little unit starts to become somewhat self-sufficient, you’ll feel a real swell of pride.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Playing around with the customisation tools gave me the biggest shock in gaming since the beginning of The Last of Us. The customisation is insane. You can really do anything. This is more than Fallout 4 level of crazy facial manipulation. It is on par with Saints Row – and they only do it for a laugh. Whilst it doesn’t exactly add to the gameplay, I found it incredibly fun and spent ages making myself and my friends just for the sheer thrill of doing so.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    After experiencing the finished product, I’m pleased to see that Pankapu turned out to be such a charming and worthwhile adventure.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Football Manager 2019 Touch is so much more than its iOS/Android namesake; it’s the beautiful game made even more beautiful. It’s the definitive option for any diehard Football Manager fan, or football fan, looking to take their passion on the go.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Our only pause with Rabbids: Party of Legends is its price point. At £34.99 it feels rather steep for a party game that’s realistically only going to get pulled out for an occasional hour or two. Particularly when you add in there’s no online multiplayer options either. It is a lot of fun though, and perhaps one of the best minigame compendiums of recent years. By all means pick it up, but perhaps wait for a sale.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With its gameplay backed up with stylish pixelated visuals and a banging soundtrack, there’s a lot to like about Akane. It’s a game that’s easy to pick up but hard to master, fun to jump into for just a few minutes of fast-paced action whenever the urge arises. Play it for much longer, and the feeling of repetition is sure to creep in. But thanks to its budget price, you’re guaranteed to not feel short changed by what’s on offer.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Short but entertaining, jump into Zipp’s Café for the noir vibes and wonderful characters, but stay for the utterly enjoyable drink and food-making. It’s not going to be for everyone, but it’s a neat little twist on the café simulator genre, and it’s always a treat seeing an existing IP turned on its head in such an interesting way.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you love all things retro, or are mad for beat ’em ups with high skill ceilings, you might get a good kick out of Slave Zero X. For many, though, tedium is likely to set in pretty quickly, and frustration might be felt regularly too. It’s the type of game that draws you in and makes you want to like it, but then often fights you and pushes you away. We’d certainly be up for a sequel that refines what’s on offer here and expands upon it.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Moons of Madness is a wonderfully chilling outing that blends horror and sci-fi to excellent effect, delivering a palpable sense of dread. Most pleasingly, it channels the spirit of H.P. Lovecraft without yelling “CTHULHU!” in your ear every five minutes.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For Bomberman fans, Super Bomberman R 2 is likely to be a must-have simply because of cross-platform play; it’ll certainly make finding matches easier, and that’s where most of the fun lies with this title. Additional match types also make it attractive for those wanting to play it locally with friends, even if Castle proves to be somewhat disappointing. It’s just a shame that so much content is locked behind coins in the store, and that while the campaign is better this time around, it’s still not all that engrossing.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you have an abundance of patience, a high degree of skill and the tenacity to not be defeated, then Slain: Back from Hell is likely to give you hours of fun. For most though, it’s just going to be the cause of extreme levels of anger and frustration.
    • 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.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's not really scary, but Heartworm remains a fun retro-styled survival horror game nonetheless, thanks to its intriguing story and rewarding puzzles.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Don’t expect too much from the single player mode, but if you’ve got a friends who’ll enjoy puzzling with you, I highly recommend picking Shift Happens up.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The high level of difficulty means that it’s unlikely to be everyone’s cup of tea, and it’s a shame that its easiest mode locks players out of a great deal of content, but there’s no denying that a valiant attempt has been made to make it more accessible. And what’s really surprising is that it also offers a surprisingly novel local co-op experience.
    • 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.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It probably goes without saying that I enjoyed almost every aspect of Fragments of Him. The only negative is its very short running time, lasting around two hours; I would have loved to go more in depth into Will’s life and the struggles of his friends and family.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Stripped of the need to generate moolah, or injected with a heavier dose of strategy, Vostok Inc could be a stellar venture. But the bottom line is that this game’s pockets of excellence are stifled by an awkward mechanic that turns your interstellar journey into an unappealing, pan-galactic grind.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While it's occasionally frustrating and the arrest system is hit and miss, I can't deny that it's a lot of fun to play.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    #DRIVE obviously won’t scratch the same itch that a fully-featured racing game will, but if you’re looking for something to waste some time with, there’s fun to be had here. For an endless runner game, #DRIVE offers a reasonable amount of depth, and unlocking all the locations and vehicles is reason enough to keep coming back, 10 minutes at a time.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It may not have the cutting-edge visuals of its full-fledged source material, or its open world, but it certainly has its soul.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Onee Chanbara Origin is what it is: a remake of a couple of simple and repetitive action games that largely rely on titillation and buckets of gore to keep players’ eyes glued to the screen. Dig beneath its shallow exterior, however, and you’ll find a combat system that’s surprisingly rewarding when the camera isn’t working against you. It’s just a shame that there’s not much content to it. It’s hard to recommend Onee Chanbara Origin at its full price unless you’re really keen to hack and slash zombies as a bikini-clad badass. When that price drops a little, though, it’s worth jumping on if action games are your thing.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re up for a challenge and fondly remember classic action games like Shinobi 3 or Strider, you’d be wise to pick Ganryu 2 up. It looks and plays great; aside from some bouts of slowdown and a dearth of options, there’s nothing really to complain about. And best of all, it’s available at a price that won’t break the bank.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Dakar Desert Rally is a game full of peaks and troughs. Your heart will be racing when you’re hurtling through a desert during a sandstorm in a rally car, but when just a little too much throttle causes you to spin your bike and move from first to last in the middle of a snowy battle, you’ll be beyond frustrated. Still, it captures the essence of the controversial rally pretty well. And those willing to put in the time to master it will find it very rewarding.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Danger Zone 2 is hugely enjoyable. The only thought on my mind as I finished up getting all of its platinum awards was that I wanted more.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Running your own train doesn’t sound all that engrossing, but Locomoto makes it an absolute dream. Improving your train over time, all while visiting quaint little towns and helping out the townsfolk, is a wonderful way to spend time, so consider this a must-play if you’re a cosy game fan.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sure, it’s not as polished as the likes of God of War, but I don’t care. When Darksiders III works well, it’s just as entertaining. I love its character and enemy designs; its world draws you in and surprises you with the way all of its environments are linked together; and it really does have some epic boss fights. Throw in some light puzzling and an engaging story, and you have a no-frills adventure game that somehow feels fresh.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    If you’re a die-hard fan of the franchise, you might get a few nostalgic kicks out of Friday the 13th: The Game. But if you’re simply looking for a horror-themed multiplayer, this doesn’t hold a candle to Dead by Daylight, which itself is coming to Switch next month. Do yourself a favour, and pick that up instead.

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