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
    • 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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Put simply, Farabel is tough. To some, it may seem unfairly so, although the strategy and tactics required to actually make your way through the game are enticing.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite having its roots firmly set in survival horror, Yomawari: Night Alone is really not all that scary. It’s creepy for sure, but in terms of pure jumps or shivers, these reactions were a no go.
    • 47 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Like Gas Station Simulator before it, Food Truck Simulator could benefit from a little more polish. And, also like Gas Station Simulator, you’re paying money to pretend to have a job. But expanding your little business and being the best Food Truck Guy, shaving seconds off each time you fry, never gets old. As mundane as its premise may seem, Food Truck Simulator is a real joy.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While the platforming elements themselves are basic it is the addition of outside forces that make ADIOS truly unique.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re a sentimental person, playing through Solo will undoubtedly make you think about your life and those you hold most dear. And even if you’re not quite the mushy type, the game’s to-the-point way of asking you questions will make you take a look inside yourself.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With its old-fashioned visuals and scrappy gameplay, Nun Massacre won’t be for everyone. Horror fans going into it with an open mind, however, will soon find a place for it in their bleeding, haunted hearts. Being hunted down by the nun never fails to set your blood pumping, the screen distorting as she draws ever closer, leading to horrific screams as she charges at you. It’s truly scary – and that’s what horror is all about.
    • 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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Done Running is good. Clichéd or not, Telltale always knows how to tell a great story. The graphics have improved two-fold and the controls are better than ever, but I had really hoped to see something new in the narrative, especially seeing as it’s the last time we’ll be playing these characters. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season, but I do have my fingers crossed that the narrative gets a much-needed shake-up in the next episode.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you want something actively engaging, then this isn’t the title for you. But if you’re happy to let yourself relax and get lost in an intriguing, dark, sometimes funny and always mysterious narrative, then [Knee Deep] is definitely worth picking up.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you're a Survivors-like fan, you're going to get a kick out of Karate Survivor — no pun intended. This melee take on the roguelike sub-genre is a great deal of fun thanks to its wealth of moves and focus on environmental damage. It's hard as nails, though, so prepare to die a lot. Still, that's sort of the point, isn't it?
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Habroxia 2 is very much worth any shoot ’em up fans’ time and money. The gameplay is on point, and that is largely all that matters. Throw in some nifty unlockable modes and a bucketload of upgrades to unlock, and you have a game that offers serious old-school thrills along with some modern-day flair.
    • 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.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Lair of the Clockwork God is funny and one of a kind, but it’s also far from perfect. It’s let down somewhat by its random bugs and lack of polish, but if you can look past them, there’s fun to be had here. Dan and Ben continue to be wonderful protagonists – but the mixture of platforming and point-and-click adventuring isn’t going to be for everyone. Like Marmite, you’ll either love it or you’ll hate it.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    This flat-screen version of Alien: Rogue Incursion – Part One isn't as tense as its VR counterpart, and its gameplay isn't as exciting as a result, but it remains a solid experience for Alien fans. Just be prepared to backtrack a lot in the latter half and perhaps be disappointed by its unsatisfactory ending.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For the most part I’ve found Gods Will Fall to be an enjoyable experience despite some frustrations. Many of its gods are ugly but it has a charming art style otherwise, while a sinister soundtrack perfectly sets the tone. And while the combat could do with some tweaking to make your bigger warriors feel more useful, it’s generally fair and fun. So, if you’re into rogue-likes and want a game that tries something new with the formula, you could do far worse than attempt to lead your band of warriors to success in Gods Will Fall.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While there are many games based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft, Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss stands out thanks to its focus on you conducting an investigation. With some genuinely tough puzzles to solve, it's just a shame that one or two are more frustrating than they are fun, and that there are numerous technical issues to deal with too.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you’re willing to invest the time in three lengthy visual novels, finish these two off early, so you can enjoy what is touted as a great third entry (which I’m excited to see) released later this year.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With a wide selection of puzzles to solve and a fantastic art style to enjoy, there’s a lot to like about Figment 2: Creed Valley. Whether or not you’ve played the first, this is a worthwhile, albeit short, jaunt for anyone who enjoys puzzle-solving and adventuring. It’s just a shame we’ve encountered a few bugs while playing. Maybe hold off jumping in for a week or two until they’re (hopefully) fixed.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you enjoyed Zombie Army 4 – like we did – then you shouldn’t hesitate in picking up its DLC. It doesn’t shake things up (and the name ‘Terror Lab’ might be slightly misleading), but it’s more gloriously gruesome zombie-shooting action.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    My Hero One’s Justice 2 is an unimaginative and unadventurous sequel; there’s no ambition here. It packs in a new story and more characters as if that’s enough, but it largely feels unchanged from its predecessor. Old issues inexplicably remain and the combat is as shallow as ever.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It’s safe to say that We Are OFK won’t be for everyone. As far as interactive narrative adventures go, it’s one of the most passive we’ve encountered, feeling more like an animated TV series than a video game. Add in characters that are difficult to get to know and dialogue that’s likely to grate, and you’ve got an experience that’s tough to recommend. Thankfully, the excellent music videos do offer some redemption, and if you stick with it, you’ll eventually warm to its colourful cast. However you feel about them though, you probably won’t have played anything else quite like this.
    • 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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Although playable in single-player, it’s hard to recommend KeyWe as a solo experience. This has been very much designed with co-op play in mind, so unless you have someone to play with, don’t bother picking it up. It’s a commendable concept and fun can be had in short bursts, but ultimately the tasks given to these adorable kiwi birds boil down to nothing but repetitive busywork.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Remothered generates just as much frustration as it does atmosphere, making it one of those games that you want to love but can’t because it just keeps kicking you in the face.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    So, The Detail Season 1 isn’t perfect, but what ever is? It fails in some places and shines in others. Despite the clunky gameplay elements, there’s a unique style and an expertly written cast of characters waiting to be uncovered for those who are willing to stick it out. For all its problems, The Detail still has plenty there to make me excited for the next season.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axel City Racers is what it is – a simple racing game aimed at young children, with informative loading screens that aim to teach. There’s not much to it, which might make its asking price appear a little steep, but its colourful visuals and basic yet enjoyable gameplay make it a perfect entry point into the racing genre. In the grand scheme of things, however, it doesn’t really impress all that much.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Everything about it is decent but nothing more, resulting in a romp that’s enjoyable enough in short sittings but tiresome in the long run. It tries its best, but it simply fails to excite like it should.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you have fond memories of Crysis and wish to play it again but with better visuals on the format of your choice, you’ll probably get some enjoyment out of Crysis Remastered. Well, unless your favourite thing about it was the multiplayer – that’s been ripped out. It isn’t a bad game by any means, and its budget price is appreciated, but it’s no longer the graphical powerhouse that it was. Even worse, it appears the aspect that really needed remastering was its gameplay, and it doesn’t seem to have been touched at all.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I didn’t have a bad time with No Way Home, although as an experience, it doesn’t feel quite substantial enough on PC. While the increased amount of loot and enemies is a welcome enough improvement, being limited to only one weapon at a time results in a fairly repetitive gameplay loop, and that’s before getting into the procedurally-generated environments which caused most areas to feel basically the same, albeit with a different (quite lovely to look at) backdrop. The story is fun while it lasts, with Cho’s interactions with the quirky alien galactic denizens remaining funny and enjoyable. If you’re looking for a short looter-shooter with more of a focus on the story than the gunplay and are satisfied with that trade-off, then No Way Home might well be worth checking out.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Taken in small doses, the game can be a fun, challenging experience – as long as you step away before frustration sets in.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It may not offer much of a challenge or much in the way of innovation, but Ginger: Beyond the Crystal is a decent way to pass a few hours if you’re hankering for a new old-school platformer.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Battlewake can be a blast in small doses and is a good way show off the PSVR’s potential (unless the person you’re showing it is prone to seasickness). Waving your arms around like an idiot as you watch cannonballs soar past you is entertaining for a while and I can see myself returning if the multiplayer mode ever gains traction. But it’s a little anaemic for a mid-price release and feels like the foundation for a better, bigger game.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Trouserheart is a great pick-up-and-play game for children who are new to gaming. Its fun and colourful levels are sure to keep kids engaged for hours, and the campaign is not long enough to become monotonous to more experienced players. But the game’s lack of depth and difficulty certainly pull the trousers down on what could be a very fun game.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Reagan Gorbachev undeniably has character, and really runs with its absurd premise, delivering a decent arcadey Hotline Miami-like. But while it delivers thrilling moments, it disappoints in a few key areas, presenting a game with a bland aesthetic and relatively shallow gameplay. It offers some enjoyment in the form of its tongue-in-cheek story, but if you’re looking for more depth than score chasing, you may not find it here.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Akiba Beat’s biggest failure is, undoubtedly, its disconnect with what makes Akihabara so enticing. It is missing the heart of what you’d expect a game of its kind to have.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Burning Bridges feels like a turning point that episodes two and three have been building up to. It introduces welcome plot twists and revisits interesting topics that have been mostly at the wayside since episode one. But I fear it’s too little too late.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The story really is great, the shooting feels good, and getting more and more powerful is rewarding. Unfortunately though, Mafia III is plagued with head-scratching design decisions.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Cute and colourful, the music-based puzzles of Tempopo are both challenging and chill, letting you tackle them entirely at your own pace. But with a bit of a disconnect between its childlike visuals and difficulty level, I'm just not entirely sure who Tempopo is for. And as fun as each level is when your solution all comes together, getting there can be a bit of a repetitive drag.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Cel Damage HD is a good game for the local multiplayer aficionados out there, but it’s hard to outright recommend.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    As you’ve probably already gathered, Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst is quite a disappointment, although that’s not to say that it can’t be highly enjoyable at times.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ultimately, if you’re looking for a serious table tennis game then this isn’t it; VR Ping Pong sits firmly in the casual gaming genre, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Bullet Witch on PC is little more than it was all those years ago on Xbox 360; an adequate third person shooter with some good ideas but flawed execution. Here, it's bundled with all the additional missions and content that arrived post-launch and has better performance, but it's undoubtedly dated.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    For a fiver, BAFL - Brakes Are For Losers does grant you a fun time. That fiver just doesn’t take you very far.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    As unpolished as it may be, though, there’s no denying that Crash Drive 3 is entertaining. It doesn’t try to be the best racing game or the best stunt-driving game, but it is a fun sandbox of exploration, competition and vehicular mayhem. If you’ve got a friend or two to join in with, it’s a perfectly adequate way to while away some hours.
    • 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.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Blue Fire‘s influences and inspirations are plain to see; Dark Souls, Super Meat Boy, classic 3D platformers. If a single one of those was its sole focus, I would be recommending Blue Fire highly. As it stands, though, I don’t really know who I would recommend it to: the jumpers or the fighters?
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Skelattack offers an evening of fun, with ample lashings of frustration along the way.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Sniper Elite VR is what it is. If you want to snipe enemies across a range of scenarios, all the while carrying out the actions required to reload a bolt-action rifle between shots, you’ll no doubt get some enjoyment out of it. It’s not particularly impressive visually, however, and beyond the additional arm-work required the dispatch the enemies you’re up against, the gameplay is rather basic. Throw in the additional fiddliness associated with VR, and the fact that the series’ kill-cam doesn’t quite gel with the format, and you have a game that’s fun to delve in and out of as a curio, but largely forgettable overall.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Back 4 Blood isn’t a bad game. But it could have been so much better. Its difficulty needs balancing, as does the amount of enemies thrown at you at any one time. Ultimately, most levels simply have too much going on to be enjoyable – and each Act would have benefitted from being substantially shorter. Get a competent group of friends together and you might have some fun, but chances are zombie fatigue is going to set in long before you reach the end of the campaign.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I’ve had a lot to complain about, but SuperEpic is still quite fun to play, and I never found it difficult to keep coming back to fight and explore the twisting halls of RegnantCorp.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you’re a fan of meditative adventures such as the likes of Firewatch et al, then there’s some enjoyment to be had in The First Tree. You’re unlikely to get emotionally invested, but its vulpine protagonist and charming visuals may be enough to keep you interested through its short running time.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    At its best, Viviette is an unsettling, atmospheric little escapade, telling a story which, while hitting some familiar horror beats, will make you thoroughly uncomfortable.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Had The Game of Life 2 been sub-£20, it’d be easier to recommend. But its asking price of £30 feels far too steep for what’s included here. One game will last only around 30 minutes, and since you’ll see the same random opportunities and job titles come up again and again, you’re probably not likely to want to keep playing. Unless you’re a die-hard fan of the board game, wait until it’s on sale. It’s enjoyable in small doses, but not at RRP.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Poor sense of humour aside, Kill the Bad Guy is a decent puzzle game that is worth a stab if you are in the mood to be challenged.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It does what it sets out to do - scare you silly - rather well, and without resorting to cheap jump scares to boot. But with its short length and limited replay value, I'm not sure if it provides value for money.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    After 30 years Night Slashers is back, though while this remake boasts notably improved visuals and an updated soundtrack, its gameplay remains somewhat clunky and outdated.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ultimately it seems that the creators came up with a brilliant idea but rushed the product: although for some the core game will be enough, for those looking for real longevity and replay-ability Gurgamoth will be sacrificed prematurely on the altar of one-night-only party games.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There’s a lot to like about Firegirl, but it’s not free of issues. You’ll undoubtedly grin with glee whenever you’re lucky enough to successfully complete a run, having rescued all survivors. But chances are you’ll come across insurmountable frustrations more often than not, bringing your time with the game to a grinding halt. Continually upgrading Firegirl‘s abilities certainly helps, but the mechanics need a bit of tweaking before this is as enjoyable as it deserves to be.
    • 48 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It’s rough around the edges, but if you’re after a fairly easy-going adventure game (albeit with dark subject matter) to play through in an evening, you could do quite a bit worse than I Saw Black Clouds. There are undoubtedly better FMV games available right now, but this one still has the capacity to entertain. Just temper your expectations and you’ll enjoy the rollercoaster ride that it sends you on.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It’s an incredibly mediocre offering that tries but ultimately fails to revitalise the struggling genre.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While Lunark does have its merits, the further we progressed in it, the further it tested our patience. Its clunky controls are a hurdle, but one you might be able to get over. Problems with unfair combat, poor checkpointing, and questionable environmental design, however, are much harder to forgive. Ultimately, if you’re fan of the genre, Lunark is worth a try, but don’t expect it to stand up to even its decades old peers.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There’s a lot holding Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time back from being the leading platforming experience it could be. Its lack of accessibility is a real issue, and it’s still plagued with problems that existed in the original Crash games, like awkward camera angles and imprecise jumping. But it is a beautiful-looking game, and fans of the series will undoubtedly get a serious kick out of being back in control of Crash – even if they will need god-like patience for some of the game’s more trying sections. Its extra content is a let-down though, and the full RRP for a game that most players will be done with in around eight hours leaves a big question mark over whether Crash Bandicoot 4 is a worthwhile purchase.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A beautiful-looking game that tells a charming story, but its gameplay is just lacking.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Dear Me, I Was looks absolutely stunning, with every screen of the game feeling like a work of art in its own right. But taking less than an hour to complete, the story here lacks substance, and being told entirely through visuals makes it more difficult to connect with.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    All in all, fans of the long running series should certainly check JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven out as they’ll certainly find it to be a rewarding experience despite its flaws, but those looking for a more involved brawler with a wealth of features should look elsewhere.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Medium isn't a bad game by any stretch of the imagination – it's just nothing special. The dual world mechanic doesn't offer much that's genuinely new or interesting, the next-gen visuals are let down by poor animation, and the controls are a bit clunky. It's also simply not scary. The saving grace is that the world that's been created here is interesting, allowing for a story that keeps you wondering what the next revelation will be throughout its eight-or-so hour running time. Still, there's good groundwork here if Bloober Team does ever deliver a sequel – hopefully with better facial animation, more grotesque enemies roaming its environments, and an actual combat system.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    For any fan of the series, I’m positive Fatal Bullet may well be their favourite entry thus far. However, there are still some big missteps that hold it back from its true potential.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Airborne Kingdom will keep you engrossed for a few hours, but it runs out of steam before it can reach the lofty heights it aspires to.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Way of the Passive Fist is an interesting title that offers a great deal to those who fully get on board with it, but its repetitive nature and demanding difficulty means that they will be few.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you’re hoping for the next great dungeon crawler, then you most likely will be disappointed. While its many mechanics and structure are a valiant attempt at the form, the game ultimately stumbles where it should succeed. However, if you’ve found its artwork online and are more interested in its exploration of yokai than anything else, you’ll probably enjoy your time quite a bit.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    For all of its problems, there’s no getting around the fact that it does have the capacity to entertain for a fair number of hours when played in co-op, meaning ardent fans of the series may still want to consider picking it up.
    • 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.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Rehydrated still feels like the classic version – for better and for worse. The voice actors for SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Mrs. Puff and more help to bring the game to life and, with its wonderful new graphics, Bikini Bottom has never looked better. Due to its issues, though, it isn’t likely to pull in a new wave of players. It barely managed to keep me invested – and I’ve been incredibly excited to get my hands on it. For those who played it as kids, it’s a joy to see it looking so shiny and new, but don’t go in expecting to get too much fun out of it.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Whale Rock games have done a great job of making an engaging, challenging and rewarding game (if not the deepest in story-terms) but the difficulty makes it pretty prohibitive for most gamers.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ultimately, if you’re after the most authentic NASCAR racing game available right now, NASCAR Heat 3 will serve you well. But if all you want to do is take some NASCAR vehicles around some tracks now and again, on Xbox One you might as well pick up Forza Motorsport 6 or 7.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Mechanically it’s not particularly impressive, either. But the art style of Watcher Chronicles truly makes it stand out, and it’s perhaps one of the most forgiving entries in the genre, making it an ideal starting point. This is a solid, accessible Soulslike, then. Fun to play, at least until repetitiveness possibly sets in, but rather forgettable once you’re done with it.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you’re a die-hard RTS fan, Seigecraft Commander and its brand of cheerful, bright and breezy gameplay is enjoyable enough. But without a significantly larger online community, Siegecraft Commander just doesn’t last long enough or offer enough of a challenge to say it stands out.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Jack Holmes: Master of Puppets isn’t a game for everyone, then. Thanks to its unpolished nature and how easy death can come, some will bail on it on the early hours. For horror fans with patience and persistence, however, their time will ultimately be rewarded. Its voice acting is bad, its combat is dire, and its story is neither here nor there, but there’s a certain undeniable charm that makes Jack Holmes: Master of Puppets worth it in the end.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While Rondo of Blood is entertaining enough, the lack of extras and the inferior version of Symphony of the Night being included in this package is sure to disappoint.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Orwell’s Animal Farm is a pleasant retelling of the 1945 novella, and revisiting the story again after reading it in high school has been lovely. As a lover of literature as well as video games, I couldn’t help but smile seeing the story come to life. Not everyone will feel the same way though, and as an adventure game or even a visual novel, Orwell’s Animal Farm is unlikely to grab players that don’t already have a vested interest in the original story. Still, it’s a valiant effort in bringing a classic novella to new audiences, and might just be a valuable tool for students.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ultimately, Blackwind is very much a budget experience. If you go in knowing what to expect however, there’s a lot of fun to be had here. Its combat is competent and engaging, there’s a solid upgrade tree to work your way through, and solving puzzles to explore its environments adds a little more variety to the mix. Its environments lack any real excitement, however, and it’s missing a spark of innovation. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t provide enough entertainment for those looking for some basic action.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Toby: The Secret Mine can be easily pardoned as a complete larceny of Limbo – but it’s not as simple as that. When Toby does craft its own uniqueness, there is a lot to like.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact is a fast-paced and accessible 2.5D 3v3 fighting game that fans of the franchise in particular might want to check out. Well, as long as they're happy either playing with friends locally or digging into its single-player modes. When it comes to matchmaking, it can be hard to find matches, and when you do, there can be issues that spoil the fun.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    We really wanted to like Tell Me Your Story. It looks lovely, and we love its concept. We’re always keen to get our hands on more cosy games, and those with puzzles are even more welcome. But this one unfortunately misses the mark. More thought needed to go into its puzzle design for them to be an enjoyable, and not frustrating, experience.
    • 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.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Quite a sizeable game for its price – you can expect to get at least ten hours of play out of it. It has decent music and visuals, too. It’s just a shame that its story isn’t engaging at all. If it wasn’t for the enjoyable nature of its battles – which admittedly don’t try to raise the bar – it’d be a total disaster. So, if you’re a fan of The Dark Crystal or just love strategy RPGs, you’ll get some enjoyment out of it. Just don’t expect it to blow you away.
    • 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.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Pumpkin Jack is an unspectacular 3D action platformer, but considering it’s largely the work of just one man, it’s quite an achievement. There’s a nice variety of gameplay on offer, some solid visuals, and an enjoyable soundtrack. And even though some gameplay elements outstay their welcome, they at least offer a reprieve from the annoying combat. If you can grit your teeth as you spam the attack button time and time again, there’s some enjoyment to be had here, especially if you’re a fan of the genre.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Starting out relatively strong in the grand scheme of things, [Yooka-Laylee] unfortunately loses focus and charm as you progress, until you ask yourself why you’re putting yourself through it just to collect quills that become useless and Pagies that simply aren’t worth the frustration.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Like the apocalypse itself, The Last Kids on Earth and the Staff of Doom is rather messy, and not everything works like it should. It doesn’t quite do the series justice, but there are glimmers of a fun game here. Just be prepared for some glitches, and a lot of repetitive missions. Still, for kids who are fans of the Netflix show, the use of the actual voice cast for the main characters adds some worthy authenticity.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you’re happy with more of the same, don’t mind the repetitive encounters with Hartman, and are prepared to face a wildly fluctuating difficulty level, then you’ll possibly enjoy AWE. It’s not all bad – it just pales in comparison to the standard set by the main campaign. If you’re a fan of Alan Wake, the few glimpses of him that are included and the overall story will prove to be the main draw, but that’s not quite good enough. Gameplay-wise, AWE is simply inferior to The Foundation, and is perhaps the low point of the Control experience.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Necromunda: Underhive Wars is actually a pretty decent strategy RPG once you dig into it. It does itself a great disservice by simply being obscure and steering you towards its boring story mode from the outset, but go against it and create your own gang and you’ll find an experience that is hugely rewarding. There is still the issue of its turtle’s pace to overcome though – hopefully developer Rogue Factor can patch in an option to speed up the gameplay when you’re watching the CPU.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It’s my least favourite of the Shovel Knight entries, but with the bar raised so high, that doesn’t mean that King of Cards isn’t worth your time. Plus, if you already own Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove you get it included in that for free anyway, so you may as well give it a go. I feel like Shovel Knight: King of Cards is going to be like Marmite: some will love it and others will hate it. Though “hate” might be too strong a word. Rather they just won’t be as enamoured with it as other Shovel Knight releases.
    • 51 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Most players will probably blast through Redout: Space Assault in just a few hours. It’s a game that doesn’t try to do anything special, but it provides enough entertainment, particularly if you enjoy some arcade-style space-shooting action. And for less than a tenner, that’s fair enough.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Surgeon Simulator 2 has merit as a multiplayer experience, more so if you can get a gin-sodden group of friends involved. But as a single-player game, you’ll find it’s a repetitive step backwards from Surgeon Simulator’s manic shenanigans.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If you’re already previously invested in Operation Babel: New Tokyo Legacy‘s universe, characters and gameplay, then I’m sure there’s a lot to like here. However, for a newcomer to the series, the lack of tutorials is frustrating, the environments and world are visually bland, and the gameplay loop not engaging enough to make me want to come back for more.
    • 42 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Is Taxi Chaos going to blow you away? Of course not, but it is pretty decent. You won’t care for its soundtrack, its visuals won’t wow you, and its handling is as simple as can be. Blasting around New Yellow City while picking up passengers and dropping them off at their desired locations is fun though, while pro mode is highly rewarding for those who learn the ins and outs of the game’s map. So, if you’re after something to scratch that Crazy Taxi itch, Taxi Chaos may well be of interest to you.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Beyond a Steel Sky still comes off as rushed and sometimes disjointed, with more than a few rough edges. Right up until the final ten minutes I could swear I was only halfway through the game. It’s still worth the trip if you’re a fan of the original, but Beyond a Steel Sky’s flawed journey doesn’t go far enough to truly recommend.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    As long as you go into Tandem: A Tale of Shadows not expecting a riveting tale or a high level of polish, chances are you’ll have an enjoyable time with it. As puzzles games go, it doesn’t feel entirely original – Shady Part of Me offered a somewhat similar experience earlier in the year – but there’s enough here to keep those who like to put their thinking caps on entertained for a fair while.

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