GameSpew's Scores

  • Games
For 3,618 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 51% higher than the average critic
  • 10% same as the average critic
  • 39% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 2.2 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 73
Highest review score: 100 Returnal
Lowest review score: 10 Planet 2000
Score distribution:
3629 game reviews
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Cabin Factory shakes things up enough that it's a cut above your average anomaly game. And while it could run smoother, at this budget price you really can't go wrong.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Perfectly capturing the feeling (and look) of a classic animated movie, Stars in the Trash is a short but delightful game that puts you in control of a mischievous cat. There's an enjoyable adventure to be had, but I've had just as much fun 'catting around', knocking stuff off and being a furry little nuisance. This really is a wonderful little treat.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind combines beat 'em up action with arcade-style shooting, but neither element is particularly impressive. And so, this is an experience that only the most ardent and patient Power Rangers fans are likely to love.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A zany pachinko-inspired roguelike, I just can't get enough of Ballionaire. It's colourful, it's fast-paced, and it's incredibly moreish. Despite its simple concept, it feels infinitely deep thanks to the amount of different triggers you can place on your board, and I'm not sure I'll ever get bored of playing.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fairy Tail 2 wastes no time in throwing players into the action, perhaps at the expense of being welcoming to newcomers. Those who have played the first game, however, will probably love this sequel, even though its new combat system becomes a little repetitive during extended playing sessions.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    One of the most original horror games I've played, Among Ashes presents a game within a game which quickly draws you in and keeps you captivated until the credits roll. Considering this is the work of a solo developer, it's hugely impressive and deserves a place amongst 2024's highlights.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Based on the popular graphic novel series, Dog Man: Mission Impawsible puts players in control of the part-human, part-dog superhero along with his friends. This puzzle-platformer lacks level-to-level variety, however, making it a bit of a slog despite the acquisition of some nifty gadgets along the way.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fantasian Neo Dimension is a great JRPG that gracefully blends old-school sensibilities with some fresh new ideas and features. There are some issues here and there, such as awkward controls, but overall this is a gripping adventure and a must-play for those who fondly remember the Final Fantasy games of the 90s.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Smoothcade is simple, perhaps to a fault, but if you're looking for an easy-to-pick-up arcade game to play in short bursts, it's hard to be too disappointed with what's on offer here. It's bold, colourful and costs as much as a couple of cups of coffee — what more could you ask for, really?
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Super Rolling Heroes Deluxe is a simple game with a simple premise: roll a spherical alien down a hill to hit a gem at the bottom while avoiding troublesome obstacles. It's challenging by default, especially if you also try to meet optional speed and destruction targets as you go, but thanks to being able to drop down to an easier difficulty level it remains fun for all.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Neon Blood will likely grab you from the outset thanks to its interesting premise and attractive visual style. Unfortunately, poor localisation, unrewarding combat and some other issues pull the whole experience down.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    I really wanted more from Critter Café, but without any real narrative and no strong sense of purpose or progression, I quickly got bored of my time with the game. Running the café isn’t very fulfilling, and while completing the puzzles to rescue the critters is fun enough, if I want puzzles there are much better options out there. That’s not to say this is a bad game: it is cute, and there is fun to be had — it could just have been so much better.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With multiple endings to discover, Threshold may be short, but chances are you might return to it multiple times. And with its PS1-inspired visuals, it’s truly atmospheric. So, if you’re after a game that genuinely keeps you on your toes, definitely keep Threshold in mind. Ultimately, the question is: what’s more important to you — doing a good job or uncovering the truth?
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ultimately, A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is everything you’d expect of a game based on the popular film franchise. And if you’re big on stealth or simply don’t mind slow-paced experiences, you might get a real kick out of playing it. For most, though, feelings of tedium, repetition and frustration are likely to creep in pretty quickly, and with little to keep the adventure feeling fresh or unpredictable as you progress, it simply becomes a slog.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dragon Age: The Veilguard was probably never going to win over all Dragon Age fans, and by being more streamlined than ever, it's those who were hoping that it would go back to the series' roots that will be most disappointed. For those who love a good action RPG with stunning visuals, however, there's a lot to like here.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Access Denied: Escape has a few missteps, with some of its puzzles not being very clear and its hint system not always helpful. But for its absolute bargain price, it's hard to begrudge those too much: if you're a puzzle fan, you'll undoubtedly get a big kick out of making your way through this bite-sized puzzle adventure.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Metal Slug series is back, though not as you know it. Metal Slug Tactics swaps the series' run-and-gun shooter antics for turn-based battles, and adds in some roguelike elements to boot. It's just a shame that while there are some neat ideas here, it's not all that entertaining overall.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While Planet Coaster 2 is undoubtedly the best park-building sim currently available (and a worthwhile improvement on its predecessor), it's held back by some frustrations, particularly on console where its controls can be fiddly. Still, there's plenty of fun to be had here, and building a waterpark is an undeniable joy.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    This remake of Dragon Quest 3 remains very old-fashioned; it's at times uncompromising and it's missing some modern quality of life features. For existing fans of the JRPG classic and those who aren't afraid of a challenge, however, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake will no doubt prove to be captivating.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's a shame that there isn't a little bit more depth when it comes to exploration, but thanks to its stunning visuals, enjoyable humour and fun combat, it's hard to not be won over by LEGO Horizon Adventures. It's light-hearted entertainment for all the family, and a brilliant way to introduce younger players to the world of Horizon.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tetris Forever isn't just for Tetris fans: it's for anyone interested in preserving the history of video games. Digital Eclipse is going from strength to strength with its Gold Master series, and Tetris Forever might just be the best yet — not least because of the brilliant new game, Tetris Time Warp, bundled within it.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you enjoy puzzle games, then, particularly ones with dark themes of crime and murder, you’re going to love The Rise of the Golden Idol. Few other games let you lead the charge of your own investigations in quite the same way, and trust me when I say that finding the correct answer feels like a serious victory.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    A run and gun shooter where you need to kill enemies as you collect items to open a level's exit, all against the clock, Speedollama is fast-paced and fun. The action can get rather repetitive quite quickly though, and there are some other issues that also bring it down a little.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The main event of Super Mario Party Jamboree is fine, but it doesn't offer anything truly original. As a package, though, there's plenty to like here, with several modes and ways to play, whether locally or online. The battle royale-like 'Koopathlon' is a real highlight in particular.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Solving the obscure puzzles of Scholar's Mate can be troublesome enough, and so when you also add in a pursuer and limited stealth mechanics, you're left with an experience that is generally unrewarding and frustrating.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Puppet House isn't going to blow your socks off, but if you like horror-themed escape room-like experiences, you could do much worse. Your main issue will probably be that it's just so short.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Indeed putting you in control of a gun-toting rodent, Squirrel with a Gun lets you lose in a suburban sandbox. There's plenty of platforming, shooting and puzzle solving to be done as you explore and collect the acorns required to make progress, and you can take things at your own pace. It's just a shame that it doesn't fulfill its potential due to a number of issues.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Horizon Zero Dawn might not have needed a remaster, but Nixxes has put in some serious effort to bring this great game bang up to date and make full use of the capabilities of the PS5. And so, whether you're a fan wanting to jump in for another playthrough, or a newcomer to the series, it's a no-brainer.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With its old-school gameplay and lack of guidance, Killing Time: Resurrected isn't a game for all. This fast-paced first-person shooter does have charm, however, and it's at least an interesting curio thanks to its clever use of full motion video.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With its foul language and crude sense of humour, Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered certainly isn't for everyone. Those who do get on with it, however, are likely to have an absolute blast for the most part, thanks to its thrilling combat and engaging scenarios. Ultimately, there's nothing else quite it.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A slightly more grown-up Max might not always seem believable, and there's a good chance that a few choices made in Life is Strange: Double Exposure might annoy you. But overall, this new instalment into the Life is Strange series is a success: its story will keep you guessing, its puzzles are fun to solve, and Max's new powers are a lot of fun to play around with.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Barbie Project Friendship is an excellent example of a game for kids: it's well-presented, engaging to play and offers a wealth of activities to complete. Even for fully-grown adults who are far beyond the target age range, there's joy to be gleamed in its simple but satisfying tasks.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sonic x Shadow Generations essentially bundles up a remaster of the original game with a new Shadow-led sequel. Though while taking control of Shadow is fun thanks to his range of new abilities, and there's a new Sonic Frontiers-inspired hub world to explore, it's basically more of the same, complete with highs and lows.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While the new campaign introduced in Vessel of Hatred disappoints, other additions such as the new Spiritborn class and endgame co-op PvE activity Dark Citadel make for a wortwhile expansion overall. In any case, adding a whole new region to explore filled with new dungeons, strongholds, and more, it's essential for devout Diablo 4 fans.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Kong: Survivor Instinct looks rather nice, and its 2.5D action-adventure gameplay is somewhat enjoyable despite being quite basic. It's just a shame that there's so much clunky human-on-human combat, which is not fun in the slightest, and that manipulating its gargantuan monsters is simply a case of gathering collectibles.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fear the Spotlight may be brief, but thanks to its tense atmosphere, basic but enjoyable stealth and rewarding puzzles, it keeps you glued to the screen from beginning to end. If you do play it, just make sure you don't overlook the unlockable second story, which is perhaps even better than the first.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem isn't a racing game: it's all about performing stunts across a number of different arenas. It's rather simple in what it offers, then, but throwing a monster truck through the air and performing somersaults and flips is plenty entertaining. Kids and adults alike will get a kick out of this budget-priced affair.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Available on their own or as a double feature, RetroRealms: Ash vs Evil Dead and RetroRealms: Halloween both provide fun old-school platforming experiences reminiscent of classic Castlevania titles. There are some unique mechanics and features, however, such as being able to switch between realms and using playable characters in any RetroRealms games that you own.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Available on their own or as a double feature, RetroRealms: Ash vs Evil Dead and RetroRealms: Halloween both provide fun old-school platforming experiences reminiscent of classic Castlevania titles. There are some unique mechanics and features, however, such as being able to switch between realms and using playable characters in any RetroRealms games that you own.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With its sumptuous art and rousing soundtrack, Neva sure is a treat for the eyes and ears. Its story will pull on your heartstrings, too. It's just a shame that its gameplay is basic at best and it often borders on being simply dull.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    There isn't much positive to be said about Blazing Strike other than it has a varied cast of characters. This 2D fighting game may be inspired by classics such as Street Fighter, but it unfortunately fails to live up to them on any level.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Nikoderiko: The Magical World is heavily influenced by Donkey Kong Country and Crash Bandicoot — perhaps to the point where it almost becomes derivative. But although it may wear its influences plainly on its sleeve, it's such a well-crafted new entry in the platforming genre that it's impossible to care too much. Making your way through Nikoderiko's wonderfully designed levels is every bit as joyful as the 90s classics, and if you're a fan of the genre you should consider this a must-play.
    • 45 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Transformers: Galactic Trials is one of those games that has some good ideas but fails to execute them successfully. While the racing action is basic but fun, its on-foot sections are terrible, and there are other issues, too. And so, while it looks fairly nice, has plenty of unlockables and its roguelike elements add some variety between runs, it's ultimately impossible to recommend.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Bloober Team has achieved what some thought was impossible: it has taken the horror classic Silent Hill 2 and made it even better. This is a phenomenal remake that remains faithful to the original while adding new content and features that elevate the overall experience. It's a must-play for horror fans; a truly terrifying journey with an unforgettable story and plenty of replayability.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This new version of Until Dawn for PS5 and PC certainly impresses with its enhanced visuals, but other changes will likely prove to be hit or miss with fans. In any case, this remains an excellent cinematic horror game with a gripping story and an interesting cast of characters. It's just a shame that an upgrade isn't available for PS4 owners of the game, and that new features such as local multiplayer haven't been added.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With its huge roster of fighters, thrilling combat system and satisfying selection of modes, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a must-have for fans of the franchise. Newcomers are likely to enjoy it, too, though they might find themselves a little lost when tackling its story-driven Episode Battle mode.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Undisputed has some issues, but for boxing fans it does enough to make itself essential. There's a huge roster of fighters here, plenty of modes, and the fighing system is easy to pick up but hard to master. It's just a shame that the action lacks a little speed and excitement, and that it's visually not all that impressive on PS5.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    An open world sandbox that lets you run free around Bikini Bottom, there's plenty of fun to be had in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game. It's packed with minigames and activities, but it's just a shame the whole experience feels rather rough.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It takes a little while to warm to, but once you've got the hang of controlling your bike in Parcel Corps the fun quickly ramps up. Getting companies signed up to your delivery app and mastering each location is an enjoyable endeavour, and delivery rush events feel a bit like a mix between Crazy Taxi and Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX, which can only be a good thing.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Don't let its adorable and cheery key art fool you: Moving Houses is not what it seems. An innocuous and cosy moving sim on the outside, there's something much more sinister hidden within, and uncovering that is all part of the fun of playing. This is an inventive and engaging experience that subverts expectations brilliantly — and while it's only short, it's well worth your time.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it's not all that different from its predecessor, Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 proves to be a worthy follow-up, offering more missions and more Brothers to collect, and ultimately just being more fun in general. Whether you're an existing fan of the series or want a fun way to dip your toes into it, World Brothers 2 is easy to recommend.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kill Knight is easy to pick up and hard to master, but it's rewarding to do so thanks to the wealth of unlockable weapons and more that are on offer. Most importantly, it's devilishly fun to play, being fast-paced, responsive and full of variety.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Experimental, rough around the edges and lo-fi by design, Apartment Story isn't going to wow you in a technical sense, but there's still a certain charm to it. Mixing The Sims-like mood management with a gritty, dark story, it'll only take you a couple of hours to complete — and it'll be unlike anything else you've played this year.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    This version of Monopoly might just be the best digital version of the board game to date, thanks to how wonderfully tactile it is to play. Rolling the dice with motion controls, manually moving your piece and even flipping over the board when you're losing make this an enjoyable and realistic way to play this classic. It's just a shame that a handful of random bugs let down the experience somewhat.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Matchbox Driving Adventures can take a little while to win you over due to its handling that initially feels awkward. Once you've got used to it, however, there's an enjoyable time to be had, with both adventure and competition modes available.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While its mobile game roots are still clear to see, the simplicity of Cat Rescue Story on console somehow adds to its charm. Caring for cats in need is wonderfully relaxing, and if you want a basic game to unwind with, you can do much worse than this.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Thanks to the introduction of FC IQ, the on-pitch action in EA Sports FC 25 is more dynamic and authentic than ever before. And while most other changes are small, the replacement of Volta with Rush, a 5v5 match type that is accessible in most game modes, makes this a worthy upgrade from last year's release overall.
    • 47 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Made up of four sports — soccer, basketball, tennis and golf — Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports should be an entertaining outing for up to four local players. Unfortunately, it's not: none of the games are enjoyable to play in the slightest, and not even the familiar cast of Looney Tunes characters is enough to save it.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Colourful visuals and a nice soundtrack aren't enough to save G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra from being a disappointment overall. Thanks to your limited combat options, dull boss fights and overuse of grunt enemies, it's just not all that fun to play.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Holy Gosh Darn may well be Perfectly Paranormal's best game yet, and it's clear the team has learned a lot from developing Manual Samuel and Helheim Hassle. This is a seriously slick adventure: it looks fantastic, its puzzles are fun to solve and it will have you laughing out loud every step of the way.
    • 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.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you like your roguelikes to be super speedy and action-packed, then Go Mecha Ball is absolutely worth your time. It's a little too over-the-top at times, and it's a shame there's not more variety from one run to another, but there's no denying how fun it is when you're in the thick of it.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite its steep learning curve and occasional forced endings, Elsie is a fast, frenetic and fun roguelike with plenty of ways to change up your runs. It'll have you running and gunning for hours on end, leaving you eager to jump in for yet another run. If roguelikes are your thing, Elsie is well worth its bargain price.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're a fan of run-and-gun shooters, Iron Meat is a must-have thanks to its responsive controls and excellently-designed stages. A genuine blast from beginning to end, it's just a shame there aren't more modes.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mask of Darkness presents a good reason to return to Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, offering a new area to explore filled with intense platforming challenges and some fun boss fights, all at a budget price.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    An RPG that moves at a breakneck pace, Beyond Galaxyland is utterly engaging from beginning to end. It's Star Wars meets Final Fantasy, with a hint of Pokémon thrown in for good measure. Add in some good old-fashioned platforming and a tad of photography, and you have an experience like no other, and one of the quirkiest games of 2024.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Originally a Wii exclusive, Epic Mickey Rebrushed has had an incredible face lift, making it feel every bit as fresh as a brand new game from 2024. This is a rich and worthwhile adventure-platformer even if you're not a huge Disney fan — but if you are, you'll get a huge kick out of the frequent nods to the company's long history.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Bundling together three classic metroidvania format Castlevania titles originally released on the Nintendo DS, the Castlevania Dominus Collection presents excellent value for money. And with various extras thrown into the mix including art and music galleries and a remake of arcade game Haunted Castle, it's a must-have for series fans.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Karate Kid: Street Rumble isn't the best example of the side-scrolling beat 'em up genre but it's a welcome one nonetheless. There are some issues that detract from the fun a little, but on the whole this an entertaining adventure, especially when played with others, and there are plenty of modes and light RPG elements to add longevity.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Pneumata is an ambitious first-person horror game considering it's made a by a solo developer. But while it looks rather nice and succeeds in creating a tense atmosphere, there are numerous issues that ultimately bring it down considerably.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Frostpunk 2 takes the already excellent original and improves on it in some suitably satisfying ways. It's an excellent city-builder, especially if you're prepared to take lessons from failure.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Whether you're a long time fan or a newcomer, this remaster of the classic Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars is likely to have you enraptured from start to finish. Its visuals have been lovingly updated, and while there are some issues with the game's audio, this is undoubtedly the best way to experience George Stobbart's debut adventure. It's just a shame there aren't any extras.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    We've been absolutely spoiled by excellent platforming games recently, and The Plucky Squire is up there with the best of them. Controlling Jot in this fourth-wall-breaking adventure is an utter delight. It's a shame a few bugs persist, but they're not quite enough to stop The Plucky Squire being one of the highlights of the year so far.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With its massively improved visuals and impactful quality of life improvements, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster takes a great game and makes it even better. There are still some frustrating issues, but if you simply want to have fun in a shopping mall overrun with zombies, consider this essential.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There are those who will enjoy Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus, no doubt; those who revel in a challenge and who have the dexterity to overcome its airborne antics without breaking a sweat. On the whole, though, there’s nothing all that original or exciting here, and many of the obstacles put in your path simply frustrate rather than provide an enjoyable hurdle to get the better of.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Grapple Dog: Cosmic Canines improves on the original in every way. It's one of the best platformers we've played, and a superb buy whether you've tackled the original or not.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    An open-world adventure game set in an intriguing sci-fi world, I've absolutely loved every moment I've spent with Caravan SandWitch. Whether you're exploring, completing a side quest or hunting down important components, there's so much to do — and the fact you can do it all at your own pace makes this an absolute joy to play.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Spiritual sequel to Void Bastards, Wild Bastards changes up the formula but isn't necessarily the better for it. Its board game-like maps introduce some strategy, but its basic first-person shooter Showdowns disappoint, as do some of its other underdeveloped elements.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Challenging you to run around tracks filled with hazards such as laser beams and circular saws, DeathSprint 66 is like nothing else out there. Providing you're not squeamish, it provides hours of fun whether played alone or against others online.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fun-loving, colourful and jam-packed with a random selection of well-known franchises, I really wanted to love Funko Fusion. Indeed, there's a lot to like, and exploring its worlds (and finding its absolute mass of collectibles) is plenty enjoyable enough. It just puts too much emphasis on combat, and fighting your way through hordes of enemies time and time again soon gets tiresome.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Inspired by Silent Hill, Hollowbody will feel familiar to anyone that has played an entry in Konami's celebrated horror series. In any case, this is a seriously unsettling survival horror game with some fun puzzles, and its unique setting makes it feel somewhat fresh.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A card-based dungeon crawling roguelike, Pyrene absolutely deserves your time if you're a fan of deckbuilders. It looks and sounds absolutely beautiful, and its simple but moreish gameplay loop will keep you coming back time and time again.
    • 53 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Disappointing, that's the best word to describe Test Drive Unlimited: Solar Crown. Its handling is solid and it has a large open world filled with a variety of events and activities for you to explore, but technical issues, poor visuals and other frustrations just bring it down.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you're a Vampire Survivors fan, you're going to want to get a taste of Hive Jump 2: Survivors. It's tough and challenging, but in just the right way: trust me, you'll be jumping in time and time again until you get the better of these alien swarms.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Crossy Road Castle is a simple multiplayer-focused platforming game that proves to be a heck of a lot of fun, though you don't need to play with others. And no matter how you play, thanks to its randomised levels and wealth of content to unlock, you'll keep on returning time and time again.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Blending the old and the new, Yars Rising is an enjoyable metroidvania that sees you exploring the mysterious QoTech facility. With a strong range of skills to learn, playing as protagonist Emi is a lot of fun — but the game is let down by its retro hacking levels that are frustrating enough to mar the entire experience.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Akimbot feels like a blast from the past, but one that hasn't aged all that well. Sure, it's smooth, fast-paced and responsive, and there are some nice setpieces here and there to break up the gameplay — but it's not quite enough to stop it from feeling repetitive and a little long in the tooth.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions does a fantastic job of capturing the magic of the Wizarding World without overdoing it on fan service. Sure, there's a healthy helping of Harry and his pals in the training segments of the game, but beyond that point, this is all about you and your handmade team of Quidditch heroes. Playing the sport is surprisingly good fun, and we can see ourselves diving back in here for a quick game every now and then for some time to come.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    As beautiful as it is to look at, it’s a shame that Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland just isn’t more fun to play. It feels old and while I suppose that’s the intention, platforming games have move on for a reason. It’s the first Rugrats game in two decades, and while I’m glad it exists, I’m disappointed it’s not more enjoyable.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is sensational. It’s Capcom’s best retro collection yet, in fact, packing in not only one the best fighting games ever made, but also one of the best side-scrolling beat ’em ups. The truth is, each and every game included here is a classic in its own right, though, and all play absolutely flawlessly and have been enhanced with additional features and more. What more can I say, other than it’s Marvel-ous.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There's definitely fun to be had with Umamusume: Pretty Derby - Party Dash, whether it's via playing its minigames with others, or getting stuck into the unlockable Golshi's Grand Adventure 2. There are some issues, however, and there's just not enough content here to warrant the price tag.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Demon's Mirror is basically Slay the Spire, with the addition of tile-matching gameplay. It's a novel idea but ultimately it doesn't quite pull it off, with too many ideas that don't all gel together as well as they should. Still, if you're a deck-building roguelike fan, it's worth a look — but there are definitely better games in the genre.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    To play Astro Bot is to love Astro Bot, it's as simple as that. It's a heartwarming and flawless experience, and a 3D platforming masterpiece.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a good game but not a great one. Its campaign is very linear and feels balanced around multiplayer, which is disappointing if you're planning on playing solo. Needless to say, it's more rewarding when played in co-op, and additional multiplayer modes add to the fun. But however you play, performance issues might frustrate.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection takes the action away from the courtroom, with players instead poking their noses around crime scenes and interviewing bystanders in the hopes of putting together a solid case. What's more, the two games included here have been brilliantly remastered, bringing their characters to life like never before. It's just a shame that progression sometimes feels like it relies on trial and error.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Casting of Frank Stone is a surprising treat in numerous ways. It’s longer than I expected, taking somewhere between six and eight hours to complete depending on how thorough you are in exploring each area. I was expecting Dark Pictures length, but this is more on par with The Quarry. It warrants that running time too, packing in a lot of thrills, adventuring and storytelling. It’s also surprising in that it does a fantastic job of pulling you into the world of Dead by Daylight: it might not rely on you knowing much about the universe, but there’s a good chance you’ll come away wanting to play. When it was announced, a collaboration between Supermassive and Behaviour sounded strange, but seeing it come to fruition, it’s nothing less than a stroke of genius.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s safe to say that Gori: Cuddly Carnage is a very pleasant surprise. It’s a game that wonderfully balances platforming and thrilling combat, all the while having a cute protagonist who’s easy to fall in love with. Though don’t go thinking this is a game for kids: with buckets of blood, some scary adversaries and lots of foul language, this is strictly for adults whose idea of having a good time is ripping unicorns limb from limb. If you’re a fan of character action games, consider this a must-play.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    There’s so much I could talk about with Core Keeper, but it’s the sense of discovery that really makes this game so special — and going in not knowing exactly what you might encounter feels like sort-of the point. But if you have a taste for adventure, enjoy carving your own path and don’t mind figuring things out for yourself, you’re going to have a whale of a time.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Imagine House Flipper with extra blood: that's what Crime Scene Cleaner is. This game about cleaning up grizzly crime scenes won't be for everyone, but if you're not afraid of a bit of gore there's a seriously enjoyable gameplay loop here — and added narrative touches really help it stand out from the crowd.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it will likely still only appeal to a niche audience, Monster Jam Showdown is the best monster truck game yet, inviting players to tackle a range of events across three distinct environments. Numerous assists and settings are available to make it accessible to all skill levels, and whether you prefer to play on your own or with others, you're decently catered for.

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