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
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Barring the occasional frustration, D-Pad Studio have created a wonderful and satisfying tale filled with superb characters and marvellous presentation.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Gris may feel sluggish to control at times, but for the most part, you’ll want to take it slow anyway, to take in the game’s beautiful environments. When you reach a new area, or unlock a new colour into the world, you’ll soon forget about that annoying platforming section; you’ll be too busy being mesmerised by how beautiful everything is.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With a fantastical story that will quickly draw you in and plenty of detective work to be done, Echoes is an excellent visual novel that we struggled to put down. Its gorgeous art style, that changes as the story progresses, is simply the icing on the cake.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Suitable for fans of Super Monkey Ball and those new to the series, Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble offers more of the same ball-rolling action but with a new spin dash mechanic. In any case, while its multiplayer offerings aren't the best, the Adventure mode here is better than ever, offering a wealth of excellently designed stages to play through and master.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite a couple of niggles, Xenoraid is an excellent example of how a modern top down spaceship shooter should be done, purposefully going out of its way to do something a little bit different.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you fancy spending some time flying around craggy mountains or crashing down snowy slopes… Steep is your best choice. Whether played alone or with friends, it’ll meet your extreme sports needs and more without the risk of breaking an arm or a leg.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If Mulaka is proof of anything, it's that there is a definitive impact when games are made by more diverse voices. Mulaka feels deeply personal.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Warts and all, Skullgirls: 2nd Encore is definitely worth picking up if you want a stellar fighting game to play with your friends, though its single player content will keep you entertained for quite a while too. Whether it has online legs remains to be seen though; that will ultimately decide how good an investment the game is for many. Interesting characters and modes aplenty aren’t enough to keep a fighting game afloat in the long-term. Active communities do that.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While Ride 2 has some problems, such as questionable balancing of difficulty and credit-earning, the wealth of customisation options available and the pure gratification and thrill of competing makes it rather unlike any other experience currently available.
    • 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.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Earth Defense Force 5 stands in the face of pretty much every game released these days. It’s the game that doesn’t bother trying to keep up with the Jones’ because it’s happy doing its own thing and being just what it wants to be. And that’s brilliant. And you know what else is brilliant? Shooting hundreds of enemies while listening to humorous quips. That never gets old. Never.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dragon Ball FighterZ might just be my new favourite fighting game. From its stunningly sharp and wonderfully animated visuals to its frenzied gameplay, there's just something utterly charming about it.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The worst thing about Adorable Adventures is its title: yes, it does indeed offer an adorable adventure, but it's far more than that. This heart-warming journey sees a young boar reunite with his mother and siblings after a forest fire, and thanks to meaningful gameplay and gorgeous visuals, it's an utter joy to play.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Being a remaster that primarily just makes a classic a hell of a lot prettier, there are some issues here that remain unaddressed. If you can tolerate a camera that sometimes feels like it's working against you, however, then chances are you'll have a very good time with Ninja Gaiden 2 Black overall.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re a fan of arcade racers and are after something that will entertain you for a fair few hours on a budget, Skydrift Infinity is highly recommended. It may not have a massive selection of tracks or a particularly deep campaign but it offers unique, adrenaline-packed fun that feels like a blast from the past. And hopefully, once more people discover it, there might be the chance of having some enjoyable multiplayer races, too.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition is really meant for those who, like me, missed out on the previous versions. And for us, it's a fantastic package.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you fondly remember Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit from back in the day and fancy another crack at it, this remaster won’t disappoint one bit. And if you’ve never played it before and fancy a racing experience that’s a little more old-fashioned and focused, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered should be considered a must-have. One of the best Need for Speed games ever made has been on the receiving end of the remaster treatment, making its cops versus racers gameplay more enjoyable and stunning to look at than ever. What’s not to love about that?
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There's not much here to excite those who enjoy a bit of single-player fighting action, but those who like to play online against others will be in their element. Basically, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is just short of being the definitive version of the game, being streamlined in numerous ways while also benefitting from improved visuals and rollback netcode.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Don’t skip the dialogue, investigate everything properly, and experience Corpse Party in its full glory.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    PSVR owners should definitely give this game a shot if they are itching for an engaging, lighthearted, and challenging puzzle game. Esper nails it without going overboard. Plenty to love, so little to complain about. Unless you can’t figure out the puzzle. Then there’s a tonne to complain about. But that’s your fault. Not the game’s.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    So, if you’re looking for an engaging but relaxing puzzle game that you can unwind with, you can’t go far wrong with TENS!. It packs in plenty of single-player content, and its multiplayer offering is a lot of fun if you have someone to play it with. It looks great too, brought to life with bright colours and cute characters. A game that we can while away the hours with, without ever getting frustrated, is something we all need in our lives right now.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you were thinking about buying Sonic Origins, picking up this expanded and enhanced edition instead is pretty much a no-brainer. Even though you might not get much fun out of the Game Gear games, the benefits provided by the other DLC packs plus being able to take control of new characters makes it worth it. For those who already own Sonic Origins, however, whether or not to upgrade is something that should be given some thought. Do you remember these Game Gear games fondly and want to revisit them? Consider it a must-have. If not, weigh up just how much you’d like to play as Amy, as well as Knuckles in Sonic CD. That’s your answer.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars may be simple, but it does a fantastic job of delivering a card game RPG hybrid that’s an absolute delight to play. Its aesthetic is second-to-none, its storytelling is excellent (largely due to Haberkorn’s fantastic narration), and its gameplay is deeply satisfying thanks to character development, rewarding exploration and engaging battles. If you’d like an RPG experience that differs from the norm, Square Enix has nailed it once again.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For most players though, it’s the main meat of Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe – the platforming adventure – that will draw them in. It might not be the most revolutionary game – after all, the original is 12 years old – but it’s a charming platformer that’s as joyous as it always has been. And with the addition of Merry Magoland, this is a sizeable package with essentially endless replayability.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    All that said, I found the main protagonist extremely likeable, and the way you can navigate her through these scenes by using a set of deceptively deep gameplay mechanics made the game a pleasant experience.
    • 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.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Handling can make or break a racing game, and thankfully the VooFoo development team have got the balance just right, with controls feeling responsive and vehicles behaving just as you’d expect them to.
    • 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.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re a F.E.A.R. fan, Trepang2 is a game that you should definitely invest some money and time in. It’s also a game for those who simply love hardcore first-person shooters. Your considerable arsenal here is enhanced by your supernatural abilities, and with other moves up your sleeves – such as a slide that can send your foes flying and a powerful punch – you can have so much fun running rings around your enemies and dismembering them in gloriously gory fashion. This may not be F.E.A.R., but it sure as hell scratches the same itch.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Finding yourself trapped in your deceased father's study, The Renovator: Origins is a fairly short first-person horror experience but one that's packed with effective scares and lots of rewarding puzzles to solve.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There may have been a shortage of actual new modes added to Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 but it doesn’t really matter; the gameplay is so balanced and engaging that you won’t really care.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Inviting you to be the star of a vintage anime, Mullet Mad Jack is a fast-paced first-person shooter with roguelike elements that's basic at its core but still manages to be captivating — partly because of its impeccable presentation, and partly because it's simply so much fun to play.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Feeling like a combination of Vampire Survivors and Peggle, BALL x PIT is a unique roguelike that we simply can't get enough of. It's tough, and death can come quite easily, but that just makes us want to jump in again and again.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For £16.79/$19.99, Day and Night is an absolute steal. It’s at its best if you have a like-minded friend to play it with, but even playing against the CPU or battling through the single-player survival mode offers enough value for money. It’s a clever twist on a tried-and-tested formula, with a presentation that’s hard not to fall in love with. Its rules can be a little hard to get your head around, but once you’ve mastered it, Day and Night is hard to put down.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ultimately, how much joy you’ll get out of Golf Gang depends how much you like playing online. For those who regularly have digital get-togethers with friends, this is a must have. And considering its bargain price (£7.99/$9.99), there really is no reason to jump in: mad-cap, hilarious fun is guaranteed. For those who prefer to play solo, though, you’re better off giving this one a miss.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Set in a macabre alternative universe, Paradise Lost creates a captivating world that begs to be explored and uncovered. Every moment of the game will keep players hooked to the screen, desperate to find out more. It goes to some dark places, but as long as you’ve got the stomach for it, this is a game that will stick with you long after you’ve seen the credits roll.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Episode two, Hide and Seek, has me deeply involved in its dark and foreboding world, and just like last time, I’m eagerly awaiting the next episode.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Perhaps Nexomon: Extinction will always live in the shadows of the Pokémon series, but it has enough of its own personality to stand on its own two feet. Its world is beautiful, its story is humorous and captivating, and its budget price makes it an absolute steal. When you’re done with the Kanto and Galar regions and everything in between, you might find the world of Nexomon surprisingly charming.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While its low-fi nature means that Rewind or Die won’t be to everyone’s tastes, it’s easy to recommend to horror fans looking for something a little out of the ordinary. This perfectly encapsulates the essence of straight-to-video cult-horror favourites of years gone by, being schlocky and gory yet undeniably entertaining all the same.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For those who enjoy thoughtful narrative adventures, it’s easy to recommend The Longest Road on Earth. It’s brief but very moving, and there’s every chance you might play through it more than once given its fantastic soundtrack and the way its story is open to interpretation. On another playthrough you might notice a detail in a scene that changes how you view it, for example. There’s one thing for certain: The Longest Road on Earth makes an impact.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The timeless, colourful visuals and stand-out gameplay means even those who aren’t familiar with it will have a blast, too. SEGA AGES gets yet another stellar addition to its range: whether you’ve played it before or not, SEGA AGES Fantasy Zone needs to be in any self-respecting shooter fan’s game library.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Banishers: Ghost of New Eden isn’t the most polished game out there. With a love story at its heart that asks you to ponder the morality of your choices throughout, however, you can’t help but be drawn into its world. It also helps that it’s a game filled with variety; exploration is finely balanced with combat and investigation to create an experience that keeps you on your toes and stops tedium from seeping in, even though none of those three aspects are particularly impressive by themselves. Basically, it’s greater than the sum of its parts, especially if you get on board with the tale it wishes to tell.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re looking for a new word game, or just something to keep you entertained for hours on end, then Spellspire will be well worth your investment.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s a game that oozes charm out of every pore. A game that is challenging but does a good job of easing you in. And a game that is simply a joy to play because of its fluidity and the range of combat options available.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's a shame that Star Wars Jedi: Survivor isn't a little more polished, as it really takes the sheen off this bigger, bolder sequel. The story may take a while to really get going, but once it does, it has some fantastic, explosive scenes that truly make an impact. And while there is some fan-service, it tries to keep it to a minimum. Ultimately, this is a must-play for any Star Wars fan, and it leaves us excited about what's next for Cal Kestis.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Flame in the Flood successfully captures the intricacies of a better class of survival games and wraps them in a very neat, very pretty package.
    • 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.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There’s a huge amount of depth lurking beneath its “seen it before” appearance. They’ve taken the traditional MOBA and focused it down to a tactical tee. It provokes an impending tension, utters of despair at turns wasted, and cries of joy at enemies falling victim to your ten turns of dastardly planning.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It may only last you a few hours, but Kingdom Eighties: Summer of Greed is well worth spending some time with. Its simple gameplay is infectious, and you’ll rejoice as you expand your basecamp, pushing enemies back in the process. There’s limited guidance but you’ll soon get to grips with what you should be doing, soaking in the absolutely gorgeous visuals as you do.
    • 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.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Jackbox Party Pack 9 is a strong mix of titles, with a nice variety of all sorts of party games. Prefer something that will actually test your general knowledge? There’s Quixort. Want something completely random and silly? Go for Junktopia. Like the idea of pretending to be someone else? Opt for Roomerang. Add to the mix a wonderful presentation, plenty of humour and, of course, Cookie Masterson, and you’ve got one of the best Jackbox collections we’ve played in some time.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Running around Going Under‘s dungeons is a joy, and you’re never quite sure what will be waiting for you behind a new door. Every time you die, you’ll be keen to jump straight back in and see if you can get just that bit further. It might not be the deepest Rogue-like game out there, but you’ll be hard pushed to find another quite as fun as this.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I’d go as far to say that Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure is one of the better Disney games of recent years – Infinity aside. The recreations of the Pixar franchises are just beautiful, and although each level may be short, they’re all certainly sweet. I’d highly recommend it for younger players, and if you’re a Pixar fan, regardless of your age, it’s a no-brainer.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    RIDE 6 is quite easily the best entry in the series yet, with an engaging campaign that spans multiple racing disciplines and a phenomenal collection of bikes to acquire and upgrade. Thanks to an optional new Arcade racing style, it's also more accessible than ever.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A simulation game with a twist, Evil Genius 2: World Domination is a must-play for fans of the genre. Forget building hospitals, theme parks or zoos; creating the world’s most evil lair is where it’s at. There’s plenty to sink your teeth into here, and an awful lot to learn, but once you get the hang of being evil, you’ll discover that being bad sure is good fun.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overboard is not the biggest game in terms of a single playthrough, but you’ll dive in again again until you’ve polished your excuses and suspicion-dodging shenanigans. Throw in a superb soundtrack, a gorgeous visual aesthetic and you’ve got a game to die for.
    • 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.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II is exactly how a sequel should be: it respects its prequel’s strengths, brings them to new heights, and also strives to remediate its flaws.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The ramped-up difficulty towards the end of the game may be off-putting for some, considering its very much kid-friendly exterior, but if you don’t mind a bit of a challenge, The Adventure Pals is very much a worthwhile romp.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An underwater survivors-like game with a twist, Ocean Keeper will also have you digging for resources alongside facing off against fearsome enemies. With meaningful upgrades and a fun gameplay loop, it'll keep you coming back for more.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Early on, Forspoken‘s somewhat empty, barren world isn’t the most appealing. Stick with it, though, and you’ll be rewarded with more interesting landscapes, plenty of side content to sink your teeth into and a range of magical beasts itching for a fight. Frey makes a great protagonist, and we couldn’t help but be charmed by her punchy personality. But it’s her exhilarating parkour that really sets Forspoken apart. This open world adventure offers up the type of fun that’s hard to put down once you get started. We’re certainly keen to keep returning to Athia to mop up those remaining distractions.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp feels like a huge continuation of the first game. If you enjoyed the first, then it goes without saying that you’ll get a kick out of this sequel, too. It’s wacky, fun, violent, hilarious and a whole host of other awesome things. The dialogue is as brilliant as ever and includes topical references to today’s pop culture. The characters are charming, weird, sexy and adorable – and you can’t help but love them. Finding a date to the meteor shower is a challenge, but when you do eventually watch those flying space rocks hurtling through the sky, you’ll be happy you’ve got your chosen monster by your side.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s a LEGO game alright, and these small but meaningful changes make it one of the better titles in the collection. Even if the Ninjago franchise doesn’t interest you as much as Batman or Marvel Superheroes might, the gameplay and signature LEGO humour makes The LEGO Ninjago Movie Videogame well worth jumping into.
    • 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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's always great to see a videogame try and do something different, and Minit does so with gusto: it takes a tried-and-tested formula and turns it on its head with one very simple mechanic. It makes a standard adventure game into a test of memory, of patience, of skill, and even though it'll frustrate you, it'll have you coming back for "just one minute" time and time again.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    One of the best FMV games out there, Dead Reset blends body horror, timeloops and foreign entities to create a sci-fi narrative that's as entertaining as it is ridiculous. More player choice and input would be nice, but thanks to great acting and high-quality production values, you likely won't mind too much.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s a shame that the songs in Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical didn’t have quite the impact on us that we hoped, but it might not be the case for everyone. Still, while we won’t be rushing to listen to its soundtrack on any streaming platforms, we’ve very much enjoyed our time with the game, and we’ll no doubt be returning to it for another playthrough or two in the future.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you enjoy narrative driven adventures, make sure Sumire is on your radar. Packing in a powerful message in its two-hour run time, it’s the type of game that will inspire you and make you think about your own life in meaningful ways. It may be short, but this beautiful game will stick with you long after the credits have rolled.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    You’ll get the most that Layers of Fear can offer you when you’re brave enough to delve into all of its nooks and crannies.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The idea behind Event[0] is a wonderful one and I would love to see the technology behind Kaizen refined and used in future projects.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s a charming adventure set against a gorgeous backdrop, and even though it may take a while to get going, it’s worth persevering with. Its combat is engaging, exploration is a delight, and its characters are a pleasure to know. Even if you’ve never played an Atelier game before, Atelier Ryza is one worth jumping into.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re a fan of kaiju or side-scrolling beat ’em ups, consider Dawn of the Monsters absolutely essential. You won’t find another game like it. Though even if you’re not typically a fan of those genres, you should still give it a go if you simply like to have fun; even more so the local co-op variety. Doing battle with giant beasts has never been as deep or enjoyable as this, especially with its DNA augment system that allows for a surprising amount of build variety. If this is the Dawn of the Monsters, we’re ready for the Day of the Monsters.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Gal*Gun 2 is every bit as good as its predecessor, even with its new types of stages not always entertaining as much as they should due to their increased difficulty. It's not as outlandish, which may disappoint some, but its gameplay has been fleshed-out and made more involving.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I urge you, please, to play The Town of Light and uncover Renee’s story, and a greater understanding of the cause for it, for yourself.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It would be easy to dismiss Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End as a jack of all trades and a master of none, and in terms of gameplay, that would be true. Beyond navigating the environments, nothing is truly exemplary and is mostly fine or good. Thankfully, it’s so much more than that with standard bearing presentation, writing, and acting.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    One of the best anomaly games out there, Captured is genuinely unsettling thanks to its onimous atmosphere and the terrifying 'entities' that can pop out at you at any time. A loop doesn't take long to complete, but as long as you're brave enough, you'll be keen to jump into this one again and again.
    • 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.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For run ‘n’ gun fans, there’s a hell of a lot to like about Spidersaurs. Its enemies are varied and fun, its boss fights are challenging, and it’s excellently presented throughout. Only the odd difficulty spike that feels a little unfair and the stickiness of your character are likely to frustrate a tad. And so for its very reasonable asking price, it’s easy to recommend to those who want some attractive bouts of exhilarating action.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you enjoy getting lost in a great story based around realistic characters, then you shouldn’t hesitate to play Arcade Spirits. Its story throws enough twists and turns to keep you captivated for its six to eight-hour runtime, and it’s hard not to get invested. It’s a shame the voice acting is inconsistent, but it’s not enough of a bugbear to ruin what is otherwise an excellent visual novel.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pure Chess: Grandmaster Edition is the definitive chess-playing experience. It’s a must for any fan of the classic game; the choice of beautifully rendered locations and board types even makes this a preferable option over a real board. It’s a shame that the online multiplayer isn’t a little busier as playing against a real opponent is always more enjoyable than an AI counterpart, but the option to play locally is a nice touch.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream is yet another enjoyable game from Gust and Koei Tecmo. Even if you don’t get fully invested in the story, the adventuring alone is enough to keep you playing. A great alchemy system accompanies a fun battle system, all set in a world that’s a joy to explore – with a cast of characters that you’ll undoubtedly enjoy spending time with. If you’ve enjoyed Atelier games in the past, then you’ll love this one too.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s so easy to recommend Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes to not only fans of Fire Emblem, but also those simply seeking a high-octane action game. And if you also happen to enjoy politically-charged stories, you’ll absolutely fall in love with it. This is, without a doubt, one of the best Warriors games yet, taking strategy elements of the Fire Emblem series to embellish the gameplay in all the right ways. And the masterstroke is that, despite being set in the same world as Fire Emblem: Three Houses, its narrative cleverly makes playing that title an option rather than a necessity.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Needless to say, if you’re after a hardcore platformer that will keep you on the edge of your seat well into the early hours of the morning, Almost There: The Platformer will do the trick.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Like most games ported to Switch, if you have a PS4, Xbox One or PC and plan on playing Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition solely in docked mode you may as well get it on another format instead. It’s cheaper, and both looks and plays better. If the Switch is all that you’ve got, however, or you plan on playing in handheld mode, you should definitely pick it up. It was one of the best games released last-gen, and with its enhancements it’s still a great game now.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Young or old, whether you’re a fan of OG Minecraft or not, there’s a lot to love about Minecraft Dungeons. Exploring its vast levels is a delight, and coming across new loot is just as fulfilling here as it is in any loot-based game. Smooth controls and a range of abilities make it an absolute joy to play; even when you die, you’ll be eager to pick yourself back up and start again. Considering the game’s asking price, Minecraft Dungeons should be a must-buy for anyone who enjoys a good dungeon-crawling adventure.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Taking control of a muddy puppy, Doronko Wanko is all about creating as much mess and chaos as possible. Spraying mud up pristine walls and ruining expensive artwork has never been more fun — it's just a shame it's all over so quickly, and more content other than a handful of different dogs hasn't been added for the game's anticipated Switch release.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A Survivors-like with a twist, Swarm Grinder is the type of game that'll have you coming back again and again. With meaningful upgrades and plenty of reason to keep playing, it's an excellent example of the genre — with a few unique twists thrown in too.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A 3D platformer with an exhilarating techno soundtrack and stunning graffiti-inspired visuals, RKGK will win you over with its fluid movement and challenging gameplay. It's destined to be one of 2024's hidden gems.
    • 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.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Like almost all of The Sims 4‘s expansion packs, Snowy Escape adds plenty of content, making this a worthwhile addition to any collection. The new location of Mt. Komorebi might just be the prettiest yet, and seeing your Sims try (and often fail) at skiing and snowboarding is wonderful. The new Japanese-inspired furnishings are the cherry on top, allowing you to create homes in a completely new style. If you’re a regular Sims player, you won’t regret walking into this winter wonderland.
    • 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.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The slightly awkward controls are a small price to pay for the luxury of being able to play while lounging. If you’ve never played The Sims before, the console version isn’t a great starting place, but if you’re already a convert, then it’s a must-have in your collection.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A Normal Lost Phone is a game with a really brilliant concept. It covers complicated, sensitive topics which, in many ways, is a bold and brave thing to do in today’s world.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sure, there’s the odd misstep throughout the game’s 20-odd hour running time, such as some challenge rooms that feel shoehorned in, but on the whole Darksiders: Warmastered Edition is an absolute pleasure to play. If you’re after an epic action-adventure game to play on your Switch, look no further.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's hard not to fall in love with Smoke and Sacrifice, simply because it is a beautiful game. But you shouldn’t pick up this game for the aesthetics alone; its whole design and premise is on point, altogether making for a fascinating survival experience.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you can get your head around the concept that you are just a regular soldier… then you’ll find an incredibly unique experience in Rising Storm 2: Vietnam.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A story that keeps you on the edge of your seat is hugely important to point and click adventures such as The Raven Remastered. And thanks to its clever writing and mostly believable voice acting, it manages to accomplish that. It’s not quite up there with the likes of the original Broken Sword, but it deserves to be remembered as a cult classic. Control issues aside, The Raven Remastered is one of the best point and click style adventures available right now, and its presence on Switch is very much welcome.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Unique in its art style and its approach to gameplay, Chants of Sennaar filled with captivating puzzles that are a joy to solve, set against a backdrop of a world that you’ll be desperate to learn more of. Figuring out the meaning of each glyph is supremely satisfying, but also is solving the game’s wealth of other puzzles. Even a generous helping of stealth is not enough to dampen our enjoyment of this special game.

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