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
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It takes the tried and tested Let’s Sing formula and swamps it with a bevvy of popular Queen tracks. So, if you love Queen, and you enjoy a good sing-song, you’ll love Let’s Sing Queen. It’s as simple as that. If you don’t, why are you even considering it? You do have to question whether this Queen-centric entry in the Let’s Sing series was necessary though – it probably could have just been a DLC pack for Let’s Sing 2020 or the upcoming 2021. Regardless, it’s a well put together package even though there aren’t any surprises. And it’s sure to liven up any party.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you own Horizon Chase Turbo, the choice whether or not to pick up the Senna Forever expansion should be a no-brainer. Especially so if you’re a fan of Ayrton Senna or F1 in general. The expansion largely offers more of the same, but that’s not much of an issue when the core gameplay is so enjoyable. And with each purchase helping to support Senna’s charity, there’s even more incentive
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you should pick up Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising ultimately depends on how you plan to play it. While there is enough content and modes here to keep single-player focused gamers entertained for a good number of hours, it’s those who are unafraid to go up against others online that will no doubt get the most out of it. From its rollback netcode to its new lobby system and Grand Bruise mode, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising’s online offerings are comprehensive, making this an attractive package for those with a competitive streak.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    You can finish the game in two to three hours, but it’s just the right length for this slice of suspense (and the game’s £8.49/$9.99 price tag). Engaging and shocking in equal measure, Bahnsen Knights is a wild ride you won’t regret taking.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A 2D firefighting game, Nuclear Blaze will draw you in with its mysterious premise and then keep you hooked with its engaging puzzle-platforming gameplay. Thanks to its dedicated kids mode, it's suitable for all ages, too.
    • 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.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As a standalone episode, Hell is Empty doesn't quite hit the same spot that the previous two episodes reached — but that's not to say it's a let down. It just missed a certain emotional punch, and for me, I think that was a result of Chloe feeling less like the centre of attention.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There are very few murder mystery games that give you as much agency as Paradise Killer does. Although it takes a little while to get into the swing of things, when you’re deep in your investigation, coming across key pieces of evidence or catching your suspects out in a lie, you feel unstoppable. And having the power to make an accusation, right or wrong, is a very nice touch too. I’d like to see the same gameplay replicated in an experience more grounded in reality, but once you get used to the fact you’re living amongst gods and immortal beings, it’s hard not to love Paradise Killer exactly how it is.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As long as you know what you’re getting yourself into with Ghostrunner, it might just prove to be your favourite game of the year. It’s certainly the most action-packed and exciting. It absorbs you in a world that’s dripping with atmosphere thanks to its stellar visuals, and its pumping soundtrack makes you uncontrollably tap your feet. The gameplay, though, is what will ultimately make you love it. It might take a few attempts, but when you finally clear a room of enemies in one continuous motion as if it was choreographed for a blockbuster movie, you can’t help but feel a great sense of accomplishment and awe. And Ghostrunner has so many of these moments that you can’t help but love it.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Capcom Fighting Collection 2 bundles up another eight classic games from the developer's back catalogue, and while some have aged worse than others, there's still plenty of fun to be had overall. Highlights here include Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001 and Power Stone 2, but it's just a shame there's still no crossplay.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As music rhythm games go, VOEZ is one of the best I’ve ever played, up there with the likes of Parappa The Rapper, Hatsune Miku Project DIVA X and Gitaroo Man.
    • 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.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Monster Hunter Stories Collection bundles up two great JRPGs that offer a new way to enter the world of Monster Hunter, now finally playable on PlayStation consoles. Both have thrilling combat systems, and will have you avidly seeking out new monsters to add to your collection. With Monster Hunter Stories 2 not only looking better but also being more fleshed out gameplay-wise and having additional features such as multiplayer, however, some players might just want to pick that up instead.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I’ve nothing but praise for The Pedestrian. Its fantastic concept shines through, but beautiful graphics and excellent, inclusive game design make it something quite special. If you enjoy platforming games and want something with a bit of a twist, you could do a lot worse than The Pedestrian.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Far: Changing Tides isn’t going to be for everyone. But if the idea of a quiet, lonesome adventure about keeping your boat moving forward puts wind in your sails, you’ll love it. There’s a wonderful soundtrack to enjoy, and the puzzles it presents to you are engaging and well thought-out. But sometimes it’s just a little too barren for its own good, and the awkwardness of controlling your ship can get in the way of its serenity.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s hard not to be enamoured with Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key as a whole. Being back in the fold of Ryza and her friends feels like sinking back into a warm, cosy blanket – and anyone already acquainted with the series will instantly hit the ground running. There’s a new, engaging story to become engrossed in, and alongside familiar areas, there’s a whole new world to explore – which feels larger and more varied than ever. Sure, some changes don’t quite land – we’re not the biggest fans of the key mechanic – but it’s not enough to sour us from the experience. What a trilogy this has been, and this final serving might be the best part yet.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dredge is one of those rare treasures: a game unlike anything else that completely captures your attention with its intriguing world and simple yet captivating gameplay. We could keep hunting for rare fish forever, and we only wish there were more secrets for us to uncover; new parts of the world for us to explore. But when our only complaint is “we want more of it”, it’s clear we have something rather special on our hands.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    I could wax lyrical about so many elements of Life is Strange: True Colors, going into detail about every tiny thing that makes its storytelling so incredible, but I won't. The narrative should be uncovered as you play it, and going in with as little knowledge as possible will make those twists and turns have that much more impact. This is without a doubt the best game in the series yet. The characterisation, the worldbuilding, the visuals, the facial animations – practically everything here is flawless. With True Colors, Deck Nine has solidified itself as the master of narrative adventure, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A fantastic introduction to The Walking Dead: A New Frontier. The story is incredibly well created, still managing to feel fresh despite the amount of baggage its carrying from two previous seasons of diverging narrative.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The puzzle-shooter gameplay and bizarre presentation of Children of the Sun make it utterly unique. And while your success in some levels unfortunately relies on trial and error, it doesn't stop it from being a highly rewarding experience on the whole.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re a serious fighting game fan, you’ll get a lot out of Samurai Shodown. Those expecting the single player offerings of titles like Mortal Kombat 11 will be left disappointed though. Samurai Shodown just isn’t that type of fighting game.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The look of this game is nothing short of stunning… Each detail is carefully designed and thought out with a charming feel to it overall.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The graphics, music and story of the game are part of what really makes Zombie Night Terror a puzzle game that sticks out to me.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I take my hat off to developer Kyle Seeley for being able to create such a realistic-feeling experience from something so simple, but just one that made me very glad my teenage years are well and truly and thing of the past.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Madden NFL 19 is more of an evolution than a revolution then, but what else did anyone expect? It’s a refinement of last year’s effort with further graphical prowess, more fluidity and a sprinkling of new features. It’s just a shame that its Longshot Homecoming mode is such a let-down.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite its questionable likeness to Hidden Folks, there’s no denying that Hidden Through Time makes a nice addition to the genre. Its whimsical and colourful art style is a delight, and the level editor is a nice touch that adds some much-needed longevity.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re a music lover, there’s a lot to love here. FUSER looks great, its track list has something for everyone, and its gameplay is a hell of a lot of fun. I guarantee you will not be able to keep your feet still as you drop your mixes together. Even if your crowd isn’t digging it, I guarantee that you will be.
    • 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.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s only a simple game, but it’s hard to sit down with Labyrinth City: Pierre the Maze Detective and not be taken in by its charm. Its labyrinths never frustrate, instead opting to entertain players with unadulterated humour as they make their way through them. And when coupled with both a quirky soundtrack and sumptuous 2D visuals that are a treat for the eyes, you have an easy-going puzzle adventure that’s suitable for all ages and skill levels. A feel-good gem, that’s what Labyrinth City: Pierre the Maze Detective is.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Roguelike fans who love fast-paced first-person shooter action are in for a treat with Deadlink. Its combat encounters take heavy inspiration from DOOM Eternal, and with four combat shells to choose from, along with a wide range of upgrades to acquire, there's plenty of variety to be found from one run to the next. A new time trial mode complete with global leaderboards adds even more fun into the mix.

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