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
    There's a lot to love about Age of Empires IV. It's clear the developers have listened to the community in creating a game that feels both fresh yet faithful to the franchise. It has tried to combine the best elements of all previous games in the series and, largely, it has succeeded in doing so. Its small pool of factions may be a problem for some, and its camera issues need addressing, but in the grand scheme of things, this is an excellent entry into the RTS space. Is Age of Empires IV the best Age of Empires game to date? For me, it doesn't quite knock Age of Empires II Definitive Edition off the top spot, but regardless, this modern entry has undoubtedly been well worth the wait.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Zero Time Dilemma is a must-play for any fans of the franchise, or indeed for any puzzle game fan.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Motorsport Manager does a fantastic job of making the strenuous, tedious job it simulates into something much more enjoyable… It is not perfect, but is one of the best sports management games out there right now.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    All it does is force me to admit that we can all sometimes become prisoners to our own nostalgia.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There’s a surprising amount of content in Desktop Dungeons Rewind and, despite its simple appearance, this is a devilishly fiendish beast that we can’t get enough of. It’s not your typical dungeon crawler by any means, but its easy-to-pick-up yet hard to master gameplay will keep us coming back time and time again.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It’s not the same as getting a brand new game, but when it comes to Katamari, we’ll take whatever we can get. We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie is just as delightful as the original, and it’s clear a lot of work has been done to make this 18-year-old game look just as good as ever. Some of its more random levels aren’t quite as enjoyable as they should be, but as a full package, this is Katamari at its best.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Necrobarista is what a good cup of coffee should be: warm, a little nutty and exactly what you crave. It leaves a lasting impression. Its characters are lovable and relatable; its story covers a deeply complicated topic with humour and charm; and the world is so well-crafted and intriguing that it could easily tell a thousand more stories. Add to that an excellent soundtrack and gorgeous art style, and it’s unlikely you’ll find another visual novel that compares to Necrobarista.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There's a lot to like about Remnant: From the Ashes. Its character and world design is mostly excellent, and it's really atmospheric when played alone. Its core mechanics work well, too. But additional polish and tweaks are needed to really make it great.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Standing back and admiring your city, knowing that you were responsible for its virtual prosperity, is immensely satisfying. Niche interest it may be, but if you favour construction over destruction, then Cities: Skylines offers a solid foundation for your future metropolis.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Bundling up the base game with its expansion and the Assassin Masks DLC, it’s a sizeable game available at half the price of a standard release. For fans of good, old-fashioned stealth, it’s a bit of a no-brainer, really.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    PHOGS’ greatest weapon is just how freakin’ adorable it is. Once you’ve seen those two happy doggo faces, there’s no going back. The environments are wonderful, too; the game’s quirky art style never fails to put a smile on your face. The gameplay itself, however, doesn’t always quite live up to those same heady heights. There are some terrific and unique puzzles, but not all levels have been created equally, and some of them outstay their welcome. This double-headed doggo adventure has plenty to offer, but you’re best off playing in short bursts.
    • 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.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Playing Company of Heroes 3 is a great experience if you like dynamic, tough, tactical RTS games that revolve around utilising the terrain to your advantage. But if you’re expecting a major evolution from the previous games in the series, you’ll likely come away disappointed. If you’re a fan of WWII strategy and somehow haven’t dived into the series yet, you’ll have a great time. But otherwise, you may as well stick with the original Company of Heroes.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Was it really necessary to remake Like a Dragon: Ishin!? It’s questionable, but we’re glad it’s finally available in the west in some form. It’s not the best Like a Dragon game – in fact, it might come quite low in the pile – but a good time can be had with it nonetheless. Its world might not be all that attractive, and its story a slow-burner, but it has the usual charm and a bucketload of interesting activities to carry it.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    More than just a Soulslike with a protagonist to serve as eye-candy, Stellar Blade has far surpassed our expectations, offering varied gameplay, outstanding visuals, a sublime soundtrack and an engaging story. It's a must-play for action game fans.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Steins;Gate 0 is an easy recommendation… it is a well-written adventure, with a great sense of tension and brilliantly-written characters.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The variety in Enigmatis 2 is perhaps the most impressive, and the introduction of the evidence board adds yet another string in their steadily-expanding bow.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A roguelike strategy game that fuses Minesweeper and turn-based combat, the wonderful Let's Revolution satisfies that "just one more try" scratch that only the best in the genre manage to itch.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Standing head and shoulders above its predecessors, Sniper Elite 4 is Rebellion assuredly stepping up their game. Sure, the story at the heart of the campaign is still a bit duff, but who plays games like this for the narrative? I certainly don’t. What’s important is that all of Sniper Elite 4’s gameplay tweaks and improvements come together to create a package that feels solid and succinct, offering an experience that is enjoyably tense and rewarding. What’s more, it’s always thrilling lining up that perfect shot before witnessing its gruesome effects on your victim via the x-ray kill-cam. Perfection eludes it due to the small amount of screen-tearing and somewhat repetitive sub-objectives, but Sniper Elite 4 is essential for the armchair sniper out there looking for their next sure-fire hit.
    • 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’s a delightfully bizarre adventure that everyone really needs to go on at least once. And even if you’re well-versed in Katamari Damacy, there’s no reason to not jump back in.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite this, Etrian Odyssey Nexus is an excellent dungeon crawler, overland locations and all. It’s not only the perfect antidote to grimmer adventures but it’s an addictive, creative, appealing outing that will have you coming back for more and rarely regretting your return.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    [Halo Wars] may not be as strong as some other legitimate classics of the genre, or even the franchise it is associated with. However, what it is, undoubtedly, is an underrated game that deserves more attention.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Its rewarding gameplay is bolstered by its attractive visual presentation. And each and every one of its music tracks will have you tapping a foot on the floor as you play. But what really makes it stand out from the crowd is its variety. When you’ve grown tired of one mode, which will take awhile, you’ll simply move onto another. Ultimately, Lumines Remastered is just fun, fun and more fun.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Bundling up two classic JRPGs and enhancing them in numerous ways including tidying up their visuals and making meaningful quality-of-life improvements, Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars is a genuine treat for fans and newcomers alike.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Redout is one of the most delightfully high-octane, edge-of-my-seat racing games in recent memory. It’s a thrilling adrenaline rush of an experience. It’s a finely-tuned joyride that’s been polished and balanced until it shines in a cornucopia of flashy colours.
    • 81 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    So far, Black Myth: Wukong is a game that I'm really wanting to like, but sometimes it feels like it's fighting against me. I'm loving its visuals, which make exploring each environment feel somewhat magical, and I'm mostly enjoying its combat until I come up against an enemy or situation that feels somewhat unfair. Elsewhere there are other issues. And so, while I'm keen to continue playing and see the Destined One's journey to an end, I'm prepared for bumps in the road along the way. [Review in Progress]
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Beautiful and charming, Tiny Bookshop is a game for literature lovers, tasking you with selling and recommending books to the residents of the fictional town of Bookstonbury. Its charm wears thin rather quickly though, and a lack of variety and depth will likely see you getting bored in a matter of hours.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite a long list of small gripes, it’s hard not to see the majesty in [Dragon Quest VII].
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 improves on its predecessor in numerous ways, making it a must-play for fans of dark, cinematic adventure games. Visually it's unparalleled, offering photo-realistic characters and environments, and its audio design is spectacular, too. It's just a shame that its combat gets repetitive all too quickly – but in the grand scheme of things, it's a small price to pay.

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