GameSpew's Scores

  • Games
For 3,654 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 Cyberpunk 2077
Lowest review score: 10 Soda Drinker Pro
Score distribution:
3665 game reviews
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    We can’t get enough of Synth Riders, and we’ll certainly be jumping back into it time and time again – both as a bit of a workout, but also because it’s just so mesmerising. Its standard levels are immersive enough, but its Experience levels take things to a whole new level – perhaps one of the best things we’ve seen in PSVR 2 yet. It’s just a shame the majority of them are locked out as DLC. Still, this isn’t a game to sleep on if you’re a fan of pumping tunes and getting your groove on.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ultimately, how much fun you’ll get out of Ragnarock depends on how much you like the type of music it’s centred around. If you don’t like loud, crunchy riffs and the occasional bit of screaming, then you might not be able to stomach it for too long unless your love for drumming is greater. For those fully invested in the ridiculous antics that Ragnarock offers though, a jolly good time can be had time and time again.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    All of Thumper is quite the sight, particularly in VR. It’s dark and moody; blacks and reds fill your screen, transporting you to some sort of ethereal nightmare. But you’ll likely be transfixed on the action, completely absorbed in Thumper‘s strange but fascinating world. There really is nothing else like it. And try as we might, it truly is impossible to fully summarise the wonder of Thumper into words. It’s one that really does need to be experienced first-hand to be fully appreciated.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For fans of on-rails shooters like House of the Dead, Zombieland: Headshot Fever Reloaded is an excellent modern-day equivalent. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never seen the movies: this is a perfectly good standalone zombie-shooting romp, made better than ever thanks to the performance and fidelity boost offered by PSVR 2.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you fondly remember Fantavision, or are a new PSVR 2 owner seeking out a puzzle game that they can learn to master while enjoying some beautiful sights, Fantavision 202X is undoubtedly worth checking out. It’s just a shame that it hasn’t been expanded upon for this release, as it feels a bit light on content these days.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite all of Wild Hearts‘ faults, it’s hard not to be be taken in by its charms. Omega Force has really tried to create a solid Monster Hunter contender with this one, and it mostly succeeds. There are some genuinely neat ideas here, and its monster designs are a welcome breath of fresh air. Overall, it’s a great game in its own right, but it’s more exciting when you consider it a base to be improved upon with further iterations.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Those looking at Grim Guardians: Demon Purge expecting a metroidvania might be disappointed when they realise it’s more of a straightforward platformer, like the original Castlevania games. And while it is derivative of Konami’s classic series, it does just enough to give itself a character of its own. If only its revival mechanic didn’t cause issues in single-player, and it didn’t get a little weird in its later half, then it would be a pretty enjoyable jaunt.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kayak VR: Mirage may not be the most content-rich title, but if you’re picking up PSVR 2 and want something that will impress you with its visuals and realistic mechanics it’s well worth checking out. From its races that will give your arms a decent workout, to its laid-back tours, there’s a little something here for almost everyone. And while it won’t take you too long to see and do most of what it has to offer, there’s a good chance you’ll keep it installed just so that you can immerse yourself in its stunning locales every once in a while.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While we wish it had more licensed songs – and the official versions at that – we’ve had an absolute blast playing Drums Rock. Getting into the swing of a song and nailing a combo leaves us feeling like a rock legend, and unless you’ve got access to a full drum kit, this is the closest thing you’re going to get. Make no bones about it: Drums Rock rocks.
    • 93 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As we said in our original review of Tetris Effect: Connected, this is perhaps the best that Tetris will ever be. And in VR, that couldn’t be more true. On paper, “Tetris in VR” doesn’t sound all that great, and if you’ve never played Tetris Effect before, it’s a hard sell. But spend just five minutes inside this incredible experience, and you’ll never look back.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It’s safe to say that Pistol Whip has quickly become one of our favourite PSVR 2 titles. Who doesn’t want to feel like Neo in The Matrix, dodging bullets left, right and centre? Or John Wick, spotting and dispatching enemies with a combination of shots and melee attacks? Basically, Pistol Whip allows you be Keanu Reeves: the epitome of cool. And so, for anyone picking up PSVR 2, this should be considered a must-have.
    • 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.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Atomic Heart leaves a lot to be desired, but its unique setting, varied gameplay and often inventive enemies go a long way to keep you interested in your traipse through its ruined utopia. Just bear in mind that while it may look like a AAA game, it’s not; Mundfish has achieved a great deal here, but there are signs of corners being cut and a considerable lack of polish. And so, you might want to wait for a patch or two to sort out some of its unfortunate bugs and other blemishes, but you could do a lot worse than venture into the hostile world that Atomic Heart offers.
    • 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.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you’re picking up a PSVR 2 headset and want a game to show off what it’s capable of, Horizon Call of the Mountain is it. The visuals are astounding, and the gameplay – while a little slow to start – soon becomes captivating. Climbing is tiring but rewarding, while doing battle with mechanical monstrosities has never felt more involving. Add in loads of neat interactions and activities to be enjoyed along the way, and you have a game that not only expands the world of Horizon, but also makes us excited for what’s to come thanks to PSVR 2.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Going back to Returnal on PC, we were instantly reminded why we fell in love with it. This is a game like no other. We were disappointed when Housemarque announced it was stepping away from the arcade-style games that it became known for, but when Returnal was unleashed we quickly came to terms with it. This may be a third-person shooter with roguelike elements and lashings of horror, but it’s Housemarque’s penchant for making games that keep you going back for more that ties it all together. And the result is quite simply phenomenal.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ten Dates might be one of our favourite FMVs to date. It’s sweet, it’s fun, and it’s packed with larger-than-life characters that we had an absolute blast getting to know. One playthrough may be short, but it makes for the perfect interactive rom-com to cosy up with. If you enjoyed Five Dates, this sequel is a no-brainer: it’s bigger and better in every way.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If you’re not put off by its grave challenge that all too often feels unfair and its general rough-around-the-edges nature, you might have a good time with Wanted: Dead. Most, though, are likely to become disheartened and infuriated by it. It tries to do something new with the genre and we applaud it for that, but the execution isn’t quite there. We love its characters and its quirkiness, and even its mechanics, but they’re in a game that at the moment only sporadically feels fun to play.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you enjoy first-person puzzle games and quite fancy jumping into one that puts quirkiness and personality front and centre, then you’ll find a lot to enjoy in Backfirewall. With well-written and acted dialogue and plenty of engaging puzzles to work your way through, it’s a hidden gem that’s well worth seeking out.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you feel like taking on Lady Luck and fancy a roll of the dice, Dicey Dungeons is a hell of a lot of fun. Its vibrant art style is a delight, and its simple but endlessly entertaining gameplay loop will keep you coming back time and time again.
    • 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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    PowerWash Simulator is the type of game that you sit down to play for 15 minutes, then realise hours have gone by. It may not be full of intense action or have a rivetting story, but once it’s got its hooks in you, it’s hard to break free. The desire to clean just one more object is strong. Still, it’s an acquired taste: it does simply have you undertaking menial jobs after all. But if you like stress-free games and don’t mind repetitive tasks, the reward of making things look shiny and new is considerable.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Avalanche Software and Portkey Games have done an impressive job of creating something original within a much-loved franchise. Hogwarts Legacy is the closest any of us are ever going to get to actually attending Hogwarts, and what a magical experience it is. It’s clear that it’s been created with love, and the attention to detail here is phenomenal. It’s not without its issues, of course, but there’s few that get in the way of the overall experience. It looks gorgeous, it’s a joy to play, and being a wizard is just about as fun as we’d always hoped it would be.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If you’re a fan of rhythm games or simply love quirky adventures, consider Rhythm Sprout an essential purchase. This is a game that has snuck up on us from nowhere but has thoroughly rocked our worlds. Combining comedy with rhythm-based gameplay, it’s tickled our funny bones and tested our timing while also making us tap our feet and bob our heads. And we’ll certainly be revisiting it for a long time to come.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dead Space is an accomplished remake that not only brings new life to a classic, but hopefully paves the path for more entries in the series in the future. While much of the game will be familiar to those who have played the original, the meaningful updates and additions go a long way to keep the experience feeling fresh, modern and unpredictable. So, whether you’re already a Dead Space fan or new to the series, this is well worth your time and money – as long as you have the nerves for it. For some, it’s even likely to be an early game of the year contender.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Deliver Us Mars is that rare, beautiful thing: a successful sequel which not only builds on its predecessor but enhances the experience in numerous ways. Sure, more puzzle variety would have been nice. But that’s about the only complaint we can make about this otherwise thrilling, atmospheric deep-space adventure.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fashion Police Squad, with its sheer outlandishness, is easy to recommend to first-person shooter fans. With its colourful visuals, purposeful weapons and camp sense of humour, there’s nothing else quite like it available. You’ll chuckle at its dialogue, be thrilled with its gameplay, and take glee in fixing fashion errors that may cause you genuinely roll your eyes in real life. Who’d have thought making your enemies stylish could be so much fun?
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With repetitiveness being part and parcel of the roguelike genre, those familiar with it probably won’t be too aggrieved with the lack of randomness in Helvetii. Some, though, may come to appreciate its combat and visuals but perhaps wish they’d been served up in a straight-up action game. In any case, perhaps its greatest crime is that it doesn’t try to do anything original. But you can tell that developer Team KwaKwa has put some love into this release, and the end result is sure to delight roguelike fans eager for something new to sink their teeth into.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If you’re after a short horror experience with a grim story, you could do worse than Trenches. Leave the jump scare enabled and we dare say you’ll jump out of your skin on multiple occasions, which is somewhat entertaining. It’s impossible to wholeheartedly recommend, though, what with its basic gameplay. Once you’ve played through it to completion, there’s very little reason to return.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Still, there’s a lot to love in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake, whether you’re a hardcore SpongeBob fan or a sucker for a good old-fashioned 3D platformer. The colourful worlds and silly humour will appeal to kids, sure, but it also calls out to the inner child in all of us. It’s the sort of game you can simply switch off with: forget about the rest of the world, and get lost in a zany world of rainbows, pineapple houses and balloon starfish for a while. What more could you want, really?

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