Both Famicom Detective Club: The Missing Heir and Famicom Detective Club: The Girl Who Stands Behind are fascinating remaster projects. They both tell deep, interesting stories and they both look and sound like state-of-the-art visual novels, but both games play like a clunky edutainment adventure game you might find on a primary school computer. Despite the ceaseless issues that I have with the clunky gameplay, I enjoyed my time with both The Missing Heir and The Girl Who Stands Behind. The narratives are compelling enough for me to brush aside some archaic gameplay flaws, and both games have a tremendous aesthetic that hooked me from the start.

R-Type Final 2 is sadly the classic example of form over substance. On paper, it provides fans of the beloved R-Type series what they would want in a modern sequel. In reality, it is simply an unenjoyable, below average title with little allure to wade through it.

The gameplay of Journey of the Broken Circle almost caused me to throw my controller across the room and quit several times over its brief journey. But I kept coming back to it because I was charmed by the story and the atmosphere. Those expecting a decent platforming experience might want to look elsewhere, but there is a lot to like.

I want to stress this point: Effie is not a bad game. Strong platforming and charming world and characters make this a valid option for those looking for a bite size 3D platformer…if you are playing on PC or PlayStation. Once I accepted the fact this port was flawed, I was able to see through the bevy of technical issues to a solid core and enjoyed my adventure. However, in its current state, I simply cannot recommend playing Effie on Switch; its technical issues are too grave and crippling to make it a rewarding and non-frustrating experience. Hopefully these issues will be remedied, but at this moment, Galand couldn’t do that.

Compared to animal crossing and other farming sims it is relatively basic. There isn’t that much to do and I found myself spending a lot of time waiting… I love the graphics and soundtrack and I really did enjoy playing Deiland. But felt it was more appropriate as a pick up and put down type of game rather than one that involves longer gaming sessions.

More unique events, more little plot threads to pull on and a greater variety of hazards, would all go a long way to elevate the climb. For now though, Insurmountable is a fun, if simple little experience, that’s perfect for those who want something chill to fill an hour or two.

The blink mechanic is fantastic and really immerses you in the story, you can work around it if you really want to… but I think the way the game is set out, most players will be willing to let their eyelids dictate the story and let it go where it may. For the price, this is unquestionably a must buy! Humanity in a unique interactive story!

Star Wars Republic Commando could be a very interesting game for the Nintendo Switch but due to glaring performance issues it will be hard for me to recommend the game in its current state. For its flaws it does have interesting gameplay and I for one would like to revisit this game once the performance patch has been released and proven to be working correctly.

MLB The Show 21 on the PS5 doesn’t break what works…and with a new mode, pitching interface, cross-play, also improved load times and framerates. While it doesn’t specifically highlight the new console, it again plays a strong game of baseball.

Breathedge is far from your normal, everyday, run-of-the-mill survival games for a magnitude of hysterical reasons that are worth discovering for yourself. Although the game starts a little slow, the constant slapstick dad jokes break up the mundane repetition that players normally encounter when starting a new survival game. It will take a little bit of the game to build up steam and really get going but it’s a necessary element that pays off later when players are required to solve more creative puzzles. Breathedge is one of those games you can play casually at your own pace and doesn’t require long consecutive amounts of time to play. Sparring 15-20 minutes here and there is all that’s required for a steady progression through the game but still very enjoyable if you’ve got ample time up your sleeve as well. I highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoys easter egg styled dad jokes or wants something oddly rewarding to play at a casual pace.

Oddworld: Soulstorm is a great game. A tough one for all those looking for a challenge. It is both a wholly new experience and a familiar one in the same breath. While a few minor bugs plagued me at times and the games’ difficulty throwing me for a few loops, Soulstorm is a solid experience. It’s a much more thought out experience, much closer to the original idea the team at Oddworld Inhabitants had for it way back in the early 90s. Whilst still retaining some of Exoddus’ flair and charm.

I’m not sure how many new converts this will attract but it’s a fun enough experience for Doomheads, even if it falls short of Doom VFR or the flatscreen experiences; exploring the spooky environment is actually worth your time if you enjoy survival horror but, again, the anachronistic gameplay doesn’t quite work here and the game is definitely showing its age in both design and graphics.

If you’re worried that Disco Elysium might be too slow for you, you’re probably right. It’s a visual novel through and through, where 90% of the gameplay is reading. It doesn’t skip any big issues, it doesn’t mind reminding you about the human condition, right after making you giggle uncontrollably; it wants you to be engaged, intoxicated, and uncomfortable. If you value engaging writing and exceptionally gorgeous graphics over a fast paced RPG, Disco Elysium is an adventure absolutely worth investing in.

Hidden items and passages encourage you to explore every corner. But what you find is never worth the effort. Often, I found myself just wanting to be done with the game and not because it is a poorly made game or even a long game. It is just boring. The stages, the movement, the music just does not make for an enjoyable experience. I would give this try only if you are a super fan of basic, retro, action-adventure platformers. Even then I would try something else out first.

Ashwalkers is nothing but a seedling of an idea that is struggling to grow in the fields of ash that surround it.

I think the main problem with Monster Jam Steel Titans 2 as a whole, is it doesn’t know what it wants to be. It gets stuck somewhere in between wanting to be an arcade style racer, and a Monster Truck Sim, and because of this, it fails in both categories, and leaves no one happy. Skip this one.

To summarize it all. Pac-Man 99 is my favorite of the Nintendo battle royals (Goodbye to Mario 35). It is fast paced; it is fun, and it is addictive. You will catch yourself turning a 10-minute quickplay into a 2-hour power run to be the champion. It may get repetitive as these types of games tend to do, but if you enjoy Pac-Man and miss arcades and high score competitions then please try it. Remember its free… sort of.

Apex Legends on the Nintendo Switch is a full fledge free to play, portable (kind of) cousin to the big consoles and PC version with cross-play but no cross-progression. I enjoy playing it and if you do not mind some blurry graphics and frame drops every so often then give this game a try and join up with some friends.

Samurai Shodown on Xbox Series X is one for the fans or for those who enjoy games such as The King of Fighters or Metal Slug. While it doesn’t offer next-gen glory on the XSX (e.g. all those bells and whistles of next-gen gaming), it does offer speed and gameplay that runs as 120 FPS that enhances the gameplay of this classic. For newcomers, controls are easy, however the gameplay might be a little tougher to master but nonetheless, it’s a fun game and one that I’m sure fans will revisit many times.

Overall, besides the fun powers and intriguing world-building, I have to admit that Outriders isn’t anything special to me as it doesn’t do much to differentiate itself from other titans of the looter shooter genre. However, if you like sick powers and loot, then Outriders was made for you.

Doom Eternal is decent on the Switch and is a great game overall even with its issues. If you must play this game on the Switch, then be aware of what you are getting. If you can get it on another platform, I suggest you do that.

I’ve played many deck-building card-battlers in my time, but Signs of the Sojourner is truly unlike anything I’ve played before. The way the developers have managed to distil the concept of a conversation between two people into an engaging card game, while also delivering a heartfelt, open-ended narrative is nothing short of astounding. Couple this with the fantastic visuals and soundtrack, and Signs of the Sojourner becomes a must-play in my books.

Putting aside the uninteresting platforming, Lost Words: Beyond the Page is a lovely coming of age story, and a beautiful recreation of what its like to feel lost, and ultimately find yourself again.

I’m not done with Starbase Spacetopia (or whatever it’s called, I give up), I still want to nail the perfect base, especially now I’ve fully understood all the games systems, and for the most part, I’m having fun. On top of the campaign and free play mode there’s a perfectly serviceable multiplayer mode too, albeit the current small player base means it takes a while to locate a game. Is it the pinnacle of base management strategy games? No, far from it in fact, but it’s a more than serviceable space station sim that satisfies the itch for galactic domination.

Overall for £30, Taxi Chaos is too limiting to really recommend picking at the minute. Even on sale I could not recommend it unless you are a mega fan of arcade taxi games. The framework is there for a good game and it unfortunately feels incomplete in its current state.

Black Legend presents well in the cinematic trailer but fails to offer an enjoyable gaming experience that promotes repetitive play. Give it a miss.

If you don’t mind the price tag for a portion of a game then there is a decent bit of fun to be had here… maybe treating it as a semi interactive story rather than a puzzle or adventure game as such… otherwise maybe wait till all the parts have been released and see if they offer a “complete” collection.

Not recommended… unless survival horror with a sexual horror twist is your thing.

Your enjoyment of Bravely Default II will largely depend on how much of a fan you are of grinding. With the large glut of epic, innovative JRPGs available in 2021 there are plenty of more streamlined experiences. However if you’re into hardcore old school JRPG’s with brutal difficulty spikes and detailed job systems, Bravely Default II will be exactly what you’re looking for.

For my money, Monster Hunter Rise is the high-water mark of the series. The addition of the Palimutes and Wirebugs have reshaped both combat and exploration for the better – so much so, that going back to older games in the franchise will be almost impossible. While it may not have the narrative focus of Monster Hunter World, Rise expands upon this formula and refines the experience to be both accessible for newcomers, whilst also retaining that deeper level of complexity that drew in hardcore fans from the beginning. I’ve also just got to give props to Capcom for squeezing a fully-fledged Monster Hunter game down onto the Nintendo Switch with nary a compromise to visuals or featureset. I’ve got a feeling Monster Hunter Rise will be in the gaming cultural zeitgeist for a while to come, so I highly recommend you jump on board and come along for the ride.

If you’re a farm-sim aficionado, there’s more titles than ever in the genre, but that doesn’t work in favour for the latest Story of Seasons entry. Compared to its competition, it lacks personality and, most importantly, heart. That’s not to say it’s a lost cause, and with a little finnese and love, Story Of Seasons could easily return as the darling of agricultural simulators, but right now, it’s nowhere near the cream of the crop.

Loop Hero is a textbook example of how a strong singular vision can create something truly incredible. It’s a game that is unlike anything I’ve played before and has occupied every spare thought I’ve had since I began. It’s unique gameplay blends many familiar mechanics from a variety of gameplay genres to create an exceptionally satisfying and compelling experience. The fantastic visuals and audio design masterfully complement the gameplay mechanics to feel like an authentically retro product with modern sensibilities. Do yourself a favour and check this one out.

Sir Lovelot is a refreshingly simplistic platformer that focuses on delivering a tight gameplay experience and not much else. There’s no story to bog things down, no abilities to upgrade or stats to improve – there’s just a neat visual aaesthetic and some exceptionally smooth running and jumping, which feels great and is satisfying to pull off. Fans of ultra-hard platformers may find Sir Lovelot to be a little on the easy side, but for the rest of us, the game does a nice job of offering a challenging experience without being too punishing.

All in all, Monster Truck Championship for the PS5 is pretty much the PS4 version with some slight visual upgrades. It’s a unique title in a world of traditional racers, but has some serious progression and variety shortcomings that reduce its replayability. It does, however, play pretty well albeit unforgivingly, with a solid if not pretty physics engine.

Breathedge is one of those games you can play casually at your own pace and doesn’t require long consecutive amounts of time to play. Sparring 15-20 minutes here and there is all that’s required for a steady progression through the game but still very enjoyable if you’ve got ample time up your sleeve as well. I highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoys easter egg styled dad jokes or wants something oddly rewarding to play at a casual pace.

Persona 5 Strikers is not a typical spin off; it is a full-fledged sequel filled with real characters, a gripping story, and an addicting gameplay loop. And though it is a different genre than its antecedent, the love and personality poured into this game puts it on par with the best follow ups I’ve ever played. Since Atlus creates a new set of heroes for every mainline Persona entry, this could be the last time we see Joker. I hope not. Persona 5 Strikers made me relive my love for Persona 5 and the Phantom Thieves, and I never want to see them go.

I wanted to enjoy Glyph more than I did. The framework is there: fluid gameplay, beautiful art style, and with over one hundred levels, the game will keep a determined gamer entertained for many hours. But the developers set an unreasonably high bar for progression; one that required me to put the game down multiple times out of exasperation. Newer gamers: beware, but for seasoned players looking for a real challenge, Glyph could be your next rage-inducing favorite.

If you missed this game on the previous consoles, now is the perfect time to buy as it contains everything plus RTX and more importantly, it is a fantastic story that draws you in and drives you on. If you are a fan of The X-Files or similar genre shows, material… I have no doubt you will enjoy this. An exceptional job from the whole team!

While not a new game, The Nioh Collection provides excellent value for money and literally hundreds of hours of gameplay. If you like a challenging RPG in the same vein of Demon Souls, then The Nioh Collection is a must play experience that works a treat on the PlayStation 5, including its next-gen use of Dualsense.

Overall, I enjoyed Little Nightmares II almost more than I did the first game. If you're a fan of the first game or even have a mild interest in the series, I can't recommend both games enough.

I would thoroughly recommend this game/s to anyone! You really don’t have to be a long time fan of Mario to enjoy this… it’s easy to get into, it’s not overly detailed in story (3D world you are basically trying to save fairy like creatures from Bowser, in Bowser’s Fury you are essentially trying to save Bowser). It’s bright, colourful and just full of fun and laughter. It’s what Nintendo are known for and what they do oh so well! An easy choice to add to your collection, or to start your collection with!

There are some good ideas here and some very nice visuals… but it just lacks some polish and I suspect many people will be lured to the game simply because of the use of Atlantis in the title with the expectation that they could explore the legendary city… unfortunately they will have to look elsewhere to get their mythological travel fix. Not really one I’d recommend unless it’s on deep discount and you just really want another quick puzzle game.

Hitman 3 takes the formula in new directions, and will continually surprise you without stepping too far outside the known boundaries.

What The Pillar: Puzzle Escape lacks in length, it makes up for in creativity and easily a fun experience for younger gamers. Players will get to explore a unique open world map as they search for clues and complete simple puzzles to progress to the next level. Older players won’t find any real value in this game and are better off investing their time in something a bit more challenging. However, parents who want to help their children’s creative problem solving and memory skills should look into this game as an educational and development tool to stimulate young minds.

Werewolf: The Apocalypse Earthblood. Satisfying but not filling. Have a go at it, you will enjoy wolfing out, and each level…you know what to expect.

Regardless of how tough the platforming can be, I savored every moment in this world. Even after dying dozens of times, I was still motivated to progress to see what new kinds of wonders awaited me if I could just make it to the next platform. The amount of mystery, content, and challenge ROBI Studios packs into a $20 package is quite impressive and left me hungry for more even after the game’s conclusion. Blue Fire emulates the successes of definitive 2D and 3D games and is perfect for anyone with an appetite for a stimulating platformer or action-adventure complete with a gorgeous and enthralling world to explore.

As a debut from a team of just three people, Disjunction does so much right, and offers up way more narrative than anyone should expect from a team this size. The gameplay it does it have can be frustrating at times, but it’s solid. There’s a good foundation here. They just need to expand on it.

Encodya, is a charming point and click adventure, that harkens back to the glory days of the Genre. While Grim Fandango this is not, people who love the genre, will love Encodya.

The Medium boasts an engaging narrative plus clever gaming dynamics and while it starts slow, the ending builds to an impressive crescendo of unexpected surprises. So if you like to be surprised, don’t keep reading the reviews or watching Youtube videos because this is one game that must be experienced without coming in with any prior knowledge as you twist your way through of both the land of the living and… the dead!

Subverting my expectations, Olija has earned its place as one of the most haunting, and surprising games I’ve played in quite some time. I cannot recommend this game enough.

Sword of the Necromancer is a gem of a game. While visually it can look a little repetitive, the game is honestly a ton of fun. I think this one may be a game people remember for a long time.

Haven is a special game that is hard to recommend, but hard to miss. If you want a good honest look at star crossed lovers, and you have someone to play it with, definitely consider dropping some time into this lovely world.

A mixed bag that gets a tentative recommendation, I’ll always welcome new content to one of my favourite games but I'd appreciate it if Team Ninja didn't make it feel like busy work just so I can pop those last few trophies.

MXGP 2020 The Official Motocross Videogame is not a next-gen experience on the PlayStation 5 but more a port but if you’re a fan of motocross, then you’ve come to the right place. Sure, it does need a bit more of a shine here and there but it does create the illusion of riding an off road motorbike, particularly with its streamlined controls and clever use of hapctics.

World of Warcraft: Shadowlands breathes new life into an aging MMORPG with some fun new features and an excellent story.

Suzerain would have benefited from the additional graphical flourish to really push the game up a level or two, but it is still a strong contender and will stand on its own. Well worth a play.

If you look at Morbid as its own entity, the game suddenly looks a lot better. Under the banner of souls like metroidvania, it falls far short of the margin required. I’d suggest waiting for a sale to snap it up.

Cyberpunk gets a lot of hate for it's development process. But it's truly a stellar game with some release bugs. It just needs a little spit and polish.

While the simplistic gameplay, and the endless hordes of enemies might be exhausting and even repetitive to some, the Serious Sam Collection is still a well-functioning blast to playthrough and a must-have, especially for fans of the genre.

The Falconer succeeds in its exploration which is wonderful, however its repetition and frustrating combat mechanics creates a whole new challenge for the gamer. Lastly, this new world will take most gamers around 10 to 12 hours to successfully complete and its creator Tomasa Sala should be commended on creating a brand new and engaging world with its own rich culture and dynamics. Interestingly to say the least!

Overall Sniper Elite 4 for the Nintendo Switch is a very competent port, it is great seeing these bigger games ported to this console and I hope we see more of it in the future. Whilst the game is better in the docked mode, the handheld mode is still playable and is good for people who want that fix on the go.

If there’s one underlying message to take away from this review, it’s that Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is very similar to the original game, and for that I adore it. The biggest new addition is the new ‘Skill Battle’ mode, which adds a nice layer of depth to the Puyo/Tetris battle system and gives you more incentive to play through the new story to collect. Aside from that, the graphics, audio and gameplay remains largely untouched. Some people may criticise Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 for its lack of innovation, but for me, I just wanted a reason to play some more Puyo Puyo Tetris, and a new story mode and energised online community is good enough to get my tick of approval.

Overall, this is a fun game but obviously targeted at players looking for a more casual puzzle experience that can be played at their own pace. Definitely a good game for when you’ve got a limited amount of time to kill but don’t want to commit to anything time consuming.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat is one of the best local couch co-op games you can enjoy on your next generation console this side of Christmas. As both a definitive re-package of the series and 4K remaster that blends the first two games, their add-ons, and all new content together, it’s a buffet worth gorging on for both newcomers and returning fans eager for more co-op cooking madness.

John Wick Hex is a game that lacks the flair and identity of the franchise it's trying to represent. A decent enough attempt, but a few key issues and lack of replay value diminishes its otherwise earnest effort.

Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise is a decent way to workout indoors, but won't do much to improve your boxing skills.

Do I recommend the game… not really. There will be players who really get into the movement mechanics and visual approach, but for me, as much as I love the Space aesthetic, I find VR games that take me out of the first person view to seem counter intuitive (I play VR to be more immersed in my character… taking me outside the physicality of that character just seems to be the opposite of that goal). I also appreciate what was being attempted with the controls but the lack of easing players into using them doesn’t do the game any favours (though once you figure them out, the working with 360 degree movement and momentum etc is pretty cool).

Immortals Fenyx Rising doesn't do anything you haven't seen before, and unless you're married to this particular style of game, it's hard to recommend.

Overall I’m thrilled with the game, there are settings that make it easy to just pick up and have an easy fight… or you can ramp up the difficulty and really challenge yourself to become the best fighter you can. Highly recommended for old fans and new fans alike!

I can’t really recommend the game for the price… if it was on a deep discount, then sure, it can be fun to challenge yourself to some questions (though it would be nice if you could also skip your characters last comment before their answer is accepted)… but the game feels a bit “discount” productionwise for what they are charging.

As it is, Maneater is still a fairly fun game if roleplaying as an aquatic killing machine is your thing, FPS dips and all… I just wish that my brain would stop playing that damn Nelly Furtado song of the same name over and over every time I settle in for a quick sharky session, especially as the OTHER “Maneater” song by Hall & Oates is a much better fit contextually.

Gears Tactics makes an odd choice turning away from the main genre that the Gears of War series is well known for but still captures that vital essence that fans have come to love. Playing this game on the Xbox Series X in 4k resolution is an amazing experience for any Gears fans or lovers of strategy games. The gameplay feels incredibly natural running on console and offers a really immersive experience for anyone. I’m especially fond of how much of the lore and content from the Gears series has been used in this game, especially the cinematic aspects that occur when executing a downed enemy. I would highly recommend this game to anyone who has ever played a Gears of War game or is looking for a challenging strategy game.

Is Spirit of the North worth playing? Despite the previous few paragraphs of ranting, I think it is. There’s genuine beauty in the design of the environments and the way the world is brought to life, which is really quite extraordinary. Also, that soundtrack is just superb and pairs well with the quiet isolation of the fox’s cross-country journey. Just be prepared for some awkward 3D platforming and make sure you’ve got a walkthrough nearby for when you inevitably get stuck at a dead end.

The Sims has always been one of the best forms of escapism in video games and right now, a lot of people could really do with a fun, overseas holiday to a winter wonderland. Turns out I am one of those people and for this reason, The Sims 4: Snowy Escape has been an absolute treat. The Japanese-themed clothing, furniture items and building materials are sensational and feel refreshingly unique among the standard array of other items available in similar packs. I would have liked to see a few more plots of land to build upon in the Mount Komorebi world, but this is a small criticism of an otherwise excellent Sims 4 expansion pack.

An inventive and engaging platforming experience that especially shines in co-op multiplayer - enjoyable for all ages.

The Tetris Effect Connected is an unusual but super fun next-gen experience and an unexpected one at that!

Beyond Light brings a fresh start of sorts for a game trying to continue the success after Forsaken and reclaim a bit of that spark lost during Shadowkeep and subsequent seasons.

One of the more middling entries in a franchise that is feeling more than its fair share of fatigue, and although it offers up a solid enough and serviceable experience for players, it unfortunately falls short of the lofty standards established by Modern Warfare.

Watch Dogs: Legion has an enormous amount of replay value and a very compelling storyline with unexpected twists along the way, especially for those who want something thought provoking and gritty.

For the RPG, story telling elements alone I’d recommend it… for being set in space it gets bonus points… for being just a well fleshed out world that is quite striking to look at and to inhabit it gets a hearty recommendation. If you like RPG’s then this is definitely worth checking out!

Observer: System Redux is a beautiful, scary, immersive experience that will get your heart beating. You wont be quite the same after playing this one!

I think Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is worth your time, the only question is are you willing to push through its shortcomings in order to see that payoff? For me personally the answer was yes. For you – I say do some research before pledging your sword for the realm.

No longer soul of the lost, and withdrawn from its (PS3) vessel, Bluepoint has transformed a cult classic into a modern next-gen marvel.

Transformers: Battlegrounds will give gamers hours’ worth of fun thanks to its enormous amount of replay value in the form of solo and two-player mini-games such as capture the flag and elimination. I strongly recommend Transformers: Battlegrounds to anyone who is either a Transformers fan or who are looking for a challenging game for young kids.

Overall The Crown Tundra is a welcome addition to the main game adding even more content. Whilst it does not go too out of its way to be different if you are looking for just more of that world then you will not be disappointed. This does bring an end to this Generation of Pokemon and hopefully Gamefreak will learn from these games and make the Pokemon Generation more expansive and story rich.

If you have a reverence for the original Need for Speed Hot Pursuit or if you’ve never played the original and are simply looking for an excellent racing game, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered is worth your time. The game doesn’t quite look or feel quite on par with modern racing games, but it has always been in a lane of its own and still offers an undeniable sense of speed and satisfaction in the gameplay. The remastered edition also includes all the additional DLC content and some new achievements, so there’s a decent value proposition here too. If you’re sitting on the fence, my advice is to get it while it’s hot. There’s an online fervour building for this game that you won’t want to miss.

Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory is a nostalgic trip down memory lane while also offering a well-crafted rhythm game that is absolutely addicting.

Remothered: Broken Porcelain's many issues hold it back from being a proper playable experience, let alone the quality game it could have been.

Dirt 5 is a well-made racing experience that looks and runs like a dream on the new next-gen console, the Xbox Series X! So what are you waiting for? Get your motor running!

Certainly not one of the general gaming public… but if you like your smutty games less explicit and more tongue in cheek(s)… then this might just tickle your fancy. For those who are old enough to remember the originals, there are a few small moments of nostalgia but then much like Larry (and Austin Powers) you have to remind yourself that this is a more modern and considerate world we live in and you can still have your smutty jokes… you just might have to work a bit harder to get them. Perhaps wait till it’s on special though unless you are a die hard fan.

A lot of good things about it, but a few nasty shortcomings makes this a game I likely won’t play again, even when part two comes out.

Overall The Last Blade: Beyond Destiny is a solid title for a retro handheld fighting game, I do not believe this release will be very popular with the general public but for the Retro Gaming community and Neo Geo fans this will be exactly what you are looking for. Also with plenty to unlock there will be plenty of replayability to this game which makes it a slightly more interesting prospect than your standard fighting game fair.

A intriguing change of pace that gives the Assassin's Creed series the breathing room it has so desperately needed for eons, without making any compromises on content. Well worth your time to enter the gates of Valhalla.

Little Hope is a chilling experience with enough nail-biting tension, horrible monsters and lovable characters to mark it as one of the better horror experiences this year.

I’d love to be better at the game, but that seems unlikely to happen. With that being said, I would still heartily recommend it… provided you keep in mind the frequent dying and need for precision timing etc… if that sort of challenge is up your alley then I think you will find a lot of fun here!

I was taken in by the game from the get go… the visuals are lovely an playful and the gameplay is challenging but not frustrating (no doubt some will find it “too easy”, but for me it was a good balance). It’s a great title to be able to pick up and have a play through to pass time and thanks to the random levels and loot it seems fresh each time. If you like this style of game I am quite happy to recommend it!

The game is pretty short and it would be even shorter if you were given the option to skip dialogue or move while listening to voice logs. For me it was not at all compelling, characters were annoying or just very poorly written and the gameplay didn’t add anything to make it interesting. If you are a fan of the first game, perhaps you will be invested enough in the lore to want to get through this, but otherwise I would suggest avoiding it.

Despite the lack of polish the game is actually quite good, the story is still interesting and the game play is just ‘ready to go’. There is no need for learning a complicated control system, or hours of investment to identify how to identify the tactics to fight enemies, just load it up and start shooting. This game can offer a great escape for anyone who wants to spend the casual 30-60 min gaming session at the end of a long day of work without using any brain cells. The repetitive nature of the battle system and scenery will make most players feel like they have mastered the game play very quickly and the story element breaks up this monotony enough to sustain most players attention.