KeenGamer's Scores

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For 1,098 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 53% higher than the average critic
  • 16% same as the average critic
  • 31% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 1.1 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 76
Highest review score: 100 The Last of Us Part II
Lowest review score: 20 Shines Over: The Damned
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 685 out of 1098
  2. Mixed: 377 out of 1098
  3. Negative: 36 out of 1098
1104 game reviews
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    • 73 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Nebuchadnezzar
    I fear my childhood has prevented me from giving Nebuchadnezzar a fair chance. It was never going to meet my expectations because I was holding it up to a level of quality that few have been able to match in the past 20 years. This isn't a bad game; it just not one that you'll remember in a year, forget a decade. So instead of recommending this, I recommend you instead spend half as much and buy Pharoah instead.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 45 Critic Score
    Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV: Diplomacy and Strategy Expansion Pack Bundle
    The main point of a grand strategy game is to make interesting decisions and eventually conquer the whole map. Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV remembered the latter and forgot the former. Thin diplomacy and little control over battles — the two main aspects of this game — mean that you rarely feel like your actually in charge of your kingdom. It's not an obviously bad game, it's just surprisingly dull. It’s a coin-operated puppet show, and one you’ve probably seen before.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dry Drowning
    Dry Drowning delivers the right mood in an atmospheric detective visual novel. It highlights nail-biting player choices that brilliantly impact the story and gameplay. Dry Drowning wraps up an interesting story with various elements, pushing art and sound to elevate the mood of the narrative. All these features work hard to deliver, but despite its strong character, a clunky UI and difficult text throw a wrench in this visual novel experience.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Little Nightmares II
    A thrilling ride through the gentle and the macabre. Little Nightmares II is carefully packaged with a heartrending punch, tender flashes and bitter twists – all the while expanding on the already captivating mythos of the series.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
    While some may have passed on this game whether for console or preconceived reasons, this re-release package deal provides a great opportunity to jump back in. All the variety and creativity of 3D World returns on a portable console, featuring an Odyssey-like bonus mode that takes all the fun from the base game and experiments even more. It's not the definitive Mario experience that other consoles have featured, but there's no denying the amount of flexibility this game provides with its seemingly endless design spectacle, now complete with a chance to live out everyone's fantasy of Nintendo-esque Kaiju battles.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption
    Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption is the perfect continuation of a genre. The same developers who helped bring classic adventure titles to life are the ones who brought this title to life, with the help of some Kickstarter backers. It's a nearly perfect game for those who played adventure titles in the past or players who enjoy exploring dense, witty, and mysterious worlds (with a splash of fantasy along the way).
    • tbd Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Main Assembly
    Main Assembly is a joyous mixture of a lot of individually strong elements to make one big promising game. The game has everything to offer for a range of skill levels and has hours and hours of content to dive into. The multiplayer section of the game is a delight to hang around with your friends. You can truly create as much as your heart fancies and barring the slow driving mechanics, there isn't any other feature of this game that may discourage you from playing more!
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Marchen Forest
    The benefits of putting all in one is that nothing is left out. An obvious assessment to many, but it creates an unforeseen consequence of having the clearly better portions be a reward for braving a lesser product. If Märchen Forest were simply Episode 3 with an additional introduction period, this would be a more consistently good game. Though to some extent my own expectations with it, given my experience with the previous iteration, also likely affected the outcome. As it stands, it's 13-15 hours of a good game just after 7-10 hours of a mediocre game. If you can wait, there's definitely some fun to be had. Just take your time; no rush.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood
    The first hour or so of Werewolf the Apocalypse - Earthblood had me intrigued. The story wasn't great, and there were plenty of issues, but I enjoyed the combat. After a while, the game became a slog with repetitive mission design, and no real incentive to do anything other than engaging in one-on-one combat had me longing for the credits to roll. Typically AA games have something to set them apart, but sadly it is not the case in Werewolf the Apocalypse - Earthblood.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Silver Chains
    I can't in good conscience recommend Silver Chains. It's not for a lack of effort; I'm sure that the development team worked very hard to ensure their vision. But it's a small package, and the Nintendo Switch isn't the best way to play the title. If you're looking to spend time in a fright-filled mansion that has an evil resident, there are other ways to scratch that itch. If you're looking for a scary game to play while safely tucked under your blankets, this would do the job for a couple of hours.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Hitman 3
    When working, Hitman 3 hits new heights for the franchise. Every map is perfectly designed and is fodder for photo modes. Gameplay remains tight and stealth focused, benefiting from the impressive new hardware of the current-generation consoles and high-end PCs. With this said, my enjoyment was constantly staled by persistent server disconnections. As an individual game, Hitman 3 is the best in the franchise. Played as a trilogy, this is one of the best deals in gaming if you can sustain a server connection.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Cyber Shadow
    Cyber Shadow is a game that wears its influences on its sleeve and brilliantly weaves together the best elements from the 8-bit era of action-platforming titles. It is able to tell a story with more heart and depth than usually possible through this specific aesthetic. With a soundtrack that sounds like it came out of a lost Nintendo cartridge, following Shadow's journey is a thrilling ride with edge-of-your-seat combat hiding behind every corner. The game's difficulty may turn players away, but that has always been the case with older games such as Castlevania or Master Blaster. You may perish a lot, but the game is so good, you're going to want to keep trying to see how it all plays out.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Phoenotopia: Awakening
    Appropriately, this adventure of rebirth was the product of the glory from the past. Metroidvania fans will feel right at home with Phoenotopia: Awakening, a modern answer to the 2D action-adventure born from the passion provided by the genre. Some may seem surprised at the volume of content available in a seemingly simple indie game. Yet passionate indie developers around the world have shown that with enough work, anything is possible, even triumphantly fun games such as this one. It's all that an adventure should be: you look back at all that you've done after so long and realize that none of it was wasted.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Academia: School Simulator
    All in all, I feel like Academia: School Simulator is a great game. It's very casual and laid back but also delightful. If you're looking for a relaxing atmosphere and a great simulation game, this may just be it for you! It is leaving early access very soon and will be officially launched, so exciting. I've enjoyed this game since it first came to early access in 2017, and I'm thrilled to say Squeaky Wheel has nailed it.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Heaven's Vault
    If you're looking for a more casual and story-driven experience, Heaven's Vault will scratch that itch and then some with it's nebulous, well-written narrative and memorable characters. This game fits well on the Nintendo Switch platform and looks great, too, so if you've wanted to slow things down and enjoy an epic story, then what are you waiting for?
    • 78 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Olija
    Olija is an exceptional game with style and substance in heaps. While certain aspects of the combat aren’t necessary, they can make everything you do feel a lot cooler. The story itself is a quiet romance and a dramatic supernatural tale at the same time, even if the ending is a bit flat. The soundtrack is brilliantly weird, nimbly flicking between disparate genres while consistently enhancing every interaction. All these things come together to make a game that is playful, heartfelt, and satisfying. It is a generous game in more ways than one, and I can’t wait to play it again.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Redout: Space Assault
    Redout: Space Assault filled the void that I was missing when it came to 3D space shooters. It's simple enough to scratch the itch, but not so small that I plowed through it in one sitting. I wish there had been more responsibility over my ship when it came to ammo or fuel supply, but considering the title originated on Apple Arcade, the lack of this mechanic is hardly surprising. The story beats were predictable but well-written, and I will always be happy with a spaceship skin that reminds me of Neon Genesis Evangelion.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Figment
    Overall, Figment's mobile incarnation is a worthy version of the game. The accessible format can garner a new host of fans. The franchise shines not just because of the music and art, but for its lovely characters and message. A sequel is on its way, which will hopefully reach in, improve and involve gameplay and puzzles as deep as the themes it presents. It's a must-play for those who love meaningful game OSTs and art-core puzzlers.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Colt Canyon
    Colt Canyon is a refreshing experience for the start of 2021's gaming calendar. Rather than focusing on a deep story, the game gives you a hectic but rewarding gameplay loop, with a combat system that has enough variety to keep you hooked for hours on end. This game going for so cheap feels like a highway robbery.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Fujiwara Bittersweet
    Whether bitter or sweet, high school will always be memorable. The strengths of Fujiwara Bittersweet comes through the energy and expressiveness of its characters. They make the experience work, and unless you find them unsatisfactory, there is a lot to enjoy going through their stories, especially for free(!). However, from a structural standpoint, there's much to be desired in terms of variety, with a lot of things recycled over or stretched out needlessly. Buckled with some minor technical shenanigans, it's not an immediately recommendable visual novel. But above all, the wholesome vibes (and it being free) are more than enough to at least take a peek. And Ichigo.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Skul: The Hero Slayer
    SouthPAW have done a great job of making a really solid roguelike with interesting mechanics, a surprising amount of depth and a ton of visual charm. The balance still needs a little work and the text could use a little more proof-reading, but with plenty more updates planned well into 2021, this is certainly a game to keep an eye on.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 68 Critic Score
    Jet Kave Adventure
    Jet Kave Adventure is a fine platformer, but it’s rarely more than that. It looks very nice for the most part, and the sense of humour is rather endearing, but the gameplay is fairly basic and often misses the opportunity to take it a couple of extra steps to make it memorable and exciting. It has some genuinely fun moments, though, and may be worth a punt if you’re a big fan of classic platformers.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Rhythm Fighter
    Rhythm Fighter is a rock-solid rogue-like that offers a surprisingly massive amount of variables for each of your runs. From characters, to weapons, to abilities, to enemy variations, there's something for everybody to enjoy. Everything culminates in a really enjoyable title that is worth your time.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sunlight
    Whilst very brief and slightly obsolete in its gameplay, Sunlight provides an ambitious and rich narrative experiment, offering keen insight into concepts of impermanence, sensation and mortality.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Charge Kid
    Charge Kid is a bite-sized idea that could turn into something great with some additional work. At this point, it's great for the price if someone is looking for a challenging platformer, but for players on Switch or PC, you'd be better off picking up something fully-formed, like Celeste.
    • 48 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    SuperMash
    All in all, this is a great game! It is jam-packed with story and lore, features classic 2D pixel art and 8-bit music too. It has brought classic genres to a new light in fun and interesting mashups that vary in difficulty especially with the 'glitches'. My only complaint about this game is the mislabeled controls on the PC version.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 97 Critic Score
    Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
    Ori and the Blind Forest was already a fantastic game, but the Definitive Edition smooths out the edges and adds in extra content that slots in comfortably and adds to both the story and the gameplay. It looks brilliant, it sounds amazing, and it plays smoothly and satisfyingly. Be sure to pick this up if you’re a fan of the Metroidvania genre and fancy a challenge in an incredibly appealing package.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Cyberpunk 2077
    Cyberpunk 2077, within the grand scope of its interesting setting and lore surrounding Night City, is breathtaking. The plethora of missions, side activities, and characters are worth exploring. The vast openness of the game world offers choices and freedoms that have an impact on the story its self as well as personal levels of consciousness. When the game doesn't suffer from its various technical setbacks, it's addictive and fun. More often than not, Night City tells an interesting story that's worth reading to the very end and coming back to. Even with the base game, the amount of content, deep storytelling, and the engrossing environment is well worth the admission price as long as it's on PC or next-gen consoles.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Monster Sanctuary
    Monster Sanctuary is a genuinely impressive Monster Collect-a-thon, offering far more customization and tactical variety than its competitors. All other aspects of the title fall spectacularly short, however. The story is abysmal, the environments have nothing interesting to discover, the Metroidvania elements are incredibly basic, and the level design lacks any notable features. If you’re here for the monster battling, you are likely to have a lot of fun with Monster Sanctuary.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Calico
    I'd recommend Calico to anybody, but especially fans of cats, cafes, or anything in that same realm of interest. Bringing the year to a close with an adorable blanket of furry animals to wear, carry, and ride around while living your best life is certainly the way to go. Just be sure to update to the latest version when you can.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Nine Witches: Family Disruption
    Nine Witches: Family Disruption is a really funny game, riding high on its quirky jokes and the comedic timing of its lines. As a whole, it could have benefitted from focusing on developing its characters and polishing the story and presentation. While Nine Witches hits all the right notes to create a charismatic graphic adventure, it has some growing up (both literally and figuratively) to do before becoming an attention-grabbing franchise.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Orwell's Animal Farm
    Its mechanics are muddled and confusing at best and frustrating at worst, but it remains a decent and charmingly presented adaptation of the farmyard fable that so strikingly warns of the dangers of corruption and totalitarianism.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Space Invaders Forever
    Space Invaders Forever is a fine package. That's unfortunately all there is to it. For fans of the series, for players who will play with others, for those that don't mind touch screens, it's a great choice. But if any of those things are a problem, everything gets real old, real fast. This is the bare bones version of that massive Space Invaders Invincible Collection, and it isn't enough to satisfy.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Desperados III
    Do not pick up the game if you are looking for a fast-paced adventure heavy on whipping out six-shooters. Fans of real-time tactics should give it a look though because the gameplay here is top-notch. With Mimimi still improving the game with the Bounty Hunters update and level editor, Desperados III is a game you will want holstered when riding off into the sunset.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    When The Past Was Around
    Overall, When the Past was Around is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, condensed down to only a couple of hours. With its great puzzle design and incredible visuals and music, it leaves you wanting to experience it all over again for the first time. This game is worth every minute you put into it.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Broken Lines
    Broken Lines is a solid squad tactics game with an intriguing narrative and fair, yet punishing permanent consequences for your actions. While the soundscape is unimpressive and the animation doesn’t hold up under closer scrutiny, the varied, colorful locations add an enjoyable visual flair to the experience. The Dead and the Drunk is an engaging spin-off that goes well beyond being a throwaway mode, and offers an additional challenge for veterans. The fully customizable difficulty settings allow players of all skill levels and preferences to find a way to play that’s a perfect fit for them.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Cyberpunk 2077
    Cyberpunk 2077 has something special deep inside it, but its ambition falls short, leading to consistent issues that hinder the game's positives. Some areas hit where it should for an RPG, but the lack of meaningful choices make the main and optional quests feel hollow. Maybe with bug fixes and content updates, we will see the true potential of Night City.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 45 Critic Score
    Millions of Minions: An Underground Adventure
    When compared to its peers, Millions of Minions does little to stand out. A few strange design choices and the lack of an engaging combat loop and item economy leads to a rather underwhelming experience. With a few changes, the game could be improved into something worthy of a decent first attempt.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Assassin's Creed Valhalla
    Assassins Creed Valhalla is a wonderful addition to the AC franchise. It manages to avoid the tropes that became overplayed and focuses on a small well structured story. The fighting mechanics are enjoyable and offer many choices to fit different playing styles. There are a significant amount of bugs and the AI is underwhelming at times. But it's still another step in the right direction for Ubisoft.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    WRC 9 FIA World Rally Championship
    WRC 9 is a step up from its prequels and it does exactly as advertised. The game has tons of content that you can immerse yourself in. There are tens of cars, dozens of tracks, different countries and championships, giving a huge replayability value. While there are ample positives, there are also some major negatives. The main issue is with the control scheme which seems to favour wheel users over gamepad/keyboard. It's not a deal-breaker but it was definitely a frustrating experience for me to master the mechanics using a controller. But once I was comfortable with WRC 9 on a controller, there was no looking back.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Body of Evidence
    What Body of Evidence lacks in story, it makes up with fun references to beloved pop culture. The overall presentation stands out with a deliberately dull art style and fantastic music. The gameplay is simple but fits well. However, it does little to stand out from the crowd. As a game, it takes the perfect amount of your time; any less and it would've felt a bit pointless; any more and it would've outstayed its welcome.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Immortals Fenyx Rising
    Overall, Immortals is an enjoyable game. Its visual elegance, witty dialogue, engaging puzzles, grand exploration and the sheer amount of love for the source material demonstrated by the devs leads to a game that, though it fails to be as singularly unique or innovative as the games it takes influence from, is still a game that's about as good as the sum of its parts. The combat, exploration and world-building all lead to a great relaxing weekend game. Sit back, relax and take a break from the gritty dregs of modern AAA games. It may not be the main Thanksgiving-day course, but it's still a fantastic post-dinner turkey salad.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Airborne Kingdom
    Airborne Kingdom is a work of art and the developers have absolutely nailed the concept to perfection. It brings something completely new to the tycoon games genre with a rich and detailed story to accompany it. The game is surprisingly well polished and I had a gala of time playing and reviewing it. There were hardly any negatives to the game and the only area of concern was the less responsive camera system. But that is nothing a few patches can't fix! I am sure I will be playing this title for a long time and this will surely turn into an addiction!
    • 77 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The Pathless
    While its main draw may be boring for some, I really enjoyed my time with The Pathless. The graphics and movement are especially brilliant, and the exploration always felt rewarding, even at its repetitive moments. While the writing is nothing to write home about, the connection between the player and the eagle companion keeps the story grounded emotionally.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Call of the Sea
    Some may be overwhelmed by the scope of the puzzles and some others may be left wanting for more, but Call of the Sea still delivers an engaging story of love and transformation with a surprisingly compatible Lovecraftian zest.
    • 52 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Commandos 2 HD Remaster
    Commandos 2 - HD Remaster takes a classic and spruces is up, without ever making it better. While there are sharper visuals to bring this game into the modern-day, there are also incredibly unintuitive controls that make almost every action more difficult than before. While finding solutions in a level is now more obvious, reaching that solution is more difficult. For every step forward this remaster takes, it takes an equal step backwards.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Ruinverse
    Ruinverse ended up being a middling entry in the KEMCO catalog. What it does, it does well, but the larger twist it was going for with the dual-soul feature doesn't really land as intended. For fans of the genre, it's a fine bone to chew on, but if you're looking for something more in your games, this isn't the one for you.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    Control: Ultimate Edition
    This game is a masterpiece. It feels good to play, looks absolutely gorgeous and runs like a dream. The setting and story are similarly top tier, and I would have to dig deep to fault CONTROL: Ultimate Edition. It hasn't won a boatload of awards for nothing.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Unto The End
    Unto the End is an amazing game. It does miss a few marks when communicating information to the player, and some integrated systems can come off as more tedious than fun. Nonetheless its rich combat, gorgeous visuals, and well-implemented sound effects nail all of the most important aspects. In the end, an individual's experience with the game will most likely come to their view on its extreme difficulty.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Speed 3 Grand Prix
    Although Speed 3: Grand Prix has an interesting gameplay concept, it fails to pull together the arcade and simulation sides of racing games in any memorable way. With a boring main tournament mode that recycles the same sort of gameplay over and over, not even solid visual design and a good soundtrack can save this game from being distinctly mediocre.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Untitled Goose Game
    The elements of this game all work together wonderfully to charm and amuse you through its 3-or-so hours. From the vibrant art design to the charming characterisation, this British town is ready to hate this goose with a passion. This game just holds so much in every inch of its world and the way it comes together makes it so hard to not completely fall in love.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Android Hunter A
    Android Hunter A has a lot going for it - great music, timeless gameplay, and tight controls, but it lacks originality. If it weren't for the bugs I encountered, I would feel much safer recommending this game, even though I have faith that DigiPlox is working hard to fix 'er up. I want to revisit the game once they have had time to iron out some of the creases, but for now, Android Hunter A falls short of its true potential and lofty ambitions.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Planet Coaster: Console Edition
    Planet Coaster: Console Edition brings this already phenomenal game to a new audience on console. Controls are very well translated over to the controller, and the game runs smoothly on PS5 with really fast load times. It is presented in a very accessible way, but there is also an insane amount of depth for the hardcore players.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    Haven
    Haven is a delightful character-driven action-RPG that absolutely deserves your attention. From the graphical style to the soundtrack, to the excellent writing and voice acting and the myriad interconnected systems at play, the game is polished, charming and just the right amount of challenge. If you habitually mash the ‘skip cutscene’ button then this perhaps isn’t for you, but if you want to lose yourself in a great story with wonderfully realised characters, don’t hesitate to pick this up.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Last Show of Mr. Chardish
    As an example of integration between story and gameplay, The Last Show of Mr. Chardish shines. A beautiful title in its own right, fans of this type of story-driven experience will find plenty to love. Don't let a few bugs scare you away, this is a title that's absolutely worth your time.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Sayonara Wild Hearts
    As an interactive album, Sayonara Wild Hearts excels. Simplistic gameplay, paired with the amazing music from Daniel Olsén Jonathan Eng, creates a memorable experience. As a game, though, the story didn't resonate with me, and the sometimes overly busy visuals bring it down a notch.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    I Am Your President: Prologue
    I Am Your President: Prologue is a short and sweet story-driven political game that leaves you wanting more. It is brilliantly conceptualised and I definitely expect I Am Your President to take it up a notch once it releases. The game offers a fresh take on the very generic political genre of other titles and manages to make politics fun and everything else other than politics. I do wish the Prologue was a little longer as the cravings I now have won't let me rest until I play the main game. But all in all, a very good package.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Sam & Max Save the World Remastered
    Sam & Max Save The World is a fantastically realised remaster with a razor sharp script, brilliant soundtrack, and decent graphics. Some puzzles can be a little too convoluted and absurd for their own good, and being presented in this package does make the game feel more repetitious than it otherwise would have. But at its heart it is a must by for fans of Adventure games.
    • 50 Metascore
    • 48 Critic Score
    Picklock
    Picklock has a good game hidden within it. But unfortunately, it’s hidden well among the poor control scheme and localization. The parts of the game I enjoyed, like the music and light comedy of the story, lead me to think that this game could have been a good addition to the stealth genre. But fittingly, this is a game that will likely fly under the radar.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    DeLight
    DeLight: The Journey Home has an important story to tell, about war and trauma and difficult choices. While the first two episodes didn’t quite hit the bullseye, I’m nevertheless curious to see whether the remaining instalments will be able to carry it through. It needs some revamping of the choice mechanics and the effects they actually have on the world and the people you meet, but I hope they manage it, because it really feels like a story worth telling.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp
    Overall, Monster Camp is a great dating sim to play with friends. It doesn't do a lot to separate itself for the previous game and those who aren't fans of the humour will have a hard time enjoying it. That being said, it's a solid game that's made better by its style, writing and great characters. Those looking for something a bit different in the genre, take a chance with Monster Camp.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dreamo
    DREAMO is a title that is probably bigger than it should be. The storyline issues and audio mishaps are problematic and do cause the entire package to suffer, but thankfully that package is built on some really solid puzzle mechanics. Moving around cogs didn't get old, and different layers of difficulty were introduced at a steady pace. Try out the demo before you commit to a purchase, and don't get stuck in the gears.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin
    Just like farming itself, Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin can feel like a laborious game of highs and lows, but the rewards are there for those willing to put in the time and work. It’s unique blending of different gameplay styles results in a memorable balance between thoughtful farming and mindless action, but I wish some more effort was made to have the two meet in the middle. With that said, Sakuna delighted with its entertaining characters, stylistic flair, and ambition to experiment with creative ideas.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    YesterMorrow
    While YesterMorrow succeeds in creating an interesting concept for gameplay, the implementation of time travel quickly becomes tedious, and without other interesting abilities, the platforming and puzzles quickly become boring. However, the story, visuals, and soundtrack help to make up for this, and will help drive you through to the game's conclusion.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The Last Blade: Beyond the Destiny
    Overall, The Last Blade: Beyond the Destiny is a good game. It wont blow your mind, but it will provide you with a lot of fun. Its charming pixel art is some of the best among any 8-bit hand held console. SNK made a super competent fighter that deserves to be played. Unfortunately a lot of people outside SNK fans don't know about this game. Luckily the release on Switch allows those who may have never heard of it to easily pick it up and play it.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Sackboy: A Big Adventure
    Sackboy: A Big Adventure doesn't offer too much challenge but what it does offer is great level design, fantastic music, and a plethora of objectives for the completionists out there. This all adds up to a level of charm that can rival even the best of Nintendo platformers.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 84 Critic Score
    Fuser
    In conclusion, Fuser is more a musical toolbox than it is an actual game. While Harmonix's previous games were about playing songs that already existed, this title actually lets you create something unique. It almost feels like magic when you combine two songs that you know shouldn't work together, but Fuser somehow makes them sound incredible. While I am still enjoying booting it up and thinking about songs I would like to have added to the library, I worry that if new music is not released frequently, then interest in the title may wane.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Bubble Bobble 4 Friends
    If you've got a group of people that you want to play with, or if you want to replay the original game, then you should check out the new update. But I came out of this review with more critiques than I realized while playing. Turns out, some of my favorite parts were just playing the game with my kids, but the game itself. In the end, the game is flawed, but it's trying, and that's all we can really ask for.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 86 Critic Score
    Raji: An Ancient Epic
    Raji: An Ancient Epic is a beautiful game, set in a world and culture that is wildly under-represented in the medium. From the first minute you can immerse yourself in Raji’s adventure, and for all the urgency of stopping the designs of the nefarious demons, it’s very hard not to just stop and admire the scenery along the way. Do yourself a favour, pick this one up, and broaden your horizons a little bit.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
    Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is truly one of the best launch titles to date. With the release of the PlayStation 5, Miles Morales stands as an impressive achievement in visual design, engrossing gameplay, and an unforgettable story about responsibility, culture, and family. It's well worth the price of admission for all the fun, content, and interesting story this game delivers. The neighborhoods of New York are in good hands with this new and improved Spider-Man.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Tropico 6 - Nintendo Switch Edition
    While the gameplay is intact, the visual downgrade to Tropico 6 is so damaging to the game. Juggling different tasks is still fun, but now it all just looks worse. Due to the poor visuals, there are inevitable diminishing returns as your settlement gets bigger, which is the opposite of how it should be. The grander your achievement, the harder it is to actually see it.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    TENS!
    All in all, TENS! is a fun little puzzler. It’s a little light on story, but there’s a degree of structure and progression in its Adventure Mode, and the gameplay provides just enough variation on its central ideas to keep you on your toes. It takes a single puzzle concept and just trims all the fat from that one idea, and honestly, the result is very well-executed. Play it fast, play it slow, play it carefully or throw your dice around the board with wild abandon – just make sure you get those tens.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    WARTILE
    Wartile is a great example of variety within the strategy genre. The different cooldown mechanics, level design, and beautiful art style come together in a really satisfying way. While the end result is hampered a bit by the execution of the user interface, I really enjoyed my time with my tiny barbarian figurines.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Crystal Ortha
    This game was a great example of adjusting a classic formula to be more palatable to a modern audience. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, and it definitely doesn't try to be for purists, but if you find yourself wanting to scratch that JRPG itch but don't have time for long play sessions, then Crystal Ortha should definitely be on your list.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Yakuza: Like a Dragon
    Yakuza: Like A Dragon is different, but is one of the better Yakuza titles out there. Despite the new combat system, it still maintains that Yakuza style flare that made the series a cult success. There are a few expected missteps, but Ryu Ga Gotoku just about manages to stick the landing to deliver an experience you don't want to miss.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Strategic Mind: Spectre of Communism
    The game allows a casual experience for the novice but its true potential will only be unlocked when you crank up the difficulty and spend some time getting to know your army and what it can do. Do that, and you'll spend many hours beating back the German war machine with superior tactics to a very satisfying end.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope
    Little Hope is a step forward in Supermassive's anthology series, but the bar is still set high from their big hit Until Dawn. It doesn't quite reach that same level but excels in its twisting narrative and interactivity. For a horror game, its scares are few and far between, but it still holds up with its heart-racing monster encounters. Its unique cast of characters is intriguing on the surface, but they're very vaguely explored in the actual story. Little Hope is a quick experience that's still enjoyable with friends, and worth playing for the ending.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Astro's Playroom
    Astro’s Playroom may be the most consequential proof of concept launch title since Wii Sports. It masterfully highlights everything that’s unique and special about the PS5 by looking great, running even better, and proving why the DualSense controller is the next evolution in games immersion. However, none of that would matter if the core game was poorly designed, and thankfully Astro’s Playroom ensures that PS5 owners have a highly entertaining gameplay experience waiting for them when they turn on their shiny new console.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A Tale of Paper
    A Tale of Paper shines not through mostly competent platforming, but through its ability to weave a touching story together in only a couple of hours. Through good environment design, beautiful visuals and a varied soundtrack, this game turns a the tale of Line, a paper doll, into a story of loss and reunion that will stick with you after its brief run time.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    DIRT 5
    All in all, it's playable and enjoyable; however, the game will need some more content and definitely more bug fixes in future updates. In other words, it's not entirely polished. Although it may not be polished, it's highly recommended for arcade racers, no doubt about that. If you've been on Forza Motorsport or Project CARS 3 before, then this might be something for you. Great track layout and astonishing graphics makes the game special. Dirt veterans may also recognise the similarities between this and the older games.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    ScourgeBringer
    ScourgeBringer is a beautiful game with intuitive combat and bucketloads of style. The difficulty curve is sharp, but if you can power through it you’ll find yourself ensconced in a tough but rewarding roguelike with punchy gameplay and a beautiful look to it.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    Tennis World Tour 2
    Tennis World Tour 2 is a game that could have been something special but holds itself back with its gameplay. In contrast, I was impressed with the menu's overall layout, the music that played as I got ready, and the speedy load times; all of that went away as soon as I had to start actually playing the game. One can hope that future tennis games will find the perfect balance between capturing the essence of the sport and providing fun gameplay to the consumer at home, but Tennis World Tour 2 could not do either.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    No More Heroes
    A great port of an even better game. No More Heroes is an extremely unique character action game with an amazing cast of characters whose dialogue is as entertaining as it is cheesy. While the combat system lacks the depth of its peers in the genre I enjoyed every second of it. This combined with a rock-solid port to the Nintendo Switch, with a new button control scheme and great motion controls, makes this a must-play before the release of No More Heroes 3.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 87 Critic Score
    Crown Trick
    Overall, Crown Trick is a thoroughly pleasant entry to the ever-increasing vaults of roguelike games. The tactical element of its turn-based gameplay really makes it stand out as offering something a little different, and the abundant variety in its systems and mechanics makes for an enjoyably replayable little game.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Superliminal
    Despite having could have benefitted from a longer playtime, and its fading puzzle elements, Superliminal boasts a truly innovative and deeply entertaining experience. Its wonderfully crafted message of hope against adversity, along with its stellar soundtrack and voice acting, ultimately makes it a very worthy title.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
    Despite some glaring issues with its 100% quest and some unnecessary characters, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is so good that it's almost hard to believe. A true sequel to the 90's classics seemed too hard of a task at first, but Toys for Bob has passed the test and proven that Crash deserves new life in the modern gaming landscape. With fluid animation, excellent level design and eye-popping graphics, Crash 4 is the best Crash game of all time, and perfect for any new or returning fans alike.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Foregone
    Forgone is definitely a good game, with every inch of the combat feeling just as good as it looks. I just feel like this game could have done a lot more with what it had. There is a tight, Souls-like loop, great locomotion, and satisfying combat. But the forgettable narrative and somewhat generic aesthetic made me not too interested in what was going on outside of the core gameplay loop. That's definitely okay, but stops this game from being much more than a competent Souls-like experience.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Pumpkin Jack
    Pumpkin Jack is a comedic and innocently evil game that is perfect for fans of the spooky season. The linear story, the variety of puzzles and the charmingly spooky graphics create a wonderful game that most players will find a lot of enjoyment in. So, what are you waiting for? Halloween fun awaits!
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Double Pug Switch
    Double Pug Switch will challenge those who love platforming action and want to test their reflexes and accuracy. With interesting level design and a fun soundtrack, you might find it hard to put down.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty
    I didn't expect to like Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty! before I played, or during my initial time with it. But the unique level design, likable main character, and excellent soundtrack turned me around. Delivering Abe through harrowing situations felt like an accomplishment, and the design restraints forced me to face each level with its own particular approach. Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty! is definitely worth your time.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Roki
    All in all, Röki is one of the most surprising indie experiences I've had on the Nintendo Switch in quite a while. It has all the usual trappings of an indie darling — mainly its consistently wholesome nature — but manages to do more than I ever would have expected. A very special story, imaginative use of folklore, simple but effective game mechanics, and a gorgeous art-style and soundtrack mean that Röki goes far beyond what indie adventure games usually do in terms of polish, but also just never stops being lovely.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 72 Critic Score
    The Red Lantern
    Overall, The Red Lantern was a fascinating and unique experience. It feels like a modern version of The Oregon Trail but instead of traveling across a map and dying of dysentery, you ride behind a dog sled and die in a much colder climate. Creating a team of dogs and then sticking with them for every run until credits rolled was both rewarding and allowed me to connect emotionally. The Red Lantern does not provide the most complex inventory management but will almost always have you considering when to use which item. The loop of the game did begin to become predictable near the end, but The Red Lantern always brought me back for one more chance to find the path home.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Jetboard Joust : Next-Generation Retro
    If the arcade scene is your niche, you've found a surefire winner. Jetboard Joust will likely not find a large audience due to its arcade inspirations, which is evidenced by its mechanics and structure choices. Nevertheless, those looking for a brutal game to harness their skills, there's certainly a lot to like here. Colorful explosions, juicy crunch, and fluid animations will ensure that you'll pay attention for a good while. How much longer will depend entirely on your taste for its overall control and adherence to the retro mantra.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 65 Critic Score
    Endless Memories
    Endless Memories is a great first attempt at a Metroidvania and has plenty of reasons to entice fans of the genre to try it out. While the game drags at certain points and ultimately outstays its welcome. Great combat, beautiful visuals, and an amazing soundtrack made it a worthwhile experience.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Amnesia: Rebirth
    Frictional Games titles are as rare as precious and Amnesia: Rebirth is not an exception. It’s a journey filled with mystery and sensational revelations that the Swedish studio offers us, determined to torment our souls one more time. The game manages to combine genres (adventure in Indiana Jones way, pure horror) while covering extremely human and intimate thematics. Far from just being an enjoyable experience, Amnesia: Rebirth leaves a particular taste of sadness and admiration for a team that decided to reach the end of its desires.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Outpost Delta
    Outpost Delta manages to stand out thanks to an enjoyable combination of Metroidvania and Twin-Stick shooter mechanics. Unfortunately, instances of poor design and numerous glitches keep this sci-fi romp from achieving its full potential. At a price point that is significantly higher than comparably better games in the genre, it is difficult to recommend Outpost Delta to anyone other than Metroidvania junkies. That said, if some time can be spent optimizing the issues, I believe Outpost Delta can be a decent addition to the genre.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 95 Critic Score
    9 Monkeys of Shaolin
    9 Monkeys of Shaolin should be on every GOTY list for the excellent package the team has put together. The combat feels great, the art style and graphics look fantastic, and the voice acting and storyline were executed wonderfully. If beat 'em ups are your jam, or if you just want to have fun with a game, this should be a must-buy. Do yourself a favor and get into this incredible title.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 55 Critic Score
    Orangeblood
    The conclusion to this is a difficult one, as there are lots of good bits about this game. However, the further you progress, the less the good things shine through, and the more the bad things stand out. It’s marred by scattershot battle-mechanics, an uninteresting storyline, and, of course, very bad dialogue. If the good aspects really draw you in, then maybe it’s worth a shot, but if not it is hard to recommend. For such an imaginative game, it is often very dull.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    9th Dawn III: Shadow of Erthil
    All in all, 9th Dawn III is a solid RPG adventure, with all the side activities and exploration you could ask for. While the combat difficulty is sometimes poorly balanced, the grind to improve has an almost addictive quality that kept me coming back for more. The visual style, a throwback to a bygone era of open world games, was used well to keep the visuals both simple and exciting. By putting together some of the best parts of hit games, 9th Dawn III succeeds in breaking new ground while tapping into nostalgia for classics.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    Noita
    In its best moments, Noita is a visual treat of interesting physics mechanics, status effects, and weapons that encourage experimentation, explosions, and just a damn good time. It offers hours of amusement and surprises wrapped inside a fairly traditional roguelite offering. What it lacks in actual progression systems, it makes up for with a bewildering amount of exploration and a high skill ceiling for those willing to master it. That difficulty is also its biggest shortcoming, as the ease with which players can die — often unfairly — means a lot of repeating familiar areas and weapons, and the user interface and RNG often get in the way of the better parts of the experience. Noita isn’t a game to sink 50 hours into, but it’s a blast to drop in and experience for its systems, and it 100% lives up the promise that “every pixel is simulated” — often to deadly and hilarious effect.
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