PlayStation Country's Scores

  • Games
For 1,962 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 35% higher than the average critic
  • 21% same as the average critic
  • 44% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 8.9 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 66
Highest review score: 100 Balatro
Lowest review score: 0 My Name is Mayo
Score distribution:
1963 game reviews
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pinball FX plays pinball as brilliantly as you'd expect but the economics behind it can feel greedy and, in terms of polish and performance, Pinball FX 3 feels little sharper and is nicer to look at as it stands, so the motivation to rebuy your old favourite tables isn't really there yet.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Whilst this could've ended up another run-of-the-mill combat platformer, Saga of Sins does well with its setting and premise. Using the sins as a backdrop for levels helps keep the platforming varied and gives them license to experiment with a couple of neat tricks. I think the presentation is handled well but the voice acting can fall flat for a couple of characters. Despite this, I enjoyed this medieval morality tale and will be interested in seeing what Bonus Level Entertainment do next.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Read Only Memories: Neurodiver is a good VN that follows on from 2064: Read Only Memories, but worked just as well for us in isolation having not played the first game. As visual novels go, it is one of the better ones we played, due to the decent voice acting and well done plot. It’s not massively long, but that may come as welcome relief to the trophy hunters that want low hanging fruit.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you're a massive fan of the original Rage of The Dragons Neo Geo title, then this is a great way to revisit it but if you're not, the brutal difficulty might leave you feeling like you've wasted your money.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    At times, Star Overdrive's hoverboarding exploration can be exhilarating. Unfortunately, it's hampered by on-foot traversal that simply doesn't hold up. Platforming can be clumsy and punishing for a game that really pushes for leniency in other tasks. Combat can be simple but also lacks a consequence for failure. Even the wistful soundtrack is undercut by the rock accompaniment of combat. It's a really frustrating mix that comes up short.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Architect Life: A House Design Simulator doesn't dig too deep but there is some challenge to be had from clients and their prospective locations. The career mode has some variety to it, although the homes I built started to homogenise due to the surprisingly limiting tools at my disposal. For a game with architect in the title, you're not given the freedom to truly tinker with angles and materials. It's still a methodical and relaxed time but it pulls some punches.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sure, we’d rather they just remastered GRAW 1 and 2, and this is yet another open-world Ubisoft ’em up. But get over the initial deja vu, and lack of GRAWness, and fire this up with your online mates and you’ll get one of the best co-op games on the PS4. A high quality title but one that we reckon will be forgotten a lot sooner than its predecessors. In the meantime though, Wildlands has its hooks in us.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As the final entry to the series, Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered does its best to polish up a game that doesn't always hit the mark. The voice acting remains fantastic and is delivered with all the gravitas I'd come to expect. The pacing can be hit by Raziel's constant need to monologue but the helpful breadcrumb trail should prevent players from getting lost. Above all, it's a nicely put together package with a wealth of cut content and extras.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Arca's Path is a bit different to all those turret shooters and horror games that you've been using your PSVR headset for but we really appreciated its calm aesthetic, excellent controllers and well thought out gameplay.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind does a great of evoking the 90's TV series with solid use voice samples and some charming presentational touches. Unfortunately, the brawling has issues with collision. As nice as it controls, some of the vehicle sections can be busy and time consuming and the Megazord fights can develop into a real chore. It's a shame because the beginning shows so much promise. It doesn't quite come together with some strong highs undercut by some awkward choices.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    WRC 7 is an interesting iteration on the previous titles. It doesn't make great strides but the accessible handling provides some simple thrills. The license brings some scenic stages, even if the visuals aren't finely tuned, and I will never get tired of hearing a rally exhaust. It's enjoyable, if lacking in complexity and options.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Fans have been clamouring for the return of Crypto for some time and Destroy All Humans for PS4 is their chance to relive the bygone PS2 era and relive those ill-tempered, extra-terrestrial antics from fifteen years ago. The remake looks great but unfortunately, THQ Nordic’s 2020 effort introduces more issues than it solves; keeping repetitive audio while adding in lengthy loading times, performance issues and poorly implemented gameplay updates. For the one small step of increased graphical fidelity, this version takes one giant leap back for overall quality.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Highwater is a well-made turn-based battler set in the same scenario as Demagog’s other games Golf Club: Wasteland and The Cub. Sadly, it’s a bit short and it could do with collectible tracking. We really enjoyed ourselves despite that.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Cannibal Cuisine is an enjoyable spin on the whole Overcooked style of party gaming. It's a bit basic in terms of gameplay and presentation but its simplicity makes it a good choice for random co-op larks.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    To a T is the latest from the wonderfully out-there Keita Takahashi. It might even be one of the best games to depict a disability and how human nature prevails no matter what. It might be a little short, but we didn't stop smiling throughout.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Vampyr is the most unique RPG we've played in years. It may not be the slickest or most beautiful but it has a charm that makes the game much more than the some of its parts.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    King of Meat has a lot of charm and confidence to it and some of the humour is on point, but this mix of platforming and combat never really impresses in either area and the whole thing has a 'free to play' energy despite having a £25 price tag.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered offers players a second chance to experience its open world. Some technical issues aside, it's the lack of variety in the world and mission design that stops the fun and still impressive destruction from making this a must play for those who missed it the first time.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Angry Birds Movie 2 VR: Under Pressure is a fun cooperative VR title. Without others to play with the controls are a bit cumbersome and the challenge very high, but with other players working together to take care of specific jobs this is one of the few games that makes VR sociable.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Planet of the Eyes presents a colourful world that you whisk through with some responsive platforming and the occasionally clever puzzle. Unfortunately, the pace and light story don't allow things to sit long in the memory and, whilst the time you've spent playing might feel well spent, there's not a lot of value in returning to it.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I find Spongebob Squarepants: The Cosmic Shake to be an enjoyable, comfortable romp through a colourful world. There's plenty of the show's personality translated into a smartly paced adventure and I do think that will appease plenty of fans. Some of the technical hitches may have been resolved by the day one patch but I didn't encounter anything fatal. It's not going to provide a challenge for most players but the writing maintains a quirky charm that fits hand in glove with the cartoon.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Skate City is alright. There are better skating games out there for sure but if you're looking for a mellow take on the genre, this'll do for a while.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ad Infinitum's message is a worn trope but I still enjoyed how it was delivered. There's some great creature and area design on offer within the trenches. It's a pity the family home offers something more mundane. The lack of combat results in a game feeling linear and littered with simple puzzles. The voice actors carry a decent story but the visual performance can suffer under some heavy loads. It results in an admirable effort that lacks a solid landing.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Grow Up shares the same relaxing pace and exploration as its predecessor, Grow Home. With its satisfying upgrade system, enjoyable puzzles and pleasant game world, Grow Up is a nice way to spend a few hours and will no doubt appeal to fans of Grow Home even if this time you have to pay for it.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Small worries aside, Wuppo's character and style has managed to disarm me with some cheeky writing and a surprisingly dense world. The pace does bog down in two particular parts but I was intrigued enough to persevere. Combat is engaging and exploration is usually rewarding. This is a staggering effort from such a small team and their passion shows. This is very, very well crafted.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kingdom Come: Deliverance is rough around the edges but offers an adventure worth taking for those who prefer a more realistic, slower pace to their open world RPG.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Disco Dodgeball Remix manages to add some longevity to a game that originally ran short on time. The player progression and the variety of modes help stave off potential boredom. The game's playful colour and style remains compelling after three years. Whilst the online does seem to be hampered by the urgency to get you playing, there's a lot to keep you occupied and it's mostly enjoyable.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As a remaster, Hitman HD Enhanced Collection does deliver the best looking edition of these games to consoles but there's a sense the price is hard to justify. If either of these titles are missing from your Hitman collection, it's worth a look. I've had fun and found myself nostalgic re-examining these two titles. I can't deny it's a difficult package to recommend to veterans unless they really, really want to see a sharper image.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Offering an odd mix between an MMO and a more standard RPG Sword Art Online is game of two sides. It tells a decent story and offers decent combat but sometimes feels like these two sides are competing with each other.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Technical problems aside, Absolver is a great fighting game. If that's enough for you then although the campaign is over relatively quickly the multiplayer and customisation could keep you going for a long time.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Darkestville Castle is an appreciative, well-paced effort that should keep fans of adventure games happy. Whilst the puzzles can involve a lot of legwork and some oddball solutions, you're encouraged in the right directions and the world isn't expansive enough to get lost in. The structure feels tight and the writing is nicely executed, despite some of the visuals underwhelming.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    JDM: Japanese Drift Master doesn't quite go the whole hog with an homage to Japanese tuner culture. The handling feels solid, even if there is a lack of feedback. The selection of cars is pretty strong and the world is decently sized. The story is something that passed me by but the manga presentation does give it some flavour. If anything, it also shows up the rest of the gameplay by reverting a more familiar, but polished look. That said, it's bright and delivers a fun open-world racer.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sherlock Holmes Chapter One puts the detective into an open world setting whilst giving him plenty of murders and side cases to investigate. There is the odd bit of action here and there but those who like to explore, examine and deduce will get the most out of this adventure.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    After spending thirty years in the dark, Clockwork Aquario finally gets released to the public, thanks to ININ games. With solid spritework, excellent music and a satisfying game loop, this is a solid nineties arcade platformer. However, the limited game length and offering may leave a fair amount to be desired. This is one of those that love game preservation and classic Sega titles while others may find this game forgettable compared to their other thirty year old favourites.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Cris Tales is an enjoyable, shorter than average JRPG with some interesting time travel mechanics. The visuals are fantastically stylised and the characters are likeable but the time travel mechanics don't quite go far enough to make it stand out.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Golf With Your Friends is a mixed bag. To run with the golf analogy, some clubs are great, others are going to leave you gasping in exasperation. It's better with friends, but sadly the moribund online means this is a local only affair. The three new courses are generally good barring Volcano.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Aeterna Noctis is a very tough metroidvania with incredibly intricate platforming sections. The fair checkpoints even out the challenge a little but plenty of design decisions work against the player in ways that are harder to overcome than the difficulty.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I think Dark Auction does pull some punches. Whilst it aims to ask difficult questions about a post-war generation, it approaches it softly or prefers to avoid the bigger picture. It can feel like a backdrop when the whole cast have familial ties to a failed dictatorship. Despite that, the investigative nature of each auction is well done and it's presented in a smart, stylish way. Digging into the past of the other bidders is a methodical process that can be rewarding.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Rogue Stormers offers plenty of challenge for those that want it. The responsive controls and varied weaponry allow for unique gameplay moments and will certainly keep players returning. I can’t help but feel the grind wears me down on this, although a person with greater skill and reflexes will get some joy out of this. Sometimes luck just won’t be on your side as you scour the levels for much-needed health although the persistent rewards guarantee progress. If you fancy a Contra clone with some strategic elements, this might be for you but progress feels too gradual for my tastes.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Voyage is a nice excursion across a gloriously hand painted landscape that only occasionally lapses into incomprehensible "what the hell do I do next" territory. Excellent music too. That it's developed by two brothers is staggering.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    If you're going to copy the Vampire Survivors formula, remember what made it so good. The Spell Brigade somewhat misses that point.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While it’s a joy to take on familiar teams, the game’s reliance on familiarity with the series makes the story mode unnecessarily difficult – either you execute a famous play, or chances are you won’t score at all. This effectively bars players unfamiliar with the Captain Tsubasa saga from enjoying Rise Of New Champions. This is a game that gets exciting only when it leaves rudimentary football controls behind, which is less often than you’d think. If you’re not a fan already, this amounts to another game where players only distinguishable by haircut run after a ball. [Issue#180, p.74]
    • PlayStation Country
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Future Unfolding is not going to be a game for everyone, lacking as it does many of the aspects of traditional gameplay, interaction is limited to the press of a single button and the story is vague and easily ignored. But if you’re looking for a unique game, a game which defies easy categorisation and a game which celebrates the joy of exploration this could be for you.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Fans of off-road and muddy racing, and gamers who just like arcade-style motorbike action, are well catered for with this very competent motorsports title. A year's worth of patches have answered many of the issues from the 2018 release and we like seeing all of the DLC included on the disc too.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Edna & Harvey - The Breakout: Anniversary Edition is a remaster of a 2008 game with a fresh new look, but very much a PC point and click adventure of the era. A few bugs don't help any.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Legend Bowl is well meaning enough with a fair stab at the Madden games of yore. Just don’t mention the kicking mechanics. They’re awfully implemented and will lead to you being on the back foot in matches rather more often than you’d like. The extensive franchise mode and pixelised gridiron are fun enough, but our frustration at the kicking meant we found Legend Bowl whiffed wide right rather than being on target.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A great fit for the Lego game template released ahead of the new film. One of the better Lego games in recent memory that shows what can be done when the source material is right.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Biomutant remains a slow burner. It took a while to get its hooks into us, but it sure did. It's not startlingly original and is a bit overburdened by its sheer scope, but we don't feel shortchanged by our forty plus hours playing it. Start a new save on PS5 if you want to get a clean sweep of trophies though.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    As a complete package, AO Tennis 2 builds on the first game quite well. The customisation allows for licensing to be circumvented whilst the on-court action is tactical, if a little clunky. It lacks a fluidity and the assisted movement can be unreliable, but there's definite steps taken in the right direction. Presentation lacks some punch but the career mode does offer plenty of reasons to come back. It's a fine effort, if a little compromised.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A Musical Story mixes the whole 'indie game about feelings' thing with some good, intuitive rhythm-action gameplay and a surprisingly good soundtrack. It might not appeal to the hardcore rhythm-action fans out there but it has enough heart to find itself an audience that won't forget it in a hurry.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pankapu is a decent platform game which plays it very traditional. It has a lovely art style and a lot of charm which goes a long way to make this game very enjoyable to play. Whilst I found the story elements of the game mostly missed the mark the platforming was more then enough to keep me engaged.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Akane is one tough little hack and slasher where death comes easily to everyone involved. However, it's so badly lacking in variation that ultimately we can't see most players sticking with it for long.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    So, yeah, Rainbow Cotton isn’t going to win you over if you didn’t like the original and we’re not sure it’ll earn many fans from younger audiences, despite the cheery presentation and cutscenes, but if you’re looking for the definitive version of the game, this is certainly it.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Lovish's compact levels and responsive controls certainly scratch an itch. Whilst the 8-bit aesthetics aren't new, the execution is well done. The pace is kept up really well and the variety is strong. It's a shame the lives don't manifest into an actual failure state but there's enough danger in the levels to consider already. The story shows some heart, although it is thin. Despite that, it's a game full of ideas and ingenuity.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    If this was the first EDF game, we'd likely be falling over ourselves to praise it but EDF5 exists and does everything this does but better. Yuke's have done a solid job with it but EDF is Sandlot's baby and they are who you should go to for your alien insect slaying fun.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Snake Pass is a fascinating take on the 3D platforming genre. It features conventional progression and collectables with a non-conventional control scheme that seeks to test your mettle and dexterity. The game takes a step away from Indie-brand self-reference and expositional stories to present a unique gaming experience that feels incredibly rewarding to master. We can only hope for more, as this tale of Noodle and Doodle is heaped with oodles of charm.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Ganryu 2 takes the original arcade game and boosts every aspect of it and while that means you get some lovely visuals, great variation and slick gameplay it also comes with the kind of difficulty that was fine back in the '90s when coin-op manufacturers were only interested in taking your cash but seems needlessly harsh in 2022.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Dakar Desert Rally is an improvement for the series but it still wallows in some of the same problems. Visually, it's stunning with some wonderful views and spectacular weather effects. Unfortunately, the career mode really limits what players can do and drip-feeds content at a relatively slow pace. There's a real lack of modes and the racing is hampered by some poor AI. I never really felt confident with the handling model but at least navigation seems more straight-forward.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Skyworld is a fun strategy game for PSVR with tactical battles. The mechanics are too oversimplified to leave a lasting impression but the UI manipulation will hopefully inspire other VR developers to think outside the box.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Kitaria Fables offers some fun exploration and combat in the quest for materials and better equipment. The quest distribution is slow enough to needlessly prolong the game whilst the farming is a necessary chore if you want to make money. There's a cute game here for those who like to take their time, especially if they have a friend for the couch co-op, but the busy work and slow pace may put off some.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Spongebob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated is a great example of how to do a remaster. A great graphical upgrade and addition of a new multiplayer mode make this a welcome, if unexpected addition to the realm of remasters. Rather this than another Crash Bandicoot anyway.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Maneater mixes ferocious combat, addictive exploration and great humour into a perfectly-sized open world where you play as a murderous shark. It's the game we never knew that we needed.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Bloober Team have made some important strides with Layers of Fear 2. Visually, there is a sharper, clearer look on display. Pacing is improved with scares not being laid on so thick and heavy. It does seem to lack some atmospheric qualities but the chase sequences do offer the player something to beware. Failure can hamper the flow and the storytelling is a little heavy-handed. For the most part, Layers of Fear 2 is a good effort.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A fantastic sequel that improves on its predecessor significantly and the real world crash locations only serve to enhance its appeal.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fatal Frame / Project Zero - Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is a fair update of a 2008 Wii game that does a solid job bringing it to a new audience. Sure, it's not a brand-new main series entry, but it's good. Just don't try and run in the game, it's more of an exaggerated shuffle.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I know not to expect the world from a yearly sports title but NBA 2K21 feels like a backward step. As good as the passing and defence remains, the shooting has an unreliability the series just hasn't delivered before. Practice makes better but it doesn't seem to make perfect. The rest of the package remains fairly sound with great presentation and a swathe of modes to digest. Unfortunately, my time on the court felt compromised whenever I approached the net.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A fantastic sci-fi adventure game from Germany. Very good and definitely worth playing.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you can get past the fiddly controls, the underwhelming first level and the occasional progress-stopping glitches, Killing Floor: Incursion is an occasionally funny, often scary and generally fun VR shooter.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Zool comes with plenty of limitations just because of its 16-bit roots but this is a respectful port that tweaks the original experience in positive ways.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception is a visual novel first and foremost, with some strategy RPG battles scattered throughout. The story is pretty slow going, with the battles few and far between, but the characters are very likeable and contribute to some amusing scenes. One for fans of the genre.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Spelunker HD Deluxe brings an awful lot to the table. Using the blueprint of an old favourite, Tozai Games have delivered dozens of levels with some modern visuals. It does look smarter and a little sharper but the old challenge remains. It controls reasonably well but the memory-heavy nature of the levels will put some players off. With few options available to tweak difficulty or add lives, you're left with an authentic, if divisive experience. Multiplayer does allow you to bring friends along for the ride too.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Déraciné is a slow build with little in the way of VR gimmicks or challenge but come its conclusion I was satisfied with how the tale played out.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Rally Arcade Classics presents a solid handling model coupled with some bite-sized action that can feel rewarding. The chase to complete the tour mode can devolve into a grind and it's a pity there aren't more rally locations. It definitely has issues that hamper the flow, for example the not-so-quick restarts. Despite this, it's compelling enough to bring me back. The vehicles offer a decent selection whilst trying their best to stay within the arcade confines. It mostly succeeds but the star-based structure can lead to some repetition.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Yooka-Laylee is a fun retro styled 3D platformer with the buckets of wit and charm that made Rareware games so much fun to play, but along for the ride is a somewhat combative camera system that occasionally gets in the way. If you can overcome this then Yooka-Laylee is an excellent trip down memory lane for fans of Banjo-Kazooie and similar titles.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    NBA Playgrounds is fun, frantic and friendly. The scoring system can seem a little unbalanced and there are some curious omissions that stick out in an otherwise well-realised product. It’s thin on modes and online multiplayer seems somewhat half-baked but it feels fundamentally enjoyable. There’s a nice sense of progression as you acquire new cards and improve existing ones. If you fancy a new jam, this will provide.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Tonally, BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW doesn't quite land. I'm always wary about bullying storylines and they can pull punches that make the abuse seem a little hokey. Anne is not the most reliable narrator so it can be hard to trust her words. The social media aspect is decently attempted but the inclusion of a real influencer can make the ending feel very contradictory. It's a visually stunning game but it lacks a cohesion from chapter to chapter and the chase scenes can lead to some early frustration.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Song of Horror does a great job of bringing back that classic survival horror feel. Certain mechanics that made sense when the game was episodic make less sense in this full release but it's still an enjoyable nod to a now less than common genre.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Wizards offers a slight change of pace from the wave based shooters PSVR is flooded with. You're still taking out waves of enemies as they run towards you but this time you're using gestures to conjure spells and it works very well. It's quite short and even then the constant battles do become repetitive but the spell upgrades do give a decent incentive to replay levels.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    GORN was an early game on the VR scene and it shows. This is a simple, short game which can feel great when it works but can also frustrate when things don't act as you'd expect.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ripples is a well done continuation of The Council storyline, just let down a little by some puzzling plot devices, one leap of logic in particular evoking genuine bafflement from us.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    This is another interesting collection of Irem coin-op curios but, again, we're not convinced three arcade games and a home port should command a £20 price tag.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As a first time player, I happened to really enjoy Dear Esther’s bleak trek across a mysterious Hebridean island. The tale felt like a deeply personal one and, although the narrator’s wordiness can and will tend to grate, I can appreciate and engross myself in what the Chinese Room have provided. There are moments of genuine impact and it’s an experience very open to interpretation. Your interpretations will ultimately colour how you see this brief encounter.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    As an annual product, Monster Energy Supercross: The Official Videogame 6 is not bringing a lot new to the party. The time on track remains interesting and unique but the presentation and career mode feels very stale and flat. Fans might jump at the chance to get back in the saddle but I struggle to find a reason to recommend this over last year's title. There's a lot of content here but I wasn't especially excited to wring it all out.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A great indie platform puzzler with distinctive graphics and a compelling gameplay hook. Recommended despite a few niggles.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Smoke and Sacrifice does just enough with its exploration and crafting to be enjoyable. The weak combat and some irritating design decisions make the replayability suffer but fans of the genre will enjoy following the story through once.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    iO
    Overall then iO is a decent puzzle game offering loads of content, it’s also cross buy with the Vita which is nice. It suffers from some proper hard difficulty spikes and relies a bit too much on trial and error, but at the end of the day it plays a decent puzzle game.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Reverie Knights Tactics is a strategy RPG with plenty of mechanics to play around with. Unfortunately the battles became overly similar very quickly, with the optional challenges and odd puzzle here and there not doing enough to alleviate the tedium.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Disgaea 6 finally arrives on PlayStation consoles in the West and brings all its DLC with it in this Complete edition. It has the majority of what you expect from a Disgaea but certain elements are lacking whilst others that have been introduced maybe aren't for the best. Ultimately I can see some enjoying the additions and others resenting them so approach with caution and you may be pleasantly surprised.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    TAPE: Unveil the Memories is a game that does occasionally show moments of class. The time rewinding gimmick does lead to some interesting puzzles and the plot is wonderfully grim. At times, the presentation manages to surprise me with distorting hallways and clever transitions. Unfortunately, it's also saddled with some cheaper elements and a monster that isn't that intimidating. Unfortunately, the pace bogs down in the final act.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Root Letter has great visuals, an intriguing story and well paced chapters. The interactivity may only give the illusion of player control but it’s a welcome distraction.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Repetitive gameplay is the only thing holding back Earth’s Dawn but it is a pretty major part of the equation. The missions reward you well and it always feels like you’re making progress, but the lack of variety may be a deal breaker for some.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Close to the Sun is a well-made narrative experience that's saddled slightly by inconsistent pacing. The acting is spot on but some of the earlier sub-plots tend to quietly slip away in favour of something games have readily explored. It's a very guided effort but there's a level of polish and artwork that helps make the Helios a believable venue for disaster.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    This compilation of classic '90s shoot 'em ups is great for fans of the series and genre alike but while the game needlessly focuses on regional variations of the same games, it misses out important titles from the series and the cost is a little bit too much for what you get.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Whilst it might be the best option to play Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, it still doesn't excuse the faults of the original. I do adore the polished presentation but the platforming and combat feels stuck in time. The level design can contain great moments of verticality but the continue system can occasionally feel restrictive. As nice as the new controls can feel, it remains an authentic preservation of a fairly average game.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Carmen Sandiego is at once a tie-in to Netflix’s recent series as well as a throwback to Broderbund’s 1985 classic edutainment title. It doesn’t quite know who its aimed at though, whether it be current kids or their parents. Some minigames are fun, others are turgid. It’s best left to shorter play sessions anyway. We just fear it won’t do quite as well outside of America as the brand doesn’t quite hold the same cache on this side of the Atlantic.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Outlast 2’s backwoods territory has a real passion behind it’s visuals and sound but the skew towards the chase quickly strikes me as overbearing. The story tropes sit with a tale that’s been told before and, whilst the antagonists are memorable, their relentless nature adds frustration rather than genuine fear. Stealth remains enjoyable but it seems pushed to the periphery. This game will polarise, depending on your priorities.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Strikers Edge provides a cheap, small bundle of fun that offers something quick and enjoyable to those that want a bite-size scrap. It's simple to understand with little moments of nuance to give some more experienced players an edge. It's unfortunate the community hasn't quite formed around launch but, couch combatants might find entertainment from what is a bright, if slim offering.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Within the Blade is a great indie ninja game with a few rough edges. Just a few minor tweaks could elevate it, as it is in its current state it's a scrappy but likeable game.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    A sloppily implemented PC port that ultimately should have stayed in early access longer to iron out the kinks.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Slain: Back From Hell is resolutely old-school. From its 16-bit graphics, heavy metal score and the one track, balls-hard gameplay. It gives you a lot of reasons to dislike it but not many to stop playing. It may feel about as much fun as an economy class trip to purgatory but the moments of satisfaction it gives you are worth the journey.

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