TheSixthAxis' Scores

  • Games
For 4,006 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 45% higher than the average critic
  • 7% same as the average critic
  • 48% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 3.5 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 71
Highest review score: 100 Ratchet & Clank
Lowest review score: 10 The Lord of the Rings - Gollum
Score distribution:
4133 game reviews
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There's a satisfying strategy to Minos, as you lay out your maze, set your traps, and lie in wait for foolhardy adventuring parties. It's not as endlessly compelling as the best roguelikes, but you can easily lose hours within the labyrinth.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Syndicate comes off as another Assassin’s Creed game with a handful of improvements. London is beautiful if a bit laborious to travel around, and the missions are repetitive, but this doesn’t make Syndicate bad by any stretch of the imagination. It’s still a good game, it just hasn’t made a significant step up over the previous instalment.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While it does not usurp the Pokémon franchise in any way, shape, or form, Yo-Kai Watch is a viable alternative for those who can get past some of the inconsistent design choices.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Super Mario Party is just a very safe game. It brings back the classic Mario Party board game form, marrying it with some of the better ideas from Mario Party: Star Rush, but it's light on the number of boards to play, lacks depth in other game modes, and misses opportunities for solo handheld and online multiplayer. It's Mario Party, but it's not particularly super.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam Bros. sadly falls flat on its face at the final hurdle, but is a light-hearted and hugely enjoyable romp up until that point. There are great nods to both Mario & Luigi RPG and Paper Mario franchises, and the three protagonists make a great team in this 3DS RPG. Questionable decisions around the use of Amiibo and the mini-game side-quests can’t be ignored, but the charm of Paper Jam Bros. can’t be understated.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The 2D platforming sections are worthy of praise and show that, when Sonic Team are on their game, they can really get it right. The issue is that when they fail it seems to be pretty spectacularly bad. The balance of good and bad levels is pretty even, throwing you back and forth between loving and hating the game.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While there’s nothing particularly poor about Songs and Shadows’ story or battle system, the way they come together leaves an unwelcome void in between. When playing, it’s hard not to compare it to bigger, better games like Baldur’s Gate or more recent RPGs like Pillars of Eternity and Divinity. Masquerada just doesn’t have the same level of rewarding complexity or seamlessness, bogged down by constant stopping and starting.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Proving new, inventive ideas are still ripe on the vine, especially fruitful in the indie scene, Tales From Space: About a Blob is a full-fat platforming puzzler that will warm the hearts of fans who gravitate toward infectious, challenging – if a mite repetitive – gameplay.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It’s an odd complaint, but Flinthook really does feel like a high-calibre platformer trapped within the confines of a popular genre. It’s a blast to play and I don’t even mind just how punishing it can get at times, but the interest wains as soon as death occurred. It took me straight out of the zone when playing and when the game doesn’t have much to it beyond the gameplay, it’s a bit of a downer. The foundations are there, but really the curtains don’t match the décor.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    MAG
    The challenge of branding MAG with a number (much smaller than its trademarked 256 and between 1 and 10) to denote its quality is akin to rating World of Warcraft after a weekend of gold-farming, long before the full majesty of the game has blossomed and shown its true potential. The best we can do is rate our early impressions, undoubtedly influenced by the game’s prospects for the future.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Regardless of my handful of complaints, the fact is that Momodora grabbed me and never let go. From start to finish, I was in love with the world, the combat, the easter eggs, and nearly everything in between.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Minutes does exactly what it says on the tin and it does it beautifully, which is quite a feat considering developer Red Phantom Games is actually just one person, Richard Ogden. An essential title for on-the-go gaming on PS Vita, and a damn fine puzzler on PS4.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Golf Club 2 improves on the original in every way, and most importantly it plays a fantastic game of golf. It’s a shame then that there are still some technical hiccups, as they do take some of the sheen away from it, but I don’t doubt that HB Studios will continue to improve on what has clearly been a labour of love, and one which shows that sports game development isn’t solely in the realms of the biggest publishers.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    SingStar Volume 2 is the absolute epitome of what we think videogaming should be about.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ever Oasis is a decent game for a younger audience to get into, but it doesn’t do a lot that’s completely new. It blends the adventuring with town management nicely and is a well made game, but at the same time there’s nothing that really thrilled me while playing it. It’s a shame really, as there’s nothing necessarily wrong with Ever Oasis, there’s just nothing particularly special either.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Revenge of the Savage Planet is a fitting follow-up to the excellent original. Its impact is mildly diminished by being a little too forgiving, and it’s a surprisingly chilled experience despite everything wanting to murder you, but one thing is for certain; Revenge of the Savage Planet is a great time, and I want to see more from the Savage Planet franchise.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dying Light 2 expands and refines a formula Techland has been peddling since its breakout success with Dead Island. This sequel learns a lot from modern open world video games, its massive, zombie-infested sandbox rarely feeling empty, especially as you breeze through city blocks with a Mirror's Edge-like finesse. However, Dying Light 2 inherits the same problems - a dull story, tiresome combat, and character progression that’s a tad too sluggish.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Survivalists is a calm and serene survival game and monkey butler training broken up by spurts of risky combat and dungeon crawling with your trained monkey attack squad. If it wasn't for a few awkward design decisions it'd be fantastic, but it's still a good survival game that you can tackle with friends online.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    This latest iteration doesn't change much - it doesn't have to - but it does have a few tricks up its argyle-patterned sleeve.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cat Quest 2 is a fun and simple experience that’s designed to be enjoyed on the settee with friends and family. It’s not as complex or vast as some of action RPG titles, but it’s one that is enjoyable from start to finish.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Farming Simulator 22 is the new pinnacle of farming simulation. Seasons and Production Chains are a breath of fresh air away from the repetitive cycle of preparing, planting, harvesting and selling that featured in previous games, while the new activities means farming has never been more diverse. There’s so many new things to do and thanks to crossplay improvements, you can enjoy multiplayer with more friends too.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    TopSpin 2K25 is a great return to form and rewards those who stick with it while learning the ropes, becoming a true tennis god in the process. It's not perfect, but if you have any passing interest in tennis, this is well worth your time.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's not rocket surgery by any means, but there's enough LSD inspired mind-melting on show to make it at least worth a look.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As old-school as it can get in every frame and fibre of its being, Battle Axe faithfully transports you back to the classic Capcom and Neo Geo arcade era with its exquisite pixel art animation and punchy, challenging gameplay.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a well-crafted game and a major step up from the prior entry, but it isn't the kind of groundbreaking or unique experience that will get casual fans or non-fans invested in the series.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    So, another quality PSN title just perfect for those afternoons when all you want to do is take our your anger on a pack of hungry zombies. Burn Zombie Burn! is well produced, smartly priced, great fun and a nice addition to anyone’s XMB.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Despite the plethora of content on offer with 7th Dragon III: Code VFD, this is a dull game. What good ideas there are within the class system and the initial premise of the plot, they’re almost negated by the tediousness of the dungeon crawling that’s barely disguised, combined with a narrative that ticks all the RPG tropes. An utterly forgettable experience when compared to the best RPGs of the year.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    War Tech Fighters is raw, unadulterated robot action. The flashy combat and easy to master controls make it a blast to dive in and play. The design aesthetic and narrative are lacking massively, which makes it hard to stick with the game for a long time, but if all you're looking for is some simple robot blasting action, War Tech Fighters will be right up your alley.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Is Aftermath worth it then? It is if you are a fan World War Z and are looking for more content. The new class is a decent addition and can add a new tactical choice when facing the hordes, while both the episodes of Rome and Kamchatka add a couple more hours of content and more variety for when you're grinding for levels and upgrades. However, the first person mode feels undercooked and the rat swarms just aren't scary compared to the likes of the Bull and the Lurker zombies.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite my problems with LawBreakers, at the end of the day, the most important thing I can say about this game is that it is fun. Very, very fun. When I open the game, join a match and start playing, I have an amazing time. The raw energy behind the movement, the weight behind the weapons, the satisfaction of landing hits and bouncing off walls. It all comes together to create a unique, memorable FPS experience.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    If Kingdom Come: Deliverance has a ton of bug fixing to improve the performance drastically, it could be a hidden gem. It’s clear that the game, despite its grand ambitions, was simply not ready for public consumption. Shimmers of brilliance are there and had it seen more time in the oven, or set its expectations at a more reasonable level, it could have been brilliant and scored significantly higher as a result. Alas, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is another cautionary tale rather than a trend setter.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I really like where my successive adventures into Curious Expedition 2 took me. There’s a few minor bugs to iron out, but I found that the game was mostly a smooth ride from beginning to end (by which I mean when an expedition failed and I quit the game). There’s enough depth here that you feel invested in the fate of your character, and even once I finished playing, I kept thinking back to my latest run and what I could do differently.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Beneath this wildly altered aesthetic, for better or for worse, Ubisoft is still playing it safe. Personally, I found Primal to be far more entertaining than Far Cry 4, but even then it’s hard to overlook the series’ systematic regurgitation of ideas and concepts.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With the original game having done so little to impress me, The Evil Within 2 has come as a massive surprise. Although the story still failed to hook me, clever gameplay changes and well-used horror tropes combine to create a vastly-improved sequel.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Twelve Minutes has an intoxicating premise about a man stuck in a time loop, backed by a Hollywood cast of voice actors that immediately presents the game with a veneer of cinematic prestige. But just as it quickly captivates the player with the tantalising promise to unravel all its mysteries, it also loses all that steam just as rapidly with its unbelievable twists and unspeakable violence, resulting in a conclusion that’s as mind-boggling as it’s nauseating. In the end, Twelve Minutes can’t seem to rise above its film influences, as it grinds to an unsatisfying, disconcerting halt.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There are a few oddities, like the online play requirement, and it would be nice to know if and when Nintendo plan to add more levels to the game, but Super Mario Run is a fantastic mobile debut for Nintendo’s most enduring and best known character.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Rise of the Ronin is a massive gamble for Team Ninja, known for its more linear action games, but it's one that has paid off. Rise of the Ronin has a lot of depth to it from the satisfying combat, to all the side activities across three broad regions, and the plethora of excellent characters. This game should mark the start of a grand new era for Team Ninja.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    My favorite gaming experiences are the ones that elicit a pure and physical response from me. Whether it’s a horror game making me clench my cheeks or a story-driven game dropping my jaw and pulling a tear from my eye, those kinds of experiences are the ones that stick with me the most. With Pikuniku, I was smiling and laughing throughout the entire thing, and too few games get that kind of response out of me. Pikuniku is a treasure of a game, and I can’t wait to see more from this team.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There is nothing intrinsically wrong with Band Hero – it is a good game – however ultimately it is a tweaked version of more of the same. If you’ve never liked the series, there is no reason to buy Band Hero. If you are a fan of earlier games and have a preference for pop, you’ll probably love it.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Figment 2 is a good sequel but lacks the novelty of the original. Many of the story beats and mechanics feel familiar from the original and the lower stakes take away some of the emotional impact. That said, I do appreciate a more down to earth piece of storytelling and think there is plenty of room in gaming for more of this. It's a perfectly pleasant game, but it also won't stick in the memory as well as the original.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Though it still carries the same old Musou blueprint, and so there’s little to draw in those who dislike its particular brand of hack n’ slash action, there are enough changes to attract any self-respecting fan of the series.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    WarioWare: Get It Together! gets back to basics. It throws out the controller gimmicks of old, but brings in the added layer of quirky character abilities that brilliantly manage to work with every single one of the moreish microgame mayhem that this series is so well known for. Oh, and it makes for a great party game too!
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the gameplay might be a bit too hardcore for gamers that are easily frustrated, the upgrades in Rising mode will eventually give you the edge you need to beat every level. Just know that you will die a lot your first time through. If you're a fan of side-scrolling shooters like Contra and Metal Slug, definitely check this game out.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cronos: The New Dawn is a great new survival horror property and I hope we see more of The Traveller’s adventures in future. The clear influences from genre legends are combined with some original touches to make a game that feels familiar but also manages to innovate and surprise players too. The intriguing narrative, the enjoyable progression, and the challenging combat all combine to make an experience that cements Bloober’s place as horror specialists.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The systems are well explained, the controls are perfect for the pace and style of gameplay and the presentation is as great as you'd expect. One or two minor niggles aside, FIFA Street is a very enjoyable game, even though it's not the game I expected.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    My time with Omno was pleasant, and while I don't think it's a life-changing experience by any means, it does have a certain life-affirming quality to it. Simply put, Omno is an enjoyable journey through a magical world, where so many other games would fill such a setting with chaos.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Kotama and Academy Citadel hits the ground running and expects you to keep up from frame 1. It's a beautiful and well animated metroidvania that packs a punch when it comes to art and gameplay, but leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to creating a cohesive beginning-and-end narrative experience.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    THQ have held the WWE licence for a long time now, so to put out a game that feels so broken, with poor collision detection and a large number of bugs are something I'm struggling to accept.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Despite a few small niggles, NS:UNS2 impresses from first to last.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It looks good, the humour remains persistent, and overall the collection is enjoyable. I’d recommend the trilogy if you want to get into the series, if you love the series or if you’re a fan of platforming titles.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A remarkably well crafted entry in the survival genre that sets itself apart with compelling gameplay, an intriguing setting, and a stellar soundtrack. Having released on computer and Xbox One last year, its arrival on PlayStation 4 with the Complete Edition will hopefully see it find a new audience to entice on a beautiful, and bleak, journey down the river.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Raiden III might be not be the most iconic entry in the original series, but the Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX re-release deserves to be the most iconic entry in their remasters. With a load of unforgettable OST remixes tied to an addictive score-based unlockables system, this is a shmup worth coming back to time and time again.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Future Unfolding doesn’t compete with the open world delights of this season’s big hitters like Horizon: Zero Dawn or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but instead offers a wonderfully relaxed and immersive combat-free alternative. It’s a safari rather than a big game hunt, but one that deserves to be explored.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV takes the beloved boardgame series to new heights, emphasising the Switch 2's focus on social play while making the most of the new camera and the Joy Con 2’s great mouse controls. Not all of the DLC's content are essential, relying on gimmicks that you’ll quickly tire of, but as a whole package, this is a great next step for Mario Party.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sometimes opposites attract, and Pode’s contrasting characters are a great example of that, combining to overcome the game’s environmental puzzles. While it’s a little rough around the edges, Pode is a charming puzzle game whether you play it alone or grab a friend to play alongside you.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There’s some initial monotony to get past initially, but it’s followed by a rewarding, content-rich game to be explored here and one that will warrant your attention whenever you get a spare few minutes to visit the farm.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With a swish of the sword and a bit of improvisation, En Garde! is a fantastically fun action-packed adventure with a distinctive flair. Sure, it's a little bit short, but that doesn't make it any less sweet.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Admittedly, it can be hit and miss when paired up with AI players through matchmaking, but as with so many games, it can be pure gold when played with friends.
    • 76 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    The Swords of Ditto has matured, it’s grown, and it’s kept and even added to the original charm and style. It’s still a bit of a slow burn to get started with, but the changes made in Mormo’s Curse have made it a much better game now than it was a year ago.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    F1 Manager 23 evolves and grows upon the foundations of Frontier's motorsports sim, adding an accessible new Race Replay mode based on real-world events, and expanding some key options for team management. However, it's not quite there with the overall presentation, and there's some AI quirks that you need to babysit through race weekends, whether you're fighting for every point possible or hunting for championships.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Madison VR is derivative, some of the puzzles have annoyingly obscure solutions and there really should be more VR comfort options, but the foreboding atmosphere and genuine frights more than make up for this. Put on your PSVR 2, plug in the earphones and get ready to have the bejesus scared out of you.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Full Throttle Remastered is essentially the perfect rework of a classic. Barring a couple of minor issues, LucasArts’ old title has been brought up to modern standards by Double Fine, boasting a brand new look that gives a lot of vibrant detail while maintaining the things that earned Full Throttle its reputation in the first place. It’s clear that Double Fine put a lot of effort into this project, not least because of how important the game is to Tim Schafer, but it’s a great game regardless. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or an adventure game newcomer, if you’re looking for a game that provides a fun experience with a well executed story then you should get Full Throttle Remastered.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    For those who only want to extend their singleplayer experience, at £7.99, The Da Vinci Disappearance is a hard sell, despite how brilliantly crafted the new missions are. However, for those who also enjoy the online multiplayer, it's an absolute no-brainer, adding hours of additional replay value.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    So, if you can put up with the repetitive nature of the game, there's plenty to enjoy here.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Crew Motorfest provides plenty of fun arcade racing, though it does very little to break new ground for the genre. There's plenty to get your teeth into, but there are some annoying design decisions and a few technical issues that take the shine off it. Still, I can see it finding plenty of fans, particularly on PS5 where the only competition from a 'Horizon' game involves robotic dinosaurs.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Magic Circle: Gold Edition is a humourous and satirical look at the complexity of game development. At the same time, it’s a fun game that encourages you to experiment with different combinations to reach your goal, leading to a number of bizarre creations, but The Magic Circle: Gold Edition is brought to life by its comedy.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen is yet another port of Utawarerumono for Japanese fans, but it's the first time in nearly 20 years that the first chapter of this iconic hybrid visual novel trilogy is playable in English. A unique world and unforgettable characters are at the heart of this game, but they're complemented by gorgeous artwork, addictive battles, and incredible music. It drags in the middle act, but once that final act ends and the credits roll, you'll barely remember the rough edges of this otherwise fantastic experience.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Post Void is an absolute delight to play with some of the most satisfying FPS gameplay I’ve experienced in years. While it might only have eleven levels to play through, the outstanding gunplay will keep players engrossed in the hours, days and weeks to come and at £2.33, it’s an unbelievable indie package.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Threefold Recital is part-game, part-philosophy lesson and it's been made with a lot of heart. The three main characters all stand out well, and the story is generally good, even if it becomes a little too twisty in the middle. That aside, Threefold Recital marks a strong start for the 2025 indie scene.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dead Take isn’t trying to out-monster anyone. It’s interested in something scarier: how performance and power warp people, and how easy it is to mistake a good cut for the truth. The house is empty, but the screens are crowded with ambition, with compromise, with the awful clarity that comes when you choose which version of someone to believe. Imperfect puzzles and a few cheap jolts aside, this is a confident, claustrophobic horror piece that sticks because its actors do. When the credits roll, you’re left with exactly what it set out to give you: not a scream, but a shiver.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A wonderfully realised game with plenty of humour to keep you smiling throughout. However, it’s hampered by some annoying design decisions and carries the legacy of Sticker Star – both good and bad – which many series’ fans may find problematic.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There’s some great stuff to see here, but it doesn’t really push the franchise off in a new direction. For a new studio’s first attempt in the franchise, I think that’s really what it needed to be, so they can build their own legacy in the future.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite the setbacks, I enjoyed romping through Wulverblade’s long levels with hordes of Romans and converted natives to slay in the name of freedom. I appreciated the historical edge the game had to it, even learning a few things without ever being pressured that I was being educated. Even though the controls and balance need refining a fair bit, I still recommend this ultraviolent take on British history.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Wild at Heart is so well put together with a remarkable level of polish and a real sense of its own identity. The skilful blending together of different mechanics borrowed from high profile titles enables the game to be intuitive but also maintain a distinctive feel, so while not the longest game, it is chock full of character and deserves to find its way into your heart. Plus, the Spritelings are just so effin' cute.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The game's core mechanics are sound, but they are the same mechanics we were playing several years ago.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    You already know if you are going to be buying Firewatch, and if you loved Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture or Life Is Strange then this is the game for you. It’s small, short and almost perfectly formed, it’s just the shame the game broke so many times when I was playing it. I’m hoping these problems can be found and fixed very quickly after launch and I would suggest holding off buying the game until a patch has been released, but until then we don’t have much of a choice but to mark an otherwise lovely game down due to the problems encountered.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Beyond Light isn't going to change anyone's mind about Destiny 2. Either you love the weekly grind, the increasingly complex lore, and pushing your mates off a ledge in a Raid, or you don't. For those who do, there's a lot to discover and plenty to grind for with the added benefit of the reworked game engine. They, like myself, will no doubt be sinking hundreds of hours into this over the next year. A solid, well executed update to Destiny 2, with even more content on the horizon.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Legend of Keepers is a delight to play. It has such character, both in its looks and humour, that it feels unique when compared to other games out there. For those who want to work hard to create undefeatable monsters and dungeons, there’s plenty of scope to carve out your success. It's definitely a title to try out for yourself, even if you’re not usually one for this type of turn-based indie RPG.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Sims 4: Paranormal Stuff is a great example of a Pack, it includes some classic Sims dark humour, and increases the challenge of the game by a fair bit if you let it. It doesn’t come cheap, but for the amount of content and the sheer silliness introduced it may just be worth it. The items are maybe my favourite so far with their witchy charm, and the return of Bonehilda is a welcome one. It is a lot of fun, but may be best suited to spooky Sims with a high libido…
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Reach won't win any awards for plot or graphics, but that's not the point. You've played this style of game before, but you've never played it like this in VR, bounding from ledge to zipwire, leaping over chasms and playing insinctively rather than cautiously. Reach raises the bar for VR gaming, and it's a great reason to dust off your headset.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    1000 Tiny Claws is a great little game despite the occassional bugs. It should probably be played in short bursts for maximum enjoyment and the challenge of getting every gold medal, as well as high scores, means the game will last for a good few hours.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    It's priced well (at around £25), offers lots of gameplay and a couple of real gems.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    American Truck Simulator may seem a little bare right now, with just two states and three trucks, so it’s hard to recommend to newcomers over the sublime Euro Truck Simulator 2. That said, those that enjoyed hauling in Europe will no doubt find enjoyment on the other side of the pond, with new cargo awaiting them and new cities to explore.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Who's That Flying?! is a great game. It's evident that it's from the same studio as Monsters (probably) Stole My Princess as the visuals share a similar style, the sense of humour is spot-on and the presentation is slick and way above most minis out there.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall I really enjoyed playing through Mad Blocker Alpha. It will in no way convert those who have little interest in the genre, but for puzzle fans it offers a lot of content coupled with that 'just one more go' factor.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Wonderful 101 is a genuine treasure, this remaster bringing its quirky action gameplay and effortless charms to more people than ever before. It certainly looks the part, and is an easy buy for PlatinumGames fans, but the awkwardness of bringing the game’s dual-screen UI to single screen systems means the Wii U is still the best place to play.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Nobody said being a giant tentacle monster was easy, but Tentacular’s mix of physics puzzles and quirky story and setting does make it rather fun.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Lara’s original trilogy has been lovingly restored with the launch of these remasters, offering a definitive collection that bundles the core games and their expansions. However, dusting off these old relics in the name of nostalgia may come with a nasty surprise. Don’t worry, there are no mummy curses, snake pits, or swinging pendulum axes, though the clunky controls will definitely take some getting used to (again).
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Rematch can be fun in bursts and over time it should grow to have a decent community. The emphasis on player skill over unlocking perks and skill points is refreshing, but can be hindered by the control scheme and camera. Some issues also need to be sorted too. Rematch is a nice distraction as an arcadey football game, and it has its place, but it is a small club that needs to build over time to challenge the bigger ones.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is a solid, unglamorous return to the series greatest moments. We’ve been steering monkeys in balls across increasingly difficult landscapes for 20 years now, and while Banana Mania doesn’t return the series to its hallowed position of old, I don’t want it to stop quite yet.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Criticising a party game like Infinite Minigolf feels a bit like kicking a puppy with cute, big eyes that’s super enthusiastic and just wants to be your friend, but I must. Infinite Minigolf lacks the gameplay variety and polish to take it to the top of the party tower. It’s mostly solid and dependable fun, but it only really comes to life in local multiplayer, so just don’t buy this game if you haven’t got any friends who like to visit.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Unruly Heroes is a solid game, a good game, a fun game, it just isn’t a brilliant game. All of the components are fun, the visual style is lovely, the characters are easy to use and the puzzles don’t make you want to throw your Switch at the cat. Those are all good qualities, but it just lacks that little bit extra that would turn it into a great game, a must-play. You aren’t going to walk away with a new appreciation of life or Journey to the West, just a feeling of “Yeah, that was a laugh.”
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While Total War has often focussed on the big picture, Thrones of Britannia shows there’s plenty of scope for a series of Total War Saga offshoots to explore the smaller conflicts and civil wars through history. It’s also a great place for Creative Assembly to experiment with gameplay, and the changes to recruitment, tech trees and story elements give us a glimpse of what the series might hold in future.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sports FC 24 is not the complete departure from FIFA that its name would suggest. Most of the fundamentals remain in place and the career modes have barely been updated. Then again, Ultimate Team is the series' real money-spinner, coming with the addition of evolutions and mixed gender teams. Overall, the on-pitch gameplay is good, and you can see the extra animations enhancing the football sim, but it isn’t a massive evolution of EA’s flagship series.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Mary Skelter 2 is a fun game at its core, but it surrounds that with a lot of elements that detract from the experience and make it almost unplayable in public, at home, or anywhere you think your screen could be seen. Fanservice isn't an inherently bad thing, but the characters are all way too young to be used in this way, and it's just not great. The customisation is good, and the combat gets great the further you press on, but it's hard to ignore the random instances of undressed girls sprinkled throughout the game.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Sam and Max Save the World Remastered is pretty much what you’d expect — a modern update to a much-loved classic. As much as I love stepping back into the chaotic shoes of Sam and Max, I’m left a little disappointed by the fuzziness in handheld mode and the slightly confused script revisions. That said, the game is still one of the funniest point-and-click adventures I’ve had the pleasure of playing.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There’s some rough edges to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II that keep it from hitting the heights of the 2019 Modern Warfare, though most of its flaws can and will be fixed or improved through patches. Still, there’s an action-packed story to play through, plenty of multiplayer and a light co-op mode, and the promise of more in future. With Warzone 2.0 just around the corner, the future is certainly bright for Modern Warfare 2.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Escapists 2 is a game that has added a lot to the formula that gave its predecessor success, while managing to maintain its core identity. If you played the original Escapists then getting the sequel is a no brainer, while if you fancy taking on a generally very challenging game where you have to rely on your own wits then The Escapists 2 may be just what you’re looking for. There will be times when you get a little frustrated when you lose an item through messing with the wrong guards or a plan going wrong, but when you finally escape you’ll feel elation as you’ll love it when your plan comes together.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Horizon Chase 2 is a fantastically fast, fun, and frenetic old-school arcade racer; improving on the original game in almost every way. With its budget price and great multiplayer options, this is an absolute must for those who like their racers stuck firmly in the 1990s.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Iron Crypticle is a fantastic rogue-lite update of some of the seminal arcade experiences of my youth, and provides a rewarding challenge even at its easiest setting. Coupled with the compulsive delights of competitive high score tables and randomised dungeons, I can see myself returning to it for a long time to come. It isn’t the revolution of the genre that something like Nex Machina is, but it refines its influences into a hugely enjoyable game, and as such comes highly recommended.

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