TheSixthAxis' Scores

  • Games
For 4,040 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 Journey
Lowest review score: 10 RollerCoaster Tycoon Joyride
Score distribution:
4171 game reviews
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    As a freebie included with Resident Evil 3, you can't really fault Resistance, but it helps that its asymmetrical multiplayer is also a lot of fun. It’s a unique take on the Resi universe and I hope it finds some longevity.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Bleeding Edge has all the components in place to be a genuinely entertaining multiplayer mainstay, there just needs to be more of it. With only a couple of maps and modes, and far too few skins and emotes, Ninja Theory will need to roll out more content to keep players engaged.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Capcom have done a marvelous job with Resident Evil 3, reviving another of their beloved survival horror classics and making it feel completely fresh once again. Nemesis is back and he’s here to smash your face in.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Paper Beast is a beautiful experience that's only really possible in VR.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Neon City Riders is a beautifully retro game, but certain elements feel like they were rushed and not fully developed. Its rich lore, character design and storyline make up for some of the lack of care or depth to the combat and character growth through the game. While I enjoyed the original setting and nostalgic 8-bit aesthetic, it's not a game I would readily pick up again.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    One Piece Pirate Warriors 4 is a fan's dream game, as it takes the iconic battles and moments of eight major story arcs and puts you right in the action like never before. Combat is fun and flashy while still managing to be surprisingly thoughtful, and although a few characters aren't a joy to control, a majority of the cast is an absolute delight to play as. One Piece Pirate Warriors 4 is a jolly good time.
    • 83 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    If you’re looking for your first Yakuza game, you’ll be far better served by picking up one of the more modern titles like Yakuza 0, and if that sinks its hooks into you, rest assured there’s no longer a void in the story on PS4 between Yakuza Kiwami 2 and Yakuza 6. More experienced Yakuza veterans will also be sure to enjoy experiencing these hits again with a fresh coat of paint and solid frame rates.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Down The Rabbit Hole is a perfect example of a VR game utterly beholden to its format. It builds an incredible vision of Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland, and lets you interact with it, but completely forgets to give you any reason for being there.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If Where's Wally is your kind of jam, Hidden Through Time is a lovely digital recreation of that genre. With a cute aesthetic and pleasing creation and sharing tools, there's a lot here to keep the whole family entertained.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Moons of Madness is a welcome addition to the wider Lovecraftian catalogue, and its cosmic aspects really get to the heart of the mythos’ insanity. While there are annoying moments when the developers see fit to include some of the worst excesses of modern horror games, the quality of the writing and the atmosphere is enough to justify seeing things through to a conclusion that is as epic as it is satisfying. This is one trip to insanity that you shouldn’t pass up.
    • 82 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    All of that gameplay polish is wrapped up in a slick and stylish aesthetic that delivers some of the best fighting game music and most memorably characters in recent years, which is all basically to say this: if you haven’t played Under Night In-Birth yet, what the hell are you waiting for?
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With the real-life Isle of Man races cancelled this year due to current health concerns, TT Isle of Man - Ride on the Edge 2 is the only place to get your adrenaline-filled motorcycle kicks this year. As a simulation of how fast, dangerous and difficult racing at this event can be, there isn’t anything better. Sure, the elements surrounding the riding, such as AI, career structure and track list, still need some refining, but despite these foibles, this is still the best motorcycle game out there.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Doom Eternal doesn't just set the bar, it breaks it. Many of the best games of the FPS genre do what has already been done, and can do it really, really well, but Doom Eternal does what no other game has done before, crafting a fast-paced power fantasy that sets your brain cells on fire. It's an addictive exploration of the mythic Doomslayer character that delivers hours of blood-drenched fun, dozens of memorable collectibles, and a fan-pleasing story book-ended with gorgeous worlds and unforgettable music. Doom Eternal is a ripping, tearing masterpiece.
    • 95 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Persona 5 Royal is a stunning game that takes something which has already captured millions of hearts and makes it even better. This is the quintessential Persona experience. If you're new to the franchise, this game is for you. If you're a seasoned veteran, there is enough new and improved content that this game is still for you.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the perfect island escape, drawing you in to play day after day. All of the charms of the series' previous games are here, but with gorgeous new graphics, DIY crafting and the eventual ability to remodel your island, you can really create the island settlement of your dreams.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Neverwinter Nights remains a fantastic RPG, but the Enhanced Edition on PlayStation 4 fails to recapture that magic. If you can look past the incredibly dated graphics, there's tons of classic role playing to get stuck into, but playing it with a controller and clunky UI is not particularly pleasant. Considering that this is playable on pretty much any computer you can lay your hands on, or even on your phone, I'd steer clear of this particular version unless you desperately want to sit on your couch with a controller to play.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I'll admit I wasn’t keen on Hunt: Showdown to start with, but after the first few matches I realised there's something special here. This is an unusual entry in a genre ruled by far snappier shooters, and it takes time to get your head around Crytek's clever twist on the formula. Stick with it and you'll be rewarded with a uniquely engrossing multiplayer experience.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Nioh 2 builds on the excellence of the original with a fistful of new twists and ideas, from new Yokai abilities to full-on co-op through the entire game. Nioh 2 might well be the best Soulslike that isn’t a FromSoftware game, and it's easily one of my personal contenders for Game of the Year.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Ori and the Will of the Wisps builds on its predecessor’s near-perfect Metroidvania platforming and grows the concept to wonderful effect. A game that’s as much about rebirth, hope and wonder as it is death and decay, Will of the Wisps is a beautiful, enchanting piece of fantasy, and an instant classic.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Granblue Fantasy: Versus is an interesting game, both mechanically sound and simple with a diverse roster. Absolutely gorgeous to behold, and mostly pleasant to hear, this is the sort of fighting game esports was made for. It’s such a shame then that the single player content doesn’t hit the mark, especially the often frustrating RPG Mode.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Pandaball is a silly idea that plays ok but is just too lacking in content to really recommend. There is fun to be had here but I don’t understand the decisions not to include multiplayer tournaments or online play. The end result is a game that will prove mildly diverting for younger players but has little to no long term substance. Unfortunately for these pandas, the game itself is more boo than bam.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Let’s cut the 'Karp. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a delight that franchise fans will love, beautifully remastered for the Nintendo Switch. The gameplay might be repetitive, but it features a tale that will tug on your heartstrings and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. So give the demo a try to see if you want to Ponyta up the cash, but it'll be well worth it as you watch the cute little wiggles, live through the heart-warming story, and savour the goregous watercolours that feels like you have your own Smeargle jamming your eyes full of art.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There's a satisfying strategy experience to be had here though one that comes with quite the learning curve. Even once you have a grip on the basics, tangling with ROTK's new grid-based system and overall pacing can often put a few awkward steps between you executing your next cunning plan.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Woven could have been a welcome addition to the family friendly game catalogue, but the finished game just lacks any kind of polish or fun. The controls are unresponsive, the design decisions at odds with the presumed audience, and the few moments of interest lost in a sea of mediocrity and meandering backtracking. Unfortunately, Woven is just knit very good.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Despite the fundamental changes to the series' viewpoint, Darksiders Genesis feels like a true Darksiders game, and banishes any memory of the lacklustre third entry.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Look, I'm going to be honest with you, despite its flaws I still really like One Punch Man: A Hero Nobody Knows, it's just so far removed from what it feels like it could have been. There's a vast gulf between the unique ideas that make this feel special and the basic gaming stuff that it doesn't quite get right. It's a real shame because this could have been one of the best anime games to date.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    You will swear at the screen a lot when playing Bloodroots. Mr Wolf will die hundreds if not thousands of times throughout your run, and sometimes you'll just need to put the game down and walk away. Yet Bloodroots can sink its claws into you in a way that few games do. It is a challenge put in front of you that you will want to prove you can overcome. Freaking Bloodroots, man.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you like video games, have a sense of humour and remember the mid-90s, there's far worse things you can do for half an hour. Just don't buy it on its own.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Overpass is a unique style of racing game with solid foundations, but it feels like there wasn't enough time or budget to give it the polish it deserves. That's a shame. There’s a niche here which I’d like to spend more time in, but some of the frustrations run too deep for me to return anytime soon. Overpass remains a novel concept with some rough edges.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Draugen might only last a few hours, but it leaves a lasting impression as you're drawn into the mystery of Graavik and the relationship between Edward and Alice. It can be a little overacted and you can see some story beats coming, but as a first person adventure title it is an enjoyable experience.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Whether you want to whet your appetite before Animal Crossing: New Horizons comes out or you're looking for your next fix after blowing through everything available in Stardew Valley, Rune Factory 4 is the perfect second-life for you. You might feel a bit overwhelmed at first, but once you manage to find your focus the addictive gameplay lets you wash away hours of your day in an instant.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Touryst is an absolutely stellar action-adventure game that sends players on a whirlwind journey of mini-games, puzzle solving and scenic vistas all bundled in one of the most visually impressive engines to date on the Switch.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Lair of the Clockwork God is a genre mash-up that probably shouldn't work, and yet it does. It feels a little unrefined, intentionally so, but there's plenty of comedic fodder in indie platformers, modern gaming and life for Ben and Dan to riff off through the lens of classic LucasArts style adventures.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Double Dragon & Kunio-kun Retro Brawler Bundle is a great piece of video game history for beat-em-up enthusiasts the world over. The once niche and Japanese-exclusive library of Kunio-kun games are playable in English for the first time, and while some of them haven't aged well enough to warrant extended play sessions, the in-game achievement system and Online Play add oodles of replayability to otherwise minorly novel Famicom classics. The lack of a gallery mode and alternate console editions of each game keeps the collection from being perfect though.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    As a collection, or individually, Bayonetta and Vanquish remain perfectly formed examples of PlatinumGames' exquisite mastery of action gaming. Here, in 4K, they’ve never been better.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Two Point Hospital's performance is better on PS4 than Switch, but whichever platform you choose to play on, it's a fun hospital sim with bags of personality and humour.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Taking Media Molecule's creative ethos to new heights, Dreams is a PlayStation essential. Booting the game up each time and having no idea what awaits is an intoxicating feeling. A remedy, forcing me from the rut of my predictable gaming habits to explore an inner creativity I’m often too lazy or wound up to let free.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition has learnt some new tricks on Nintendo Switch. It might be a bit creaky in places visually, but with the new Freestyle Mode spicing up its already brilliant action, this is the new definitive version of the game.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Phoenix Point is a good try at capturing some of that XCOM magic, but it falls short of being great. I found myself enjoying the experience, but at the same time, couldn’t help feel that something was missing. Hopefully it’s something that can improve in a sequel, if it ever comes.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    As an experiential piece of software, and one with a fantastic sense of place, Eclipse ticks a lot of PSVR boxes, but don’t be surprised to come away wanting for a bit more.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Through the highs and lows of a newfound love, Florence is a wonderfully told and emotive story that engages you in such simple, but effective ways.
    • 70 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    As a newcomer to the franchise, you’ve got a $60 game packed with the most content I’ve ever seen in a Dynasty Warriors entry. For fans who already own the original game, though, you’re faced with purchasing a $40 upgrade kit that comes with two new story chapters, seven characters, one replayable game mode and a handful of gameplay updates. It’s an easy sell for brand new players, but I think only the most hardcore of Warriors fans will feel like the price-tag of the DLC update is worth it for Warriors Orochi 4 Ultimate.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Another solid, but fairly unoriginal shoot 'em up, Iro Hero's colour coding mechanic adds a layer to the gameplay that elevates it above a bog standard shooter. A cheap and cheerful game to pass ten minutes while a 30GB update for the latest AAA game downloads.
    • 72 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Playing on PC brings sharper resolution and a much more stable and smooth framerate, for sure, but none of it amounts to a night-and-day difference. Go with your heart and play the game on whichever machine speaks to you the most, because at the end of the day, you’re guaranteed to have a good time no matter how you play this game.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    AO Tennis 2 is a bright, likeable tennis sim with bags of room to grow, and as it stands is easily the best tennis game of this generation.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Azur Lane: Crosswave has a well-written story mode that runs as deep as the ocean, but the combat that strings these story scenes together is as shallow as a kiddie pool. It's wonderful to see fan favourites interact, and the voice acting adds a lot to the already charming story mode, but it's a shame that the gameplay fails to leave as much of an impression as the narrative and art did.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Kentucky Route Zero is a game that I’m still thinking about days after reaching its conclusion. Though it’s slow (maybe too slow for some) and introspective, it’s also an exceptionally engaging interactive experience. If you are into the slow burn kind of story then this is definitely for you, but if you’re not then you may bounce off of the Zero.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A fun and funky sequel, Patapon 2’s bolstered roster of cheerful eyeball folk make for another welcome trip soundtracked to the beat of Pata Pata Pata Pon. It’s a shame then that the remaster feels incomplete, offering an experience that’s fundamentally less comprehensive than the PSP original.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Kunai is an expressive, stylish and retro-tinged metroidvania that kept me engaged the entire time I played it. The feeling of slowly mastering the rope-kunai and being able to flawlessly swing around environments and flank enemies was incredibly satisfying. I only wish the rest of your abilities in the game had the same kind of skill ceiling to reach, because without any cool reasons to deflect bullets, why bother having the ability to do so in the first place?
    • 59 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Warcraft III: Reforged is built upon such strong foundations, yet manages to be somewhat unremarkable in 2020, mired by technical hiccups and Blizzard’s clumsy messaging.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    If you like shooting zombies with friends, then Zombie Army 4: Dead War is the game for you. There's a few new twists and several layers of progression now thrown into the mix, as you battle undead Nazis once again, but this is classic undead sniping action through and through.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    I really wanted to like Bookbound Brigade, but its flaws are too great to overlook. There are moments when it all comes together and you get a real sense of achievement from navigating a tricky section of traps or figuring out a nice environmental puzzles, but these are too often overshadowed by boring combat and the chore that is getting around the world. Unlike the books and stories that Bookbound Brigade is inspired by, good writing is not enough to salvage this story.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    An enjoyable way of spending an hour or two, but a lack of significant progress combined with a fairly ordinary career structure, uninspiring user-created tracks and rocky online performance means that you won't be running home from school desperate to play the next level.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Stories Untold is a very interesting and engaging horror title, building a huge story that taps into your imagination before expertly drawing that scope back in. A couple of puzzles don't quite stick the landing, but the game is engaging over its three hours.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kingdom Hearts III doesn’t go in the direction some RPG fans will no doubt have been hoping for. It’s unashamedly over the top in just about every way, from its barmy story and stunning presentation to its huge cinematic battles. There’s plenty of depth here too, though you’ll need to find your bearings first.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Golem is a game with some great ideas and flourishes that ultimately falls short through the simplicity of its gameplay. Combat is just too simple to stay exciting for long and constantly forces you to defend, and soon gets repetitive as you fall in battle and have to slowly trudge back through the world. Golem has a beautiful world, but I have no real inclination to return to it again.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A rollicking space adventure, Journey to the Savage Planet has the smarts to make you laugh out loud while taking shots at consumerism and big business.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A deeply challenging iOS Souls-like that begs to be played with a controller, Pascal’s Wager indicates a true maturing of gaming on Apple’s platform.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is an excellent VR game that stands out from a lot of what the medium tends to be associated with. The weight of the combat combined with the constant worry that the undead and the living both bring combine for an incredibly gratifying experience. Throw in crafting, the solid writing and meaningful quests and you've got a pretty special game on your hands. This is definitely worth a look if you can stomach more zombies. I mean, kill them, don't eat them.
    • 49 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Rugby 20 is like a Northern Hemisphere team's World Cup campaign. It's full of big ideas and good intentions, but a shock defeat here and an expected loss to the South's big boys there, and it soon comes off the rails. There's some fun to be had, but it's often at the expense of the game, not because of it.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Darwin Project is a fun and bold twist on the battle royale genre which doesn't take itself too seriously. Grab your bow, your axe and getting out there swinging.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Super Crush KO is a great brawler-shooter. Vertex Pop has managed to create a game that feels fresh right until the very end, and one that offers a lot of replayability. There's some good humour within to deal with the absurd situation Karen finds herself in, and the gameplay just flows very well. Super Crush KO is an early highlight for 2020.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot displays unparalleled care and respect for the iconic story arcs it adapts. The original music is there, original Dragon Ball characters return, and pivotal moments are gorgeously animated. If these were stories being presented in video game format for the first time, it would be a mind-blowing experience. Unfortunately, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot doesn't push the envelope enough to warrant sitting through the Cell Saga for the umpteenth time and seeing Frieza get obliterated yet again. If you've played a Dragon Ball Z game before, you've basically played this one.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Barring Sol Divide, this is a great collection of shooters from one of the best in the business. If you’re a fan of the shmup that hasn’t made the leap into these titles on Switch, now’s the perfect time to do so, even if it does only just manage to justify its price versus picking up the games separately.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore feels particularly timely. The world hasn’t been the brightest, most hopeful place in recent years, but leading a team of cheerful, committed teen pop idols against demonic entities makes it feel that much brighter. This is a game that’s dedicated to hope for the future, and that creativity is an integral component of that. I’m willing to believe them too.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you're new to the series, Transport Fever 2 is a great place to start. The campaign offers a gentle introduction to transportation logistics, while the late game guides you through managing modern cities. The new demand and production mechanics may annoy some more experienced players, who will also notice that this game isn't as much of a step forwards as Transport Fever 1 was over Train Fever, but fans will definitely find endless hours of replayabilty as they grow and master their transport empire.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With the Atelier Dusk Trilogy Deluxe Pack, the entire library of PlayStation 3 Atelier games is now playable on modern systems. While the Arland trilogy broke ground by being the first 3D entries in the franchise, the Atelier Dusk games trade technical innovation for narrative, introducing a strikingly solemn and mysterious world inhabited by gorgeously designed characters that won't be soon forgotten by anyone who plays these games.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    PC players have been rewarded for their patience; Monster Hunter World Iceborne on PC is the definitive version of one of the best games of the last decade.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There's not much actual story in Story of a Gladiator, but it's probably the most fun I've had on my PS4 in the past year. Equal parts fun and painfully hard, Brain Seal Ltd have created a compelling and hopelessly addictive 2D brawler, survival hybrid. Are you not entertained? How could you possibly not be?
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite a handful of issues issues, Tools Up! is a co-op game that does the impossible and actually makes DIY fun! It might even inspire you to do some real-life DIY. Nah, who am I kidding? That extractor fan is going to stay well and truly un-extracted.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cuisine Royale is a surprisingly fun battle royale. It won't compete with the likes of Fortnite for player numbers, but if you fancy something different with its own irreverent sense of humour, then I'd recommended giving it a go.
    • 64 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training for Nintendo Switch is a solid return for the series, mixing classic minigames with a handful of new ones that use the Switch's various capabilities – and which exclude those with a Switch Lite. Just as with the original, it's going to be easy to drop in for a few minutes a day and test yourself, but this isn't really doing much more than the DS games.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    In an industry still obsessed with lifelike visuals, gratuitous violence, and tear-jerking stories, Wattam is a welcome remedy. Though short-lived and bizarre is its design, it has a joyous cleansing effect that will have you grinning ear to ear.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    While Heroland looks good and has a few funny moments thanks to the writing, there's simply not enough here to make it worth your time. Idle games work well on mobile because you're meant to do other things while they're chugging along, Heroland requires too much input to be left alone, but not enough input to ever hold your attention.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With this latest batch of DLC, Frontier have taken Jurassic World Evolution to its natural conclusion. All that budding dinosaur park owners ever really wanted to do was create their own Jurassic Park and now they can, buoyed along by the deeply welcome return of the franchise’s most recognisable stars.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    New additions and returning favourites make Discover University a very strong offering, despite being the eighth expansion pack for The Sims 4. It improves on previous university-themed expansions but doesn't quite achieve the lively atmosphere of other DLC packs available for a similar price. A strong recommendation for hardcore Sims fans, but not a must-buy.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs is a lot of fun. It works exactly as you'd hope in VR, and the game world is pretty to look at even as you're toppling the horribly capitalist pigs and their snotty structures. The level editor is an excellent addition, though there's no online sharing at the moment. Even without that, it's still a fun game to play and should keep you occupied for a few hours.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Budget Cuts 2: Mission Insolvency is an excellent addition to the Budget Cuts universe, one which well and truly builds on the original in every way. The new tools add in plenty of new strategies and the stealth gameplay is just as good as it was in the first game. The levels have a bit more variety now too, which should be a nice change for anyone who works in an office in real life. It could have done with a slightly longer tutorial for brand-new players, but aside from that, it's a great addition to anyone's VR library.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    L.A. Noire: Case Files cleverly recycles one of the most intriguing games of the decade. Team Bondi’s meticulous meticulous world-building and technical achievements still live on, clicking seamlessly with VR, even if Case Files doesn’t exactly break new ground.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It was hard for me to imagine a way to expand on a game that was already so good but Dragon Quest Builders 2 has managed to do just that. A bigger story, new things to build, multiplayer and more make this an absolutely jam-packed experience. Building game enthusiasts will love the blend of crafting and survival management, while Dragon Quest fans are sure to love the unique spin on the long-running JRPG franchise, and if you’re a fan of both? Well, Dragon Quest Builders 2 is the must have game of 2019.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    AVICII Invector proves to be something of surprise. Edge of the seat rhythm action, great visuals and a varied and moving soundtrack make this a fantastic retrospective of a genuinely unique artist.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Last Labyrinth might tickle your morbid curiosity through its mysterious atmosphere and deadly puzzles, but with Katia's slow speed and hit and miss puzzles, the game quickly loses steam.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With Audica, Harmonix has taken a shot at reclaiming the rhythm action crown. It touts a challenging lineup of stages matched by a strong song roster yet feels boxed in by its shooting range premise.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mosaic might only last a few hours, but within that time it has moments that can stick with you, bring you joy amidst the monotony of everyday life. There's a message here to say that there is always a glimmer of hope even if it isn't always obvious, which is a good message to send. Plus, there's a talking goldfish.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A mighty debut from Sirvo Studios, Guildlings is an upbeat deconstruction of the roleplaying game genre that’s full of heart. Despite its silliness, there’s a tale of friendship here that will hit home for many. It’s just a shame it ends so abruptly, though a second chapter seems very likely.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If a classic JRPG is what you’re looking for, The Alliance Alive HD delivers most of what you could want, if little else. With a few tweaks to the JRPG formula, a likeable cast of occasionally dumb characters, and some interesting combat mechanics, it’s not exactly breaking the mould, but it’s doing a pretty good job of filling it.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There's much to love about Sparklite, and it's clearly been a passion project for the small development team, but my overall experience was a frustrating one. It's hamstrung by its half-formed and unnecessarily repetitive roguelite structure that undermines the positives of the aesthetic and challenging boss fights. A good roguelite gets better and more complex with repetition, but Sparklite just increasingly overstays its welcome.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Lost Ember is a great looking game that provides a number of different ways to play and explore its world. However, there are too many distracting performance issues that need addressing to improve its playability.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy is more Layton, but with a host of new characters and a healthy dollop of puzzles. Unfortunately, they're weaker, more contrived tests of your mind than previously. Katrielle and the stellar supporting cast really boost the experience, as do the stunning visuals, but the sum of its parts is less than I expect from a Layton title.
    • 54 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Dusk Diver is a game that promises a lot with it’s gorgeous visuals, but the combat ultimately falls short. Its basic combo system and missable story are not enough to even come close to some of this year’s stellar action titles.
    • 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
    Black Future '88 is a stylish, stunningly fast roguelite that has a unique setting and world to mess around in. If you love to get your head smashed in by games, then you'll undoubtedly fall in love with this one, but if you need a bit more than that to commit, then you might not find anything here for you. It's a lot of fun, but it does feel a bit cookie-cutter in some places, and the world of roguelites is very competitive nowadays.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 30 Critic Score
    I really, really wanted to like Blacksad: Under the Skin. I love the original graphic novels and just wanted this to be an interactive version of that. Perhaps it could have been, but we're unlikely ever to know thanks to a torrent of technical faults that kill any enjoyment it might give. Pendulo Studios need to urgently fix nearly every aspect of Blacksad: Under the Skin on PS4, and until they do that, this is one mystery best left unsolved.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's still an incredibly fun new adventure, and the Pokémon selection and variety is the best it's ever been. That said, it would be incredible to see the Wild Area become the new norm for the series, but as it stands, many of the new features feel more like spraying your sofa with Febreeze when really you need to buy a new sofa. Sure, it smells and feels new, but it's not, and you should really just commit to moving on from what was normal, and forge a new path into a new sofa. Look, just go with it.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's still an incredibly fun new adventure, and the Pokémon selection and variety is the best it's ever been. That said, it would be incredible to see the Wild Area become the new norm for the series, but as it stands, many of the new features feel more like spraying your sofa with Febreeze when really you need to buy a new sofa. Sure, it smells and feels new, but it's not, and you should really just commit to moving on from what was normal, and forge a new path into a new sofa. Look, just go with it.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's still an incredibly fun new adventure, and the Pokémon selection and variety is the best it's ever been. That said, it would be incredible to see the Wild Area become the new norm for the series, but as it stands, many of the new features feel more like spraying your sofa with Febreeze when really you need to buy a new sofa. Sure, it smells and feels new, but it's not, and you should really just commit to moving on from what was normal, and forge a new path into a new sofa. Look, just go with it.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Battlewake is another fun experiment from the Survios labs, though sadly one that can often feel lost at sea. At first you’ll revel in sinking ships and sailing the high seas, but the novelty soon wears off as you rinse and repeat the same swashbuckling gameplay loop.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Planet Zoo is simply wonderful; a bright and breezy park builder that gushes with enthusiasm for its charges. There’s depth to spare here, pushing further than either of Frontier’s most recent management games have, and it leans into its own identity, with a keen eye for the importance of education, animal welfare and preservation.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    VR Ping Pong VR's inconsistent physics are a constant issue that stops you from ever feeling comfortable whilst playing, as at any moment something might behave oddly. Add a few bugs, missing or poorly implemented arcade modes, and multiplayer that's already lifeless and it's difficult to recommend the game. Once it's been updated, if all you want is a very pretty ping pong game, this might do the job.
    • 67 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Shenmue III doesn’t push the Unreal Engine 4 to its limits yet, on the whole, there’s an enchanting aura about it. Yes, some character models look comically garish, but there’s a beauty to the game’s environments – spaces that you actually live in instead of racing through on a whistle stop tour. Where Shenmue previously captured the hustle and bustle of cramped urban areas, it manages to do the same with the vibrant and somewhat mystic Bailu village.

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