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
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    GRID Autosport is certainly much more in line with what fans of the first game wanted to see in GRID 2, but it manages to arrive on the scene just a year later.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Playing Star Trek: Bridge Crew is every Trek fan’s dream, giving you the opportunity to sit on the bridge of a Federation starship. It’s a great co-op game for VR, but takes a few direct hits when played with AI and when you think about the balance between roles and the mission structure. Even so, with the Trek license lending this game an awful lot of atmosphere and the paucity of must-have VR games right now, this is still a near essential buy.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Attack on Titan 2 is one of the strongest anime video games I’ve ever played, not because of a perfect story mode or graphics, but because it creates a unique gameplay experience that could only ever be done with an Attack on Titan game.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I’m awful at playing horror games, and I’m always too scared to make any real progress. Yomawari creates a great atmosphere of tension and terror that rarely relies on cheap scares, and it was the perfect formula to keep me hooked until the end. If you’re looking for a good alternate horror game, look no further.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Samurai Warriors holds onto its status as the best of the three Warriors series. Omega Force has refined their aged formula with a focus on narrative, more challenging combat, and more rewarding character progression. Let’s just hope they can hold onto this momentum.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    In its looks and execution, Showgunners does what it set out to do and creates a turn-based love letter to the 90s, updating those themes for a modern audience, while still somehow not managing to lose authenticity. It’s a job well done and I’d much like to explore this universe further in the future.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Out of the six episodes, The Ice Dragon stands head and shoulders above the rest. Although this was to be expected, as with most story-driven games, this final installment does a grand job in showing just how cinematic Telltale’s adventure series have grown while passionately adhering to source material.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I enjoyed In Sound Mind far more than I expected to, thanks to the great variety to its puzzles and overall atmosphere. While the final revelations didn't blow me away, they did bring a wry smile to my face. In Sound Mind is one of my favourite indie horror games of the past few years and is highly recommended if you’re a fan of the genre.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    With loads to do, decent music and high production values, the game’s an absolute bargain, and given the current licensing issues Q’s having with the digital format it’s as close to Lumines as Go owners are going to get. Great stuff.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Please bear in mind when considering this game that Echoshift is hard, and it is meant to be hard. If you have a rough time with earlier levels on the likes of Cuboid and Critter Crunch, this may not be for you; for everyone else who are fans of brain bending puzzle games, if you have the patience and stamina, this is an easy recommendation.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Multiverses may be overdone in moviedom, but they've provided some fresh and very welcome ideas in Trinity Fusion. As such, this is one of the most enjoyable rogue-lites I’ve played all year. Add to that the responsive controls and engaging combat and this is easily Angry Mob Games' best release yet.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I found Clockwork Ambrosia to be fun, but not as fun as I was hoping. The weapons do get absurd, but it takes too long to get there, a lot of the exploration can end up feeling unrewarding, especially as most weapons feel like there's one or two best builds for them, and swapping between weapons feels too sluggish, minimising the overall customisation I was hoping for. I like it, but I don't think it's going to stick with me.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Age of Empires III Definitive Edition is a lovingly reworked classic of the RTS genre that modernises in all the right ways. It also serves as the perfect way to prepare for next year's long awaited Age of Empires IV.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Chaos; series has remained one of the most iconic visual novel series for years, and with good reason - despite some dated visuals and slow pacing, both titles offer jaw-dropping stories full of winding twists and incredibly well developed characters. The pacing hiccups, length and obtuse ending requirements won't be for everyone, but if you're trying to explore the history of visual novels and want to play the biggest ones, you owe it to yourself to add this double pack to the list.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Coridden is quite simply one of the coolest concepts I've played in absolutely ages, and as a big fan of co-op games, is immensely refreshing. I adore this game, and I really hope we get more from this from the team at Aftnareld to shows off more of what they can do, because their first attempt is a triumph of ingenuity.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Road of Devastation provides an interesting take on the endless survival formula. It's robust and there's a large scope for replayability that will appeal to those continually wanting to better their score and survival rating. There's definitely a couple of hours of fun here for everyone else, but the lack of new additions will fail to incentivise those who have already gunned-down enough zombies to last a lifetime.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Reining in on the supernatural, Tell Me Why is a more nuanced, intimate and mature story that explores family trauma that challenges our memories and relationships, while making another bold step in representation for video games.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Layers of Fear is a great example of Bloober Team’s particular brand of psychological horror. Playing through the entire series as one game makes the connections and links between the stories and characters far more evident and the end result is a real treat for horror fans. It is a very different sort of horror to the likes of Resident Evil 4 and Dead Space but is still up there as one of the best horror games of the year for me.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a brisk, brutal boomer shooter and another great reason for a visit to Games Workshop’s science fiction theatre.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    No More Heroes 3 shines with its fourth-wall-breaking self-awareness, zany characters and stunningly slick combat. It’s not afraid to be what it is, Suda 51 and his team delivering a great instalment to the franchise that welcomes us to the Garden of Insanity.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Splicing history with Hollywood, Troy is an exciting new take on the Total War formula. Sega's immense strategy series continues to snowball, absorbing and shedding new ideas, somehow keeping momentum despite that core gameplay remaining virtually untouched.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Raidou Remastered is one of those games that all Persona fans should pick up without question. There are a few too many niggles that hold it back from being perfect, but for many people this could just be one of the all-time greats, and the perfect game to tide you over as you wait for Persona 4’s upcoming remake.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    WayForward have found that magical Pixar-esque sweet spot of humour that will appeal to both adults and kids. This an absolute triumph of a remake, it’s just a shame the game can be over so quickly.
    • 75 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    As far as nostalgia goes, plenty of aging gamers will fall for Shenmue’s shonky charms all over again, and revisiting Ryo’s tale of revenge can be a deeply enjoyable experience. However, newcomers will face an uphill struggle to get past the poor controls, terrible English voice acting and grinding repetition. It’s still a great primer for the third game, but only if you’ve been here before.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite some of the flaws in the pacing of Metamorphosis, this remains a strong finish for the game as a whole.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    What could have been the best strength of Eiyuden Chronicles: Hundred Heroes is its greatest weakness. With the amount of things to do, types of gameplay available, and sheer number of heroes to recruit, the game feels unfocused and inconsistent. Some of what it does, it does very well, but it doesn't quite overcome the negatives. Those who truly love classic JRPGs like myself will find plenty to feast on, but those who don’t should go Nowa near it.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Observation is a sci-fi thriller that puts you in a situation quite unlike any other. You never quite know what to expect, but the writing is solid enough to make sense even at its most unbelievable, and the characters of Sam and Emma really grow on you. A few niggly navigational hiccups and a couple of dull puzzles can break the immersion a bit, but even so any sci-fi fan should have a look at Observation.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Iron Harvest’s incredible presentation and scrappy, dynamic battles can’t always save it from uneven mechanical depth and arbitrary-feeling limitations. A celebration of the some classic RTS, but not an evolution of it.
    • 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.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Lifting the Tetris 99 template wholesale, Super Mario Bros. 35 is a fun and accessible spin on the battle royale, but it's one that's hampered by a lack of clarity over its multiplayer mechanics. Its fresh new player base also leads to endless trips through 1-1 and gruelling marathons instead of tense battles to be the last Mario standing.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Reus is a great looking, colourful game with decent music. The art style is distinct and the giant designs are all very well done. It is one of those games you would put on when you have a bit of time to kill because it is so easy to get into. You’ll learn the systems quite quickly as you chop and change the world to meet the requirements of the people, though it will take quite a lot of playing to unlock everything and beat the challenges that Reus has listed in it. At times though you can’t help but feel you’re just doing the same thing over and over, and a little bit more substance would help flesh out the experience Reus offers.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Gardens Between is a short and simple adventure that holds a lot of charm. It plays upon the nostalgia we all have for childhood and focuses on experiences we’ve left behind in adulthood. It’s also distinctly bittersweet in how it deals with the nature of change within relationships. While it’s not the longest game, it’s perfectly put together, and though the puzzles aren’t too difficult, the way they’re crafted should be praised as should the whole package.
    • 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
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ion Fury effortlessly channels the spirit of old school shooters like Duke Nukem 3D, but the action is slowed by dull backtracking and environmental puzzles. When it flows there's a good challenge to be had, but the level design can be too convoluted for its own good.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    As a single player game Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is utterly pedestrian, lacking the frantic pace of the original. Most of the repurposed features such as power ups and jumping on bubbles detract rather than enhance the experience, but add in some friends and it's still fun, especially if you want to be devious and sabotage the other players.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For the stalwart fan, it’s possible that Last Round contains just enough additions and upgrades to make a purchase necessary, especially when you consider its budget pricing, but for the less committed it may not be enough. Meanwhile, for those yet to play Dead or Alive 5, Last Round is the most complete and attractive version of an enjoyable, albeit ostentatious, fighter despite a few minor issues.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Sonic 4: Episode 1 is the best Sonic game I have played for a long time; and I absolutely loved it.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ara: History Untold is another distinctive take on the historical 4X strategy genre, putting a real emphasis on furthering your nation, managing supply chains and resources, and shifting the focus away from warring mentality it's so easy to sink into. There's room to grow, but this is a strong contender.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A fantastic genre mash-up between hack and slash, boss rush and twin-stick bullet hell shooters, Furi is as unique a blend now as it was in 2016. It fits effortlessly onto the Nintendo Switch, but it’s a game that is waiting to challenge you and worth testing yourself against on other platforms.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A few tweaks to a shooter from 2007 aren't going to covert anyone in to a schmup fan, but for those who already are, Raiden IV x Mikado offers a lot.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    At best, the Metal Gear Solid HD Master Collection is a cynical cash grab that is trying to repackage and resell you on nostalgia. There are very few reasons to part with your cash at this point: wait for a proper ground-up remake.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While the release schedule is packed with holiday season blockbusters, it’s indie delights like Caravan Sand Witch that are the true pioneers of gaming, Sauge’s adventures across Cigalo mirroring Plane Toast’s exploration of the human spirit.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Perhaps the only real disappointment about Batman: Arkham VR is that it’s over so soon, but there is certainly plenty of value for fans of the game in replaying and searching for secrets. As more of a detective story, it’s a very different exploration of the world of Batman than we’ve seen before – I’m feeling a sense of déjà vu here – letting you embody the character for the first time.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It was supposed to be a revolution and CAC would lead the charge: cheap and cheerful downloadable games showcasing the PSN's future. But is a future of games this shallow what we want, no matter what the price?
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Having been disappointed by Lego The Incredibles, confused by Lego Ninjago The Movie’s linear approach, and slightly underwhelmed by the obscure roster of Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2, I am happy to report that Lego DC Super-Villains is a real return to form for Traveller’s Tales. It eclipses Lego Batman 2 to become my joint favourite alongside the first Lego Marvel Super Heroes; this is an essential play for any fan of comics, Lego games, or fun in general.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For the ultimate golfing experience, look no further. Everybody’s Golf VR may be missing some of those multiplayer options and a meaty career mode, though fits itself in a tidier, more focused package pitched at a great price.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tombi! might just be the most 8/10 game ever, and absolutely no higher than that. I personally love it; but the esoteric quests, remarkably easy boss fights, and slightly wonky controls at times do make it a hard sell. However, if you want a daft and weird little curio to spend some hours in, this will keep you as happy as a pig in – well – you know. Oh, also, if you loved the demo on the demo disc, you owe it to yourself to see what’s beyond the 100 Year Old Man, believe me.
    • 74 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    It might not be the best example of the genre, but if you’re going to play it then the portable option makes the Switch the best place to play.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Castlestorm: Definitive Edition is exactly that – a remastered edition of an enjoyable game. Bar some issues with the controls the game offers an enjoyable mix of tower defense, RTS and action all wrapped up in a fun exterior. There’s probably little here to convince owners of the original game to double-dip, but for newcomers there’s a huge amount of content which should keep you coming back for some time.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Greak: Memories of Azur isn't a bad game, but it is one that's got a few too many annoyances. Between aggravating enemies, the limited inventory, and the almost absent AI of Greak's siblings, it's an experience that is too weighed down by frustration to get a strong recommendation. However, if you like the look of the world and some cheap enemies and awkward controls aren't a dealbreaker for you, Greak is one of the best looking 2D platformers I've ever played and the world is interesting enough to keep you going.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Umami is a very well crafted puzzle game that lets you take things at your own pace. Each of the puzzles is very well put together and look great, while the levels themselves provide a relaxing atmosphere. A couple of minor issues with the puzzle pieces do not totally detract from a game that lets you just sit and enjoy yourself.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    One hit point, one arrow and one target; Titan Souls is an exercise in simplicity. It evokes memories of classic games, as you seek the satisfaction of striking that killing blow to a Titan.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Unfortunately, that narrative is never properly realised and the game's control issues and repetitive elements make some sections infuriating.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I really wanted Alien: Rogue Incursion to be good and it starts so well, but then things just fall apart. There are many bad design decisions in the game so that you feel like you are fighting them rather than the Xenomorphs.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's a fun shooter, with a really well implemented COOP element, it's just that sometimes that illusion is needlessly broken and it makes a mockery of your tactics.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A classic game to the present with a great deal of polish applied. In a way it is surprising just how well the gameplay has held up after twelve years.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Semblance is an astoundingly enjoyable puzzle game that never outstays its welcome.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A fantastic sci-fi game that’s well worth playing no matter how old you are. The physical toys are attractive enough to adorn any shelf, and robust enough to actually be played with, while a large collection of ships isn’t essential for completing the game, and there’s even an option not to use them at all. It’s a shame then that the story doesn’t quite live up to rest of the game’s promise, but you might be having too much fun to notice.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Story of Seasons has a wealth of addictive and detailed gameplay mechanics, and the focus on a strong gameplay loop with plenty of wiggle room is executed flawlessly. What it boasts in gameplay, however, is lost when it comes to bland writing, ho-hum visuals, and music that I often found myself muting. There’s some fun to be had here if you’re interested in romance and characters, despite these flaws. If you’re more interested in the farm management and agricultural gameplay, though, there’s an endless amount of fun to be had here.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Death End re;Quest 2 is the horror RPG I never knew I wanted. Its mysterious and grim story is reminiscent of some of the all-time great Japanese visual novel and indie adventure experiences, but the fact that it's tied up into an addictive and enjoyable RPG package is the icing on the cake. The fun begins to get soured a bit by the sudden difficulty spikes throughout the game, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this terrifying and jaw-dropping story from beginning to end.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Batbarian wades into the Metroidvania genre with enjoyable exploration, tricky and inventive puzzle mechanics, and an array of impressive accessibility options. A more helpful map that included signposting would make this a real Metroidvania highlight, but it still comes highly recommended for fans of the genre.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ravenous Devils is a great little time management game available at a bargain price. If you have a taste for Gothic tales and the stomach for some grisly animations then I’d recommend you tuck in.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Trepang2 is a clear love letter to the FEAR games, taking heavy inspiration from that series and mixing in some optical camo and monsters that aren't a scary little girl with an increasingly horrendous backstory. It's not a perfect game and it is a bit short, but once you trigger the slo-mo and start blasting, you won't really care.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Redacted ain't no lazy Hades clone, instead it offers an experience that is unique amongst the crowded Roguelike genre. Put up with the steep difficulty and slow progress and you’ll experience an immensely enjoyable game, one that is cram-packed with slick combat and brilliant characters.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Visually striking, hilarious, heart-warming and, most importantly, fun to play, we still can't believe that Frobisher Says is a free download. It may not have the substance or longevity of Uncharted or WipEout, but manages to maintain equal, if not better, replay value, ideal for short five minute bursts or social gatherings.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Penned by TV’s own George Poles, this charming sequence of interspersed brainteasers, point-to-go navigation and child-like exposition never really threatens to wow, but still manages to keep you hooked until the end, if only to find out where that admittedly brief storyline is heading.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pitting you against wave after wave of alien attackers, Super Mutant Alien Assault's randomised levels will put your action platforming skills to the test. It can be a bit short if you're just going to play the campaign, though endless mode and co-op can offer a bit of a distraction beyond that. It might not have too much longevity, but Super Mutant Alien Assault is a fun little game to challenge yourself with.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Song of Horror is one of the best indie horror games out there. Taking the key aspects of genre classics like Silent Hill and Resident Evil, and combining these with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the genre in other media, Song of Horror really gets under your skin and, just like The Presence, will haunt the dark corners of your mind. But don’t worry, that noise was just the wind. Or was it…
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ultimately Kingdom is a game that’s easy to love. Combining exploration, micromanagement and strategy in a way that continually feels personal and intimate is no easy task, but it achieves it by forcing you to do everything yourself.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Gestalt: Steam & Cinder is a charming metroidvania with a unique world that's ultimately undone by its overstuffed and underwhelming storytelling.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A triumph. A shining example of what the PSP can do in the right hands and is actually an improvement on the PS3 version.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Omensight scratches so many itches for me. I love murder mystery games and branching, time-manipulated narratives so much. Action games are some of my favorite games, and fantasy worlds that aren’t just more elves and goblins are so much more vibrant. Omensight takes all of these delicious ingredients and confidently tosses them into a boiling pot together. Some of the pieces don’t come together perfectly in the end, but the final dish is still unlike anything I can think of, and I can only hope Spearhead Games delivers just as great of an experience with their next release.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    With a positively batty sense of humour, What The Bat? is a thoroughly daft VR successor to What The Golf? and the best baseball game I've played in years – also the only baseball game I've played.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I am Setsuna is a love letter to JRPGs of the past, and while it offers a style of play oft forgotten by the modern age, it is an exceedingly well crafted and thoughtful journey that should make you wonder whether the genre’s progress is necessarily all it’s cracked up to be.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Ring of Pain is an excellent concept which is almost perfectly executed, but falls flat at the final hurdle. The gameplay is as engaging as it is moreish, which is why it’s such a shame that the difficulty spike at the end ruins the experience. Hopefully this is something that’s amended after today’s release.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is an entertaining game, at least for the majority of its play time.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's wonderful to have the classic Famicom Detective Club games remade with modern artwork and with full Western localisations, but the flow of these visual novel detective stories is distinctly lacking and infuriatingly obtuse at times. Still, we can hope this is a sign that Nintendo is considering a truly modern revival of the Detective Club series in future.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The exaggerated voice acting fits perfectly with the tone of the title and the story is surprisingly entertaining too. There’s never a dull moment in Guns, Gore & Cannoli, and it ends just at the right time too.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Pendragon is a great introduction to the strategy genre and is easy to pick up and play without the fear of being overwhelmed by menus and options. Multiple characters, dialogue options and areas ensure no two playthroughs will be the same.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hell is Other Demons is a shining example of how to make a game that's relentlessly difficult, while also being utterly satisfying and enjoyable to play. It may get to be too hard way too fast, but once you get over that difficulty ramp, you're in for a hell of a good time. The incredible gameplay is matched by an awesome aesthetic and incredible sound design. If you want some unforgiving video game action, look no further.
    • 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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Conan Chop Chop offers a (mostly) lovingly violent local co-up dungeon crawling experience. Sadly, a few too many frustrating gameplay issues rather take the shine off what would otherwise be a brilliant party game.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The aesthetics, soundtrack, and writing here are wonderful and more than reward the patience required to fully unravel the game’s mysteries. Playing it resulted in an immersion that went beyond my niggles with the gameplay. It is clear from my comments here that the game won’t have the universal appeal to match the political and social importance of its themes and message. It is a game that should be played by many, but that will probably frustrate as many as it ensnares. It more than lived up to my expectations and if you are interested in exploring the ways in which games can go beyond other media in their use of narrative then it is unmissable.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Berzerk Recharged is a great game if you have ten minutes to spare. You don't have look up the controls, search massive maps for crafting materials or remember the plot, just dive in, shoot robots and chase high scores. Great fun in short bursts.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The course design is perhaps a little bit too traditional and reserved given the somewhat over the top racing and weaponry, but it's all nicely rooted in the Cars universe so Pixar fans will lap up the fan service.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    PowerWash Simulator is a rare example of a game that more than lives up to its expectations. If the calming loop of the gameplay gets you then you’ll easily find hours of your life disappearing along with the dirt and grime. Add in some interesting challenge modes and a story that caught me by surprise and you have a game that more than deserves your time.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian doesn't exactly carve out it's own path - you can tell it's part of a bigger picture, and it's a shame that bigger picture is inaccessible due to the fleeting nature of gacha games. Still, taken on its own, this is an incredibly fun Atelier entry with an exciting new shopkeeping system that I hope is a major and bigger focus in future entries.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Nicely produced, consistent but with a few flaws and some silly wingmen mechanics that often threaten to get in the way of the fun, but there’s nothing else like this on the PS3 and for that reason H.A.W.X stands out more than perhaps it might if it were a FPS, for example.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mages of Mystralia is a cracking game. It successfully captures the feel of 16 bit adventures and combines them with a fantastic spellcrafting system and the sidequests and character development of modern action RPGs. It isn’t the longest game and some may find the price a little steep given how cheap so many PC games are, but it definitely deserves to do well and I would highly recommend picking it up, even if you wait until a sale discount.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Personally, I found the ‘grim’ nature of Gord just too nasty, the developers often shocking for the sake of it, rather than doing so to support the story or gameplay. Still, there’s a lot to admire about Covenant’s creation, with the game offering a compelling and tense survival RTS experience. Only really worth picking up on PC, mind.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    My main concern is with recommending it to people who already own Ultimate Ninja Storm 2, as I really don't know if enough has changed to warrant spending £40.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Through its lengthy story, Resolutiion provides real moments of awe and beauty. From dark and dingy caves through to soaring heights at the peak of the monolithic buildings, the world is a sight to behold, it’s just a shame that traversing it doesn’t feel any where near as great as it looks. Resolutiion’s snappy, visceral combat does help make that journey slightly more bearable, but you’ll still likely end up wandering in circles trying to find the right path forward.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Discounty just misses the mark for me as a cosy game. While actually running the supermarket can be pretty enjoyable, it's wrapped up with frustrating busy work, NPCs who are so routinely annoying and unpleasant. It's like moving into the town where Hot Fuzz is set: something is off; people are weird and standoffish; and I just want to go home.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If Gust had made the narrative more relevant to the gaming masses and upped the bar in terms of visual presentation, this could easily have been one of the best entries the JRPG genre has witnessed in quite some time.
    • 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.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory could have easily been a simple rhythm game with nothing but a huge set of Kingdom Hearts songs going for it. The fact that it goes out of its way to emulate the visuals of the series and recaps major story moments elevates it to something more. It's a shame that the new story elements of the game are held off until the very end, and that Kairi isn't even a playable character despite being on the cover of the dang game. Those issues alongside a surprising amount of missing Kingdom Hearts 3 music and a tacked-on item system add some awkward wrinkles to an otherwise magical, musical, melodic nostalgia trip for Kingdom Hearts die-hards.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If you really, really have to play an RTS on console then you could do a lot worse than Ancestors Legacy. Well thought out controls, appealing visuals, and a solid multiplayer make for a reliable RTS experience. You might never feel compelled to reach the conclusion of the samey single-player campaign but you will delight in just having one more go at flanking your pal's Teutonic Knights with your Hurscarl Warriors.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Jackbox Party Pack 10 is one of the stronger entries in the Jackbox pantheon, and I'm a big fan of it as a whole. Each game has its own pacing, and while I do think everyone will find their favourites as always, the mix feels very good this time around, and even the trivia game is fun. This is a great party pack that'll be a good addition to any game night. Apart from Dodo Re Mi – I hope those digital birds stay eaten.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Moving Out performs a seemingly impossible balancing act. It's both a challenging couch co-op physics puzzler, and yet it's completely accessible to everyone sat on that couch, regardless of their video game experience. Moving Out is fun, it's frivolous, it's joyful and it will have you laughing from beginning to end. Who could ask for more?
    • 74 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Though by no means perfect, Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 is the best way to experience Magic: The Gathering without actual playing physically. After almost two decades of circulation the core mechanics of Richard Garfield's masterpiece are as strong and refreshing as ever.

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