TheSixthAxis' Scores

  • Games
For 4,005 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:
4132 game reviews
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Monster Hunter Rise on PC is the best place to play this incredible creature battler. If the series was looking for a permanent home, PC players would be more than happy to see it moving in.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    All in all, it’s an essential entry for both new and returning hunters, and another vital exclusive for Nintendo’s 3DS.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Death Stranding takes on a whole new meaning in 2020, and it's a story well worth revisiting or experiencing for the first time on PC. The pacing of the game can certainly drag to a screeching halt through the middle, but with boosted frame rate and crisper visuals, you'll likely be too mesmerised by the hauntingly gorgeous world of Hideo Kojima's latest masterpiece to even care about the uneven story beats.
    • 86 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    An incredibly successful port. The game runs silky smooth and with a powerful gaming rig it’s noticeably sharper than it was on PS4. With perfect controller support and wide variety of graphics options to boot, it’s obvious that care and time was put into this port.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Silent Hill 2 is a fantastic remake of a true classic, Bloober Team putting their own spin on the iconic horror game. That being said, enough of rough edges remain that could put some players off – ironically the same rough edges that make it so successful for me. These echoes of some of the less positive aspects of the original game, as well as some performance issues on console, are the only negatives in a game that more than does service to the legacy of Silent Hill.
    • 86 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    Half a decade later, Ni no Kuni is still a must-play adventure for fans of JRPGs and Studio Ghibli films. That we get to play it once more without having to plug the PlayStation 3 in again is a treat in its own right, but seeing it remastered in 4K is simply magical.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Guilty Gear XRD Revelator feels more like an expansion than a legitimate sequel, but this isn’t a bad thing, as the fighting is still highly engaging and the numerous teaching materials allow newer players to get up to speed nicely.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Valfaris is an excellent and challenging action platformer with a wonderfully designed combat system. The balancing of close combat, laser action, and the shared resource for shield and subweapons mean that most encounters require a careful and skilful approach. The result in a standout title that shows how far Steel Mantis have come from the flawed Slain: Back From Hell.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    God of War: Ghost of Sparta is the perfect swansong for Ready At Dawn, their mastery of the PSP unmatched, and it's also a fitting climax to a portable sadly suffering in the shadows of endless rumours of a successor.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mario Kart World takes that big and bold step into a different style of racing. A big open world, bigger lobbies, and a Battle Royale style multiplayer mode add up to a Mario Kart that is both familiar and refreshingly new. It's not as tightly tuned as Mario Kart 8 was, but this is still a lot of fun, and essential for the Nintendo Switch 2.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is one of the finest metroidvanias I’ve ever played and a fantastic way to start 2024. Thrilling and kinetic platforming, thumping combat, and a vast game world that demands exploration, and makes it a joy to do. It’s time to kick nostalgia firmly in the unmentionables; this is the best Prince of Persia ever.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A crazy, over-the-top spectacle that’s uproariously enjoyable, with its only restraint being Nintendo’s handheld hardware.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Trails to Azure is The Legend of Heroes at its best. With some of the most enjoyable characters, jaw-dropping events and immersive world-building of the entire franchise, it's clear why this Crossbell duology has been held in such high acclaim by fans for so long. If you've struggled for ages to find the right time to get into Legend of Heroes, your wait is over — start here with Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With an engaging lead, amusing story, crunchy combat, thrilling platforming, and a fascinating world to explore, Crypt Custodian is a near purr-fect metroidvania. Litter-ly one of the best I’ve ever played.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Ghost of Yōtei is an excellent game with an engrossing story, a great lead, deep combat and a land that has so much to discover with a lot of details. This is a truly worthy successor to Ghost of Tsushima.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Though I remember having a huge amount of fun with XII when it came out, it’s always been Final Fantasy X that was ‘my’ Final Fantasy game growing up. However, having replayed them both again in remastered form, it’s clearly XII which comes away the winner. A wonderful remaster with welcome enhancements, it’s remarkable just how fresh, fun and involving Final Fantasy XII feels over a decade later, with elements that still feel modern in a franchise well known for hanging onto the past.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Nioh 2 - The Complete Edition manages to give budding yokai hunters even more to do, and whether you missed the PS4 version of the game or not, it's definitely one to sink your teeth into if you fancy a challenging experience.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The perfect example of a game that has actually aged better over time. There's something for everyone even if you never got into it twelve years ago. While the high level of execution may take some time to get adjusted to, it's ultimately worth it. The online multiplayer not only provides a near lagless experience, it moves the genre forward in terms of features and technology.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    If Total War Warhammer 3 is the beginning of the end for Creative Assembly's fantasy series, then it's going out on a high note. The game takes several steps forward in how the campaign works, how it builds toward climactic battles and then how those battles take place, and there's plenty of quality of life improvements for the Total War series as a whole.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Sonic Mania surpasses the Mega Drive/Genesis originals. It not only incorporates what made Sonic great, but has the inventiveness to shatter what was possible in a 2D platformer. As a nostalgia trip, it sets the bar for what comes next for the modding community. For those unexposed to what made 2D Sonic great, this is still a solid game in its own right and may create new fans in the process. If being this good took ages, it’s about damn time.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It's good, really good. Hello Games might only be four strong but their first game has production values and a sense of purpose many retail PS3 games can only dream of. It's a focused, concentrated game, apparently clear of feature-creep and publisher intervention, and manages to tick all the right boxes.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Desperados 3 is a fun jaunt through the Wild West on a classic tale of revenge. Mixed with stealth strategy with a diverse roster of badasses this real-time tactics game gives rise to a lot of cool gameplay moments. Yeehaw!
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Blizzard really has put the effort in though, and it shows with an absolutely fantastic port that plays brilliantly, looks good, and will keep you interested for hours on end.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Switch version is just the base game, but that’s more than OK. There’s plenty to sink your teeth into, providing hours upon hours of unique experiences, accompanied by a divine soundtrack to really get you in the mood for building nations. Civ VI is a titan of a game and well worth your time, even if you’ve already spent hours on the PC version, because, now it’s portable, which is potentially dangerous to those who have jobs.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For them to successfully steer one of their flagships back on track, Capcom has done what many thought was unthinkable. It was less than twelve months ago that the publisher released Umbrella Corps, at which point I – and no doubt many others – were ready to call time on the series. Resident Evil 7 definitely has a handful of weak points, but it’s by far the best AAA survival horror game we’ve seen in quite some time.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Rise of the Tomb Raider is an action-packed tour-de-force that, while derivative at times, is a fantastic romp from beginning to end. This sequel learns some of the lessons of its predecessor by making the game more like a recognisable Tomb Raider game, while at the same time implementing some new features and impressive visual design. While not quite the globetrotting adventure some were hoping for, Rise of the Tomb Raider is well worth playing.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Chants of Sennaar and the way it explores the relations between different groups of people is really engaging as a game. With language at its core, it highlights both the differences and the similarities between people and cultures. Chants of Sennaar is a puzzle game that deserves attention.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Battle Royale game mode is so compelling, with each loss only making you want to do better next time, and each victory giving you stories of tense games of cat and mouse and frantic gunfights. It’s still lacking in terms of polish and optimisation, but after years of experimentation, this feels like the real start of a new paradigm in multiplayer gaming.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    DJ Hero could easily have been perfect – there’s a huge amount of potential in the idea but I can’t help feeling that a little more time would have evened out the poor mixes and given more in the way of a creation mode.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Mediterranea Inferno is an achievement in storytelling - not only through it's uniquely direct tackling of the effects of COVID-19 on young adults, but in how it uses the most outlandish, awe-inspiring visuals and sounds to tell that story.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While I wasn’t completely sold on the limited inventory space available, the penalties for death, and the initial ease of the game, Steamworld Heist made for a great time. Tactical combat on a 2D plane is hard to make engaging and the occasional urgency of the short levels made for some badass moments where a sharp shot sealed the deal. A competent, if completely different second outing in the SteamWorld universe.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The Delicious Last Course is the perfect DLC for Cuphead – successfully building on the best aspects of the main game whilst also providing a whole new character with their own abilities to offer a fresh spin on things. Combine all of this with a bargain price and you have an absolutely essential purchase. Just don’t think about running a swear jar or you may find yourself going bankrupt before the credits roll.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite its shortcomings in multiplayer, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is a jam-packed experience that I still don't want to put down. It so easily lulls you into a loop of adventure and exploration and gathering, and just when you start to tire out from your adventure, you're reminded of three other things you could also be doing for a change of pace. I don't know if I'll stop playing it any time soon.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With a lot of gameplay enhancements from previous iterations, a gorgeously rendered game world, and a whole host more besides, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is easily the apex of the franchise. The sheer amount to see and do, along with the amount of adorable details, make this game a wonderful experience and one I would recommend. Sucking at games has (rarely) felt this good.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Neversoft have polished and tweaked the franchise to a very high standard, but I still can’t help but thinking that there is nowhere else to go now for the inevitable Guitar Hero 6.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age doesn’t push the boundaries of RPG design in any new way, it is an enjoyable and refined return to the Dragon Quest franchise. Some might decry its lack of ambition, but for fans of the genre and the series, new experiences like this are few and far between.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Core Keeper is a clever, challenging, and immensely enjoyable sandbox mining game that's a blast to play. You can completely change how you play for a new experience, there are a lot of bosses and areas to explore, and the joy of finding a new item or new area is never lost. If you like games in this genre, then you'll love it, and even if you don't like games in this genre, this could be the one that converts you.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Having managed to reach but not successfully beat Oryx for the first time, it already feels as though the boss battles have the kinds of game mechanics and the inherent but not unduly unfair difficulty that will help to sustain interest in repeated plays in a few months time.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It feels immensely satisfying to be sat here in 2021, eons after playing Super Stardust HD on PS3, and see just how far Housemarque has come. Offering a visual bullet hell spectacle, a showcase for the DualSense controller and a rewarding sci-fi narrative woven around the roguelike loop, we can say with unflinching confidence that Returnal is the PS5’s best game to date.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2 is an fantastic game, there’s no doubt about that.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    OlliOlli 2 fits into the latter camp, bringing some brilliant new mechanics to the table and creating a much faster-paced, better flowing, and downright addictive game with some slick presentation and awesome new environments.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A masterclass in twin-stick shooting. The controls are simple, but the environments and enemy waves are complex and perfectly crafted. The huge variety of game modes and unlockables help give me a reason to keep coming back again and again. For a solo-player who loves some arcade action, or a group of friends looking for their next co-op challenge, Assault Android Cactus+ is a must buy.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Forza Motorsport 7 continues the series’ march towards motoring perfection, and graphically there is simply nothing close to touching it. What’s even more remarkable is that it looks so good before we see the boost the Xbox One X will bring to both the visuals and the performance. There are some downsides to that fidelity, and on a standard Xbox One the load times suck a chunk of the fun from the experience, while the game’s internal economy also looks likely to cause problems further down the line. Having said that, this is still a masterpiece of racing software, and undoubtedly it’s set to become what its rivals in the genre will be judged against.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A pleasantly stress free puzzle game with a weird story and boss battles to boot. The level editor ensures there will always be something new to tax your brain, and it's a good addition to the PSVR 2 library as well.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While nowhere near as ambitious an undertaking as Grim Fandango Remastered, there is obviously a lot of love and care that has gone into Day of the Tentacle Remastered. There are most certainly still the same old gameplay warts that came from that era of gaming that don’t really translate well and some minor rough edges to the remaster, but it’s well preserved and the updates to presentation are marvellous.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It features an emotive story, strong characterisation and an engaging battle system, which combine with an approach to the genre that still feels fresh and innovative.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright is amongst the best tactical videogames of all time. While it’s not the wholesale reinvigoration that Awakening was, it is the refinement of three decades worth of game development, from a team who have fundamentally defined the handheld tactical genre.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Some elements of the game haven’t aged all that well and the remastering process simply hasn’t addressed them. However, with that still in mind, Twilight Princess HD remains an adventure that deserves revisiting, still offering a great deal for returning fans and newcomer
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Cadence of Hyrule is much more than Crypt of the NecroDancer featuring a The Legend of Zelda skin. From the classic Zelda art style and staple items to the addictive, pulsating NecroDancer gameplay and soundtrack of delightful remixes, this mash-up takes the best of both worlds and combines them brilliantly.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While it’s not as essential as Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate was, those wanting to keep in the loop should seriously consider picking up a copy. While some of the bonus features do little to spice up the core game, there’s an embarrassment of riches to be found in the sheer volume of content on offer.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The melee combat may not be as technical or strategic as some hardcore fans might like, yet it’s hard to deny the appeal of Chivalry 2’s dismembering deathmatches. Those first few sieges are truly enthralling as watch waves of red and blue troops smash against each other. Over time it may lose its edge though Chivalry 2 is still one of the most fun and unique multiplayer games out there.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There's a lot that's new and different in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, creating a more freeform, looser feel to the game's world exploration and combat alike. Not all of the changes stick the landing, but the drive to reinvent and evolve is admirable and this is still easy to recommend for fans of the original and turn-based tactics in general.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Cities: Skylines might be Colossal Order’s first attempt at a city builder, but it already feels well rounded and complete. There are a few areas that need improving and others that are crying out to be expanded upon, but those will come in due course, and what’s already there lets you build vast cities to your heart’s content.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Dirt Rally gets Codemasters back to their roots, with a game that focuses on rallying through and through. It’s tough and unforgiving of your mistakes, but that’s what rallying is about and it makes getting to grips with the car’s handling, measuring your approach to a stage and coming out on top all the more satisfying.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Metroid: Samus Returns shows why 2D Metroid is still top-tier. It’s far from the perfection that Super Metroid had, but this takes my least liked 2D Metroid game and reimagines it so completely that it almost beats the remake of the original Metroid in my estimations. If someone at Nintendo can add the ability to switch control schemes, it would make a huge difference. This is the return we’ve been waiting for, though I want Nintendo to develop the “Next Mission” in 2D for the Switch themselves.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Pragmata is another stunning game from Capcom. The game world is beautifully conceived and the interplay between our lead characters genuinely heartwarming, but it's the combat with its dynamic blend of shooting and hacking that is the main draw here and it makes other third person games feel pedestrian by comparison.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King truly stands the test of time. Having this PS2 classic on the 3DS, despite its slightly inferior presentation, is a mind boggling feat. Each new gameplay addition or tweak is smart, not taking anything away from the original vision.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Kingdom Two Crowns feels more like an extensive update than a new entry to the series, but the base game is still so immensely enjoyable that it doesn’t really matter. This is the perfect starting point for new players, and those who are returning might still be surprised by some of the secrets to be found.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ooh, aah, that’s how it always starts, then later there’s running and screaming. Deep Rock Galactic can be deceptively easy going at times, right up until the swarms of bugs come crawling out of the inky darkness to besiege you and your friends. Who knew space dwarf mining could be so fun?
    • 85 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    This is as close to perfect as any game.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Wasteland 3 is a delight to experience with some of the most engaging RPG mechanics in the series to date. Its dense and detailed world is only outshone by the character and its cast of vibrant and wacky characters, who are all brought to life by the introduction of voiced dialogue. If you’re a fan of RPGs, isometric-adventure games or turn-based combat, Wasteland 3 is an absolute must.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is a great upgrade to the original game if you’re going to take advantage of the multiplayer modes, but it is far less essential if you’re mostly a solo player. There are some nice additions for the main campaign, but the £17 price point feels excessive without party play. Taken as a complete package, however, this makes the already fantastic game even more wonderful and addresses most of the issues that we had with it.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a must-play for fans of Japanese sci-fi adventures. Mixing the strengths of Vanillaware's art with time-travel adventures is a recipe for huge success. A story ambitious enough to have thirteen different protagonists seems bound for failure, yet the game manages to make each story not only incredibly impactful on its own, but adds up to a bigger, brighter and utterly unforgettable narrative. The addictive tactical gameplay that strings these story scenes together, despite a strange artstyle, is just icing on the already massive and delicious cake.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a charming delight, an adventure for Zelda herself that embraces a wholly different style of gameplay to Link's tales, allowing for player expression and creativity throughout.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Outer Worlds is the game that fans have wanted Obsidian Entertainment to make for the better part of a decade. The story is the main attraction here, with Obsidian's witty writing coming to the fore in an interesting and funny interstellar setting. If that's what you look for in your RPGs, The Outer Worlds will not disappoint.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered might not have been a wholly necessary overhaul, but there's plenty to like about it, from greater visual depths and details, to the majorly improved dialogues.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Yakuza 0 Director's Cut is a good way for new players to get into the series, and plays great on Nintendo Switch 2... but it's also a good bit pricier than the game on other platforms and the added cutscenes, voice work and co-op mode don't feel like enough to overcome that difference.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Pillars of Eternity is a stellar entry into its genre, but one that won’t win over people who are not already fans. It is huge and richly detailed, with more history than some actual periods of real life, and a rare amount of care and attention. It’s probably a better experience on a PC, but it’s still definitely worth playing on console if it’s your only option.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a great continuation of Cal Kestis’ journey. The story is a little predictable and platforming could be sharper, but this is a sequel that builds on the ideas of the original and there’s real enjoyment to be had in exploring the expansive new worlds, digging into the lore and running into secret boss fights.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The inclusion of microtransactions and the need for an internet connection have a major impact on how easy it is to recommend this game. Still, it’s the best basketball game on the market.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Crimzon Clover: World EXplosion is a rare entry within the genre that manages to be inviting to shmup rookies, while also giving the hardcore veterans plenty of challenge to chew on thanks to its carefully considered mechanics and swathe of options.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    An essential purchase for anyone after a massive game with plenty to do. That is, once you have gotten over just how much fun blowing stuff up in this title really is.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Esoteric Ebb is an achievement in video game storytelling, and one of the most endearing, hilarious and immersive roleplaying experiences I've ever had in the medium. It's absolutely a must-play, and carves out an astonishing identity for itself beyond the D&D and Disco Elysium inspirations that drive it.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling is an intriguing and beautiful RPG, paying homage to classic Paper Mario games. Some areas, such as the dialogue, feel rushed, but there's a well thought out storyline and plenty of side quests and mini-games to keep you entertained.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    It has its weaknesses and flaws as a game, but this is a deeply impactful game that shouldn’t be missed.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I’ve been eagerly anticipating Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge ever since it was announced. My lofty expectations were ridiculously sky high and surely a bar that could never be reached. So, it is a statement of the game’s quality that it exceeded even my wildest dreams. This is the best scrolling beat ‘em up since Streets of Rage 4 and in the top ten of all time. A nostalgia-injected nunchuck whack of love to the brain, Shredder's Revenge It is not to be missed. Cowabunga indeed.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Where this lack of complexity would usually hamstring many games, here it works as a boon.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The early pacing really does drag for a few stretches but the latter half of the campaign more than makes up for that and the multiplayer, while a little unbalanced, can present great opportunities for superhuman struggles powered by the ubiquitous Nanosuit.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    DOOM: The Dark Ages is a fun and flashy shooter stuffed with engaging content - it's a thrill-ride from beginning to end. In the shadow of DOOM Eternal, though, the more varied set-pieces and methodical combat cause its flame to burn just a bit less bright than I was hoping for.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Spider-Man: Miles Morales feels like more of a sequel than it is a stopgap, entangling players within its web of cleverly refined mechanics while delivering some familiar web-slinging thrills. A heroic technical showcase for PS5 owners picking up their consoles on day one, this meaty side story in the Spider-Man saga has us even more excited than before to see what Insomniac Games have planned next.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Generally, Assassin's Creed III delivers most of the things that fans want. It's a fresh new setting wrapped around the familiar core mechanics. We've lost the less engaging elements that they experimented with in Revelations while adding a couple of new tricks to the range of gameplay.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    There aren’t many games like Shadow Tactics, and thankfully, it sets the bar high for any would-be challengers. The blend of RTS controls with stealth-oriented gameplay and level design create incredibly satisfying, almost puzzle-like encounters. It takes a lot of time and patience to be able to discover the solutions to these puzzles, however, and the hours long missions often left me feeling fatigued before I was even halfway through with them. Shadow Tactics is a unique exploration of the stealth genre with a great amount of polish, but if you’re going to dive in, be prepared for just how deep the water is.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    PES 17 is another example of Konami’s football series regaining some of the charm and style that made the series so great in the past. The game controls well, it looks good and it’s a lot of fun to play. It’s a big step forward on the path to reclaiming its crown, but it isn’t quite FIFA’s empire just yet. With a few improvements to the likes of MyClub and some parts of the game, the series could be there soon.
    • 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.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Joy, wonder and engrossing park management come together to spectacular effect in Planet Coaster: Console Edition. Frontier are masters of the park building art, and as we enter a new console generation that's never been clearer.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I Am Your Beast is an excellent fast-paced first person shooter that has a lot of content to get through, and replayability where you will want to keep pushing for the top marks. There’s a well told and well acted story too. It looks and sounds great, but is slightly let down by the lighting in the night missions.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 100 Critic Score
    Silent Hill f isn’t just a return to form, it’s a landmark entry in the series. Konami. NeoBards and Ryukishi07 have knocked it out of the park. For me, this isn’t just Game of the Year material, it’s an integral piece of Silent Hill history.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    I really enjoyed Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, especially travelling between different locations. The new dice system is a bit too much, though, and little would have been lost if only one of the broken or glitched dice concepts was used. The story and writing are still great, though being spread across a wider setting means it does lose some of the magic of the original.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ys VIII is, without a doubt, a huge step for the franchise. In stripping away a lot of the usual narrative tropes the series is usually known for, Nihon Falcom have put a fresh spin on the franchise that puts characters and small moments over grand adventures and vast mysteries. Tied together by a fast-paced combat system and great music, the negatives of Lacrimosa of Dana are far outweighed by the positives, and this is a game that any JRPG fan would be a fool to sleep on.
    • 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.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    I absolutely adore Nioh 3. It's one of the best Soulslikes I've played in ages, quite possibly since Elden Ring itself, and while it's not as large (thankfully), the way it breaks everything down and gives you endless flexibility means that it's just fun to play. There are layers upon layers of systems to master and learn about, but the fact that this game is a blast to play never goes away. Do not miss out on this.
    • 85 Metascore
    • Critic Score
    While there are certainly a few tradeoffs that have been made in order to make The Witcher 3 run on the Switch, it’s hard not to be impressed. This is arguably one of the most comprehensive experiences to date on the Switch and one I still can’t believe actually works on the console. Though there’s a few caveats, The Witcher 3 on Switch is well worthy of your time, whether it’s is your first chance to play it or your twenty-third.
    • 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.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Octopath Traveler II manages to improve on almost every aspect of its predecessor, whether they needed it or not. The exploration is deeper with more nooks and crannies to nose your way through. The combat is far more intricate, giving greater options to build your party and skillset, and a large degree of player choice. The visuals are absolutely beautiful, and the sound design is phenomenal once again. Honestly, Octopath Traveler II has basically negated the need to play the first title, and I cannot think of higher praise.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    SSHD is a great package - it's complete, timely, expertly produced and at just £4.99 it's absolutely essential for any shooter fan.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Football Manager 2022 is a good iterative step with the improvement of the matchday engine and the addition of the data hub. The data hub especially, as well as regular staff meetings, bring the franchise another step closer to the full management experience.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Forza Horizon 5 Hot Wheels builds an epic new setting for the iconic orange track and racing to take place in, and it's a lot of fun to take in the stunning vistas as you race through the dramatic twists and turns. It gives a good counterpoint to the instant gratification of the main game with a more defined progression, but can feel a bit too rigid in some ways.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Yakuza 0 is not only an achievement in video game storytelling, but it’s the best this franchise has ever felt, looked, and played.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is an impressive Switch port that make graphical cuts in just the right places. Those cuts ensure a smooth and consistent gameplay experience that sets a new standard for Tony Hawk games on the go.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Every part of the game has been reconsidered to create a more uniformly rewarding and engaging experience, from the main story and planetary activities to the Nightfall strike and beyond. It has left some of the returning activities feel less rewarding for time spent, and the smaller scale Crucible multiplayer scratches a different, more competitive itch than in the original game, but these are things that Bungie can and will address over time. Destiny 2 is a fantastic new beginning for one of the most popular online shooters out there, and I can’t wait to see how it grows and evolves over the coming months and years.

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