Jordan Andow's Reviews
EA Sports FC 25 is a great game that improves where it matters the most, on the pitch. Unfortunately, you will be playing the same modes we’ve had for years with small but meaningful tweaks.
The Plucky Squire is a wonderful experience from start to finish. I just wish that the 3D sections were on par with those in 2D. Regardless, this is a title that everyone needs to play, because they won’t be disappointed.
I really enjoyed my time with NBA 2K25, with the improved gameplay and presentation standing out as major upgrades. The tweaks and additions to existing modes are a nice touch. The only thing that holds 2K25 back from being the best across the franchise is its progression balancing and over-reliance on microtransactions.
Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland isn’t a bad game, it is very simple while also being complicated due to the lack of tutorials. Rugrats can’t decide if it wants to be for the people that grew up with the show or young gamers just starting their journey. This meant that it is not for me, but it might be for you.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II was a blast from start to finish. Only held back by a limited accessibility offering and some technical issues.
Star Wars Outlaws stands as a testament to Ubisoft Massive’s ability to blend familiar gameplay elements with fresh, innovative ideas. From the engaging blaster combat and seamless space battles to the dynamic narrative shaped by player choices, the game offers a rich and immersive experience that captures the essence of what makes Star Wars so captivating. While it doesn’t break new ground in most aspects, the way it combines tried-and-true mechanics with unique features like Nix and the Syndicate system makes it a standout action-adventure open world. In my opinion a must play game in the year 2024, especially for Star Wars fans.
XDefiant is off to a good start, but to compete with the likes of Call of Duty or Overwatch, it still needs some tweaks and additional content.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II sets a new bar for performances and presentation. Combined with smart improvements to gameplay, it is arguably the most cinematic, immersive, story-driven experience we’ve ever seen.
This is not only an improvement for existing players but also more welcoming to new ones. House Flipper 2 has become my new chill-out game, and what a flippin’ game it is!
Despite the lengthy absence from the previous entry and a largely different developer at the reins, TopSpin 2K25 once again delivers that near-perfect gameplay we all remember with top-class modern presentation. Hanger 13 has truly served up an ace with TopSpin 2K25, and I can’t wait to take it to the courts and power-shot my way to victory in the months to come.
I’m very conflicted on Planet Zoo: Console Edition because the core game and systems are absolutely outstanding and among the best in the genre, but I couldn’t help constantly thinking, “I bet this is a much better experience on PC.”
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a triumph in storytelling and a strong example of how to improve a game significantly from the previous entry. Interesting new characters, strong performances, the new setting of Hawaii, and gameplay improvements combined with an almost infinite amount of things to do, resulting in arguably the best game in the franchise and certainly RGG studio’s best turn-based effort to date.
I loved the four hours I’ve spent with Brothers: Tale Of Two Sons Remake. This fantastic remake tells a perfectly paced story that needs no words and combines it with simplistic controls and cleverly designed puzzles. If you missed the original previously, this is a great time, which shows that shorter games still work perfectly.
Ultimately, Taxi Life is a cool concept that sets itself apart from something like the more hectic and beloved Crazy Taxi and deserves the same level of execution and resources as Asobo Studio’s Flight-Simulator series. Unfortunately, the technical shortcomings shine through the most, which takes lots of points off this otherwise unique and interesting experience.
WWE 2K24 has a fantastic Showcase mode celebrating the spectacle that is Wrestlemania; the same fun, fast-paced gameplay is here alongside vastly better presentation during matches within new and returning modes. The team at Visual Concepts clearly listened to fan feedback and each year is building on the strong foundation they started with in WWE 2K22.
Ultimately, Alan Wake 2 isn't merely a sequel; it's a multifaceted masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of gaming. The stunning visuals, impeccable audio design, innovative narrative delivery, exceptional performances, and clever use of live-action converge to create an unparalleled gaming experience. It stands as a testament to the limitless potential of video games as an art form.
Football Manager 2024 doesn’t change much from last year’s game, but the changes it does make can greatly impact how you choose to play. Ultimately, it gives you the tools to live out your fantasy more than ever, making it a must-play for series fans.
UFC 5 is a good game, but the move to a new engine isn't as revolutionary as it has been in the past for other EA franchises. Sure, it looks and sounds better, but I could never escape the feeling that I was just playing a nicer-looking UFC 4. If you have that game you don't need to buy this one, you'll enjoy your time all the same.
It may be too much of a step back for fans of the RPG-focused recent games. However, Assassin's Creed Mirage delivers an experience that successfully takes the series back to its stealth roots, finding its heart and soul again, which makes it a must-play for any traditional Assassin's Creed fans.
FC 24 is a familiar game that once again focuses on evolution over revolution. It makes some smart tweaks and additions to existing modes but they still feel mostly the same. The game looks and feels better than ever but when you aren't in control the AI often lets you down.