Jon Scarr's Reviews
Ninja Five-O delivers fast combat, grappling hook action, and modern features. Short but satisfying, it’s the best way to play this classic.
WWE 2K25 builds on the series with new mechanics like chain wrestling, Bloodline Rules matches, and Giant class stamina. The roster is massive, and modes like MyGM and Showcase add plenty to do, but animations still have issues, and targeting in multi-man matches can be frustrating. The Island mode has potential but leans too hard on microtransactions. It’s not a game-changer, but if you’re into WWE, there’s a lot here to enjoy.
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster brings these RPG classics to modern platforms with sharper visuals, a cleaned-up translation, and a few quality-of-life tweaks. The political storytelling, fast-paced combat, and 108 Stars of Destiny recruitment system are just as strong as ever, though some gameplay mechanics show their age. It’s not a perfect remaster, but it’s the easiest way to experience two of the best RPGs of their time.
Split Fiction throws you into a fast-paced co-op adventure packed with creative mechanics, ever-changing gameplay, and memorable character moments. Jumping between sci-fi and fantasy worlds keeps things visually fresh, and no two levels play the same. The villain doesn’t leave much of an impact, and a few sections run longer than they should, but the co-op challenges and constant surprises make it an easy recommendation for anyone who loves teamwork-driven games.
Two Point Museum builds on the series’ signature management style with new mechanics like Expeditions, Buzz-based exhibits, and security challenges. The humour and charm remain strong, but reused assets and a familiar gameplay loop may feel repetitive for returning players. Customization options offer great creative control, though the learning curve can be overwhelming at first. While it doesn’t reinvent the formula, it delivers a fun, strategic experience for fans of management sims.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection pulls together 14 classic games, offering a nostalgic dive into the series’ early days. The duel simulators still hold up, but some mechanics feel outdated, and a lack of tutorials makes certain games frustrating. The spin-offs add variety, though they’re tough to get into without guides. Presentation stays true to the originals, with cool extras like box art and manuals, but don’t expect visual upgrades or major quality-of-life improvements. Longtime fans will appreciate the history, but for casual players, the uneven game selection and missing features make it a tougher sell.
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage delivers a nostalgic, character-driven story with strong writing and a dual-timeline structure. Its slow pacing and light gameplay may not appeal to everyone, but its emotional depth and well-developed relationships stand out. Minor technical issues exist, but the visuals and soundtrack effectively capture both eras. As the first half of a two-part story, it leaves many questions unanswered but remains worth following.
This remaster makes these games easier to revisit, but don’t expect a full modernization. The core experience is still rough in places, but if you’re up for the challenge, it’s still worth diving in.
Avowed blends traditional RPG elements with modern accessibility, offering satisfying combat, meaningful choices, and rewarding exploration. Set in the world of Eora, the game delivers a well-designed experience with a focus on character-driven storytelling. Some boss fights feel underwhelming, and minor graphical hiccups and load times hold it back from perfection, but the immersive world and dynamic gameplay make it a worthwhile adventure for RPG fans.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii throws Majima into a pirate adventure with naval combat, treasure hunts, and chaotic brawling. Ship battles and exploration bring fresh mechanics, while the story blends absurdity with heartfelt moments. Some ship encounters feel repetitive, and visuals show their age, but the combat, side content, and wild setting make for a fun, unpredictable experience.
Civilization VII reshapes the series with leader-focused gameplay, structured ages, and civ-switching. City-building and combat feel new, but diplomacy is more limited. While the UI has usability issues, core turn-based strategy remains intact. It’s a bold reimagining, though some changes may not appeal to longtime fans.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins reinvents the franchise with a single protagonist, refined combat, and RPG elements. It offers a fresh take on the classic formula while delivering engaging battles and a deeper story. Although the voice acting and early progression may be weak points, the overall experience is exciting and rewarding for both newcomers and series veterans.
Batman: Arkham Knight expands the Arkham formula with a larger Gotham, refined combat, and strong voice performances. The Batmobile adds speed and power but is overused in forced combat sections. While the story has memorable moments, predictable twists weaken its impact. It’s still the most complete Batman experience, but some design choices keep it from being the series’ strongest entry.
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O refines the classic fighter with rollback netcode, balance updates, and sharp visuals. Its strategic combat remains strong, but missing single-player modes and the lack of crossplay hold it back from feeling like a full upgrade. While it’s the best version for competitive play, it still feels like a temporary step before a true sequel.
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain offers a cozy, laid-back adventure with bright visuals and simple gameplay. Flying, delivering packages, and meeting island residents create a relaxing experience, but limited gameplay and repetitive deliveries hold it back. While charming, it’s best for short, casual play sessions.
Trails Through Daybreak II builds on its predecessor with refined combat and strong character moments. While the story’s pacing can feel uneven and the focus on character arcs slows the main narrative, the game’s strategic battles and solid presentation make for an engaging experience. Although some technical issues and repetitive content may detract from the overall experience, Daybreak II still offers a rewarding journey for both newcomers and longtime fans of the series.
Double Dragon Neon reimagines the classic arcade beat ‘em up with bright, ‘80s-inspired visuals, over-the-top humour, and a unique mixtape-based combat system. Its slower pace and strategic gameplay set it apart from other brawlers. Although the style and pace may not appeal to everyone, Double Dragon Neon delivers a memorable, fun experience for fans of retro-inspired action games.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II builds on the original with refined combat, exploration, and survival systems. The detailed medieval world and solid sound design bring the experience to life. Though challenging, fans and newcomers alike will find a rewarding RPG adventure.
Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap refines the series’ signature blend of tower defense and third-person combat with new traps, roguelike mechanics, and varied War Mages. The story provides context without overshadowing gameplay, while the cartoonish visuals, energetic soundtrack, and dynamic effects enhance the chaotic action. Fans of Orcs Must Die! 3 will appreciate the expanded mechanics and creative challenges. Though it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it offers a fun, strategic experience for single and co-op play.
Sniper Elite: Resistance offers tactical stealth and satisfying sniping gameplay with a new protagonist, Harry Hawker, leading the charge. While the story leans on familiar WWII tropes, the game’s open-ended missions and strong level design keep the experience engaging. With replayable content and additional modes like Axis Invasion, the game delivers plenty for fans of the series, even if it sticks to its well-worn formula.