Jon Scarr's Reviews
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth expands on Remake with refined gameplay, a bigger world, and deeper character interactions. The game’s improved visuals, engaging combat, and thoughtful story make it appealing to both fans of the original and newcomers. While some side quests can feel repetitive, the polished experience and exciting world make it a standout RPG. The PC version offers better performance and smoother gameplay, making it the ideal way to experience this chapter.
Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town combines nostalgic farming gameplay with modern updates. Its relaxing pace, charming visuals, and expanded features make it enjoyable for newcomers and longtime fans. While limited customization and a slow start may deter some, the satisfying daily rhythm and meaningful progression offer a rewarding experience.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind brings back the series with retro visuals, co-op gameplay, and fun Zord battles. Repetitive combat and similar characters limit the gameplay, but the story and presentation make it enjoyable for fans and newcomers.
Tales of Graces f Remastered revitalizes a classic JRPG with its engaging combat, deep customization, and quality-of-life upgrades. While its story can feel predictable and its visuals show their age, the likable cast and rewarding gameplay make it worth experiencing for both newcomers and fans.
Nine Sols is a unique Metroidvania that combines challenging combat, exploration, and a story about revenge and redemption. The hand-drawn visuals and mix of Taoist and cyberpunk elements create an engaging world. While the story can be hard to follow at times and some gameplay can be frustrating, the sense of accomplishment and rewarding progress make it worth playing. If you want a tough, visually impressive Metroidvania, Nine Sols is a great choice.
Metal Slug Attack Reloaded is a decent, nostalgic experience with noticeable flaws. It’s best suited for hardcore fans of the franchise or those willing to tolerate its mobile-game roots.
Guacamelee! 2 expands the series with refined mechanics, hilarious storytelling, and a vibrant Mexiverse. While minor performance hiccups and chaotic co-op moments hold it back, its inventive gameplay, colorful visuals, and heartfelt humor make it a standout Metroidvania adventure.
Sonic Frontiers reinvents the franchise with open-world exploration, nostalgic Cyber Space levels, and a fantastic soundtrack. While technical issues and repetitive combat hold it back, its bold direction and creative ambition make it a promising step forward for Sonic’s 3D future.
Infinity Nikki blends creativity and exploration in a cozy adventure full of stylish outfits and colourful visuals. While gacha mechanics and some shallow quests detract from the experience, its charming world and engaging gameplay make it a unique journey worth exploring.
Nikoderiko: The Magical World delivers a polished, nostalgic platforming experience that celebrates the genre’s golden era. Its tight controls, colourful visuals, and David Wise’s standout soundtrack combine for an enjoyable adventure. Local co-op adds extra fun, turning even challenging levels into laugh-out-loud moments. While it doesn’t bring anything new to the table, Nikoderiko nails the classics, making it a must-play for platforming fans.
Fantasian Neo Dimension blends classic turn-based RPG elements with fresh innovations, like trajectory-based combat and handcrafted diorama visuals. Its heartfelt story, dynamic gameplay mechanics, and Nobuo Uematsu’s memorable soundtrack create a unique experience. While minor control issues detract slightly, the game’s strengths far outweigh its flaws. Whether you’re a longtime JRPG fan or new to the genre, Fantasian Neo Dimension offers an adventure worth your time.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered updates the iconic games with improved visuals, controls, and audio, while preserving their gothic atmosphere and engaging story. The remaster brings Nosgoth’s world to modern platforms, making the experience more accessible for both new players and returning fans. Despite some dated design elements, it successfully reintroduces Raziel’s journey with modern refinements.
Marvel Rivals brings Marvel’s iconic heroes into the hero shooter genre with a diverse roster and exciting gameplay. While it borrows elements from Overwatch, the game stands out with features like team-up skills, destructible environments, and a variety of unique character abilities. While there are some balance issues and areas that need improvement, Marvel Rivals shows great potential and is a solid entry in the genre, especially for Marvel fans.
ANTONBLAST delivers fast-paced platforming with chaotic energy, creative level design, and a bold personality. Inspired by retro classics, it balances humour, challenge, and satisfying gameplay. While its steep learning curve and visual clutter might not appeal to everyone, those who embrace the chaos will find an unforgettable experience. This is a must-play for fans of Wario Land and frantic platformers alike.
Starship Troopers: Extermination brings the chaotic, large-scale battles of the franchise to life through cooperative gameplay. While the visuals lack polish and the solo campaign falls flat, the multiplayer experience offers dynamic missions, teamwork, and unique mechanics like corpse permanence. Despite technical issues, the game delivers exciting and chaotic fun, making it a decent choice for fans of the Starship Troopers universe.
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled delivers an exciting kart racing experience with tight controls, creative track designs, and plenty of replay value. Whether you’re racing against friends locally or competing online, the game’s variety of modes and content updates keep things fresh. Adventure Mode brings back the fun of single-player racing with unique challenges, while the mix of nostalgia and modern gameplay makes it appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 adds impressive visuals, realistic mechanics, and a structured career mode to the series. However, technical issues like long loading times, server instability, and frame rate drops hold it back. While the game delivers rewarding moments, it’s not without frustrations. Aviation fans might enjoy it now, but waiting for updates could be the smarter choice.
Unknown 9: Awakening introduces a world of mysteries and conspiracies, blending stealth and action with rich lore. While its early gameplay and story-driven moments shine, repetitive combat and technical issues hold it back. Despite its flaws, the game teases an intriguing universe that leaves you curious for more.
Sumerian Six blends stealth-tactics gameplay with creative abilities and detailed level design. Its story and cutscenes may fall short, but the challenging missions and unique character abilities make it a rewarding experience. Fans of Shadow Tactics and Desperados III will find this a strong addition to the genre.
Slime Rancher offers a fun and relaxing experience with its simple yet satisfying gameplay loop. You’ll explore the vibrant Far, Far Range, capturing slimes, and managing your ranch. The game’s colourful world, charming slimes, and soothing soundtrack create an immersive and enjoyable atmosphere. While there are challenges in managing your ranch, the game’s relaxed pacing allows for a stress-free, exploratory adventure. Slime Rancher is perfect if you are looking for a light, and creative experience to escape into.