Making a sequel to one of the most acclaimed horror games in recent memory may be a tall order for some, but Frictional Games has done it with aplomb with Amnesia: Rebirth. Without straying far from the formula that made Amnesia: The Dark Descent so popular and feared in equal measure-the clever use of jump scares, immersive puzzles and the light-dark dichotomy-Rebirth has reinvigorated its brand of horror with a haunting narrative that's as moving as it is refreshing. Rebirth may still be a bit too much to bear for players who don't usually venture into horror, but it's a sequel that should please ardent fans and horror masochists alike.
The frequent lulls of its road trip, coupled with a monotonous roster of characters, means this driving sim should be left in the dust.
With gentle, idyllic charm, A Short Hike is a delightful vignette about the joys of hiking and meeting new friends.
An acute reflection of recent crises, Umurangi Generation is an excellent glimpse into a dystopian future that's looming all too close.
Those Who Remain is rife with frustrating puzzles and illogical scenarios, which greatly dilutes its horror experience.
Greedfall is an enjoyable jaunt, but it follows its influences a little too closely and fails to engage with its narrative themes in any meaningful manner.
Etherborn is a compelling, gravity-shifting puzzle platformer, but its convoluted plot and limited worlds stop it from being exceptional.
In the end, Chinese Parents is ultimately a tribute to, well, Chinese parents — their tremendous expectations on their children, the unconventional ways they express their form of tough love, and all the familiar eccentricities of Chinese parental love.
Every shootout is an opportunity to execute a thoroughly balletic performance of sorts.
The game forsakes worldbuilding as it increasingly gives itself over to making the most digressive of statements.