Exo One is a very original game on the PlayStation 5 and if you like games such as Marble Madness and Monkey Ball, then this title will be right up your alley. Just be warned that it may take some people time to master the mechanics behind the game but once you do (and if you do), you're literally flying through it.
If you loved the original, Windstorm Start of a Great Friendship Remastered almost feels like a different game and best of all its an affordably priced title. In the end, it is tailored at the younger gamer who loves horse riding of the Windstorm franchise that has been nicely recreated on the XSX.
Given the price point of this DLC, it's definitely worth the admission cost, particularly if you enjoyed the base game. So all in all Kao the Kangaroo Bend the Roo'les DLC is fun a hop back to this gaming universe with our Macropodidae hero that looks and plays well on the Xbox Series X.
Let's Sing 2023 and the Eurovision Song Pack DLC celebrate the diversity of music around the globe and while the gameplay is reminiscent of previous instalments, it's hard to better something that is already good. All in all, Let's Sing 2023 is a sturdy interactive karaoke experience that now embraces Eurovision. Imagine a full-on Let's Sing Eurovision game but in all seriousness, this game is for the lovers of karaoke!
Even with the controller rage at times, I still enjoyed After Us and it's easily one of the most original games of 2023. It's emotional, engaging and more importantly plays well on the PlayStation 5 with the DualSense controller. Sure it's a platformer, however with the strong narrative behind it, After Us is not just a game but also an experience… just be warned it comes with a healthy dose of gaming frustration.
Minecraft Legends is an RTS-lite Minecraft experience that feels like Pikmin at times. While not the most difficult strategy game on the market, it will suit those gamers who love the Minecraft universe and will give you enough incentive and enjoyment to keep playing in the end. Once it's all done and as the maps are procedurally created, you can start again for a slightly different experience.
Ghostwire: Tokyo on the Xbox Series X successfully creates an interactive Japanese horror movie on this next-gen console that is filled with scares and enjoyable gaming moments. Best of all, this version has all the latest updates and improvements that really fine-tunes this gaming experience.
In conclusion, High on Life is an enjoyable yet silly first person shooter that works on most levels. While the humour sometimes misses he target, for the most part it is quite a witty and humouress story with interesting protagonists and antagonists to be found along the way as you explore this immersive alien shooter. Definitely a game for those looking for something unique yet different in the first person shooter genre.
In the end, Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch missed that first jump and hopefully the developers will release future patches to resolve the control mechanics. As a result, it was a difficult grind for my daughter and I that revolved around the inconsistencies with controls and graphics which hampered our overall enjoyment.
Miraculous: Rise of the Sphinx is a game that targets children, however it lacks the polish of other games and as a result becomes quite repetitive and frustrating which mirrored the opinion of my kids. In the end, this game based on the popular TV series could have been a far more superior experience. Just because a game targets children doesn't mean it needs to be mediocre.
It's bigger, bolder and Goat Simulator is truly weird @#$… but it's probably the most original game of the year and really fun to play!
Somerville is a true "short and sweet" gaming experience that really throws a spanner into traditional storytelling and gaming.
A Plague Tale Requiem is one of the must play games of 2022 on the Xbox Series X and if you enjoyed the original or looking for something different yet totally enjoyable, this next-gen experience from Asobo Studio will keep you invested from start to finish.
The Last of Us Part 1 on the PS5 was a joy to revisit and while not a new game, it feels familiar yet different and the highlight for me were the amazing visuals on this next-gen console, including the wonderful soundtrack and spectacular voice acting. This is a true interactive movie and both fans and newcomers will enjoy the story of Joel and Ellie as they explore this decimated world that is now brimming with even more emotion. Again, aming doesn't get any better than this!
It's pinball… it's Indiana Jones and not only does it look great but plays well with some exceptional sounds and music. While it may become repetitive for some gamers, purists will enjoy the journey down memory lane that on a large screen TV almost recreates that authentic experience.
Horizon: Forbidden West is an enjoyable game from start to finish which easily allows you to become lost in its virtual mythology. The gameplay, sound and graphics work hand-in-hand to create an engaging PS5 title. It's also well-written and directed by the developers with fantastic voice acting and a soundtrack that sounds it has been taken from a Hollywood blockbuster which makes this game a masterpiece on the PlayStation 5 and a must play game… no, masterpiece of 2022!
Forza Horizon 5 is indeed the FAST & FURIOUSLY good and if you're looking for a true next-gen racer, it's finally arrived!
The Crysis Remastered Trilogy is not just for purists but is a series that can now be played perfectly on the PlayStation 5 for anyone. Unlike some of the more recent "remastered" games, The Crysis Remastered Trilogy is a true remastered experience that delivers an almost next-gen experience with some stunning graphical improvements.
If you have never played Ghosts of Tshuima before, the Director's Cut is a must have and play game due to its carefully crafted story with exceptional gameplay mechanics, graphics and audio. While I would not call it a true next-gen experience, it is very close and Sucker Punch should be commended on creating such an engaging world with its rich visuals that are led by a very interesting protagonist. The world also fees quite organic opposed to a static closed-world which makes exploring such as a treat. Lastly, Jin is a great protagonist who has secrets and a path of redemption ahead of him. If you own the previous game, you can purchase an 'upgrade' to the Director's Cut that is value for money if you loved the original as it adds to the legacy of Jin and tweaks some of the inconsistencies from the original.
If you're looking for an amazing indie game that will draw you in from the very get-go, then Death's Door is indeed that game that creates its own engaging universe as you play this little crow who has been tasked to return the souls of the lost.