It looks and sounds basic, but the amount of effort, knowledge and understanding of the topic (and of game design and history more generally) that has gone into this mini museum is abundantly evident, from both the exhibits and the text that accompanies them. Like listening to someone talk about the PhD research they’re doing on a niche topic, it might sound boring at the outset, but by the end of an hour, you’ll come away with something you definitely didn’t know before.
The things that have been simplified are things that were needlessly time-consuming in the first place...What hasn't changed is hunting monsters with beautifully balanced weaponry, and that was always the point.
Color Splash is so damned imaginative and beautiful, though, so colorful and confidently funny. Even when it annoyed me, it was only fleetingly. It makes the abstract world of Mario so personable. Its gentle, playful weirdness and irreverence contrast so positively with the prevailing seriousness of fall’s big games
For all its various shortcomings it remains memorable. A loving, personal game.
Confused, inconsistent and technically poor, Devil's Third has some inventive ideas for multiplayer, but it suffers form the same flaws as its dreary campaign.
The strangest, saddest and most memorable of all the Zelda adventures, Majora's Mask is still extraordinary. This remake slightly improves what was already exceptional.
Challenging, invigorating and brimming with humour, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is the best in the series - a must for fans, and the best entry point for newcomers.
Adorable, enjoyable, but not particularly inspired, Yoshi's Woolly World is a comforting, safe puzzle-platformer with a lot of heart.
Flows confidently between shooter, puzzler and platformer, never runs out of ideas, and challenges both your mind and your reflexes. Oh, and it looks and sounds gorgeous.
These remasters feel less stable than the glitchy originals, with a lack of attention to detail that undermines the games' character
This new iteration of the escape-to-the-country fantasy replaces all that was charming about earlier versions with an average adventure game
Its mix of planetary scavenging, alien-hunting and funky artwork ought to be a smash, but sluggish mechanics and onerous mission demands diminish the fun
Precision and playfulness made the original irresistibly difficult, but this vindictive sequel feels more like a punishment
In this slightly upgraded 2004 game, you rampage as a robot President – discharging your bazookas, missile launchers and railguns in the name of freedom
A a grim, unsatisfying and morally dubious exercise in frustration and empathy suppression.
Quick-witted and hilarious, this madcap band tour/space caper is sold short by its premise
Playing a professional diver maintaining undersea oil pipes may sound like an odd premise for a game, but it's so peaceful down there
Even the most fervent millennial fans will find little here beyond being able to wield a wand in the hallowed halls
This unusual game has you managing your dad's launderette while running a secret arcade out the back.
A noble environmental message provides the basis for this delightfully uncomplicated adventure, but elements of performance are amiss