It’s a shame, then, that some of the level design choices don’t really pair up with the engine Toys for Bob has built this love-letter to 90s platforming games in. Loose and floaty physics, an abundance of different mechanics that often feel part-baked, and some design choices that feel sadistic – rather than simply difficult – leave this approach to Crash Bandicoot feeling less like a true sequel, and more like a licensed spin-off.
Vicarious Visions has proved that Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater was more than just a product of its time, and that – like skating itself – it has every chance of penetrating the mainstream once again.
Maid of Sker is filled with promise and great ideas, however remains in the shadow of the games it’s so heavily influenced from.
Naughty Dog has done it again. The Last of Us Part 2 is a game that’s going to be talked about for a long time to come, and with good reason.
The new story, whilst fun and camp and brimming with all the 80s action-movie nonsense that NetherRealm so shamelessly references, is just a bit underwhelming.
If you can break through the more sluggish and unenjoyable moments of the game, you’ll find an absolute gem of an action-RPG shining at the core, a promise of what Square Enix can do with role-playing games in this generation and generations to come.
My Hero One’s Justice 2 is a treat for fans of the series. For non-fans, it’s a capable over-the-shoulder arena fighter, with a host of fun and very different characters to avail from.
id Software’s magnum opus, an epic of the video game world that’ll be talked about for years to come, Doom Eternal is a triumph.
Building on every aspect of Blind Forest – from art to music right the way through to level design and combat – this is a sequel worthy of celebration. In just two games, Moon Studios have proved itself to be one of the most creative, exciting and invaluable studios in Microsoft's wider roster – worthy of celebration alongside the masters and creators of the Metroidvania genre.
Nioh 2 builds in a meaningful way on everything that Team Ninja established in the first game.