At the end of the day, the value of Life Is Strange: Arcadia Bay Collection comes down to whether the Nintendo Switch release is a worthy and required port. If players haven't had the chance to experience Life Is Strange and the Switch is their platform of choice, then it is an obvious choice to go make - particularly as it's then a jumping off point to also enjoy the brilliance of Life Is Strange 2 and True Colors. Meanwhile, long-time fans may have a bit of hesitancy, as it's not an entirely necessary upgrade on the original games, but the portability of the Switch version could make it a useful way to play a much-loved game once again.
So far, it's looking good with FIFA 23.
Overall, Penko Park is a real joy. Although its simplicity may leave those after a more complex experience wanting more, it's an enjoyable photography game with a great setting. And above all else, its various creatures will keep players coming back for more.
Overall, Wayward Strand is an interesting game that explores humanity in a way that few games have, while its time limit to each day means choosing who to spend time with has an added importance. Technical issues hold the game back, alongside a lack of dialogue depth as the weekend rolls on. However, overall this is still an engaging game for players who want a more cerebral title.
Immortality is a stunning game overall. It's a truly effective mystery that has a great understanding of the kind of story it wants to tell and the kind of topics where it wants to peel back the skin. It certainly won't be for everyone, but it's a demanding and brilliant experience for those who want something a little more cerebral.
Overall, then, The Cowabunga Collection is a great look back at the Turtles games of yore. The franchise's stranglehold on side-scrolling beat 'em ups is fully on show with some of the best examples from the era, while the rest of the collection is still worth playing. A worthy selection for TMNT fans looking to delve into the past.
Overall, Lord Winklebottom Investigates is a delightful little adventure game. It may stick a little too close to gameplay genre tropes to comfort for some, but its cast of wonderful characters, strong humor, and traditional mystery story more than make up for those issues. A great choice for those who like the murder mysteries of yore.
Overall, Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered is absolutely delightful.
Overall, Spellforce 3 Reforced is a fun RTS/RPG hybrid with a very compelling story. The individual gameplay components work well, although more narrative fluidity when focusing on RTS moments could have made Spellforce 3 Reforced a must-play. Nonetheless, fans of both RTS and RPG genres will find something to love here.
Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels is a wonderful bit of additional content for the core game, with absolutely thrilling racing for fans of the toy line.
Capcom Fighting Collection successfully brings a wide array of classic Capcom fighting games together in a convenient package for fans.
Witch Strandings is odd in the best possible way, with an esoteric story and unique gameplay and visuals that - for the most part - work very well.
The gaming equivalent of being asked to buy the paint protection.
As such Zorro The Chronicles doesn't quite hit the mark. It's a game made for children, which is why having a more simplistic edge may be useful, but the overall level of quality is perhaps not there. Although it gets the tone right, and things like its environmental takedowns are bound to cause a laugh for fans of the show, the overall game isn't quite as enjoyable as it could be.
LEGO Builder's Journey is an absolute delight overall. With wonderful design choices and a truly calming atmosphere, it's a moment of relaxation that puzzle fans will enjoy. Its simplicity may be a doubled-edge sword at times, but this is exactly the right kind of game for players who want to turn on and switch off.
Overall, Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer's Legacy does what it sets out to do. It creates a genuine sense of adventure that is only intensified by its procedurally-generated structure. The game does have its issues, with combat that struggles to really make the player feel involved, but nonetheless it's an enjoyable experience.
Overall, Sniper Elite 5 is a truly enjoyable tactical action game. Sniping Nazis never gets old, and Rebellion has provided a brilliant platform to one again partake in one of video gaming's oldest pastimes.
As such, Coromon is something that clearly comes from a place of great respect. Pokemon fans will likely find a game that appreciates what people love about the first five generations of Game Freak's franchise, and even when things get a little clunky there's enough for users to enjoy.
Overall, Citizen Sleeper is fantastic. It's a deep and well-crafted narrative experience with a fascinating setting, and is filled with plenty of challenging questions for players to ponder over. This is a game that gets cyberpunk right.
As such, MotoGP is a very strong racing game that truly captures the feel of MotoGP as a series. Although it's not perfect and lacks the sheen that comes with a bigger budget, the minute to minute racing is fantastic, and its minor issues here and there are far outweighed by the positives.