Neo: The World Ends With You exudes style and sophistication, its presentation is modern and its gameplay is gripping with a pace that never lets up. Elements of action, adventure, RPG, visual novel and puzzle genres collide with gusto to create an epic experience that will keep you hooked until the credits roll. If you like games with plenty of variety in their gameplay, or games that tell a compelling story, look no further; this is an outstanding RPG unlike any other.
Last Stop tells a story so compelling, so wonderfully told, that you’ll be glued to the screen for the entirety of its six-or-so hour running time. With an incredibly high standard of voice talent on board, sublime art direction and an outstanding soundtrack, it sets a new standard for interactive narration. This is more than a video game, it’s a work of art. And once you’ve played it, it’s one you won’t be forgetting about in a hurry.
Regardless of its issues, there’s no denying that Cris Tales fulfils the mission its developers set out to achieve, and with gusto: this truly is a gorgeous love letter to classic JRPGs. An epic story combined with a truly beautiful visual style will keep you hooked until the credits roll. With a small update here and there, Cris Tales has all the makings of a modern classic.
With more attention to detail in the writing, Where the Heart Leads could have been something truly special. As it is, it’s an intriguing journey through a regular life. Some moments outstay their welcome and others could do with being refined, but on the whole, Whit’s journey is one that you’ll quickly become invested in. The decisions you make carry serious weight, and after spending a few hours with these characters, you’ll only want the best for them.
I applaud Indigo 7: Quest For Love for trying something different. It’s a fun enough puzzle game that fans of Tetris and Puyo will be interested in, and its presentation is charming and eye-catching. Sadly it’s let down by a poorly thought-out scoring system, which is likely to bring any enjoyment of the game to a premature halt.
If you’re a big fan of the original Watch Dogs, there’s no doubt you’ll get a kick out of stepping into Aiden Pearce’s Iconic shoes once more. Watch Dogs Legion: Bloodline tells a decent story, but it doesn’t do a great deal to expand the game’s world in any meaningful way. It’s another excuse to roam around London and gawp at the beautiful sights – but aside from one truly standout gameplay section, that’s about it.
As unpolished as it may be, though, there’s no denying that Crash Drive 3 is entertaining. It doesn’t try to be the best racing game or the best stunt-driving game, but it is a fun sandbox of exploration, competition and vehicular mayhem. If you’ve got a friend or two to join in with, it’s a perfectly adequate way to while away some hours.
Trenga Unlimited is a worthwhile puzzle game for anyone who enjoys the likes of Tetris. It’s a surprisingly pleasant way to pass some time, and while you’ll probably be done with its campaign in a few hours, survival mode will likely keep you going back. Just get ready to hear ‘Ultimate Trenga!’ over and over – and over – again until the words are etched in your brain forever.
Filled with glitches, fallible logic and a list of problems as long as my arm, I absolutely cannot call Open Country a good game. But despite its rough edges, there’s something to be said about the freedom it provides players. Exploring the vast wilderness, being fully responsible for your own survival, can be exhilarating. Just don’t expect a polished experience, and you won’t be too disappointed.
If you’re a huge fan of twin-stick space shooters, Curved Space will do enough to hold your attention for a while. Its unique features don’t amount to much, however, leaving you with a rather mundane entry into an already crowded genre. Simply put, there are much better arcade shooters out there to spend your time and money on.
Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game is fun, especially when played with a friend. While some events aren’t as engaging as others, there’s enough variety here that everyone will find something they can enjoy or excel at. The huge range of outfits available to unlock gives completionists a reason to keep going back, but most players will find this best enjoyed in short bursts.
Like other great roguelikes, the more of Roguebook you play, the more you want to play. Each death is simply a nudge to continue; to assess your strategy and try something new. Exploring the game’s world is a joy, and combat is easy to get to grips with while still being deep and engaging. There’s a lot to love here, all wrapped up in a package of sumptuous art.
It’s hard to fully condemn Legend of Mana Remastered, because the original game’s choices are unusual, and some players will certainly find merit in its hands-off approach to steering the gameplay. Others, however, will undoubtedly find the lack of direction infuriating. So, Legend of Mana Remastered won’t be for everyone then. Its combat and lack of engaging narrative holds it back, but its soundtrack – both the original and rearranged version – is truly a standout feature.
If you like the idea of an open world adventure filled with wonderfully written characters, engaging puzzles and a heart-warming story, don’t hesitate to give Chicory: A Colorful Tale a try. It’s so much more than “a game you colour in yourself”; it’s a journey filled with heart and soul. It isn’t free of frustrations, but they’re easily forgiven thanks to just how charming and wonderfully unusual this adventure is.
Farm Frenzy: Refreshed is likely not something you’ll want to play for long periods of time. But in short bursts, it’s entertaining enough, and offers a nice palate cleanser between more involved, demanding games. Just be prepared to do plenty of grinding on your quest to unlock all the upgrades.
Does Dreamworks Spirit: Lucky’s Big Adventure have any redeeming features? Sadly, I can’t think of one nice thing to say about the game. It has an easy platinum trophy that’ll unlock simply by finishing the story? It felt more like a commiseration prize for the three hours of my life I wasn’t getting back. Even if you’re a fan of the Spirit franchise, don’t waste your time on this. Kids deserve better.
Although Episode INTERmission doesn’t build much on Final Fantasy VII Remake‘s story, instead being mostly its own diversion, it’s an excellent excuse to revisit Midgar. Not that we need an excuse when it looks as fantastic as this. Yuffie makes an excellent protagonist; her combat is fast-paced and dynamic, and her straight-faced sidekick Sonon is the ideal antidote to her loveable but in-your-face personality. It may only be short, but there are plenty of side activities to keep you busy. Essentially, if you have Final Fantasy VII Remake and a PS5, then this DLC is not to be missed.
Like the apocalypse itself, The Last Kids on Earth and the Staff of Doom is rather messy, and not everything works like it should. It doesn’t quite do the series justice, but there are glimmers of a fun game here. Just be prepared for some glitches, and a lot of repetitive missions. Still, for kids who are fans of the Netflix show, the use of the actual voice cast for the main characters adds some worthy authenticity.
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure looks amazing, sounds amazing, and provides four-or-so hours of perfect, meditative escapism. Who knew taking control of a pre-teen girl as she picks up rubbish and takes photos of animals could be so much fun? But it is. Don’t sleep on Alba; it really is a gorgeous experience that will have you grinning from ear to ear for every moment you spend with it.
Whether or not you’ve played the original, Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is an adventure worth going on. Its gameplay might be old-fashioned, but it’s just as engaging as ever, offering a nice little distraction from the latest AAA blockbuster. Are better side-scrolling adventure games out there? Absolutely. But that doesn’t make this any less worth your time.