Dominic Leighton's Reviews
Avicii Invector Encore Edition is a perfect portable album, offering a wonderful chance to bid farewell to one of the most important electronica artists of our time.
Star Wars Squadrons has taken an impressive first step in revitalising the Star Wars fighter pilot game. With a tale that feels like a genuine part of the galaxy far, far away, and space combat that gives you the tools to be an X-Wing or TIE fighting ace. Whether you're on the light or the dark side of the force, this is a game that Star Wars fans need to play.
Hotshot Racing is a nostalgia-tickling delight that doesn't have quite enough depth to keep pulling you back for any real length of time.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps arrives on the Switch in exceptional form. Though there have been a few nips and tucks here and there in order to squeeze it into a considerably more modest form factor, it still showcases Moon Studio's incredible vision from the moment it starts to the tear-jerking finale.
FitXR is BoxVR 2 in all but name. That's not a bad thing – BoxVR was a great VR trainer – and the fact that previous owners get the upgrade for free is a nice move in this age of nickel and diming customers. The new social aspect, and the refined action, ensure that FitXR is a VR fitness class well worth booking in for.
Madden 21 has the components to be a solid, if utterly by-the-numbers entry in the franchise. However, a raft of bugs and glitches serve to undo the game's atmosphere at every turn.
OkunoKa Madness isn't the name of the game, it's the name of the condition you have once you've played it. Evil geniuses are more forgiving than this game's development team, and though you'll be whimpering for the sweet, simple oblivion of a shark-infested tank, OkunoKa Madness will have you clambering back out for another go.
An infectious, frantic multiplayer blast, Super Bomberman R Online's major caveat comes from its place amongst the current raft of Stadia exclusives. It doesn't seem to be the place that people are choosing to play major multiplayer games, but in the case of Super Bomberman R Online, that's a crying shame.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition retains plenty of its original charms, enhanced by updated visuals and audio, but with its defining local co-op diluted by clunky online play, it simply doesn't stake a strong enough case for its return.
No Straight Roads is a loveably scrappy indie action adventure where the villains and their multi-stage musical battles are the true stars you'll keep returning for.
The Alto Collection is a lovely little timesink that survives the jump to the big screen in robust fashion. Its clear and appealing visuals, and their ever-changing time-cycle, are simply another bright little plus point in a tightly concocted endless runner that's works as well on a TV as it does on something more portable.
A bright, bold, saliva-shooter, Spitlings will provide a healthy dose of entertainment for those playing alone, while the multiplayer turns it into a much wilder ride.
Othercide is an evocative and absorbing tactical roguelike, albeit one whose style occasionally gets in the way of the substance.
Orcs Must Die! 3 is a great return for the series, giving you a near endless number of ways to bring down destruction on the Orc hordes, even if the larger War Scenarios lose some of the series' carefully weighted balance.
Marvel's Iron Man VR is a brilliant superhero adventure, and one that replicates its star's physicality in VR in a truly incredible way.
Elder Scrolls Online deserves its position as one of the premier MMORPG experiences, and Greymoor upholds that, even if it doesn't quite do justice to Skyrim's vast legacy.
Wave Break is Tony Hawks Pro Skater on water, and yes, it's as wild, wacky and occasionally wonderful as that sounds. It boasts the same combo-driven, objective-led action that skateboarding fans have come to know and love, and if you've grown up with Mr Hawks' games there's every chance you'll enjoy Wave Break, as long as you can forgive some of its rough edges.
Persona 4 Golden remains an iconic and hugely enjoyable JRPG, and its arrival on PC means a slew of new players can discover its delights. It's a shame that there are a few technical problems lurking in the current build, but with the inclusion of both the Japanese and English dubs and the crisp, clear visuals, this marks a fantastic way to experience the game.
Disintegration is a game of, and about, duality. It manages to feel like a throwback while it's fresh genre melding brings it straight into the present. It's an occasionally lifeless, mechanically sound construct, but everything about it has heart. It's a double A game, the likes of which we don't often see anymore, and it's one of the most unique and consistently enjoyable sci-fi shooters of recent years.
Spirit of the North is a lovingly crafted indie adventure that's let down by some wonky platforming and simple puzzling, while the mysterious explorative adventuring evokes the memory of Journey, just without quite achieving the same emotional impact.