Aran Suddi's Reviews
AWAY: The Survival Series had a shot at providing something a bit different, but it has a multitude of issues that hold it back. Maybe the number of bugs is supposed to be some meta commentary about the actual creatures in the game, but I doubt it.
Protodroid Delta is a fun action platformer offering fast-paced action through really well designed stages, backed up by a fantastic soundtrack.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a great continuation of Cal Kestis' journey. The story is a little predictable and platforming could be sharper, but this is a sequel that builds on the ideas of the original and there's real enjoyment to be had in exploring the expansive new worlds, digging into the lore and running into secret boss fights.
LOUD is a fun guitar arcade experience. The songs are fun to play through and are very reminiscent of a specific time for music. An initial run can be quite short but there is replay value in trying to get S ranks on songs, and unlocking higher levels.
The Murder of Sonic The Hedgehog is a simple and fun visual novel adventure that any Sonic fan can click with. Even though it's been released for April Fools, the game is well polished and offers a truly engaging experience.
DC Justice League Cosmic Chaos is a light hearted and comedic super hero game, with gameplay that is approachable for all. While the battling can get a bit repetitive at times the story and the charm of Happy Harbor will keep you going through to the end.
Like A Dragon: Ishin is a really fun spin off for this long-running series. Many of the big characters from the mainline Yakuza games, bar some of the newer games, are recast as new ones but none of the impact is lost. Edo Period Kyo is a great city to explore with plenty to offer players, and the combat styles are really fun to experiment with, even if Brawler is a bit wasted. The long wait for a Western release has been worth it.
OmegaBot is a solid side-scrolling action platformer, but it lacks that certain something to really stand out. The platforming is decent, but could be better especially when using weapons as a jump assist, while boss design leant too far in the direction of bullet sponges.
Forspoken was once one of the big reveals for the PS5 in 2020, but aside from using the SSD for open world magical parkour and the ultra quick fast travel, it is difficult to really see how it takes advantage of the latest console generation. The world of Athia looks good, and the combat full of flashy magic, but there's no major side quests to divert from repetitive activities and a predictable main story.
Lone Ruin is a solid roguelike twin-stick shooter, though this style and form has been done better elsewhere. There's a decent challenge and some replayability to be found as you repeatedly venture into the ruined city, but its brevity and lack of narrative drive fall short of the genre's greats.
Football Manager 2023 is the most complete football management simulator yet, offering players tons of depth, but also letting them decide how deep they want to go. Just like real football, Football Manager 2023 captures the highs and lows of match days while engrossing you in this virtual football world.
With Batman dead, his four proteges have big boots to fill in Gotham Knights. Thankfully Warner Bros. Montreal has largely pulled it off, creating a Gotham City that's filled with things to do, and letting the four characters' contrasting styles show in combat and their personalities come through in the story.
FIFA 23 is the most expansive game in the series' long history; women's football has never been better represented, there's fun new activities like Volta Arcade, and there's still all of the classic modes. Still where FIFA 23 takes steps forward in some areas, it could still be better in others. The action on the pitch is fun and engaging, but the user interface can be clunky, and modes like player career mode feels like an afterthought with largely superficial changes, compared to the investment in Ultimate Team. FIFA 23 is the end of an era and goes out on a high, but still has the hallmarks of the series' gradual yearly evolution.
Thymesia is a game that show's the developer's potential, but doesn't reach the heights of its opening promise. While the combat is fast paced and fun, it is marred by hitbox and timing issues, and the story and lore lack depth to draw you into the mystery of Thymesia.
Destroy All Humans 2 - Reprobed is a good-looking remake and certainly has its fun moments, but the repetitive missions of its predecessor remain, and there's a lot of bugs that need addressing. Crypto remains a fun protagonist and the gameplay is entertaining, but it feels this remake needed a bit more care.
Lost in Play is an outstanding puzzle adventure game that can be played by everyone. The art design is fantastic, the puzzles are varied while offering a bit of a challenge, and it is just a wholesome story of two kids using their imaginations to create a world to have an adventure in. I would recommend this to anyone who wants something light hearted, whether you're playing alone or with family.
It is a shame that Samurai Riot Definitive Edition has such numerous technical issues, because they impact what would be a decent side scrolling brawler. Without the issues, the game would be a decent thing to play. One run through the game takes approximately two hours, but in its current state Samurai Riot is just frustrating.
Trek to Yomi is a game that really does evoke the style of Kurosawa films, with a good story and good characters. However, it is let down by a combat system that can feel clunky and unresponsive against enemies that are a little too straightforward to defeat. If you enjoy sidescrollers and samurai then it may be worth spending the few hours it takes to play through it.
Agent Intercept is a game that anyone could enjoy. The simplicity of its gameplay makes it approachable to all, while the objectives require practice and skill to complete. Agent Intercept may have started life as a Spyhunter reboot, but it definitely has its own identity. Stylish, slick, and satisfying, Agent Intercept is worth paying attention to.
Gunborg: Dark Matters is a relatively short game, but it is packed with challenge and fast-paced action throughout. I like that you have to keep cycling through weapons as they drop to meet challenges ahead, and how satisfying it is to finally get through a stage. If you want an action platformer that will offer you a tough but rewarding experience then Gunborg: Dark Matters is for you.