Aran Suddi's Reviews
Ion Fury effortlessly channels the spirit of old school shooters like Duke Nukem 3D, but the action is slowed by dull backtracking and environmental puzzles. When it flows there's a good challenge to be had, but the level design can be too convoluted for its own good.
Streets of Rage 4 is a must for any beat 'em up fans, especially those with fond memories of the original trilogy. The fighting is great, the visuals are great, and the soundtrack is great. Lizardcube and Guard Crush have managed to capture the essence of those classic games and upgrade it for the modern age.
With an engaging sci-fi story and its minimalist style, In Other Waters manages to draw you into its mysterious story and brings the alien environments to life through your imagination. There are some performance issues that can detract from the experience, but overall, In Other Waters is a journey worth taking.
Femida is a game that had promise and an intriguing setting, but it's not explored well enough. It all seems superficial with characters that lack any depth and resolutions that feel incredibly rushed. It's not a great day when a judgment like this is passed.
The Complex is a well crafted interactive movie with a story that will initially hook you. As you lead Amy's decision making through the story, some moments can feel a bit out there or character motivations unclear, but it's a satisfying experience overall and it will scratch that sci-fi thriller itch.
You will swear at the screen a lot when playing Bloodroots. Mr Wolf will die hundreds if not thousands of times throughout your run, and sometimes you'll just need to put the game down and walk away. Yet Bloodroots can sink its claws into you in a way that few games do. It is a challenge put in front of you that you will want to prove you can overcome. Freaking Bloodroots, man.
Draugen might only last a few hours, but it leaves a lasting impression as you're drawn into the mystery of Graavik and the relationship between Edward and Alice. It can be a little overacted and you can see some story beats coming, but as a first person adventure title it is an enjoyable experience.
Kentucky Route Zero is a game that I'm still thinking about days after reaching its conclusion. Though it's slow (maybe too slow for some) and introspective, it's also an exceptionally engaging interactive experience. If you are into the slow burn kind of story then this is definitely for you, but if you're not then you may bounce off of the Zero.
Stories Untold is a very interesting and engaging horror title, building a huge story that taps into your imagination before expertly drawing that scope back in. A couple of puzzles don't quite stick the landing, but the game is engaging over its three hours.
Darwin Project is a fun and bold twist on the battle royale genre which doesn't take itself too seriously. Grab your bow, your axe and getting out there swinging.
Super Crush KO is a great brawler-shooter. Vertex Pop has managed to create a game that feels fresh right until the very end, and one that offers a lot of replayability. There's some good humour within to deal with the absurd situation Karen finds herself in, and the gameplay just flows very well. Super Crush KO is an early highlight for 2020.
Cuisine Royale is a surprisingly fun battle royale. It won't compete with the likes of Fortnite for player numbers, but if you fancy something different with its own irreverent sense of humour, then I'd recommended giving it a go.
Mosaic might only last a few hours, but within that time it has moments that can stick with you, bring you joy amidst the monotony of everyday life. There's a message here to say that there is always a glimmer of hope even if it isn't always obvious, which is a good message to send. Plus, there's a talking goldfish.
Lost Ember is a great looking game that provides a number of different ways to play and explore its world. However, there are too many distracting performance issues that need addressing to improve its playability.
Narcos: Rise of the Cartels is a decently executed turn-based strategy title. Sure, sometimes it's a bit too easy, but when the enemy moves efficiently it become a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Just be warned that you'll grow attached to your squadmates, and hate if you lose them. This is for you, Ruiz!
Afterparty is a game with characters and writing, with the secondary characters often managing to outshine our two leads, Milo and Lola. Unfortunately a few technical issues with load times, stuttering and long periods of silence do suck some of the fun from Afterparty. Still, it's worth playing if you like your character centred pieces.
Warsaw is a game that captures some of the desperation and inevitability of failure that the Warsaw Uprising faced. The random assignment of characters removes some player choice, and there is a lack of narrative to add more weight to the events. However, as a strategy game Warsaw is well put together and offers a challenge in a unique setting.
Headliner: NoviNews is a fun game that really can emphasis just how powerful a headline and news story can be, not to mention the wider impact it can have on a society. This is an experience that pushes the adage that actions have consequences so well.
Wanderlust: Travel Stories is a different experience from your run-of-the-mill video game, and should appeal to anyone who is an avid traveler or wants to explore some unknown parts of the world from home. The stories are engaging and presented nicely, having enough of an impact on me to start downloading travel apps and plan trips. It may have the same effect on you.
Ghost Recon Breakpoint should be the breaking point for Ubisoft's open world design by committee. There's an entertaining experience buried somewhere under the bloat and I had some fun at times in the game – I love infiltrating bases, but everything surrounding that is a pain. Maybe, just maybe, not every game needs to be open world? Maybe not every game needs a gear score? Sometimes simplicity is key.