Simon Brown's Reviews
An unmissable strategy gem that will unquestionably keep you playing one more contract. If you like mechs or tactical strategy games you'll have a great time here whether you are a newcomer to the universe or not. BattleTech gets my full recommendation.
Vanillaware have done a wonderful job of bringing Odin Sphere up to date whilst still keeping what made it so endearing originally. If you are after a combat focused game with a compelling setup and a beautiful, painterly aesthetic you really can't go wrong with Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir.
A thoughtful update to a classic JRPG that brings it to a whole new audience. With a shiny lick of paint and some fantastic interface changes it's the best way to experience Shulk, Fiora and Reyn's epic adventure.
Injustice 2 is a fantastic fighting game with great visuals that is a lot of fun to play casually but with enough depth to master. The new Multiverse mode will keep you playing for a long time while you build the perfect Batman.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is an extremely solid and polished remaster of the most unusual mainline entry. If you've never played FFXII this is the best way to give it a go and if you are a veteran, having the changes from the previously Japan only IZJS version give you another reason to revisit Ivalice.
Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire continues the story with an imaginative and fun campaign filled with great character moments and a reverence for the world of Tyria that is infectious. The addition of mounts that feel more than a speed boost is a welcome one but the lack of dungeon and raid content sticks out.
A fun but challenging strategy game that blends a fun time-travel aesthetic with great turn-based mechanics. Interesting time pressure gameplay makes every battle rewarding. Heartily recommended.
A beautiful, challenging game that is supremely polished in every area. A fantastic blend of tactical combat mixed with metroidvania style progression. Combined with an interesting and very quirky setting makes it a compelling package overall.
A laser-focussed expansion that adds variety and depth to the already solid base game. BattleTech: Flashpoint gives players new stories and something to plan their time around whilst playing in the sandbox of the BattleTech universe.
An extremely well put together love letter to a classic series of shoot 'em ups. Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade reminds us how brutal games used to be whilst allowing newcomers in gently. A tad expensive but polished to a sheen.
An adorable resource management game featuring poncho-wearing creatures that hold balloons. A strategy game of optimisation where every decision matters and where every decision is interesting. A surprise gem!
A fantastic game for both fans of Monster Hunter and newcomers alike, cleverly weaves aspects of the main games into a traditional RPG setting and can stand on its own.
Zombasite might be a little hard to wrap your head around but the blend of action RPG and Civilization-style strategy works really well. A little rough around the edges but the game underneath is a gem worth digging for.
inXile’s spiritual successor to Planescape: Torment doesn’t quite reach the high notes of that game but it does tell an interesting story and explores themes not really touched on frequently in gaming. If you are after a new RPG with an evocative, if grim, setting then this is for you.
A polished, well put together remaster of a game that never really got a fair shake during its original release. If you like mecha punching each other or the idea of piloting one in VR is your thing you can do a lot worse than giving Zone of the Enders The 2nd Runner: Mars a go.
The Bard's Tale IV revisits the classic dungeon-crawling formula from years past, simultaneously showing reverence for its history whilst not being afraid to change it up mechanically. Visually stunning with a wonderful Gaelic folk soundtrack to go with it.
A strong return for the series with enough changes to make combat feel fresh and exciting, some great new characters and an awesome soundtrack. A fun time from start to finish.
The most compelling plot and potential twist the series has had to date with fun missions and a return to perhaps the most iconic location in the series' history. The moon is definitely haunted but it's a lot of fun hunting those ghosts!
A unique and interesting take on the RTS, adding a grand scale feel to proceedings whilst managing to not feel overwhelming. Seeing hundreds of units scurrying around never gets old. Heartily recommend to strategy fans.
A great, if disjointed, continuation of the demon killing franchise. Visually stunning, tight controls and satisfying combat make for an exciting and enjoyable experience.