Gary Sheppard
I wasn't expecting a huge amount from Strange Brigade, but what I got was a really enjoyable experience both offline and online. This was a pleasant surprise, as generally I'm not someone who would usually play online if I can avoid it. The fact that even I preferred playing online speaks volumes about Rebellion's efforts in making a game that's best played in co-op. There are a few things that could have been done better, but nothing that can't be overlooked. This is one of my favourite multiplayer games in a very long time.
Overall, whilst Tanglewood has a few minor niggles, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as a must-have title on either the Mega Drive or Steam. It's cute, colourful and great fun. It's also a great achievement and testament to the dedication Big Evil Corp have put into authenticity.
There's a huge amount of fun to be had here, but it's not a game that will appeal to those in the market for a realistic depiction of the joys of the internal combustion engine. Realism has been traded for pure insanity, so if you prefer something more like Forza or Gran Turismo then this won't be the game for you. If you were a fan of Rollcage, then you'll love this.
In all, Bloober Team has done a great job of capturing the feel and ethos of the film series.
If you love Kerbal Space Program and this helps you sink a few more weekends into it, then you’re probably still getting better value then buying more loot boxes for Generic AAA-Shooter number 75.
A perfect continuation of what Bugbear has done previously with the Flatout series. They may no longer hold the license to that IP, but they definitely still have the spirit of it. This is a perfect blend of customisation and carnage, with something for everyone. I can't recommend it enough, and it deserves to be just as popular as the games that came before it.
Aside from a less than stellar control system for combat, there's very little negative to be said about Saints Row IV: Re-Elected.
With dark humour and comic violence, this is a game that will appeal to fans of puzzle platformers and schadenfreude alike. A great indie title that's a worthy addition to anybody's library. Fantastic both in solo and co-op mode.
A brilliantly accessible and clever platformer with a top-notch soundtrack. This is a must-have title for any PlayStation owner who likes platformers.
A really nicely crafted little shooter with a banging metal soundtrack and the look and feel of the PlayStation 1 era. It's well worth checking out if you're a fan of the genre.
If you like Streets of Rage, there’s a good chance you’ll like this. It doesn’t bring anything revolutionary to the table but Qubyte has done a fine job of capturing the essence of the classic beat-em-ups of the ‘90s, and although there’s a little bit of repetitiveness in it, this is a title that’s worth playing.
It took me back to the days of spending an hour in the menus of Final Fantasy VII, trying to find the perfect materia combinations and for that reason, I loved it.
By taking the best bits of a few different genres, Gunfire Games has come up with an exceptional formula here, and brought us the surprise hit of the year. Sure, it'll take you a while to "git gud", but it actually feels like it's worth the practice.
A tremendous game that really pushes the boundaries. Both an excellent educational resource, and a superb time sink. This would be a perfect-scoring title if it wasn't for a few too many bugs and stability issues, but I still recommend it incredibly highly.
Whilst this isn't a game that represents great value, it's still excellent fun. Bowser's Fury is a nice, if a little short, addition to a game which didn't get the attention it deserved due to the failure of the Wii U.
Another great remastering of an already-great title. There isn't too much new here, but it looks lovely and minor quality of life improvements make the difference. If you haven't got the original then this is one to pick up and if you have it's still worth it to play it at its best.
Fans of pinball will like this a lot as the tables are varied and stuffed with content. Fans of the shows will like it too as they cram in a load of references. It's a good game with few negatives. Cross Buy works in an frustrating way though so be careful which system you buy on.
Ultimately, this is a game which will not be for everyone. That high level of complexity will be a barrier to a lot of players. But if you have the patience and desire to spend a lot of time picking through the intricacies of the game, then it’s a very rewarding experience and one which I heartily recommend.
Aliens Go Home Run is a cracking little arcade inspired title. Mixing elements of Breakout, Galaxian and Baseball, it provides a familiar concept, but one that does something a little bit different. It's a game that you can pick up and play right away, but will take forever to become an expert in.
This is a very strange game that will require some lateral thinking and a lot of hunting around. The nature of the surreal world makes some of the puzzles harder than they ought to be, and you might find yourself playing “hunt the object” more than you'd like, but nonetheless, this is an enjoyable game and if you want something a bit off-the-wall then I'd recommend giving it a try.