Ainsley Bowden's Reviews
Path of Exile fans should be very excited. ARPG fans who are yet to be Path of Exile fans will be converted. And players who are new to loot-based ARPGs will find a new series to love.
Vessel of Hatred is superb. With new content and foundational updates, it represents the most fun, approachable, and deepest version of Diablo 4 to date.
While the overall package is a little light, and it needs more endearing content relating to the Freegunners, Concord has become one of my go-to shooters due to top-tier gunplay, mechanics, and team play.
Senua's Saga is a journey unlike any other. It's fantastical, evocative, and demonstrative of Ninja Theory being masters of their craft.
While the overall package has some shortcomings and rough edges, particularly online, it’s a sturdy foundation that gets far more right than wrong.
The Astronauts are clearly a talented group of developers, as what they’ve created so far in Witchfire is deeply engaging, creative, and unique.
The Lost Crown is a gem. It is smart, beautiful, impeccably designed, and almost flawlessly executed.
The Invincible takes the player on a scientific journey of mystery and discovery. It’s a trip worth taking despite some frustrations.
Forza Motorsport is a leap forward, providing a racing experience that is unmatched in many ways. But its light feature set prevent it from truly excelling.
Very similar to the beloved Blood and Wine expansion for The Witcher 3, CD Projekt Red’s ability to vastly expand upon the core game while simultaneously implementing a wealth of quality of life features is impressive. The fact that they also added a story that could be sold as a stand-alone game on top of it is legendary.
With Motorfest, Ubisoft Ivory Tower takes The Crew to the next level. With a beautiful playground and countless ways to interact with it, Motorfest is some of the most fun you can have behind a wheel.
Diablo 4 is a masterpiece. It's the culmination of decades of ARPG refinement and evolution, and it manages to pay homage to the IP's legendary namesake while successfully integrating modern RPG elements.
Redfall's compelling world-building and settings are inhibited by shallow mechanics and a lack of identity.
Dead Island 2's glorious zombie-slaying and humorous antics are sadly contrasted by repetitive missions and dull level design.
PGA Tour is an excellent return to form for the classic franchise. While it's a little rough around the edges and needs a few more options, it provides an honorable, realistic simulation of the sport that we've been missing for years.
Hogwarts Legacy is one of the best surprises I’ve experienced in some time. Despite being a muggle through and through, it fully engrossed me in its world and filled me with a child-like charm that I haven’t felt from any other recently released game.
I appreciate what Striking Distance has created for their first IP, and I’m excited to see where they take it from here.
From its humble development and gameplay characteristics to its excellent narrative and stunningly beautiful ending, Pentiment is a game we can all relate to in one way or another.
I truly enjoyed my time with As Dusk Falls. As a form of interactive entertainment, it is well-written, well-produced, and engaging.
FOBIA – St. Dinfna Hotel is still worth a look if you truly enjoy survival horror titles; just don’t expect to be surprised as it’s a journey you’ve likely taken before under better circumstances.