James Swinbanks's Reviews
F1 Manager 2022 speeds to the front of the grid with a deep, compulsive, and largely authentic motorsports management sim.
The cars are faster than ever and feel better to drive than ever thanks to tighter controls and base improvements to the game’s car handling. Equally, the addition of accessibility features like steering help and the casual modes open up F1 2020 to an even wider degree of players, from those with a casual racing interest to people with full-blown personal racing simulators.
Planet Zoo is a detailed management sim that's both rewarding and educational, and the cute animals certainly don't hurt.
This nostalgic puzzle-platforming action game, newly transported into the modern day, looks great but feels old.
A competent, if unambitious arcade racing game that puts in a solid midfield performance, but falls well short of making the podium.
Lose yourself amongst the stars in this excellent space combat and trading sim with a dry, southern drawl.
Wolfenstein: Youngblood is a pretty rough ride that takes two steps back for every step it takes forward.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night’s excels with its art and design, and once it’s up to speed, offers some wonderfully enjoyable platforming action. But its slow start will inevitably push some players away.
F1 2019's fast and strategic racing elevates it to the top step of the podium.
Steel meets flesh in this violent but refined take on large-scale medieval combat.
The Blue Blur is back in this fast and fun kart-inspired arcade racer, with a few twists for good measure.
This third-person stealth action game is better left alone.
A frenetic ride through a demonic underworld teeming with bad guys and plot twists that will have you smiling all the way till the credits roll
It’s pure joy for enthusiasts, offering a detailed and engaging driving experience to those who are after the sort of thing that hasn’t been on offer since the days of Richard Burns Rally.
Earth Defense Force 5 is brash and outlandish, making for an absurdly fun action shooter.
While this arcade-style cricket slogfest shows potential, Big Bash Boom's bugs and technical issues mean it struggles to make a lasting impression.
Frozen Synapse 2 is a stylish, tense, and tactical game of chess. With guns.
018’s V-Rally 4 feels like it’s missing an identity; a marquee feature to make it stand out from Kylotonn’s other rally titles, and Codemasters excellent DiRT games. Though considering its absolutely abysmal car handling, even the strongest identity couldn’t save you from the disappointment that is V-Rally 4.
Two Point Hospital offers more than just nostalgia for classic management sims.
F1 2018 nails a new lap record with its most complete package to date.