The foundation is strong enough for the game to flourish into something truly special and I can't wait to see how it evolves over time. That said, Wild Hearts is a visual stunner with smooth and stylish gameplay, incredibly designed Kemono and beautiful landscapes despite its few shortcomings.
Forspoken has plenty of faults (most of them justified), but I'll be honest, the basic story is effective, the gameplay is flashy and addictive and the visuals are outstanding for the most part. Unfortunately it also fails to live up to its true potential which is constantly derailed by questionable writing and dialogue, lifeless environments and a protagonist that I tried my hardest to like, but just couldn't.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion is a terrific remaster that brings this must-play prequel into the modern era. Almost everything that I hoped would be updated was given attention, including a more fluid battle system and combat, cleaner UI, high-quality textures, lighter controls, and (to my everlasting surprise) an untouched story that doesn't take any daringly divisive risks like Remake.
Need for Speed Unbound ended up feeling like a step sidewards for the franchise instead of forward. It’s still trailing behind other arcade racers in the genre despite having a strong, stylish presentation.
The Callisto Protocol isn't going to go down as a survival horror classic that some were expecting, but it might go down as an entertaining, technically brilliant way to spend a few afternoons across its roughly 8-10 hour journey. It's elevated by superb visuals and atmosphere, and an engaging combat system that really opens up once you learn its rhythm.
Evil West feels like a game ripped straight out of the past and dropped into the modern generation with a shinier coat of paint. Surprisingly enough, it ends up being a solidly entertaining action game despite problematic writing, it's overly simple storytelling and some technical hiccups.
For all it gets right, Sonic Frontiers is the right direction that Sonic Team needs to be steering the series towards. The semi open-world template could still use a bit of creative work to give the speedy blue mascot a more suitably whacky playground, but some dull zones don’t hold it back from being a blast to play.
Santa Monica Studio has brought the Norse chapter of Kratos' life to a close... We've finally reached the destination - for some, it may not be an ideal one - but all things considered, it's still a journey worth taking.
The combat is jaw-dropping and stylishly energetic, never letting its foot off the brake. It also attempts to make the most out of its multiverse premise.
Scorn presents some incredible art direction and a biomechanical Giger fever dream of a world to get lost in, but that’s exactly what you’ll be doing in it for most of your time: getting lost.
Some minor framerate drops and odd pacing are hiccups in an otherwise phenomenal package that crafts a gut-wrenching and emotional story, elevates Amicia to one of the most compelling female protagonists in gaming and vastly improves upon every facet of its chilling and unique premise.
Far Cry 6 seems to check all the boxes for a traditional Far Cry experience, and that's exactly what it delivers, for better or worse. An excellent and intimidating villain? Check. An immersive and beautiful open world? Check. Fun gameplay that sometimes goes over-the-top? Check.
It may not scale the ambitious heights of Until Dawn and House of Ashes - or really give you complete agency like those either - but it serves as another winning entry in the developer's growing list of solid horror gaming experiences that shouldn't be missed.
The slow pacing, often frustrating traversal and deliberately tanky controls will turn off those looking for an easy-going experience. However, once all of its mechanics click, it offers a deep and rewarding adventure that isn't like anything else on the market.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga crams a plethora of content into one almost definitive LEGO Star Wars package that's perfect for gamers and fans of all ages. The comedy is once again top-notch, the gameplay improvements make a huge difference, and the attention to detail in recreating Star Wars' most iconic locations, moments and characters is commendable.
Tango Gameworks deliver a highly original concept with an eerie setting, well-written main characters in KK and Akito and spell-based gameplay that bursts with vibrant colours and energy.
MyRise is fantastic, the character creation is meme-worthy world-class, and the improved gameplay mechanics align it with modern fighting games. However, it's a good taste of what's possible if the series doesn't stick to a yearly release schedule.
The phrase "one of the greatest games of all time" was thrown around a lot at launch. I thought it might be an exaggeration, but I stand corrected. Elden Ring absolutely earns the badge of one of the best games ever made.
Hogwarts Legacy beautifully captures the awe-inspiring magic and wonder of the Harry Potter movies and the Wizarding World. It's a massive, densely packed RPG with so much care and passion poured into it by Avalanche Software.
Fans are going to find a lot to love with Motive's careful and almost masterful handling of the original, while newcomers will find an exciting horror ride that awaits. It may not be as game-changing as the Resident Evil 2 remake, but I can honestly say that it feels good to have Dead Space back.