Adrian Burrows's Reviews
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is an ambitious game, and this kind of endeavour should be applauded and encouraged. Seeking to harness the difficult topic of grief in the form of a Metroidvania was always a big ask. Unfortunately, on this occasion, it proved a challenge that simply hasn't been met.
Harold Halibut looks great, like one of Aardman's finest, only as a video game. Unfortunately, it's the game part that underwhelms, offering a distinctly tedious narrative adventure that is a chore to play.
Torn Away is a peculiar game. Numerous technical issues do their determined best to spoil an otherwise powerful narrative; one that is elegant in its simplicity. Those haphazard controls, visual limitations, and laughable stealth sections will succeed in turning many players away, but, if you manage to put up with them, you'll find that Asya's tale is one to relish.
What Valiant Hearts: Coming Home lacks in engaging gameplay, it more than makes up for in story and characterisation, and on these specific terms it is an unprecedented success. With a historical authenticity that would make many AAA games green with envy, the developer tells a brave and deeply moving tale with seeming ease. Valiant Hearts: Coming Home certainly doesn't pull its punches, and is all the better for it.
For a brief moment of brilliance, Contra: Operation Galuga is the modern interpretation of a 2D run 'n' gun that we always wanted. But it's a fleeting moment, and what comes after is a deeply onerous experience that proves a trudge to see through to completion.
Manic Mechanics is a reasonably sufficient attempt to do Overcooked! in a garage, but lacks the magic that made its influence such a classic. Entirely disposable fun for a weekend then, just don't be expecting your friends to be begging to play more next week.
Classified: France '44 does so much right; historical authentic tactical combat, tense decision-making, and a minimal amount of stealth. Naff Stereotype-driven characters and technical issues aside, this is a confident and assured debut from Absolutely Games.
Skull and Bones is a very odd game and there are plenty of aspects to it that will leave a great number of players stone-cold. But, there is also something wonderful about it as well; the sense of exploration, the cathartic combat, the glorious visuals, the welcoming online community, and the ridiculously catchy sea shanties. In short, like the very best pirate, Skull and Bones will be loved by some, and hated by others. For my part, and in spite of its issues, I love it.
When it comes to co-op rogue-lites, This Means Warp doesn't do anything particularly new - so you certainly won't be going where no man has gone before - but what it does do it does with aplomb. Gather your crew, try to do the tricky Spock hand gesture thingy, and shout out 'Beam me up' at random; This Means Warp will provide the rest of your Star Trek fantasy.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is one of the finest metroidvanias I've ever played and a fantastic way to start 2024. Thrilling and kinetic platforming, thumping combat, and a vast game world that demands exploration, and makes it a joy to do. It's time to kick nostalgia firmly in the unmentionables; this is the best Prince of Persia ever.
Whilst multiplayer games are plentiful, it's still surprisingly difficult to find decent two-player local co-op games. Thankfully, with Ship of Fools, you and a friend don't need to worry, as you'll be happily blasting sea-beasts for hours, days, weeks, and months to come. Ridiculously fun and stupidly addictive, Ship of Fools is a delight!
Multiverses may be overdone in moviedom, but they've provided some fresh and very welcome ideas in Trinity Fusion. As such, this is one of the most enjoyable rogue-lites I've played all year. Add to that the responsive controls and engaging combat and this is easily Angry Mob Games' best release yet.
They say never to judge a video game by its graphics but, when it comes to Cookie Cutter that is easy to do. The 2D visuals and animation in this game are simply outstanding. Perhaps, with some hefty patching, the rest of the game might one day match those gorgeous looks.
Born of Bread may look unique but in reality, this is your run-of-the-mill action RPG. Some decent ideas can't disguise the formulaic ingredients on offer. In terms of bread, it's more supermarkets' own than an artisanal sourdough. When it comes to bread-based games, you deserve butter.
Talos Principle 2 is the best puzzler since 2011. This is as good as the genre gets and absolutely essential for puzzle game fans.
Flashback 2 is a shameful nostalgia cash-in that is an affront to the classic original. Unfortunately awful in every way imaginable, do not buy this game.
Asterix and Obelix: Slap Them All! 2 could have been a tremendously fun arcade-inspired side-scrolling beat 'em up. Instead, it's a boring, lifeless, repetitive, and unfinished mess. Avoid like a menhir to the face.
The Greek Myths have been plundered by video game developers to such a degree it's hard to conceive that a fresh take could be even possible. Remarkably, Achilles: Legends Untold offers just that. This action-adventure might be a little rough around the edges, but that arguably adds to its charm. If you can put up with some nasty difficulty spikes then you'll find a remarkable world of myths and legends to explore.
Thirsty Suitors succeeds because it delivers on story. Memorable characters, top-notch voice-over work, and stand-out dialogue all help elevate the average gameplay elements. Ultimately, Jala's is a story that you'll enjoy from beginning to end, even if it does involve suffering through a deluge of QTEs.
Robocop: Rogue City certainly looks the part, but beware of this gleaming, shiny, polished graphical exterior; it hides mechanical insides that are rust-riddled and broken. Dead or alive, this game definitely shouldn't be coming with you.