Adrian Burrows's Reviews
I've never wanted to play a roguelike deck builder before because, quite frankly, they look really boring. Playing Roguebook proved how wrong I was. This is a devious and delightful slice of turn based card slinging strategy that will win over even the most cynical of deck building haters. I can't think of any finer praise than that.
Battle Brothers is like a school-yard bully. This video game brute will do it's very best to break you. It will tell you that you suck. Then it will aggressively inform you that your mum will be performing some sexual favours on it whilst giving you a wedgie in front of the rest of the class. But stick up to this bully, impress it with your resolve and maybe you'll find that it'll be your best friend. Perhaps, eventually, as close as a brother. The question is, do you have the commitment to get there? If the answer is yes, then you'll ultimately - after far too much graft - find a deep and comprehensive strategy RPG. Just be prepared to have to stick with it, as this bully really hates you.
There's a lot to like about Surviving the Aftermath and I became genuinely invested in the continued existence of my survivors, fighting and struggling with all I had to get them through the many hardships of living in a post-apocalyptic world. It's unfortunate that I was constantly forced to return to exploring the turn based world map, rather than having fun building stuff. Also, if you do decide to pick up Surviving the Aftermath, it's probably best to go for the PC version to avoid the contradictory brain-melting console controls.
I've reviewed a fair whack of games so far in 2021 and Tails of Iron is easily the best of the bunch. Addictively deadly difficult combat, a wonderful game world to explore and a compelling story all add up to having a very good time indeed
F.I.S.T. offers a rock-solid Metroidvania experience that I enjoyed greatly. Chunky combat, glorious level design and well-hidden secrets are what gets me out of bed in the morning, and F.I.S.T provided all of that and terrifying talking bears too. Unfortunately, I can't overlook the technical issues that plague proceedings. If TiGames sort out the problems with a rapid patch then this would be a game that's much easier to recommend.
Fort Triumph provides a fun and compelling spin on the XCOM formula. Battles are both tense and strategic, with the option to manipulate the environment using a wide-array of varied abilities proving hugely enjoyable. Whilst this console conversion isn't the best, it's an experience that is still well worth your time if turn based strategy is your thing.
There's a nice central idea to Fallen Knight, and offering players two vastly different play styles is a good twist. Sadly, the host of problems that suffuse the game from beginning to end will put off all but the most determined or masochistic of players.
Where the Heart Leads offers a supremely compelling and fascinating overall narrative, one that is filled with genuinely meaningful choices – surely a rarity in video games? Unfortunately, its tall tale is also bogged down with numerous presentation issues that result in dull characterisation. Overall an uneven experience that's both brilliant and boring – sometimes at the same time.
Mighty Goose is the game I never knew I always wanted. It's a silly 90's cartoon homage to Metal Slug. Yet it also does enough that is new to be recognised on its own terms. Big, bold and bonkers, this is a game that is definitely worth a gander if you, like me, love your classic run 'n guns. It's just a shame about the pants local co-op.
Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is an exceedingly bland experience. This remake trades heavily on the 90s nostalgia factor, but fails to consider that, with the original only released outside of Japan in 2012, few will have played Monster World 4 in order to have any feelings of nostalgia about it. Sadly, all those playing the game for the first time will find little to get excited about.
Capcom Arcade Stadium is a perfume soaked and kiss covered love letter to the arcade. Capcom really has set the benchmark for how iconic publishers should preserve their work for future generations. The pitch-perfect emulation is notable, but it's the courage to make the necessary changes to classic games and ensure accessibility for all that is truly genius. Sure, having to buy everything in packs is a pain but you're bound to uncover a few unexpected gems in the process. Now, how about that Rival Schools: United by Fate, eh Capcom?
I'm fairly sure that Beautiful Desolation is a decent game. This is a vast world clearly built with passion and with a keen attention to detail. Unfortunately, this console conversion is no way at all to experience The Brotherhood's latest. Awful pathfinding, so many invisible walls that if they were visible they could be seen from space, and clunky, unresponsive controls turn the fetch quest-heavy gameplay into a meandering slog.
Mad Rat Dead offers an entirely unique rhythm action platformer experience, one that is so good you'll want to surgically attach more ears to your body. Original, addictive and tremendously thrilling, Mad Rat Dead will make you love 2D platformers again.
Gravity Heroes is a curious proposition. The core gameplay elements are rock solid, the four-player gravity switching leading to plenty of chaotic fun, but the concept as a whole feels under-explored and the intense difficulty will can soon become a joyless slog.
Smelter's opening cutscene got me very pumped for what was to follow, but what did follow left me despondent. I'd been set up and felt ready for an awesome 16-bit experience that, thanks to its promised smelting of genres, would feel genuinely fresh. The game that followed wasn't fresh, it was past its sell by date and starting to smell like feet.
Equal parts puzzler, platformer, fighter and cutesy collection of pixels, Jumpala is certainly an intoxicating concoction. It is also equal part superb. For those prepared to put the time in to find online rivals then this is a competitive experience to be savoured.
Blind Drive is like no game I've ever played before, which, having played video games for the last thirty years, is certainly saying something. Lo-Fi People has delivered one of the most compelling and plainly weird video game experiences of 2021. Your ears will love this game.
Cyber Shadow is a compelling modern retelling of the iconic retro classics of yesteryear. Sure, there are issues; the pacing feels off and 'knockback' really should have been consigned to the dustbin of unwanted gaming mechanics. None-the-less, Cyber Shadow is basically Ninja Gaiden if it had been released in 2021. Not sure I can think of any higher praise than that.
Tiny Lands offers an eminently charming game of virtual spot the difference. The fact that there's no time limit, no pressure and no stress result in a delightfully relaxing video game. A chilled, tranquil experience that stands out on an island of calm in a sea of action-packed video game stress-fests.
Moving Out: Movers in Paradise has left me excited for the future of this puzzle 'em up, I can't wait to see what DevM, SMG and Team17 add to the formula next. All too often DLC can prove to be an unimaginative and unnecessary extra, but not so here; Movers in Paradise is the kind of joyous video game fun that can bring a family together.