Mick Fraser's Reviews
It lays the existentialism on pretty thick at times, and it has the potential to thoroughly overwhelm you, but Per Aspera is an oddly intoxicating expedition into the colonisation of another world.
Pistol Whip is one of the best action games available in VR, and the 2089 campaign - while incredibly short - is a great addition.
Chronos: Before the Ashes is an enjoyable Soulslike that doesn't feel as unforgiving as most other games in the genre
Second Extinction is very much a Left 4 Dead stablemate, but it stands on its own thanks to its enemy variety and compelling atmosphere.
Tales From the Galaxy's Edge looks, feels and sounds like Star Wars, and the campaign is an enjoyable enough adventure while it lasts. But it simply doesn't do enough with the universe.
Fans of the Souls genre will fall in love with Demon's Souls, and anyone who picks it up and manages to push through the fog of challenge will find a stunning world of danger and excitement to get lost in.
Bright Memory is a short, janky blast of fun that almost makes up for in ambition what it lacks in execution.
In Death: Unchained is a great VR bow game that's still a lot of fun despite a dark, unsettling atmosphere.
In The Pathless, Giant Squid have created a beautiful world worth getting lost in, a cause worth fighting for, and a hero worth following.
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered is pure arcade madness, with a couple of interesting new multiplayer modes, a killer soundtrack and an accessible, instant-action approach to its career and online contingents.
Hyperbrawl Tournament is an enjoyable enough sports game, but in its current state, it's a little bloodless and uninspired.
Despite some worryingly customary bugs, Assassin's Creed Valhalla serves up a treat for both series fans and RPG afficianados. Eivor is a great protagonist, while rural England and the snowy climbs of Norway provide some of the best adventuring in the franchise to date.
Watch Dogs: Legion suffers from a little jank in the tank, but the recruitment system is fantastic and there's just so much to see and do. The open world is full of detail, and the whole experience is full of heart.
Ghostrunner is built for that subset of gamers who enjoy the steepest challenge. The story is solid, the world is beautiful, and the precision insane - but this is a hardcore experience from start to finish
For fans of the genre, ScourgeBringer is an absolute must-play though, if only because it offers such a steep challenge to accompany those lovely, lovely visuals. It may not be the most original concept, but what it does it does very well.
Aquanox: Deep Descent is an enjoyable blaster that will keep you engaged for the time it takes to get through the story. The multiplayer modes feel a bit bolted-on, but the deep-sea environments are top-notch, the story is functional if not thrilling, and the shooting feels satisfying throughout.
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is a great remake, packing in loads of new content and addressing some issues that other developers might simply have swept under the rug.
Partisans 1941 is a very good game in its own right, though it comes a little too close to imitating its inspiration. But if you can look past that, tactics fans will have a blast.
Star Wars: Squadrons is an excellent aerial combat game and a pleasing return to the franchise roots. No gimmicks, no cons, no messing around: anyone who ever dreamed of being a fighter pilot in the Star Wars universe needs to check this out, asap.
Full of colour, humour, and challenge, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is a storming return and a great follow up to the original trilogy.