Adrian Gunning
Jusant is a mesmerizing and almost melodic experience on the Xbox Series X and is probably the must play game of the year.
In conclusion, Fate/Samurai Remnant adds another engaging title to this vibrant universe that is a very well crafted game from start to finish with strong gaming mechanics and a very engaging combat system. Further it is a living breathing world with quite a bit of attention to detail that makes exploration a treat. The game is also brought together by a very well written story with interesting characters, including real-world twists. The only downside is that it can be a little wordy at times with its visual novel implementation and at times, combat can be become a grind but fortunately the gameplay and universe more than makes up for this.
I enjoyed my time with Atlas Fallen and developers Deck13 Interactive positively created their own interpretation of a unique RPG. Sure it has parallels to what makes an RPG an RPG but its overall gameplay and combat is like an alternate Marvel Universe timeline that feels familiar yet different as well.
In the end, Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm channels its inner Legend of Zelda (quite well) and if you don't own a Nintendo Switch, this game is a satisfying clone on the Xbox Series X for next-gen gamers looking for a similar experience. All in all, a decent game from start to finish with a running time of 20 hours, unless you become more engaged in side quests and of course Arcadian Tarock.
I really enjoyed Scars Above on the XSX and it was an enjoyable experience from start to finish, without the grind that are sometimes associated with third person games. Overall Scars Above delivers a strong narrative with playable gaming mechanics that is visually presented well, particularly with its alien world and its diverse denizens. So if you're looking for a healthy distraction that provides the right amount of challenges, then look to the skies with Scars Above.
All in all, this game is off to a great start and hopefully Gameloft add voices to the dialogue as the game is quite text heavy and it would be great to hear Mickey, Buzz or Moana talk and sound like their related filmcounterparts. Even so, the text is clever and quite witty at times with a healthy dose of humour thrown into the mix.
It's singing and if you love interactive karaoke, check it out!
Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 is a fun next-gen experience on the PlayStation 5 and the devs should be commended on implementing some new gaming tech with the franchise from 4K graphics to fast load times and my personal favourite, immersive haptics when you pull the trigger. Additionally the gameplay works well and all in, Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 is a positive and engaging experience on the PlayStation 5.
Samurai Shodown on Xbox Series X is one for the fans or for those who enjoy games such as The King of Fighters or Metal Slug. While it doesn't offer next-gen glory on the XSX (e.g. all those bells and whistles of next-gen gaming), it does offer speed and gameplay that runs as 120 FPS that enhances the gameplay of this classic. For newcomers, controls are easy, however the gameplay might be a little tougher to master but nonetheless, it's a fun game and one that I'm sure fans will revisit many times.
MXGP 2020 The Official Motocross Videogame is not a next-gen experience on the PlayStation 5 but more a port but if you're a fan of motocross, then you've come to the right place. Sure, it does need a bit more of a shine here and there but it does create the illusion of riding an off road motorbike, particularly with its streamlined controls and clever use of hapctics.
If you need some escapism from COVID-19 Earth, then Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series is your elixir to freedom and is truly a fun and immersive experience on the PSVR, albeit a little repetitive at times but it's the only place to feel like a Jedi Boss!
Animal Crossing New Horizons is the must have game of the year for the Nintendo Switch!
We really enjoyed Bubble Bobble 4 Friends on the Nintendo Switch and like the 1986 original, it is definitely a far superior game if played with others. As a result, it ramps up the fun factor as gamers with their friends and family are once again returned to the loveable characters of Bub and Bob with its tweaked gameplay and equally cute graphics. It's the perfect 2019 reimagining of an arcade classic and is also fun to play solo as well!