Nicholas Downie


15 games reviewed
81.2 average score
88 median score
80.0% of games recommended
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Feb 11, 2023

It has been a long time coming, but to finally have Age Of Empires on console is exciting as a long-time fan. The amount of hard work that went into nailing down every detail from the art style to adaption to the controller is exactly what this title deserved. Age Of Empires 2 Definitive Edition is the best RTS game on Xbox consoles currently and whether you are a massive fan, or just getting into the series for the first time it is a great place to start.

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Apr 8, 2023

Is Resident Evil 4 Remake a corny B-movie horror title filled to the brim with monsters and action? Absolutely and that is what makes the game so special in the first place. You will laugh, you will jump, and you will get frustrated with Ashley getting carried off again. But all of this combines to make undeniably one of the best 3rd person action games ever made. Whether you are a fan of the original or have never played a Resident Evil game before, Resident Evil 4 Remake is a wonderful place to be introduced into this terrifying and ridiculous franchise.

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9.3 / 10.0 - Iron Harvest
Aug 31, 2020

Iron Harvest is one of the best RTS games to release in recent memory. Filled with an incredible single-player campaign, as well as intense multiplayer action. The game is an absolute must-play for fans of the genre.

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Jul 3, 2021

While there have already been many incredible games on PlayStation 5 so far, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is the crown jewel of PlayStation’s software offering so far. Insomniac Games delivered a remarkably fun, and beautiful game that is full of heart and nostalgia. Whether you are a long-time fan, or a newcomer to the franchise, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is the first game you should play on PlayStation 5.

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9 / 10.0 - Deathloop
Oct 14, 2021

Deathloop is an incredibly unique FPS, blending together some of the best aspects of Arkane’s previous work. Whether you prefer to sneak and target your prey slowly, or to tackle the challenge head-on with a limitless arsenal of weapons and powers. Deathloop blends an intriguing narrative, with incredibly diverse combat, and truly makes it one of the best games on PlayStation 5 right now. It is without a doubt one of the best games by Arkane to date.

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9 / 10.0 - Quake II
Aug 10, 2023

Quake II brings a classic sci-fi shooter to modern consoles. In a package that was carefully crafted and filled with classic levels, as well as an all-new adventure from Machine Games. It creates a great place for new fans to jump into one of the best shooters of the late 90s. While also being a lethal dose of nostalgia for returning fans.

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8.9 / 10.0 - Age of Empires IV
Nov 12, 2021

Despite a large number of RTS games on the market, Age of Empires has returned as a must-play title with Age of Empires IV. The game blends the classic gameplay that fans love with modern amenities and quality of life improvements. With dozens of hours of history to explore from the Battle of Dover to the Rise Of Moscow, there is no more fun way to experience history than with Age of Empires IV. As a long-time fan of the franchise since its release in 1997, I could not be happier with the passion and hard work that clearly went into making this game one of the best Age Of Empires games to date.

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8.8 / 10.0 - Trek to Yomi
May 5, 2022

If you love the history of the Samurai or enjoy the black and white films of the 1950s. Then Trek To Yomi is an absolute must-play. With the cinematic delivery of its narrative, in a short and concise amount of time. Combined with challenging and rewarding combat, Flying Wild Hog has delivered on potentially one of the best indie titles of 2022.

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8.7 / 10.0 - Demeo
Apr 11, 2022

Whether you are looking to experience Demeo on PC or through the world of Virtual Reality. If you are a fan of D&D then Demeo is a must-play. Challenging encounters paired with straightforward control and gameplay design. Sprinkle in a beautiful art style, with 3 unique campaigns to explore. Demeo is the perfect game to work into your party game rotation with friends. As well as worth exploring on your own time. Despite being an early access title, you will likely get dozens upon dozens of hours of entertainment from the world of Demeo.

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8.4 / 10.0 - Sniper Elite 5
May 25, 2022

If you are new to the Sniper Elite franchise, or a veteran of this long-running series. Then I recommend checking the title out at some point this summer. While the story and overall polish are a little rough around the edges, the gameplay loop is rewarding and has a ton of variety. Bloody x-ray-soaked action combined with a great drop-in drop-out co-op experience, plus a unique twist on the PVP experience. Sniper Elite 5 feels like it has expanded the series in a new and bold direction.

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8.2 / 10.0 - Ravenlok
May 3, 2023

Ravenlok is a breath of fresh air, providing a fun and simple adventure. With its main adventure taking roughly 10 hours to complete. It is a perfect game as a break in between massive games such as Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and the upcoming Legend of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom. If you are looking for a charming and unique adventure, then look no further than Ravenlok.

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8 / 10.0 - Tell Me Why
Aug 27, 2020

Tell Me Why is a massive step forward in diverse and unique storytelling in the mainstream space.

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Feb 23, 2022

As someone who loves first-person perspective games, Dying Light 2 was a blast, despite unimaginative and forgettable side content. The gameplay loop kept me coming back for more. Although the storytelling and world design didn’t live up to expectations, it still was engaging and meaningful in its own way. Unfortunately, many of the bugs, and save file issues I had were incredibly detrimental to the experience. When the game works it is fun. But when it doesn’t, it is absolutely frustrating. Dying Light 2 could have been truly special if it had just had a little bit more time in development.

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5.6 / 10.0 - Song of Iron
Sep 13, 2021

In the end, Song of Iron gives players a beautiful world that is enriched with enchanting music and effects. But ultimately the game falls short. It is hampered by its controls in both combat and platforming which will likely frustrate many players. The story feels like an afterthought, and honestly had so much potential with the setting, but it misses the mark. The game could have benefited from the protagonist having actual lines of dialogue, or even dialogue choices. This would have lifted Song of Iron to another level. With all the criticism I have of this game, admittedly it certainly was a solid effort. I commend the developer for making such an ambitious title. I look forward to seeing what he is able to build on and improve with his next title.

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2 / 10.0 - CrossfireX
Feb 23, 2022

Crossfire X is possibly one of the most soulless multiplayer games I have played in a very long time. The lack of variety in maps and game modes, as well as the sheer lack of balance, will drive most players away within the first few hours. Crossfire X lacks enough meaningful content to keep the few players who might find this game interesting coming back. As the biggest AAA games such as Battlefield 2042 struggle to find the balance in delivering what fans want. Crossfire X almost knowingly commits every sin that many FPS fans have been complaining about in the multiplayer space for the past few years. In a month packed full of incredible games, I would not even recommend wasting time downloading Crossfire X nonetheless playing it.

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