Ben Johnson


14 games reviewed
72.9 average score
76 median score
50.0% of games recommended
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Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is the perfect way to play one of the best RPGs. Even though it came out in 2011 for the Nintendo Wii, its age doesn’t really show. Now, with enhanced visuals and a new story chapter, this definitive edition is an attempt at perfectness on the lovely Nintendo Switch, and it mostly succeeds.

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9 / 10.0 - Manifold Garden
Aug 21, 2020

Manifold Garden is a wonderful, mind-bending puzzle experience. After 7 years of development, the five or so hours of the game are unique yet familiar. There is nothing else quite like it, and is one of the best puzzle games ever created.

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5.5 / 10.0 - Orangeblood
Oct 20, 2020

Come on into New Koza, a man-made island off the coast of Okinawa, in Orangeblood. A stylish hip-hop-inspired JRPG marred by clunky battles and dreadful dialogue. Gorgeous to look at and overall has a good vibe, but it's just not enough to save it.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Röki
Oct 26, 2020

Röki is a heartfelt and heartwarming tale of siblings lost somewhere in the mystical cold of Scandanavia. It is an adventure game that both breaks down barriers and pushes to new heights. It is gorgeous to look at and listen to, and charming all the way through.

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5 / 10.0 - Tropico 6
Nov 20, 2020

Tropico 6 for Nintendo Switch pairs grand city-building with a massive visual downgrade. While the gameplay is the same as it ever was, how can you enjoy building-up a grand archipelago when it's so hard to actually see it? Find out in our review.

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Dec 10, 2020

The ubiquitous game of 2019 is back with a co-op mode and is still as much of a joy as it was before. Why bother with 2020 when we can just be a silly goose terrorising timid British prudes? Whether it's cricketers or old people, no one is safe when the untitled goose is loose.

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Dec 14, 2020

The legendary tactics game Commandos 2 is back with an HD remaster, but does it live up to the hefty reputation of the original? With sharper visuals but finicky controls, it is hard to fall back in love. Find out where we land in our review.

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8.8 / 10.0 - Olija
Jan 28, 2021

Olija is a new action-adventure game made by Skeleton Crew Studio, published by Devolver Digital, and showcasing all the hallmarks of an indie darling. With fast-paced combat and an addictive gameplay loop, it has the makings of another decent slasher. However, with the help of extraordinary animation, excellent pacing, and a heartfelt narrative, it is lifted to wonderful heights.

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Feb 18, 2021

The grand historical strategy of Romance of the Three Kingdoms has had a rocky history. At its best, it is a dramatic, frantic, and tense strategy game that can compete with the best. At its worst, it focuses on dull mechanics and banal world conquering. So, where does the fourteenth instalment sit? Grand strategy or dull micro-managing?

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Mar 20, 2021

WRC 9 brings simulation rally racing to the Nintendo Switch, preserving the core gameplay of the original. With over one hundred rallies and a generous career mode, there's lots to keep you busy. But, with the many visual concessions, does it still hold up?

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8.1 / 10.0 - The Longing
Apr 26, 2021

The Longing is a game about waiting for time to pass. It may not sound appealing, but the game comes with lots of tricks up its sleeve, resulting in a melancholy meditation on silence and loneliness. Find out whether it's worth the wait.

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The Atelier Mysterious Trilogy Deluxe Pack, featuring Atelier Sophie, Firis, and Lydie & Suelle is a generous package full of wholesome, homely storytelling and simplistic wonder. These are worth a look for any fan of the series, but do they manage to do anything more with their recent re-release?

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7 / 10.0 - Maneater
May 25, 2021

Maneater comes to the Nintendo Switch in a surprisingly good package. With all the collectathon fun of the original now in portable form, is it worth the visual downgrade? One thing is for certain, though: swimming around as a shark is great fun on the bus.

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8.6 / 10.0 - art of rally
Dec 6, 2021

art of rally is an excellent homage to the golden era of rallying. With a huge number of cutely recreated cars and expansive stages to use them in, the main career mode is an absolute treat. The driving itself is very well-tuned, helping the player get this feeling of flow when everything's going right. There may be slender options outside of the main career and a few issues with pop-in, but they barely affect this magical driving experience.

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