Chris Penwell


Favorite Games:
  • Kingdom Hearts
  • Beyond Good & Evil
  • Celeste

44 games reviewed
76.4 average score
80 median score
65.9% of games recommended

Chris Penwell's Reviews

A freelance journalist of over 10 years, Chris continues to share his passion for the gaming industry.
- Kiln
Apr 29, 2026

Kiln is a fantastic concept by Double Fine that feels limited in scope. There is only one mode and a limited number of maps, while the progression also doesn’t have rewards worth slaving hours for. I hope it has a future, but in today’s competitive environment, it could struggle. Fingers crossed the team continues to build on this game because the foundation is extremely fun, and forming your own pots for battle is an engaging experience

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I would definitely recommend The Day I Became a Bird to families. It’s a simple, sweet, and pretty experience that I’m glad I played. It’s not the most deep or interesting game in the world, but it’s a great breather between some of the heavy gameplay and storytelling we see on consoles and PC nowadays.

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Mar 27, 2026

Homura Hime isn’t perfect, as it can be repetitive at points, but it is certainly a lot of fun to play despite the indie budget you can detect.

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Feb 24, 2026

I’m glad Xbox decided to port Avowed to the PS5. While the combat can be repetitive in parts, and there are some bugs here and there, the overall experience is stellar. Sidequests matter in a way I haven’t seen before, and the world is fascinating to explore with loot to find all over. The game rewards you to go above and beyond, and I recommend going at a slower pace, immersing yourself in the world of Eora.

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This latest Atelier game is a delightful RPG that will let you escape to another world.

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Sep 11, 2025

With easy-to-understand gameplay, exciting animations, and strategic team-based action, it's a must-try for Dragon Ball fans.

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An unexpected journey into Bywater provides a calming village experience with your fellow Hobbits.

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Dive into the whimsical world of Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy. Despite shallow characters and repetitive combat, it's charming.

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Jun 12, 2025

Date Everything feels like too much of a good thing, as the game prioritises quantity over quality.

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Croc Legend of the Gobbos is an adorable yet sometimes frustrating retro adventure.

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3.5 / 5.0 - Koira
Apr 1, 2025

Koira holds a magical adventure but it's slightly let down by its repetitive gameplay.

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Feb 25, 2025

Two Point Museum brings British humor in spades but hits a few stumbling blocks along the way.

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Feb 25, 2025

There isn't a lot of heart in the cards with the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection.

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Feb 18, 2025

Technical issues aside, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage succeeds in telling a meaningful story.

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4.5 / 5.0 - Marvel Rivals
Jan 15, 2025

Marvel Rivals is one of the most exciting multiplayer games in years.

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Nov 6, 2024

Despite a disappointing setlist, Just Dance 2025 Edition still delivers on the fun of the pastime. Some of the choreography can be too complicated for its own good, but there are some tracks that stand out with easier to follow moves like "Paint the Town Red" and "Vogue" by Madonna. The visuals are also striking, while the inclusion of multiple difficulties within some songs is a step in the right direction.

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8 / 10.0 - Europa
Oct 12, 2024

Impressive efforts with a few noticeable problems holding them back. Won't astound everyone, but is worth your time and cash. A gorgeous breath of fresh air that you can complete in one sitting. However, the enemies and the gameplay can get repetitive from time to time.

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Sep 23, 2024

The magic of Epic Mickey has been remastered to an illustrious degree in its Rebrushed version.

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3.5 / 5.0 - Akimbot
Sep 4, 2024

Akimbot is a fun platformer that can be expanded upon with a sequel. The weapons are too simple for a sci-fi game like this, but they all feel fantastic to control nonetheless.

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2.5 / 5.0 - Flock
Jul 15, 2024

Unfortunately, Flock is hard to recommend. The game design is repetitive and confusing, not leading players enough to where they're supposed to go or what they should be doing. There's a lot of beauty to be had with Flock, which will attract many, but don't expect a fun game behind its beautiful exterior. This is a game I wish I could have liked more but found myself scratching my head, even raising my voice for a few moments.

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