John-Paul Jones's Reviews
Attractive visuals and decent handling isn't enough to pull Red Wings: Aces of the Sky out of the doldrums of mediocrity, thanks in no small part to a distinct lack of variety in the mission objectives and uninspiring game design.
Twenty seven months worth of patches, content updates and a next-generation coat of visual sheen is enough to allow Dead by Daylight to realize its ambition as one of the most enjoyably terrifying online multiplayer experiences out there. If you've been holding off and waiting for Dead by Daylight to 'get good' or 'get fixed', now is the time for you to finally jump in. You won't regret it.
An absolute blueprint on how to remake a beloved title and meaningfully improve upon on it in ways that new cutting edge technologies make possible, Demon's Souls on PlayStation 5 is more than just the best launch game for any system in recent memory. Its re-emergence and digestible approach to its seemingly daunting challenge now opens the door once more to an all-new generation of PlayStation gamers to a kickstart a second coming for Souls subgenre. Demon's Souls is nothing less than a breathless triumph in every way.
Though the various visual modes require some work, Dirt 5 is nonetheless a breath of fresh air for the long-running rally racing franchise that widens the audience duly and marks a commendable debut for the franchise on PlayStation 5.
An astounding triumph of imagination, Sackboy: A Big Adventure isn't just one of the best platformers ever made, it's also a proper highlight of the PlayStation 5 launch line-up that is steeped in such fun and free wheeling creativity, that it deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as other PlayStation platforming heroes such as Jak & Daxter and Ratchet & Clank.
Marvel's Spider-Man: Remastered swings onto PlayStation 5 and brings with it a sterling remastering of one of 2018's best games. Though perhaps not quite essential for rabid players who have explored every nook and cranny of Insomniac's impeccably realised Marvel New York, Marvel's Spider-Man: Remastered is must-have gaming for everyone who has yet to sample the heroic adventures of the original friendly, neighbourhood Spider-Man.
An all-encompassing edition of Warhammer's latest foray into Diablo style dungeon crawling, Warhammer: Chaosbane Slayer Edition struggles to stand out with its grindy gameplay and poor use of the DualSense controller. That said, there is sufficient depth in its character build creation and near endless quest lines that those who can withstand its less agreeable aspects will find much to tide them over.
A definitive take on some of the best co-operative games to ever grace PlayStation, whatever Overcooked! All You Can Eat might lack in terms of bespoke content and PlayStation 5 focused features, it more than makes up with a delectable banquet of face-stuffing goodness. Need a good party game for your PlayStation 5 to get you through the holidays? Look no further.
A fantastic way for newcomers and lapsed series fans to get back into the Devil May Cry franchise alike, Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition is a value stuffed offering that lays a coat thick, next generation paint across the surface of one of the best hack and slash yarns of recent years. If you've not played Devil May Cry 5 before and you're looking for something new to show off your shiny new PlayStation 5 console, you really, *really* cannot go wrong with Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition.
A stunning and must have PlayStation 5 launch title, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a beautifully digestible superhero yarn that not only maintains the formula of its 2018 predecessor, but which also lays down an enticing blueprint for a full blown sequel to follow. This is essential stuff.
With its much hyped status as a showcase of the DualSesne controller's fancy new haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, it's equally important to recognise that like Astro Bot before it, Astro's Playroom is a fundamentally excellent platformer that commendably stands on its own merits. Equal parts a stirring demonstration of the capabilities of the DualSense and PS5 console as it is an excellent traditional platformer, Astro's Playroom might just be the best pack-in title of all-time.
An eye-opening restoration of arguably the purest title in the series, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered brings distilled white-knuckle thrills and furious racing back in fashion once more. It's time to party like it's 2010.
Armed with its easily accessible two-button setup, One Finger Death Punch 2 stands as a sterling example of how to make the most out of an extraordinarily streamlined concept. More than that though, it's simply a hugely enjoyable and stylish rhythm fighter that does a grand job of keeping players coming back for more.
A delectable morsel of saccharine sweetness that everybody can enjoy, Cake Bash is that rare kind of party game that is instantly accessible and can fit into just about any gap in your schedule. An easy recommendation for players of all ages who just want to feel their faces crease again.
A proper iterative effort that builds upon Coteries of New York in unexpectedly compelling ways, Vampire: The Masquerade - Shadows of New York is an often opulent and brilliantly written visual novel that both veterans and newcomers alike can sink their fangs into.
Far less stuffy than the mainline WWE 2K series and designed for quick bursts of entertaining casual play with friends, WWE 2K Battlegrounds lack of depth and technical issues sadly undercut its energetic audiovisual presentation. Hardly the sequel to WWE All-Stars that so many wanted, WWE 2K Battlegrounds could simply be so much more - but it just... isn't.
An accomplished mixture of sophisticated story sci-fi story beats, off the wall absurdity and satisfying tactical battles, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a rare sort of genre crossover that ends up being far more than the sum of its parts. Vanillaware's latest is simply unmissable.
A thunderous sequel that surpasses its already incredible predecessor in every way that counts, Spelunky 2 is the ultimate roguelike and ruthlessly inventive platformer that never stops surprising and delighting those who pick up the controller. There are perhaps far fewer better ways to close out a console generation than this.
An intriguing take on the battle royale formula which swaps out soldiers and guns for wizards and spells, Spellbreak is a touch limited in its current form certainly. However, resoundingly solid fundamentals, a gorgeous art style and a promising content roadmap all come together to create a commendable and entertainingly sophisticated battle royale effort that everyone can enjoy.
Though ironically beaten to the punch by the likes of H1Z1 and Call of Duty, and tarnished by a handful of shortcomings, PUBG nonetheless remains a commendably inventive and expansive shooter that deftly embodies the Battle Royale genre.