Lee Manuel
Overall then, this really is one of the best games I've played this year. It's twitchy but easy to pick up, with depth that you wouldn't necessarily expect from a shooter, and it's an easy recommend from me. Happily, if you're of the PC persuasion, it's also playable on Steam Deck for those who prefer hand-held extermination. Who would think that spreading democracy would be such fun?
With a completion time of about 5 hours (8 hours to 100%), CyberCorp doesn't outstay its welcome. It's the definition of a quick-couple-of-goes blast, and honing your loadout between missions, while complex-seeming at first, is good fun, particularly when you can drop back in and make mincemeat out of a boss that's caused you some pain on previous attempts. At a reasonable price point of around £16, it's a definite one for twin-stick fans, while looter shooter aficionados will get their fix too.
Overall then, Beyond the Ice Palace 2 is a competent entry in the modern ranks of Metroidvania-style games. The graphics and sound are a good selling point and provide atmosphere, and the boss battles are fun and generally challenging without being unfair. However, the general gameplay is all a bit slow and the traversal awkward, which prevents it from being a classic of the genre. Worth a go if you go mental for this stuff or you find it on sale, otherwise try the demo and see how you get on.
Overall, while Europa isn't troubling my 2024 best-of list, its visuals, charm and story do enough to lift it above average and make it worth a look.
Is that a horrible tentacled thing ahead?
Blasphemous 2, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways
...this is a big winner for me and almost surpasses the first game
"I Was Well On Board Even Before Picking Up The Controller"
If you’re a Catan or board game fan, or just enjoy a relaxing, easy-to-pick-up experience then this is worth your consideration.
This game is a mess, but that's part of its charm
A must-buy for fans of the genre, and definitely worth a glance for others
On the surface, Bravery and Greed looks like a souped-up Wonderboy clone
Sometimes You Want to Just Smash Some Heads
You are scratching a living as the last surviving human...
A definite for wrestling fans
Imagine a 2D Lara Croft, with Prince of Persia Moves...
With Pixel-Art Graphics and a Dash of Humour