Alexander Chatziioannou
- Dark Souls
- Wizball
- Deus Ex
Sorcery! Part 3: The Seven Serpents is a leap forward in sophistication that, almost miraculously, transcends the static linearity of the gamebook formula and manages to produce a fantasy world as dynamic and exciting as any traditional adventure in recent memory.
The majesty of Hyper Light Drifter's lonely pilgrimage is worth fighting for
Suggesting that a game developer should consider transitioning to film is usually regarded as a derogatory remark, but in the case of The Game Kitchen it should be taken as high praise.
The Banner Saga 2 picks up the pace and loses focus in the process
Stellaris is not a perfect game and there are aspects that Paradox could (and, judging by their track record, probably will) improve, including an unexciting range of technologies, a potentially plodding mid-game and timid enemy AI.
The Shadow Of The Beast remake is too attached to an overrated original
Blood And Wine delivers a poignant swan song for The Witcher 3
Furi’s merciless boss-fight gauntlet is as brilliant as it is infuriating
Necropolis combines two great tastes that taste awful together
Quadrilateral Cowboy’s celebration of youthful revolt hides in plain sight
The violence of Mother Russia Bleeds provides neither joy nor insight
Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 doesn’t understand the series’ timeless appeal
Forza Horizon 3 trades the rush of competition for the thrill of discovery
There is little doubt that Civilization VI comes closer than any of its predecessors to that famous Sid Meier quote, one intended as a definition of games in general but is arguably better understood as a rumination on their ideal form: It is a series of truly interesting decisions.
By sticking on a rigidly deterministic (and, thus, politically questionable, however well-intentioned) reading of two centuries of European history, Urban Empire fails to tap either of those joys, revealing its incessant march towards the present is not an ongoing process actively shaped by individual players, but a foregone conclusion simply waiting to be ushered in.
Rogue Trooper Redux is crude, repetitive, and still looks rather dour, yet it manages to retain a certain lo-fi charm and never overstays its welcome.
An enticing premise held back by uneven pacing and glaring technical issues.
A triumph of sinister mood let down by archaic puzzle design.
A solid 4X that fails to capture the spirit of its colourful setting.
A satisfying, if conservative, return to the seminal roguelike's 2D roots.