Robert Hughes
Diablo IV is arguably one of the most anticipated games to be released in 2023. Arriving 11 long years after the amazing Diablo 3 (and one mildly disappointing mobile game), it certainly has some big boots to fill with high expectations to fulfil. Thankfully, Diablo IV comes out swinging its comically oversized axe and hits a near-perfect critical hit. Although there are a couple of minor issues, it certainly doesn’t stray too far from the already established path. Diablo IV is, undoubtedly, the greatest Diablo has ever been.
Metroid Fusion is engaging, it's tense, and it's polished. It isn't as good as the outstanding Super Metroid, but judged on its own merits it's a very easy recommendation. Its relative linearity makes it a great jumping-in point for those new to the series, whilst longtime fans will enjoy the narrative focus and the references and subtle winks thrown at them. It's 'Metroid 4' - essential for fans, but also an exhilarating, compact delight for newcomers.
For this review, we are looking at the added features for the Game of the Year version of Hot Wheels Unleashed. You can read our review of the base game here: https://www.rapidreviewsuk.com/hot-wheels-unleashed-review/
Back in 2021, Outriders launched and I excitedly jumped on as soon as I was able to get it downloaded. I spent the good part of a week levelling up my Trickster build before fatigue took over. I didn’t finish the main story and occasionally I would jump back in for a day or two but there was never enough to keep me engaged. With the release of the Worldslayer DLC, I returned to explore all the new changes, but can it hold my interest longer this time?
For fans of the series though, it's not a difficult recommendation — the game is passable on it's own merit, but filled with many nods to established characters and events that One Piece enthusiasts will love. Overall, this title goes some way to take the series away from some of the mis-steps in its past.
Frankly, it’s difficult to ascertain who would glean any semblance of enjoyment from One Piece Romance Dawn. Any ardent fan of the Straw Hat Pirates’ escapades will only find themselves angered by how little effort has gone into this tawdry misadventure, whereas this paragon of poor design will do nothing to bring new fans into the flock. Namco Bandai has published a number of surprisingly solid titles tied to their Shōnen Jump properties in recent years, but they've indisputably missed the boat on making One Piece Romance Dawn anywhere close to worth playing.
There’s much to be said in praise of Bravely Default, perhaps too much to fit into a single review. What must be relayed, however, is that Bravely Default stands as an absolute triumph of both game design and the reinvigoration of old concepts, claiming its rightful place as a giant in the JRPG genre that will surely be remembered as a classic in years to come. Any 3DS owner with even a fleeting interest in role-playing games and a desire to get lost in an incredible, engaging adventure would be doing themselves a huge favour by picking up Bravely Default without delay.