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Episode 1 can be guardedly recommended, then. It stumbles in parts, sure, but it also proves that DontNod has some ambitious ideas for this instalment of its teen adventure series. On top of that, it ends intriguingly enough to ensure that many who play through it will want to see what the next episode holds.
Cracking the formula it set out with 12 years ago, Crackdown 3 delivers the solid and structured, though limited, gameplay of gunning down your enemies while leaping across vast distance and heights. Even if nothing especially new has been added to that formula.
It may not really do anything especially new, but Far Cry: New Dawn is an experience that encapsulates everything great about the franchise. It's instantly familiar to anyone who has played any of Ubisoft's shooters over the last couple of years, but it's a confident approach that works well as a colourful diversion at the end of the world.
The Textorcist is a punishing, brutally difficult game that feels so good to finally conquer. A truly unique and engaging combat system accompanied by great music make this a memorable experience
Apex Legends is a surprisingly different interpretation of the Battle Royale formula that introduces new rules for engagement while also refining many of the issues the genre has grappled with for months. It's ingenious tagging system and clever character abilities make it a multiplayer shooter that's easy to pick up and play, but also deep enough to sink hundreds of hours into for months to come.
Visually and audibly gorgeous, Inked battles to maintain its level of quality through an awkward camera, occasional obtuse puzzles and fumbled story
Kingdom Hearts 3 was an unforgettable experience and as a long-time fan, it was everything I could've hoped for. Terrible story pacing aside, this is a special game and a fitting end to an over decade-old saga.
Tales of Vesperia stands as one of the best entries in the long-running franchise. Any issues I may have are minor compared to everything this game gets right. The Definitive Edition will be a treat for both returning players and newcomers alike.
In the end, The Mage's Tale is a decent, fun but flawed dungeon crawler that got a little more narrative meat than most games of its ilk. It's not quite a full-blown RPG experience, but it's enjoyable anyway.
Who knows, maybe Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy would have been more attractive in this day and age if it exuded more…Pharoahmones.
Chirpy and charming, Astroneer is a lovely survival game for players who want a chill experience. Just don't expect much in terms of varied gameplay (for now).
Visually charming, deliciously deep and packed with extra content, Wargroove is a strategy experience that works comfortably at home or on the move.
Resident Evil 2's remake highlights just how great Capcom's first sequel in the Resident Evil series ways, but does it in a way that makes it the most compelling entry in the series thus far. It's smart changes merge with the classic design expertly, while its atmosphere is rich thanks to gorgeous lighting and incredible sound design. It's a reminder of the past, but this remake would be a fine direction for the future of Resident Evil
FutureGrind may only be made up of some bright colours, but it delivers a solid and challenging experience in the platforming genre. Simple mechanics and a selection of dynamic gameplay styles result in a satisfying playthrough.
Beyond the cheap titillation, Senran Kagura Burst Re:Newal offers plenty of solid action and drama, all wrapped up in a gorgeous visual package that makes a tempting jumping on point for anyone who has ever wanted to hop into the long-running franchise.
The story's nonsense, but the actual minute-to-minute air combat makes up for that. It's almost always a joy to play, with combat that's empowering, satisfying and spectacular.
The emulation is perfect, the extra features are great and the Switch is the perfect system for this bit of nostalgia. Unfortunately, the collection of games is a little lacklustre, with the real standouts games that we've seen bundled together many times before.
If you were expecting Ride 3 to be the perfect fusion of quality and quantity of content, then I'm afraid I've got some bad news for you: An adequate sequel that has more bugs in it than your helmet visor after a breakfast run, almost no soul to its racing spirit and the bare minimum of fun spread throughout its sporadic modes. The third time definitely isn't the charm for Ride 3.
Fans might get a kick out of this self-aware spinoff, but its referential meta-jokes ultimately fall flat. Worse though is that it's just not very much fun to play. It's repetitive to the point of being tiresome, and not even its occasionally enjoyable boss battles save Travis Strikes Again from being dull and dreary.
My Time at Portia wears its influences on its sleeve but fails to build both a compelling world and charming inhabitants to engage with when reaching for the same lofty heights. Its loop of resource gathering and intricate building is implemented well, but it lacks the charm to make it all cohesive enough to be alluring.