GBAtemp's Reviews
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty expertly crafts a gripping cyberpunk spy thriller experience that showcases the potential of a reinvigorated CD Projekt Red.
Baldur's Gate 3 manages to not only meet expectations set during the early access development cycle, but exceed them entirely. Offering plenty of customization in how you play, a huge world with tons to explore, and a fully complete story and experience from launch day, Larian Studios has set my new gold standard and expectation for RPGs going forward, whether the AAA studios like it or not.
The conversion from tabletop to video game seems somewhat successful, and I can see how the board game has been broken down and reconfigured as a successful interactive gaming package. While it was repetitive in places I could undoubtedly see teams of four cooperating and having a joyfully fun experience throughout the realms of Gloomhaven.
Enchanted Portals should have been so much better, and it really could have! Give us more polished controls, more interesting characters, more engaging cut-scenes and more impetus to play!
If you appreciate lateral thinking and obscurely specific puzzling: Chants of Sennaar is definitely a title to look into, especially for only £15.99 on PSN. Some may find it extremely frustrating in places, but I found the rewarding nature of the game very enjoyable with an unassuming level of challenge throughout.
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk lives up to the promise of being a spiritual successor to Jet Set Radio for modern systems.
I couldn't say Somerville is my favourite game, nor would I say it's particularly action-packed or noteworthy in terms of puzzles, but technically it's a serviceable emotion-stirring two-and-a-half-hour jaunt that some may find value in.
RIDE 5 is as polished as they come with improvements in every way over its previous instalments, and the addition of a split screen mode is a brilliant feature! The learning curve may be steep but the gameplay is rich and rewarding for those with the stamina and patience to master the courses and each bike's respective handling.
A decade after the debut of its first act, Kentucky Route Zero TV Edition still offers a compelling, verbose experience in its original magical realist universe.
If you like simple shooters and want to mix it up with spellcasting magic, a bit of platforming, and minimal RPG elements; IoA is definitely a game you should pick up. I had a blast going through its various crusades and regardless of needing to know exactly what was going on half the time I managed to call several of the plot twists long before they happened.
Viewfinder is a rare type of game that pops up with a concept and executes it magnificently from start to end. Though some will be disappointed by its length, it's undoubtedly a memorable experience and one I can wholeheartedly recommend.
With its stellar presentation and immersive aspect, Fort Solis is a promising debut for developer Fallen Leaf Studios that is held back by an unchallenging gameplay.
This game is good, but you have to understand that it's not an action-packed title, it's more finite information gathering, a kind of call centre simulation, with quick time events that determine the fate of the helpless prey.
Standing out with its original universe, likeable cast and satisfying stealth strategy gameplay, Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a well-executed new venture for developer Mimimi Games.
Atlas Fallen has a unique gameplay loop with its Momentum mechanic that can be addicting but it is lacking in every other area. With the inclusion of campaign Co-Op, this is a solid title that people interested in Action RPGs should check out
The latest game in the Nobunaga's Ambition series, Awakening puts a fresh coat of paint onto the Warring States Period of Japanese history and again asks you to quell the chaos and unify the nation. Though some of the changes may be as divisive as Nobunaga's own ideology at the time, this is a game well worth checking out for strategy fans and enjoyers of Japanese history.
As marble games go this has to be the best of the best. With so much variety, intricate level design, online multiplayer and weekly challenges to keep you coming back Marble it up! Ultra is hands down the best of its breed out there right now.
PlatinumGames' influence on Final Fantasy's action combat is a massive step in the right direction. That, combined with a thrilling war epic narrative and interesting characters makes for one fantastic game.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons carves out its own unique character against its predecessors and provides a fantastically edgy game that consistently calls you back for more!
Ghost Trick was one of the classics for me, and one of the games that really took advantage of the hardware it was on way back in the day. With that being said, this is a remaster, which comes with a different set of expectations. While the game plays just as well as it did on original hardware, it only does the bare minimum without extra bells and whistles for returning players, so I have to dock some points for that alone. This was a perfect opportunity to extend the game a little and include some additional content. Thankfully, it does that bare minimum very well and remains an enjoyable game that leaves you wanting more. Hey Capcom - maybe it's time for Ghost Trick 2? If this is an honest attempt at a seance, consider the title to be resurrected successfully.