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I'm always keen to dive into an RPG and open RPG's provide a satisfying level of freedom but if the story telling isn't there then interest can fade quickly. Tainted Grail: The Fall Of Avalon doesn't just hold that interest… it keeps piquing it. When you build your world upon an established legend it can be tempting to let the existing elements do all the heavy lifting… here that legend is simply the starting point and helps colour the world, but the new Lore is what really brings it to life! If you are a fan of the Arthurian legend you might well enjoy this furthering of the stories. If you enjoy open world RPG games… then definitely grab a copy!
A beautifully crafted stealth Metroidvania offering rewarding exploration and engaging mechanics, though some players may find the stealth elements require patience.
Some people enjoy the hard slog of grinding away at combat to progress others like to have a bit of challenge but ultimately be able to progress without feeling like they are just locked in a combat Groundhog day. If you enjoy the tough grind then Empyreal may well be right up your alley. If you believe that the easy setting on a game should mean just that and not seemingly be completely ignored when the game starts perhaps give it a miss.
A pointed satire of the human cost of corporate shenanigans, Revenge is a solid sequel that almost didn't exist but I'm sure glad it does.
Overall my impression is that Creature Keeper has a lot of potential, and is an impressive accomplishment for a sole developer – and needs more time. However I was left disappointed by how significantly the bugs I experienced impacted on my gameplay, which is such a pity given how much Fervir has managed to achieve already. I would not recommend this in its current state and instead suggest we all wait and see. In recognition for what it gets right despite the bugs, 2/5 stars.
All in all, unlike some of the other arcade collections Capcom's released, I like every game in this collection. To the general audience it's already worth a lot of money for the Capcom vs SNK or Power Stone games alone, but you get 8 excellent titles (7 depending on who you ask) for 10 bucks less than the Marvel vs Capcom collection, but boasting the same features and with an equal quality in games. I'd say that's a good deal. Capcom seems to have figured out a gold standard for their arcade collections when it comes to creating good and expansive ports, and I can only hope that future collections continue to receive the same love & care. There are still many classic arcade era titles that could use a proper home on modern systems, and there are some older collections that could use a revisit, but Capcom has delivered once again.
A safe, yet solid sequel to one of the silliest VR slap fests around.
Simply put, this is another one of those “release to every platform” dump and burns that gave no consideration to the limits and designs of the title vs the platform.
Carmen Sandiego, is a good educational adventure game that targets a younger audience (especially those that have watched the animated tv series on Netflix) but still pays homage to the original version. Especially in regard to the cold case files that have a retro feel in terms of the graphics. The mini puzzles are not hard, but they are repetitive, so it would be nice to see more layers of difficulty and variety. The same goes with the options of cities to travel to. I found myself revisiting the same ones over and over and would have liked more options available to provide more exploration. Having to replay capers or solving the cold cases (just to gain more XP) took some fun out of the game because it felt limiting (and more like a chore), but I liked how it was easy to just pick up and play, then put down when I wanted a break.
Ultimately, Please, Touch The Artwork 2 is more than just a look-and-find game. It's an interactive celebration of art history, a heartfelt homage to James Ensor, and a clever reimagining of how we engage with artwork. Even with its brevity, it's rich with intention, charm, and creativity. I walked away not just entertained, but genuinely more curious about Ensor and the world he captured. I really enjoyed my time with this game. It's a wonderful example of how video games can serve as both art and education, gently guiding players to learn about important artists and their work in an engaging, hands-on way. I'd love to see more developers explore this path of teaching through interactivity, one masterpiece at a time.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a masterclass of FPS gameplay and design. It would have been very easy for id to just make 'Eternal but more' for any sequel, instead choosing to completely mix up the formula and create a totally new experience that still manages to feel like DOOM. Its combat is incredibly rewarding to master and has a layer of depth not often seen in first-person shooters, and quite possibly may have become my favourite of the three games.
After ten years of development hell, Captain Blood was supposed to be a swashbuckling redemption story. Instead, it's a relic of a bygone era, slapped with an HD coat of paint and sent out to sea half-finished. Beneath the nostalgic visuals and momentary combat thrills lies a shallow, repetitive, bug-ridden experience with audio issues that border on parody. For players seeking an unapologetically old-school action game with pirate flair and no modern sensibilities, Captain Blood might scratch a very specific itch. For most, this is one voyage better left scuttled.
In the end, Spirit of the North 2 successfully builds upon its predecessor, offering a more expansive world, deeper mechanics plus a richer narrative. With its visual beauty, atmospheric storytelling and engaging puzzles, this is a must play for fans of the original or for those looking for similar games such as Journey and Abzû, this mystical fox's journey is one worth embarking on.
A devilishly silly shooter that is the very definition of easy to pick up difficult to master.
SteamWorld Heist 2 doesn't reinvent itself, but it doesn't need to as it takes what worked in the original, refines it and adds just enough new elements to make it feel fresh. Combat is smart and rewarding, the world is full of surprises and there's plenty to dig into whether you're here for strategy or just want to experience a unique take on tactical gameplay. Bottom line? If you liked the first game, this one is a no-brainer.
Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly on an RTX 3060 TI. While I did encounter frame drops at the start of the game, a subsequent update reduced these significantly. I also didn't encounter any glitches or crashes throughout the experience. Overall, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a phenomenal game in almost every aspect. It is engaging, exciting, dramatic, emotional, thought-provoking, and incredibly memorable. The gameplay provides hours of fun and challenge, and the world, and overall experience is something players will surely not soon forget.
Unravel the mystery and solve the puzzles left by Da Vinci to discover what is behind your master's disappearance.
A unique Metroidvania with a charming hand drawn art style and a fun body snatching mechanic.
Ultimately, I didn't enjoy my time with Monster Energy Supercross 25, which is a shame because I've had a lot of fun with past games in the series and Supercross games in general over the years. There's a lot here in terms of content, with a robust career mode and track editor, and plenty of things to unlock along the way. However, I just didn't get on with the actual riding experience.
Many Nights a Whisper is a unique and emotionally resonant game that explores themes of pressure, expectation and destiny. With its meditative gameplay, philosophical storytelling, and stunning atmosphere, it promises to be a memorable experience for players who appreciate thoughtful, narrative-driven games. If you're looking for something different, reflective and beautifully crafted, this is one to keep an eye on but just be warned, it does become intense, particularly with that final shot.