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Undoubtedly the best Gears of War has ever looked, the continuous finessing of the title has only set to highlight some of its eccentricities in an unflattering light. Charming jank of yesteryear is instead jarring to behold by modern standards, even if the gameplay experience still nails the brief in the lofty year of 2025.
While it mostly nails its signature vibes, Killing Floor 3 is mired by a confusing live service experience and crap performance
From start to finish, the resurrection of the Shinobi franchise is one well deserved – with gorgeous visuals and a stellar ninja power fantasy that confidently (and silently) stands on its own two feet.
With Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Konami has crafted a visually arresting re-release so fawning and reverent that it reads entirely incurious. Fans of the source material will no doubt relish the opportunity to play a more modern-feeling take on a generational piece of art, but such a seemingly important work should inspire more.
Herdling's brisk walk through a wild world manages to charm from beginning to end, with just enough drama and beauty to make waving a makeshift cane at a horde of hairy beasts into an unforgettable journey.
Short and sweet, Is This Seat Taken? manages to make a joyful puzzle game out of classically uncomfortable social situations. It could have done with a bit more variety, even in its short runtime, but this is one that will speak to a lot of folks.
A clumsy and mechanically inert effort to capture the majesty and thrills of mob cinema, Mafia: The Old Country finds no promised land in either its routine tale of crime or its linear, hyper-focused gameplay. Impressive facial capture and a unique setting can't sustain this poor, if well-intentioned, emulation of far greater works.
Wheel World is an enjoyable enough game that gets right to the point of riding a bike and saving the world. The cycling challenges and narrative require nothing but a desire to work away at customising your bike to best go up and down hills, slide around corners, and jump ramps. While its creativity and riding mechanics are minimal, its vibe-based world is perfect for a casual player who likes the premise of a bike-based society.
Drag x Drive offers engaging, fast-paced sports action with a reasonable assortment of single-player challenges in addition to online matches. The control scheme, while imperfect, is better than expected, although the ergonomics leave something to be desired. While the game might have benefited from a bit more content, there's plenty of fun to be had.
MakeRoom is a simple interior designer sandbox that allows you to explore three distinct modes. Despite having no story, the endless creative freedom will have you hooked for hours, all while providing a cozy, stress-free experience.
This dark fantasy reimagining of the late Ming Dynasty doesn't succeed at every trick it copies in the crowded hardcore action RPG genre, but it's got enough tricks of its own to set it apart and represents another Chinese studio looking to go large with Western audiences.
Misc. A Tiny Tale is not a game I enjoyed. The narrative tone is awkwardly patronising to play through as an adult, and while the level design has its occasional moments, the relatively bland gameplay does not make up for this. While the game mostly handles sensitive topics around mental health in a way that is appropriate for young children, some of the supplementary material is at odds with this otherwise child-friendly tone, and it's hard to recommend to any age group.
I didn't think it was possible, but Ready or Not's unique thrills and overwhelming controls have adapted well to the PlayStation 5.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is still a Tony Hawk game at heart, and as expected, plays brilliantly. As a package, the plethora of content on offer is easily the best way to revisit the masterful skating experience that was THPS 3, even if it entirely overshadows the meek representation of THPS 4 within the title.
Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is a story-rich, isometric stealth game that features heavily realistic close-up cutscenes, simple controls, layered depth and detail that creates an immersive experience. As you traverse through various locations, plan your strategies, sneak, and knock out many enemies, you'll uncover just how far siblings will go for each other.
Super Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV offers a few new diversions wrapped in a neat presentation that makes it a compelling enough upgrade for existing owners. But for anyone jumping in at full wack, the slight visual edge and mixed bag of camera-based minigames don't necessarily make it an essential purchase over the much cheaper and perfectly playable Switch 1 version.
Until Then is a powerful narrative that explores both bigger- and smaller-picture issues of adolescent life. Despite some very confronting themes, the game handles its heavy tale with sensitivity and care, and the result is an experience that will undoubtedly leave its mark on anyone who plays it.
The Drifter has everything you want from a modern point-and-click adventure – a banging story, excellent characters that are unabashedly Australian, and expertly designed puzzles. It's one of the best adventure games you'll ever play and it feels like an evolution for the genre, and Powerhoof deserves all the acclaim about to come its way.
Donkey Kong Bananza is a game so committed to its premise you can't help but revel in the gorgeous, destructive genius of it all. Constantly building to a spectacular finish and incorporating the most comprehensive post-game experience I have seen in a Nintendo game to date, this is a proper benchmark of brilliance for what a first-party Switch 2 title should be. The world is your oyster – so why not punch it into pieces.
An unassuming but essential bit of art preservation, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster is an excellent way to experience one of the best RPGs of the 21st century. Team Asano's love letter to the genre remains a fresh and engaging medley of systems and theme, even if the new Switch 2 minigames add little to the already wonderful experience.