GameSpew's Reviews
Plants vs Zombies Replanted is the same game you know and love, albeit with a shiny new veneer. Some games don't get old, and providing you're in the mood for something laid-back and casual, protecting your garden from zeds is as much fun as it's ever been.
A new Ninja Gaiden for a new generation, Ninja Gaiden 4 features combat that's faster-paced and more intense than ever before. It's the most accessible, too, thanks to a range of difficulty levels and assists. It's just a shame that its new protagonist isn't a little more likeable.
Halls of Torment combines the character-building, loot and atmosphere of Diablo with the conciseness and pick-up-and-play nature of the Survivors-like genre to create an experience like no other. You might encounter the odd minor frustration while playing, but this is very easy to recommend.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 has a wealth of issues, from an open world that feels wasted to combat that feels scrappy throughout. Thanks to a gripping narrative that you can shape with your actions, however, you'll likely still enjoy your time spent sucking blood across Seattle.
A gorgeous adventure that is as surprising as it is beautiful, Keeper is far more than the game about a sentient lighthouse that it presents itself as. Filled with engaging puzzles, mesmerising scenery and a visual story to make you think, Keeper is well worth taking the time to complete.
Feeling like a combination of Vampire Survivors and Peggle, BALL x PIT is a unique roguelike that we simply can't get enough of. It's tough, and death can come quite easily, but that just makes us want to jump in again and again.
Battlefield is back. While the single-player campaign of Battlefield 6 has its moments, it's pretty mediocre on the whole. Thankfully the game's extensive multiplayer offerings make up for it. The action here is fast-paced and wonderfully intense, making each match rewarding whether you win or lose. Some maps could do with some tweaks, but other than that there's not much to complain about.
A trashy, retro-styled survival horror, The Lacerator stands out due to the fact that it forces you to play on even if you lose a limb. It's quite simple and rather short, but numerous routes and endings will entice you to play through it multiple times.
With its stunning visuals, beautiful soundtrack and gratifying gameplay, Absolum will draw you in from the outset. And thanks to its roguelike elements it has plenty of longevity and depth. One of the best games of 2025, this is a must-play whether you're a fan of beat 'em ups or roguelikes.
Dicealot is simple to get the hang of, but has a lot of depth for those who want to master it. This dice-based roguelike game will certainly have you coming back for a second or third game, but I'm just not sure if there's enough here to keep you hooked for weeks to come.
More than a straightforward remaster or remake, Yooka-Replaylee reimagines the original game, adding new challenges and gameplay elements while tweaking and improving others. Ultimately, it's a much-improved experience, with its worlds densely packed with things to do and its gameplay finely-tuned. This is easily one of the best 3D platformers currently available.
This remaster feels right at home in 2025, offering a charming and colourful 3D platforming adventure that's every bit as enjoyable as something made today. With plenty of collectibles and numerous reasons to go back and replay, Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac is well worth jumping into, whether you're a Pac-Man fan or a lover of 3D platformers.
A tactical RPG with roguelike elements, Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch should successfully appeal to fans of both genres. There's an intriguing story here, as well as an engaging combat system, which should keep you coming back for one expedition after another, gathering new recruits and unlocking upgrades as you go.
Creepy and unsettling, Carimara: Beneath the Forlorn Limbs is a unique take on a 'whodunnit' mystery, and it's unlike anything you'll have played before. A short game at a budget price, this is a creative gem well worth your time this Halloween.
With its charming player models and fast-paced 3v3 matches with simplified mechanics, NBA Bounce offers a fun take on basketball that's suitable for all ages and skill levels. It's not quite as exciting to play as it could be, however, and a lack of online multiplayer will be disappointing to some.
Undoubtedly one of the best family party games we've ever played, LEGO Party! is beautifully presented and an absolute riot to play. With game boards made entirely out of LEGO bricks and a suite of brilliant minigames, it gives Mario Party a good run for its money.
Nicktoons & the Dice of Destiny feels a little like Baby's First Diablo at times, but it's a surprisingly good take on the ARPG genre, suitable for kids and adults alike. Filled with familiar Nickelodeon characters, and packed with humour (and loot!), there's a lot to like.
Including both the original and a new enhanced version of the classic tactical RPG, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is fantastic for fans and newcomers alike. The enhanced version is the real draw here, though, mostly because of its revised story and full voice acting, which really adds to the experience.
This flat-screen version of Alien: Rogue Incursion – Part One isn't as tense as its VR counterpart, and its gameplay isn't as exciting as a result, but it remains a solid experience for Alien fans. Just be prepared to backtrack a lot in the latter half and perhaps be disappointed by its unsatisfactory ending.
Its title may be a mouthful, but Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian is an excellent entry into the long-running Atelier series. Series fans will love the wealth of familiar faces that pop up, and JRPG fans will love its tight story, its fun combat and its varied gameplay.