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PowerWash Simulator takes a typical everyday chore and turns it into a cathartic gameplay experience that’s a lot of fun to play. I didn’t think that I’d find cleaning the filth from an assortment of locales and objects so entertaining, but I’ve found myself completely addicted to the game and pouring hours in. It’s the perfect game to play when you want to unwind, whether that’s alone or when chatting with friends in online co-op.
Season: A Letter to the Future offers a beautiful and emotional journey of discovery as you witness a world that’s about to be reborn. There’s plenty to see, learn, and do along the way, with it hard not to feel a sense of emotional attachment to the world you’re leaving behind. It all makes for a deeply memorable experience though, and one that players can shape in their own little ways. It's not perfect, but I certainly won’t be forgetting my time with Season: A Letter to the Future anytime soon.
We Were Here Forever offers another gripping co-op puzzle adventure that is more varied, clever, and prettier than the releases that came before it. The vast majority of the puzzling feels rewarding to solve thanks to the unique variety of enigmas on offer, whilst the need for proper communication is more important than ever before. When you do finally put the pieces together of a puzzle with your partner though? It’s super rewarding. There were some puzzles that were bit annoying, whilst some areas of the game felt a little bit drawn out thanks to the longer length. Thankfully, these issues don’t stop We Were Here Forever from being a ton of fun to play, with the series going from strength to strength with each subsequent release.
The King’s Dilemma: Chronicles delivers a unique strategy experience that’ll hook players in with its brilliant decision-making gameplay and gripping plotline. I genuinely found myself engrossed in the game from the moment I started playing, and whilst there is a bit of a learning curve before you figure things out, the steps to get there are always entertaining. Players will have to juggle a lot of different mechanics as they progress through the game and there’s as much of an emphasis placed on luck as there is strategic nuance, but it’s the unpredictable nature of the game that makes it so entertaining. If you’re a fan of strategy action with a clever narrative-driven twist, you won’t want to miss out on The King’s Dilemma: Chronicles.
Hi-Fi Rush is an awesome rhythm-based adventure which looks stunning, feels great to play, and has some amazing music… what else could you want? Whilst I’ll admit that some of the explorative elements of the game didn’t hit the heights seen in the combat and world design, every other aspect of Hi-Fi Rush is just top notch. 2023 was already shaping up to be an exciting year for Xbox thanks to some upcoming high-profile releases, but it’s already started off with one hell of a bang with Hi-Fi Rush. I don’t know how they managed to keep the reveal (and the release) a secret, but Tango Gameworks Softworks have given Xbox fans a real treat with what is easily one of the console’s best exclusive releases.
It’s never a bad game at all and I think some of the disdain towards the storytelling and writing seen on social media is unjust, but there’s no denying that it is very much a game of two halves. My score reflects how I felt about the game by the end because I really did love those later hours, but expect to have to go through a few tepid moments before Forspoken really hits its stride.
Monster Hunter Rise is an absolute joy to play on the PlayStation 5, with the addictive gameplay loop and visual enhancements making it essential for fans of the series. It’s newbie friendly thanks to its more streamlined approach, whilst some of the new additions ensure the experience will remain fresh for long-time series veterans. Whether you’re looking for a story-driven single player experience, some fleshed out co-op action with friends, or simply a wonderful world to explore that’s full of incredible yet vicious creatures, Monster Hunter Rise has it all.
WWE 2K22 marks a return to form for the series, with the entertaining wrestling and wealth of modes sure to keep WWE fans happy for a long, long time. Whether playing in the likes of MyRise and building up a career, MyGM and running your own show, or Showcase and playing through the stand-out moments of a legend of the sport’s career, there’s plenty of variety here that ensures that the game is about MORE than just the wrestling. Add to that the creativity offered when it comes to your own creations and it’s clear that WWE 2K22 has covered all avenues in offering the most robust experience yet. Of course, it’s not perfect and there are a few technical hiccups here and there, whilst the fighting can be a little formulaic in places. WWE 2K22’s strengths certainly outweigh its weaknesses though, and believe me, it DEFINITELY makes up for the travesty that was WWE 2K20.
Martha Is Dead is an intriguing experience that won’t be for everyone, but still managed to hook me in with its engrossing storytelling. Whilst I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find the game unsettling, I NEEDED to see how the plot played out and just how dark it could really go. It can be shocking at times, but you know what you’re signing up for before playing. It doesn’t always hit the mark, especially when it comes to some of the frustrating interactive moments, whilst there were a handful of scenes where it did feel like it went too far for the sake of it. Still, it’s one of the most memorable and unique narratives I encountered in a game for a while, so I won’t be forgetting Martha is Dead anytime soon.
Horizon: Forbidden West is a remarkable game that blew me away with its excellent storytelling, deep and engaging gameplay, and breath-taking visuals. I found myself eagerly anticipating every twist and turn of the story, the set pieces left me in awe of just how fun and varied combat is, whilst exploring the world and uncovering all of its secrets and side quests was a real treat. And did I mention it looks ridiculously stunning? It really has it all. The first game is one of my favourite PlayStation titles of all time, but Horizon: Forbidden West exceeds it in almost every way. Some minor graphical issues here and there do stop the game from feeling ‘perfect’, but they don’t stop Horizon: Forbidden West from being a masterpiece of game design.
I enjoyed playing Edge of Eternity, but it has a few too many shortcomings for it to stand out as a ‘must play’ RPG experience. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty to do in the game, the environments look pretty, and the battling is fun, but there was also a sense of vacancy in the world, a lot of story-threads felt unfinished, and some of the long-winded encounters could get boring. I didn’t have a bad time with the game at all, but there are much better alternatives to play.
Grapple Dog is a charming and well-designed 2D platforming adventure that’s only let down by some imprecise controls and technical hiccups. I loved exploring its creative levels, uncovering its collectibles, being a part of the vibrant world, and grappling everywhere, but having to deal with some clunky jumps and long loading times could be a little frustrating. Fortunately, the quality of the adventure still makes Grapple Dog a game that’s worth checking out and there’s certainly plenty of fun to be had toppling the evil robot Nul. Just expect a few frustrations along the way as you get used to the finicky controls.
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection is an outstanding release that brings two brilliant games to the PlayStation 5 in style. The fact that both Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Uncharted: Lost Legacy are fantastic games to play anyway makes it worth investing in, but the dazzling visual and performance enhancements, the immersive DualSense features, and super-speedy load times really make this an alluring package that all PlayStation 5 gamers need to own.
The Artful Escape wowed me with its wonderful sights and sounds, with the wacky musical adventure of Francis Vendetti sure to keep a smile on players’ faces. Sure, it might not offer a deep gameplay experience, but there’s enough on offer between exploring the bizarre yet beautiful world, uncovering the surprisingly heartfelt narrative, and simply sculpting your own unique Francis to ensure the adventure remains a memorable one.
Unforeseen Incidents kept me hooked in until the very end, with the engaging narrative, quirky presentation, and enjoyable puzzles ticking all boxes of what a point-and-click adventure should offer. It all runs nicely on the Nintendo Switch too, with the visuals looking sharp, the controls accessible, and no real technical issues encountered during my eight-hour playthrough. It’s just a finely crafted point-and-click adventure and one that I’d certainly recommend to all fans of the genre, even IF you might be a little bit fed up of deadly diseases in 2022.
Vagante is an enjoyable roguelike adventure that offers a challenging escapade for players, but lacks that special spark to stand out in the genre. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing bad about the game and there’s fun to be had battling enemies, gathering loot, and evading traps (ESPECIALLY in multiplayer), but there’s also nothing about it that makes it feel like a stand-out release or even a hidden gem in the genre. It’s just a little bit ordinary, which might be enough for some players who just want a fresh roguelike fix, but might underwhelm those who are experienced with the more prolific releases in the genre.
At its best, Rainbow Six Extraction is an intense and fun experience that relies heavily on co-ordinated teamwork for players to succeed. At its worst, it can be a bit boring and frustrating. It’s been a long time since I’ve played a multiplayer game where I didn’t quite know what exactly I was going to get from each match I played, but Rainbow Six Extraction was always a little unpredictable. I did have a good time playing it though, especially when I was in a team that would work together, so it’s definitely a success for Ubisoft – it has some really thrilling moments too, especially when you’re in the middle of a satisfyingly brutal showdown with the Archaean. It’s just one of those games that’s WAY better to play with friends, so if you’re planning on playing solo or with strangers, you might not find that you’ll stick with it for the long-term.
The Company Man may not be the most original of 2D platforming adventures, but it certainly makes climbing the corporate ladder a fun (and often outrageous) task. The platforming was enjoyable, beating up bosses was satisfying, whilst the visuals were top notch too – it really does tick a lot of boxes as far as the genre is concerned, even if the adventure itself is a short-lived one that doesn’t really do anything you wouldn’t have seen before. But hey, who needs originality when you’re bashing annoying co-workers and managers over the head with a keyboard, right?
Windjammers 2 is super addictive, with its slick blend of frantic and strategic action ensuring no showdown ever feels boring. It looks the part too, with the stylish visuals and varied arenas making sure the game is packing plenty of punch when it comes to the looks department. It’s just a lot of fun to play, especially in multiplayer where the action can feel really frantic and non-stop. It was a little disappointing that the single player mode wasn’t a bit more fleshed out, and I really do think the game would’ve benefitted from a proper tutorial that goes through the ins-and-outs of the gameplay. But still, whilst these omissions are a shame, they don’t stop Windjammers 2 from being a fresh and enthralling take on the classic formula of the original.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic has aged well over the last eighteen years, with the adventure still proving as enjoyable now as it was in 2003. It feels great to play on the Nintendo Switch too, even if the controls can be a little clumsy in places and the visuals are dated, though that latter issue is one you won’t notice so much when playing handheld. Whether you’re a returning player or embarking on the journey for the first time, you’re sure to have a good time with this impressive port of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Here’s hoping Aspyr Media keep up the pace with their Star Wars releases and bring the sequel to the console too…