Daily Mirror
HomepageSolar Ash does a lot of things right but it still lacks some much-needed depth to make it a complete package. It may have come later than expected but Solar Ash is a hidden gem that shouldn't be missed by gaming enthusiasts.
It's a stunning homage to the original comics that will excite fans whilst being a great way to introduce newcomers to the series. The game is lacking some much-needed depth, and even though it's a good length, there are still many missing features that are synonymous with the beat 'em up genre.
It's like a short gym session for your brain with easy to manage mini-games to test you. However, it can get very repetitive and is far less fun in single-player, a true online multiplayer not being included seems like a strange omission but challenging yourself to climb up the ranking is fun. The simplicity and great multiplayer are really what sets this apart from something like Dr Kawashima's Brain Training released in 2019. But if you enjoy puzzles or have family members who do Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain is a logical choice.
But this trilogy is just plagued with so many bugs, glitches and performance issues that really ruin this long-awaited comeback. Fans will have to wait in hope that any patches that are being planned happen right away.
These titles will definitely please old fans who will adore the updated visuals, the Hideaway and tweaks to gameplay, that all make for an improved experience.
Blue Reflection: Second Light is a nice follow up with a lot of much-needed enhancements. I feel the series is still finding its footing, but currently, it's striking the right balance between a great narrative and engaging gameplay, so I really look forward to where this series can go.
A Boy and His Blob retains all the charm that made past games such precious titles. There's a good amount of replayability with this title, especially for newcomers, but there really isn't anything new other than the portability for returning fans. The Nintendo Switch version improves the performance of the Wii version, so this is probably the best way to play the game.
Vanguard feels like so much like the previous Call of Duty games and even the WWII setting isn't enough to elevate it. While a strong entry in the franchise, there really isn’t enough here that sets it apart, however, it does feel that much more accessible and what is here has been polished till it shines.
If you like weird, deep, engaging and often challenging tactical combat, Shin Megami Tensei V is a devilishly good time that offers plenty to sink your teeth into.
Other than the flashy combat there isn't really enough here to attract non-fans with something different from what's already out there. But fans will relish being able to play as the Senran Kagura characters after a long time even though there aren't a lot of them they are well realised.
It is lacking a thorough tutorial at the start of the game which can leave players frustratingly dying a lot really early on. But Skul: The Hero Slayer is a captivating indie game that offers a really challenging experience with plenty of replay value.
Superstars is a great game to play by yourself but even better with friends and the new online mode make this even easier. The best part is it just feels more like Mario Party as your fortunes can change in the blink of an eye. Mario Party Superstars is a celebration of the early Mario Party Series, featuring some of its most iconic boards and games while also being one of the best in the whole series.
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is a visually pleasing action-adventure that really captures what fans love about the series and the characters. The gameplay is very linear but the game makes up for that with its great script, cast and accessible gameplay. This will definitely be a fan pleaser no matter what medium you are a fan of.
House of Ashes is definitely the best game in The Dark Pictures Anthology, with major nods to Until Dawn. Although gameplay might have primarily stayed the same, the improved writing and addition of the new camera just show that the series still has room to grow and I'm excited to see what Supermassive Games do next.
The Hinokami Chronicles isn't complex enough to challenge fighters like Dragon Ball fighterZ or Guilty Gear, but it is a fun title that will really please fans of the series. The stunning cutscenes, filled with original music and voice actors have led to one of the most faithful video game adaptations of any anime. I really look forward to any future games that come out from this series.
The story and music are the best standout points with the amazing attention to character development only matched by the genius sound design. Although The Caligula Effect 2 doesn't really sway from its roots or present many new ideas within the genre, if you're a fan of JRPGs, it's a solid title.
There are a few issues that stop it from being an amazing experience like the huge difficulty spikes or lack of quality of life features that JRPG fans have come to expect from the genre. But Astria Ascending for the most part is an exhilarating experience that could be the starting point for something spectacular.
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl is a fun fighter that still requires some fine-tuning. Outside of the fun combat, the game really falls short with dull unlockables and the lack of voiceovers that were really needed. The developers do have a strong foundation for a great follow up game.
The story is gripping yet I feel all the best twists and surprises happen in the earlier part of the game, with things really slowing down as you progress. But Lost Judgement is a great game with lots of different elements that make it engaging from start to finish.
Metroid Dread masterfully combines the atmosphere, classic exploration, boss battles and platforming of the original, with enhanced graphics and a faster, more responsive Samus than ever. While it does follow the Metroid formula to some extent, the refinements and extra layer of added tension make the game the more gripping Metroid game in the franchise. Metroid Dread perfectly blends combat, exploration and pursuit, its brilliant cat and mouse dynamic that adds a welcome addition to the Metroid gameplay.