Daily Mirror
HomepageThe Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark is a gloriously retro nostalgia fix for those who love point and click games. But for those who have never played them before, it's a brilliant introduction to the genre. A Fumble in the Dark is light-hearted, hilarious and often devious when it comes to the game's puzzles. But don't panic – you may get stuck from time to time but the solutions are usually fiendishly simple. A game that rewards thinking outside the box, The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark brings back so many wonderful gaming memories. If you know how to use a rubber-chicken-with-a-pulley-in-the-middle, then you're going to love it.
Narita Boy is definitely one of the best looking indie platformers I've ever seen with it's unique art style and captivating music. It's neo-retro style mixed with religious themes make it unlike anything that's on the market today. The emphasis on combat shows with its well worked mechanics and engaging system. However Narita Boy does leave you wanting more from its exploration and platforming parts. But I did enjoy my time with Narita Boy and it's definitely one to pick up.
Monster Hunter Rise is an amazing game and probably one of the best titles on the Nintendo Switch. Veterans of the series may feel there is more emphasis on the action elements of the game compared to previous entries, but I feel that the game does well to balance the RPG elements with the action. The few other tweaks made to Monster Hunter Rise are fully welcomed as they don't take away what made previous titles great making it one of the best games in the series.
Pyra may be powerful, but being slow means that players will need to be in the right place at the right time for the majority of her attacks to be effective. Plus most of her attacks have too much risk if she fails to land them. On the other hand Mythra will provide the much needed flexibility and coverage but players will have a difficult time knocking other fighters out. Mythra and Pyra are amazing additions to the Super Smash Bros Ultimate roster, the sheer size of their move list will be an instant attraction for players looking for a new main, as the different strategies to be discovered with this duo could be endless.
Bravely Default II to its core is what fans should expect from a well devised JRPG, with the depth of customisation and a stellar battle system combining for an enthralling experience. Only to be matched by its engaging script and blissful music making this a must have for Nintendo Switch owners. Saying that newcomers to the series or JRPGs in general may find Bravely Default II a bit too difficult and demanding, especially with the bosses dishing out defeats left, right and centre.
Persona 5 and Royal have established themselves as JRPG heavyweights, so fans and critics might have found it slightly odd not to follow the same winning formula. However, Persona 5 Strikers is a great follow up to the series and one of the best games developed by Omega Force. Even though it feels more of a spin off than a full sequel to Persona 5's epic story, fans and newcomers will enjoy this new direction with a decent narrative, nice changes to the original mechanics whilst remaining faithful to its JRPG roots. Persona 5 Strikers will be released for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC on February 23
WTAE is a prime example of the latter. With its phoned-in stealth, mediocre combat, poor storytelling and rough presentation, calling it a missed opportunity is an understatement, especially on a new generation console. Even die-hard fans of the tabletop game will likely struggle to enjoy this take on the franchise. There's a blueprint here for an interesting concept, but sadly nothing more. Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood is out now for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One and PC (via the Epic Games Store), priced £34.99 - £44.99
Bowser's Fury offers some great new ideas and is much more than a simple DLC. It's a great Mario game in its own right, with enough to entice those who played 3D World before with a wholly new and compelling experience, as well as offering one of the most epic showdowns in Nintendo history. Bowser's Fury is a great take on 3D Mario and finally makes Bowser the menacing villain he deserves to be. The game's only flaw is that it left me wishing there was more of it.
A Nintendo Switch copy of this game was provided for review purposes. Little Nightmares II is out February 11 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC for £29.99.
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy is a great early entry for 2021 and an unmissable gem for JRPG fans.