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Despite issues with the previous title in the franchise, I had High Hopes that maybe Let’s Sing 2021 would be Good As Hell, but I guess I was just a Sucker. Technical issues with the core singing mechanic cop much of the Blame, but even when the game tries to Lean On its varied play modes it can’t provide a Yummy experience. You’d be much Happier putting on a karaoke playlist and screaming along with your mates (when singing together is safe again, of course). To this disappointing game, I only have one thing to say: Thank U, Next.
Nearing the end of an undeniably stressful year, the sheer adorableness and relaxing charm of Sackboy: A Big Adventure is exactly what I needed.
The Pathless’ story and movement mechanics are where it truly shines. Exploring the landscape at superhuman speed feels like absolute magic and makes the game’s large surface easy to explore. Full of colour, beautiful landscapes, and mysterious gods and puzzles, The Pathless is sure to keep you engaged from beginning to end.
...there is fun to be found here. If it were not for the sudden vacuum you feel in the absence of vaulted content there would be no question in my mind about how much I enjoy this game.
The Falconeer is a gorgeous game with some meditative elements to its gameplay. But with the good comes the bad, and repetitive and frustrating elements removed any zen the game had conjured.
It might at least be a fun one to pick up on sale in a few months when the launch hype has died down – by then, they’ll have hopefully mixed in some more variety to make it worthwhile.
No matter how many times I get frustrated at the little things, I can never stay mad at Bugsnax. It’s got a perfect blend of exploration and narrative, with a story that climaxes in a surprising but satisfying way. It’s not exactly a Blockbuster title for the next generation of consoles, but it’s a delightful adventure with hidden depths. Due to the clunky controls while using a controller, my recommendation is for the PC version, but it’s a great time either way. I’ll be back to Snaktooth Island to catch more Bugsnax very soon.
From its relatively insignificant main time-travel gimmick to its almost-right controls, there’s not a whole lot going on that we haven’t seen before in a more polished fashion. If you’re itching for some hardcore platforming action and can look past its flaws, you’ll find a rough gem in YesterMorrow’s visually stunning world – just don’t go in expecting another Celeste.
It’s a robust game with a fresh atmosphere and it’s found its own little niche where it undoubtedly has full reign... It’s safe to say I’m going to be knee-deep in water and checking on my rice for seasons to come.
Celebrating black culture, community, love, and family, while championing the underdogs and offering a bombastic superhero experience, Miles Morales had the opportunity to be, well, The Amazing Spider-Man. Where it stands however, it isn’t. It’s still a great and wonderful game but doesn’t reach the all-timer status that the unique and powerful titular hero Miles Morales deserves.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon, in my humble opinion, is one of the best AAA RPG experiences of 2020, and I am shocked I just wrote that sentence.
Watch Dogs: Legion is about getting a bunch of pissed off “we’re not gonna take it anymore” people to hit back with their special abilities and give back to the people what is rightfully theirs. People coming together to fight a common evil? I can’t think of something that is more 2020 than that.
Eclipsed by the greatness of Until Dawn before it, The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope will never quite take off in the way you hope. There’s enough in its bones to make it a fun distraction for horror fans for a few hours but that’s about all.
...Pikmin 3 Deluxe is the same amazing game it was before. Figuring out how to traverse levels and defeating huge bosses is still great fun. The visuals, audio, and performance are up to the standard of every first-party Nintendo Switch game, capturing that superb family-friendly tone. The new side-missions, multiplayer modes, and accessibility options simply add more value to an already fantastic game.
Those with a desire for escapism and a healthy amount of patience will find a solid few hours of rewarding narrative here – if you’re after something with a bit more wanderlust and a bit less “dying alone and unloved”, you might want to look elsewhere.
While the overall experience was short-lived and left me wanting more, the developers ended up setting the perfect pace and delivered a truly great video game experience that is easy to learn and satisfying to master.
It’s a shame, because there are elements of an enjoyable co-op adventure here that still kept us playing over several nights. At the end of the day, it all just felt a little bit soulless; ticking the boxes of what the genre should be, but never pushing to excel in anything in particular.
Amnesia: Rebirth is one that is well worth prioritising in your ever-growing list. Take the plunge and descend into darkness… if you dare.
While the style is certainly remarkable, the gameplay is the exact opposite. There isn’t much to think or do within combat besides spam the attack button and dodge. Admittedly, rushing through each stage and finishing the game was purely driven by wanting to explore the outstanding art. However, after only three to four hours the adventure ended anticlimactically. Pumpkin Jack is like any Halloween candy; appealing for all ages but isn’t going to hold your interest for long.
The great ideas within The Signifier make it all the more frustrating when the overall experience doesn’t leave you with anything memorable. If it were expanded upon, the sum of its parts could make an amazing experience. The game has some shining moments in the memory sequences, but its ending does nothing with the fascinating threads offered up by its middle.