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I can't get past just how anti-fun the controls, mission design and world design are. Aesthetically it's perfect, I love it, but it seems most of the effort has gone into nailing the cute gifs and not the slick heelflips.
Although the final decision felt flat, the residents of Providence Oaks and the interactions and relationships you form are wholesome and reinforce that sense of community and feeling like you belong. Sometimes in life, it's about the journey, not the destination, and I think the same about Lake.
I happily cuddled myself up for an afternoon to playthrough TOEM, and it cuddled me back. I’d suggest the same plans to anyone wanting a lo-fi and relaxing photography adventure that’ll make you feel good.
Life is Strange: True Colors is a fantastic instalment of the franchise that returns to its roots while striving to push the franchise to become something even better.
It's a psychedelic trip through a glam-rock wonderland, an utter visual delight, like nothing out of this world; indeed, something that feels ripped straight from Ziggy Stardusts head.
Mighty Yell shows its creative flair through The Big Con's art style and soundtrack, which makes me look forward to future titles from the studio and hope that Skybound continues its mission to reinvent adventure games.
Road 96 is a game about rebellion, the road and most of all, people; even if the politics feel too childish to be helpful at times, it’s a conversation starter and a well-meaning one.
The little developer that could, TiGames, more than deliver with F.I.S.T, an instant must-play for Metroidvania fans and one of my favourite games this year.
A golfing social commentary is undoubtedly a first for me, but what Demagog Studio has achieved on their first game is commendable, and I can't wait to see what the studio do next.
Between the Iki Island DLC, vast improvements to the game from the way it looks, sounds and plays and the ironing out of minor issues the original release had, Ghost of Tsushima: Directors Cut is the best way to experience the journey of Jin Sakai.
Fire Tonight is a sweet romance between two characters and a show of love for the 90’s itself.
The more I played the game, the less magical it felt.
Psychonauts 2 excels where others have failed by crafting a story experience that welcomes players, new and old, into the fantastically absurd world of the Psychonauts. I will not forget my time with Psychonauts 2 easily; the characters and themes have left a lasting impression.
Twelve Minutes ends up going for shock value and loses the small character moments and choices that made it so engaging. But pulling my hair out to solve the apartments puzzles was reward enough for me to want to see the loop closed.
Playing Omno was a great way to unwind; I found myself lost in this enchanting creation between the uncrowded world, the charming fauna and flora, and the melodious music.
It'll take you less than an hour to finish one playthrough of Night Book, and the premise is engaging enough that I wanted to see where it was going, however, this isn't a scary game, something anyone wanting to play Night Book will be disappointed to hear.
This game shows signs of a true classic already, and it's easy to see the elements of a breakout hit over the 2021/2022 period.
Death's Door is a crowning achievement for Acid Nerve, a must-play for the year and an instant game of the year contender.
I don't know who, in my right mind, I would recommend Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance to.
As far as surprises in 2021 go, Scarlet Nexus jumping into my list of favourite things I've played this year is certainly up there as unexpected.