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Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is the culmination to over twelve years of storytelling that was started back in 2010 with Xenoblade Chronicles. Part of the wider ‘Xeno’ series of RPGs, this relatively unknown series has since gone from obscurity to becoming one of Nintendo’s big-hitters. With the premise of another massive world to explore – and a story that aims to tie-up the loose ends of Xenoblade Chronicles and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 – Xenoblade Chronicles 3 already had an air of anticipation around its release.
At the world’s most southern point, wrapped around the south pole, you will find Antarctica. Also known as the world’s fifth-largest continent. It may not be the biggest, but it is most certainly the coldest in the world. You wouldn’t think that a land mass being 98% of thick ice, would hold many tales that are worth telling. However, developer State of Play has taken this beautiful blank snowy canvas and created one of the greatest stories of 2022.
Googling Ragnarok before “Santa Monica Studio” announced their sequel to the incredibly received God of War (2018), you’d see a flurry of Marvel references or even Wikipedia pages devoted to Norse mythologies version of the Apocolypse. Now you google Ragnarok, and most links, news, and images all refer to the incredible 2022 God of War: Ragnarok.
We’ve all been there. A stressful day resolved with a few ASMR organisation videos, or have been lost in the realms of TikTok, watching someone restock their cupboards. I think I’ve watched so many videos like this, my “for you page” is now taken over by someone resupplying their entire ice draw for their 5 person freezer.
Welcome to Hogwarts Legacy, a chance to experience all the wonders that Hogwarts (amongst other areas) has to offer. Starting out your journey in Central London, you’re quickly whisked off on a wonderous adventure full of excitement. You’ll soon find yourself at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Back in 2008 and survival horror fans were treated to a new kid on the block. With Capcom still reigning supreme with Resident Evil 4, EA decided to challenge the genre dominance with something different – Dead Space. Taking place within the confines of a spaceship, Dead Space reimagined the genre away from planet Earth and into the far reaches of Space.
We love a good shadow drop here at Rapid Reviews HQ. The idea of a brand-new title gracing the eShop on a random Thursday evening fills us with joy. It’s made all the better when it’s a hotly anticipated or long-rumoured release. In the case of Metroid Prime Remastered, it was both. Regarded with reverence as one of the greatest games of all time, the original Metroid Prime is a game that needs no introduction — unless, of course, you never owned a GameCube in the early 2000s. Or, in the case of this writer, owned a GameCube but somehow chose Donkey Konga and the accompanying Bongos as their game of choice when making a yearly subscription to the Official Nintendo Magazine. Yeah, me neither.
You will begin your playthrough by selecting one of the eight protagonists as your main character. I went with Hikari, the Prince of the kingdom of Ku. You can experience every character’s storyline, but the main character will use their own Path Actions. This sees a return from the previous game and allows one to interact with NPCs in unique ways, such as stealing, gaining information or an item. However, there are two available; daytime and nighttime.
There has never been a buzz around the workplace lunch table and in social circles quite like the anticipation for this remake of Resident Evil 4. I’ve been a part of many conversations in recent weeks as the world has prepared itself for the 3rd remake project in this beloved series of games. The conversations are always divisive. Some love the thrill and flood of adrenaline that comes from the intensity of these games. Yet there are many gamers that recoil at the thought and just cannot participate in this style of game.
Dredge is the sort of game I never thought could exist, yet does so in such spectacular fashion. I knew nothing about the game before it came up for review. The name alone had me intrigued, and so blindly, I hoisted the anchor and set sail on a journey from which there is no going back. So pack your bags, grab a line and hop on board this rapid review. There’s something dark lurking beneath the water, and the wind’s mournful cry pulls us and this review ever onward.
Developed by a one-man band hailing from Finland, Super Blood Hockey is a faithful nod to the games of the late 80’s and 90’s. Adding a touch of bloodthirsty violence to the sport of Hockey, Loren Lemcke has looked to remind us all of what made gaming so great way back when. Demonstrating that whilst graphical enhancements and complex storylines are always welcome, you can’t go wrong with a bit of simplistic, wholesome fun. With the backing of Digerati, renowned for their support of independent game developers, the once Steam only title is now available on the eShop.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a vast open-world RPG which takes place in the world of Alrest. A setting where civilisations live on the back of huge beasts, also known as Titans. You take control of Rex, a young salvager who finds himself unlocking the power of an incredibly strong weapon, also known as ‘the Aegis’.
The market for Survival games on the Nintendo Switch is becoming a little saturated. As a result, to be truly noticed and stand out from the crowd, developers have two choices, make it very (VERY) cheap, or make it very (VERY) good. Luckily for us, CCCP has done the latter with Dead in Vinland.
The massively popular Xbox exclusive series Gears of War has finally returned, with this latest entry into the franchise being simply titled “Gears 5”. As a fan since the first game, this shortened title is one that speaks to me. It tells me I already know what this game is about, what I should expect and yet the game still managed to blow me away as it does so much more than what fans have come to expect from these games.
With Hotline Miami dominating the top-down, over-the-top, brutally violent genre in gaming since its introduction in 2012, it was high time a new game tried to get in on the action and take the steely crown. Having started out in 2014, Krakow based developers One More Level have added another game to their catalogue with God’s Trigger. Promising the opportunity to ‘slay enemies with speed and precision in an over-the-top show of blood and explosions’, I was keen to see just how well this one would hold up. Find out here at Rapid Reviews UK!
Pardon the pun, but Tennis games have been hit and miss over the past couple of years. It's usually apparent after a couple of sets if the game is going to be an enjoyable experience or not. Does Super Tennis Blast ace it or is it another foot fault? Read my Rapid Review to find out.
The Legend of Zelda series has one of the most beloved video game scores, and for a good reason. From the sweeping melodies that play as your enter Hyrule field, the rhythmic beat of drums on death mountain, the relaxing twang of Romani Ranch, and everything in between, the music is an integral part of what makes going on an adventure in Hyrule so wonderful. Cadence of Hyrule aims to take those familiar songs and remix them into something familiar, but new and capable of delivering the signature Crypt of the NecroDancer gameplay. Does Cadence of Hyrule succeed at this? Or does it have two left feet? Read on in this Rapid Review to find out.
AI: The Somnium Files ended up being one of my favourite games of the year so far, so if it sounds up your street then I would suggest you give it a try. It’s also pretty good value, as I went through the game at a reasonable clip and it still took almost 24 hours to get to the true ending.
Being in charge of a virtual city (and, I imagine, a real city) can be stressful, but rewarding. Take Cities: Skylines for example; there’s the pressure of keeping people happy, but the fun of constructing your own city and seeing it thrive. Now, add being situated in a frozen wasteland where people need warmth and food to survive. The pressure is significantly heightened, and this is what Frostpunk is all about.
This has been one of the most refreshing and genuinely enjoyable gaming experiences of my year and a massive highlight. My hope for the future is we a get a sequel to this glorious gem, and that it will be twice as long, that was the only downside for me. It was over too soon! If you’re looking for a platformer to keep you entertained for 6-7 hours, then you really can’t go wrong with New Super Lucky’s Tale. A must-have for your Switch library!