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179 games reviewed
80.6 average score
80 median score
34.1% of games recommended

Vamers's Reviews

May 29, 2023

System Shock by Nightdive Studios is a marvel of a title, whilst also serving as an utterly transcending and faithful adaptation. The game brings the iconic 1994 shooter to life in modern and unique ways, allowing the classic to be experienced by an entire new generation of video gamers. Similarly, it introduces a unique type of gameplay that many games today have all but forgotten about. It requires thinking, encourages exploration, and absolutely does not hold the player’s hand during any of its many challenging levels. Faithfulness is what System Shock beckons, yet perfection is what it achieves.

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Essential - Miasma Chronicles
May 23, 2023

Miasma Chronicles brings a strong contender to the table with its heavy focus on free movement and exploration. While the RPG elements need some expansion, the basis of a good idea is here and will keep most players engaged for hours on end. The Bearded Ladies have crafted an eye-opener of a dystopian post-apocalyptic America where Miasma, mutants, and cyborg overlords run rampant. The world is rich with lore and collectable bits and bobs, teaching players more about the setting they traverse. Most importantly, the stellar gameplay and mechanics on offer provide for a superb experience overall. Free roaming and exploration are a breath of fresh air for the genre, and the tacked on stealth mechanics make the experience all the better. While there are a few technical hiccups, the game is an exceptional title worthy entry and enjoyment.

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Jan 11, 2023

Marvel’s Midnight Suns does so much right, allowing for gamers to turn a blind eye to the few qualms present in the game. Any XCOM fan will feel right at home with this title. In fact, the evolution of the classic XCOM gameplay loop and the way it merges with the card-based system feels surprisingly natural. Firaxis have also done a markedly good job of bringing the Midnight Suns comic books to life without sacrificing much for the sake of interactivity. The game features a surprisingly heavy focus on narrative, and while the twists and turns are few and far between, it still functions as an incredible ensemble superhero tale where the player’s very own avatar is central to the plot. The golden age of superhero comic books may have passed, but it seems the golden age of superhero games has arrived.

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Essential - The Entropy Centre
Jan 27, 2023

The Entropy Centre is truly quite the marvel, especially considering how Stubby Games is a one-man band! Not only does it look and play well, but it is an exceptional puzzle solving experience capable of outlasting all of the very obvious Portal design influences it exudes. The Entropy Centre is worth experiencing from start to finish, and by golly is it a good one.

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Essential - Hogwarts Legacy
Apr 10, 2023

Hogwarts Legacy is phenomenal in its execution, design, and experience. Combat can be challenging and exciting, while exploration shines the spotlight on some of the most breathtakingly beautiful vistas and locations in a game released thus far in 2023. The title does not come without its faults, but what game truly does? Hogwarts Legacy has earned Avalanche Software some of the highest praise gamers can possibly give thanks to the overwhelmingly satisfying and exceptional experience on offer. Also, being a wizard is dope, so there is that.

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Apr 26, 2023

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is, without a doubt, essential gaming for any Star Wars fan or gamer who enjoys souls-like adventures. It is a game about a Jedi who survives some of the worst trials and tribulations imposed on a person, who then goes on to rebuild and recoup his life, while showcasing to the galaxy how the Empire may not be the only answer to the universe’s problems. It is a title that keeps on giving, even when least expected. Exploration is also key this time around, with truly open zones and rewards around every corner, while the title continues to build upon every single aspect introduced in Fallen Order. While combat animations may be a lot flashier than they rightfully ought to be, the game more than makes up for it by offering players a new “stance” system, a massive skill tree based on the force abilities Cal already knows, and all new mounts. Oh, and you can pet the Bogling this time around too, so there is that. As a sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor doubles down on everything that made the original so good, and offers gamers a truly exceptional experience.

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Nov 3, 2022

God of War Ragnarok is, by no short means, one of the most fulfilling sequels released within a popular franchise. It beautifully doubles down on everything that made the previous game good, and adds just-enough new content to keep gamers from feeling like everything is a repetitive slog. Characters and story are the clear winners here, with gameplay and level design following on from the previous title in a comfortable and natural way. The way the writers at Santa Monica Studio have implemented narrative for absolutely everything in the game seems magical and unlike any other video game to release since Mass Effect. Furthermore, the way in which traversal has been upgraded feels like a significant addition; truly changes the way the game feels. Locales are open and vast, and visually stunning, while brand-new animations, level design, and beautiful special effects showcase the graphical fidelity of the game spectacularly. God of War Ragnarok is an experience unlike any other, and is truly an exceptional video game.

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Essential - Cult of the Lamb
Oct 10, 2022

Cult of the Lamb is a veritable “standout title” providing a solid first impression, one which eventually grows into a fun, addictive and enthralling journey from beginning to end – thanks to the mixture of genres keeping the game fresh. Overall, the game is so much more than just the sum of its parts. Whether joy is derived from exploring the dungeon or preferring to expand and manage the cult, each aspect is compelling and dense enough to remain exciting and surprising – even after many hours of play time. It might be too on the nose to refer to Cult of the Lamb as a ‘cult classic’, but this is precisely the impression the game imbues on those who play.

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Essential - Video Game Fables
Oct 11, 2022

Video Game Fables enjoys minimal faults and even fewer flaws. Its very design – incluiding the simplicity of it – aids in pointing the spotlight where it counts most. The game has a wonderful, if somewhat basic, narrative, but it employs humour and fourth wall-breaking irony in calculated and poignant intervals. It looks and feels like a classic SNES title, but conducts itself with all the candour of a hit up-and-coming indie title most worthy of a player’s time and money. From its unique setting, through to its wonderful staying power, Video Game Fables is exceptionally quaint and fun.

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Essential - Aquadine
Aug 23, 2022

Aquadine is a gift that keeps on giving. From its well thought-out cast of characters, through to the prevalent water themes in the city and all of its sights and sounds, there is a constant reason to keep on playing. While the various routes are a little short, they still serve as complete packages on their own, making the addition of an epilogue route even more exciting for completionists. It has its fair share of emotional beats, but the story ultimately serves as a wholesome adventure with friends [and lovers], mysteries and truths, and even a mermaid or two! Aquadine is a surprise, for sure, but it is most certainly an exceptional and welcome one.

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Essential - Voyage
Aug 9, 2022

Voyage is, simply put, a superb experience. From its meaningful score through to the passion-filled hand-painted scenery; the characters therein, and the overarching mysteries of the crash and the planet natives, it is exceptional in its execution. The game is masterful in how it relies on player interpretation to tell its story as well – something rather unique to this indie title! While the puzzles are almost non-existent, the game still manages to induce all of the necessary emotions while players make their way through the various and gorgeous levels. As far as cinematic experiences go, Voyage has undoubtedly set the bar wonderfully high.

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Jul 31, 2022

There are many things Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes does right, and even more it excels at. So much so, it becomes almost trivial to think of the few caveats bringing the title down, but no game is perfect. Three Hopes is, when all is said and done, a title for Fire Emblem fans and not really anyone else. It helps to push the Dynasty Warriors series in a more modern direction and it features quite a few additions the franchise desperately needs. It brings the iconic Three Houses narrative and characters into an alternate history where some of the lesser characters can thrive, and new and unique stories can be crafted. It has a unique new take on the iconic events in Fire Emblem, all of which work masterfully with the way Dynasty Warriors carries its stories. The end result provides fans with an exceptional and enjoyable experience, from start to end.

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Essential - The Quarry
Jun 22, 2022

There really is no argument of whether The Quarry is a must-play title or not. At its worst, it is a significant upgrade from what Until Dawn offers gamers. At its best, The Quarry delivers an emotional and tense story with some of the best cinematography and visual fidelity the video gaming horror genre has yet seen. The exceptional narrative, awesome characters, and gut-wrenching gameplay are facets every horror game should have, and more. It is, simply put, one of the best horror titles of the current console generation, and will be extremely challenging to beat.

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Essential - Old World
May 9, 2022

Old World: Heroes of the Aegean marks the game’s debut on Steam, and it rightfully earns a spot on many favourites lists. It is truly unlike most 4X games currently available, and adequately serves to raise an already high bar. While the game can do with a bit more tutorialisation, there are enough pop-ups and explanations for adventurers to being their journey. Immersion is a massive focal point and the inclusion of supremely detailed stories and scenarios truly levels up the experience beyond what even the developers may have intended. It truly is an exceptional title, one worthy of taking the title as the king of 4X games.

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Mar 31, 2022

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart feels wonderfully faithful to childhood memories while, at the same time, clearly belonging in 2021. The title looks and plays like a modernised version of a nostalgic memory. In this regard, it is in a league of its own and serves as a shining example of what gamers can look forward to as the new generation of consoles matures.

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Apr 4, 2022

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a work of digital art. It transcends any other LEGO title before it, and stands as a testament to what a great LEGO Star Wars game can and should be. From the way it overhauls and remakes the Prequel and Original Trilogies, through to how these additions translate to the brand-new Sequel Trilogy, is nothing short of amazing to see, enjoy and experience. It ultimately sets a very high bar for all LEGO games to come. Especially when the smaller additions, like changes to the traditional camera and level design, truly enhance the overall experience — for this alone, the game is worth picking up. The game’s exceptional quality and gameplay are a pinnacle of the LEGO franchise and platforms alike, and should be experienced by all – whether Star Wars fan, gamer, or both.

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Essential - Martha is Dead
Feb 24, 2022

There is a lot to enjoy and like about Martha is Dead. From the way LKA skilfully draws inspiration from horror classics like Fatal Frame and Silent Hill, through to how the studio delivers an exceptional thriller narrative; it makes the game a drama unlike any other. The title hooks on the pretence of being a horror, then pulls one in on the idea that it has a sea of lore and story. It is truly wonderful in this regard. While there are one or two things it can do better, its spot-on narrative delivery, and wonderful twists and turns as the end draws near; are memorable, to say the least. Mixing these story beats with an uneasiness hardly ever felt in video games, makes the game both unique and a must-play title, and raises the bar for all thrillers to come.

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Jan 18, 2022

Shin Megami Tensei V truly outshines any previous main or spin-off title in the franchise. Persona 5 may have been an incredible feat, but this game simply sets a new standard. Part of the game’s allure comes from a surreal horror aspect no other franchised game has managed to successfully capture, but Shin Megami Tensei V is truly so much more. It is a classic Japanese-roleplaying game at its finest, thanks to the involved and nuanced plot, well-written characters, and unmovable resilience in terms of how it just does not fix what is not broken. It is a collection of all the best aspects of what makes a good Shin Megami game, and just like Nocturne before it, will go down as an exceptional game to beat.

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Essential - Hades
Jan 10, 2022

It is easy to get lost within the world and tale spun and conjured within Hades. Being the first video game ever to win a literary Hugo award for its narrative is nothing short of incredible. It is also incredibly well deserved, and an exciting new accolade for future games to aspire towards. Heart is arguably the most crucial part of any game, and it is something Hades has to spare. At its core, Hades is a relatable and timeless coming of age story about family, and is a deep dive into the greek gods and their stories – something rarely explored outside of the classroom or on the big screen. There is also a powerful underlying lesson to be learnt about embracing the journey and accepting failure as an inevitable part of moving forward. Even without any prior love for rogue-like games, Hades is absolutely worth at least trying. The gameplay is smooth and complex enough to keep the player entertained and invested, even through tears of frustration. Everything else it offers is just polishing on an already gleaming gameplay experience.

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Nov 15, 2021

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is truly an unexpected surprise. Gamers who have played Marvel’s Avengers might know what to expect from a gameplay perspective here, but they will be blown away by the absolutely wonderful narrative design and direction. A deep, personal tale is always a winner, but when it is gorgeously executed in conjunction with everything else that makes up a gaming experience; it is sheer perfection. Despite the simpler combat leaving a little more to be desired, it is easily overlooked courtesy of the enjoyment provided by the exquisite mocap, wonderfully formatted dynamic conversations, and the sheer scale of the environments. It all tips the scale in the game’s favour by an exponential margin. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is a spectacle in terms of superhero adaptations and truly brings out the best of what games like these have to offer. Where Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018) set the bar for games focused on individual heroes, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (2021) sets the bar for those focused on working within a team, and it is exceptional from start to finish.

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