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It’s a difficult one, because other than the superb setting and proper top-tier graphics it could be argued that there hasn’t been a massive amount of innovation since our jaunt to the United Kingdom in 2018. But the simple fact is, that the formula Playground Games have crafted is near perfect. I said in our Forza Horizon 4 review that it was the greatest racing game ever made. Well, the best just got better.
I have some mixed feelings. On the one hand, I adore Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water for its deeply old-fashioned control scheme and clunky gameplay. I love the rough-around-the-edges graphics that speak of a time that was slightly browner. I love the darkness of the storyline and the bleak personalities of the unfortunate characters. I love all these things, but my heart also longs for an improved version that controls better, looks better and sounds better. Maybe a new game in the series will take care of this longing, but until then we still have a very decent horror game that is well worth a stab.
Resident Evil 4 VR is a triumph for the platform. This game is often put on a pedestal and so when I say that this is the definitive way to play this classic, I don’t say it lightly. Legacy issues like escort missions and the inevitable immersion-breaking cutscenes aside, this is not only one of the best games on the Quest 2, but one of the best virtual reality games I have ever played.
It’s clear that Supermassive’s Dark Pictures Anthology is improving with every new release. House of Ashes is the best of the bunch so far. Everything clicks, everything works. It’s a damn fine game and worth every penny even at full price. I’m now excited for the future of this series and will be pouncing on the next game. Of course, I’m not done with this one yet. Still got to try to kill them all off because what’s video games without an occasional slice of sadism.
Far Cry is simply more of the same. Well, almost the same, as a bunch of systems have been expanded even further into RPG territory, and you have even more control over your gameplay than ever before. Despite all this, it still feels like more of the same. Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. Far Cry 6 can still be a lot of fun. If you liked previous games in the series, particularly 3 and 4, then you’re bound to enjoy 6. There’s something comforting in the known. In the familiar. That being said, I definitely wouldn’t mind being surprised by whatever comes next.
The Riftbreaker is a perfect blend of twin-stick action, base-building and tower defense, and feels like the natural evolution of all three.
A Juggler’s Tale is a joy to play from start to finish. Gorgeous visuals, fun gameplay with puzzles that don’t frustrate and a narrative that plays out uniquely through the lens of the storyteller. If you enjoyed games like Limbo, Little Nightmares and others of a similar ilk, this is definitely one to add to your collection.
If you have preconceived opinions of Alan Wake, this remaster is unlikely to change your stance. As someone who holds the original game in high regard, I was absolutely delighted to get an enhanced version of it. The gameplay feels dated, but the narrative does a great job of carrying the Twin Peaks style atmosphere. If you missed this cult classic at the time, or have fond memories, the £24.99 tag is well worth the price of admission.
All adds up to is FIFA 22 being the best it has been in years. Certainly in the Frostbite era. Changes to modes are oftentimes minimal, but at this point, it really is hard to knock a game that offers more modes than almost any other game on the market. Instead this year, EA has focused on what matters most – the gameplay. Subtle changes and additions all over the place have resulted in the number one sports game in the world finally, once again, feeling like a true representation of the sport.
Astria Ascending is a good RPG that is quite easy to recommend despite its obvious shortcomings. While you’re able to adjust the difficulty, including removing most of the challenge if you want, the game isn’t holding your hand when it comes to quests and exploration - and thus it may not be for everyone.
As yet another fantastic JRPG from Bandai Namco, Tales of Arise is a great entry in the long-running series - and one that should please players both old and new.
Life is Strange: True Colors is a rollercoaster that deals with a full range of emotions. The story is solid and well laid out, but the superb cast of supporting characters is what sets the game apart. Follow every instinct and take in all that Haven Springs has to offer, you will not regret it!
Deathloop is outstanding. It has taken the superb gameplay of Dishonored and reworked the story, time period, aesthetic and fun factor into a package much more palatable for the average gamer. The result is not only one of the best games this year, it's the best next-gen exclusive on any console. This is a must buy.
Hades was incredible on PC and Switch and is even more incredible on the newest consoles featuring stunning 4K visuals and the amazing gameplay that we all already loved. If you haven’t played it yet, what are you waiting for?
Golf Club Wasteland is one of the surprise Indie hits of 2021. A beautiful art style, heartwarming narrative, great soundtrack and fun gameplay loop combined with excellent level design all combine to make this a bonafide hit.
Big Rumble Boxing is a fun and accessible arcade boxing game that brings everything that made Creed: Rise to Glory VR a hit back in 2018 to the masses. Just beware of the price tag and lack of online multiplayer.
Foreclosed does as much wrong as it does right, but overall I found myself intrigued enough by the world, story and unique design choices that I wanted to see it through. How much you value gameplay is likely to reflect your opinion on this one.
Lawn Mowing Simulator is a breath of fresh air. A relaxing experience that pulls you in and shows how fun a seemingly mundane task can be. Unfortunately, frame rate issues and regular pop-in stop this from scoring higher.
F1 2021 is yet another strong racing title from Codemasters, that not only delivers a fantastic experience for fans of both the genre and sport, but also offers the perhaps most accessible racing title to date.
Within the Blade is a worthy entry in the 2D action-platformer genre and is definitely worth your time, but beware, there are other games that do each of the main hooks better.