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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.
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.
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.
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.
Weird West is a fantastic game that offers a ton of choices and consequences and truly allows you to take on the dangers and opportunities just about any way you want.
Ghostwire Tokyo started off more linear than I expected, funnelling you through corridors and streets while introducing you to its insane world and creative ideas. The story could have been more memorable for sure, but this is a game that will be remembered for its setting. Tango Gameworks had a lot of ideas in mind when creating this game. Some worked, and some fell a little short. But overall, I really enjoyed my time with it and expect it to grow a cult following over time.
Slipstream is an excellent throwback to arcade racers of the late 1980s. It may have a limited selection of cars, but it makes up for that with a host of modes, some beautiful vistas, addictive gameplay and a soundtrack that compliments the action on-screen perfectly. If you have any nostalgia for old school racers then at £7.39 you cannot go wrong with this one!
I recommend picking this one up. This title does play it safer in terms of anime girl outfits than some of the other entries and the soundtrack got on my nerves pretty early doors, but it’s nothing a mute button and a good podcast can’t solve. Speaking of – the latest episode of the Pure Dead Gaming podcast is available now, where we discuss this title among many other topics.
PSVR has seen some excellent titles over the years. Blood & Truth, Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Superhot, Walking Dead Saints & Sinners and the first Moss title are just some of the games that spring to mind when discussing the best experiences on Sony’s headset and Moss Book II is another one to add to that conversation. A fitting swansong for PlayStation’s debut headset.
I would absolutely recommend Ayo the Clown. I went in expecting little more than a functioning platformer, but Cloud M1 has put together a beautiful world, a cute cast of characters and a cracking soundtrack all topped off with some fun gameplay. This is the type of platformer that we don’t see enough of on PlayStation or Xbox and it is certainly a welcome addition!
I was really impressed with Road 96. I always enjoy these narrative adventure games, but few have managed to deliver such a powerful story while also incorporating over the top characters. There are a few niggles like dialogue options moving with the character and the graphics certainly aren’t anything to write home about, but the overall presentation is good and fits the style of the game. Road 96 is a journey worth taking.
Trek to Yomi has its issues, but as a package I loved it. The gameplay has its shortcomings for sure and there is even the odd moment when the artistic direction negatively affects the gameplay such as wide shots. But the presentation is up there with the most stylish games ever created and for that alone it’s one I recommend playing.
The Sorrowvirus: A Faceless Short Story is a game I am glad I checked out. I went in not knowing what to expect and came out with a story that stuck with me long after I rolled the credits all four times. It’s not without its shortcomings, but this is a great example of what a small team can accomplish on a limited budget.
If you are still reading this review then what are you waiting for? Piss off and go buy the Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe. It’s one of the most unique games you’ll ever play and an experience you won’t soon forget. Brilliant.
Evil Dead: The Game blew away my expectations. As a fan of the series I was both excited and worried going in. Could an Evil Dead game would be done right in 2022? The answer is a resounding yes. This is absolutely the best example of an asymmetric multiplayer game to date and one that fans of the series and horror fans in general should check out.
Super Perils of Baking is a tough and rewarding 2D platformer that will challenge you every step of the way. The beautiful 16-bit visuals, catchy soundtrack and tight platforming are all wrapped up in a superb price point. Highly recommended.
There are very few games this year that I have enjoyed as much as Rollerdrome. It may lack a proper story and be light on levels, but the moment-to-moment gameplay is nearly flawless. Because of this, there is plenty of replayability and challenges to work towards. The introductory price of £16.49 is a good deal and one I recommend everyone intrigued by this review, checks out!
I love this game! Sleeping Dogs to me absolutely nails the blend and balance needed for a strong open world experience. It doesn’t do everything perfectly and for me personally having the whole of Hong Kong speaking English really breaks the immersion but it does do a very good job of what it sets out to – an open world action adventure, heavily focused on hand to hand combat in the bustling neon lit streets of Hong Kong. Don’t sleep on it!
Two Point Campus is a superb sequel to one of the best management sim games ever made. It takes the winning formula and puts it in a new setting with both interesting and hilarious consequences. The difficulty has been tweaked for the better and quality of life additions are peppered throughout the game. Minor performance issues on the Switch aside, it’s an A+ from me.
My favourite Saints Row game to date is the third entry. It was just the right mix of over-the-top action while still producing a story I cared about in a world that felt interesting and fun to explore. This Saints Row reboot is unfortunately a step back in that regard. It is still fun for sure and I enjoyed my time with it, but repetitive missions, some cringe dialogue, and a world that feels soulless detracts from what I expected to kick off the next generation of Saints Row.