GGRecon's Reviews
Shadow of the Erdtree is a staggering achievement, and among the best work that FromSoftware has produced. It expands upon Elden Ring with an intricately woven narrative, unrelenting boss challenges, and a world so full of secrets that it's hard to know whether you've truly seen everything the expansion has to offer.
The Monster Hunter Stories remaster is a very faithful rendition of the original game. It adds a fresh coat of paint, better performance and English and Japanese voice acting. With the core experience still very much intact, this could well be the definitive way to experience Monster Hunter Stories going forward.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin continues what was started in the first game, and elevates it to new heights. What was once a side attraction could well become the staple, as Wings of Ruin is simply an excellent RPG.
New Guardians may have plenty of questions as to what’s going on, but if you’ve spent any time with the franchise in the past, this is worth coming back for - the Final Shape is the new gold standard for Destiny.
Vengeance is undoubtedly the definitive and best way to play Shin Megami Tensei V, with a fantastic new narrative path and quality-of-life adjustments that are so good you wonder how the game was released without them.
If you’re a hardcore fan of the F1 series, you might appreciate the work that’s gone into refining the driving physics to a tee. The same goes for the Driver Career mode, which elevates MyTeam to a new level, even if it feels remarkably familiar all the same.
Switch is now home to the definitive version of The Thousand-Year Door, and anyone interested in RPGs or Mario games who might've missed it over the years should definitely check it out to see why so many Paper Mario fans long for a return to this style of game.
While it's still in early access, there's already a fantastic foundation for Evil Empire to build upon with The Rogue Prince of Persia.
XDefiant is a fantastic game. I haven't been this excited about a shooter game since Apex Legends, and we know how that turned out.
Pine Hearts is a breath of fresh air, encouraging you to slow down and tend to your emotional roots. It doesn’t just simulate an adventure; it simulates peace, creativity, and community. Whether you’re revisiting childhood memories or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Pine Hearts offers a slice of serenity with no stress involved.
Hellblade 2 remains the most technically impressive experience I’ve ever played through. Through the chosen medium of games, Ninja Theory tells a compelling narrative that, if you can put up with some rather archaic gameplay, will leave you deeply satisfied - and maybe just a little traumatised.
Galacticare will have you reaching for the stars as you build your cosmic hospital up and treat the denizens of the furthest reaches of space. While it may be a little on the slow side to start with, putting in enough time into creating your optimal medical facility is incredibly satisfying, with a cast of characters that help make each of your spaces feel alive.
Ghost of Tsushima is perhaps Nixxes' most impressive work yet. In porting one of PlayStation’s best games to PC, it’s also created one of the best-optimised pieces of software you can find on the platform.
Paper Trail had set high expectations, and Newfangled Games meets and exceeds them, combining inspired puzzle design with gorgeous art and atmosphere to leave me very excited for what it turns its talent to next.
It would have been great to see some sort of career mode implemented where you can take control of real-world players, but for a revival from the dead, TopSpin 2K25 is pretty TopNotch.
Although the novelty of swiping wears off pretty quickly, Reigns: Beyond is an impressive game for its price point. For less than £5, it’s not a risky investment - and it's probably worth the entry fee just to experience the unique gameplay and hilarious script. It’s definitely more suited for short bursts on mobile, but if the Apple Arcade isn’t an option for you, then the Switch version is a nice alternative.
Stellar Blade is an exceptionally well-crafted game that has learned from its influences and honed their teachings to a highly polished standard that can only be commended.
The sweet heart of Toriyama beats here, but it alone can’t help to make Sand Land compelling for most.
Minor gripes with the linearity of its world can be forgiven when the gameplay that backs up the narrative is so enthralling. While I doubt I’ll go back for the collectables, the lessons that Tales of Kenzera: ZAU has to teach will stay with me long after I put down the controller.
Gigantic: Rampage Edition is a pleasure to play, if you can get a game, and even though it has a somewhat low ceiling, there’s no denying that Abstraction knocked this out of the park.