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Gunhead is a FPS roguelike that promises a level of challenge with its procedurally generated levels and unique gunplay system. However, it can't escape the monotonous rinse and repeat formula of the gameplay, and the samey level design. The inclusion of a sporadic half-baked narrative in this style of game just leaves a lot to be desired.
WarioWare: Move It! inflicts more pain than it does joy. Arms will become tired, motion controls will frustrate, and then the experience will end well before it should. There are some fun microgames packed in here, but it’s such a shame that the execution really lets this entry down.
The Talos Principle II is a fun, but challenging, puzzle adventure. The narrative is intriguing, even if it is a little slow to get going. However, it is the puzzle solving gameplay that is the highlight of this title. The puzzles feel unique and very creative and will cause you to flex your problem solving muscles.
Sonic Superstars is a pretty decent throwback to the original 2D titles. With up to 4-player co-op, new abilities to experience and completely new stages to run through, this 5-hour adventure is generally filled with well-crafted stages and platforming gimmicks, even if some of them love to kill the momentum.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage is absolutely phenomenal! The story does start out a little slow, but once it picks up, it becomes one of the more interesting narratives in the franchise. Ditching the cumbersome RPG stylings of Valhalla, Odyssey & Origins, Mirage will finally make you feel like an Assassin again! The map may not be as large as some of the earlier entries in the series, however, this only serves as a benefit as you won’t be traversing through a mass of unused space just to get to your next objective. Overall, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is the title that many AC fans have been waiting for, and serves, to some degree, as a bit of a nostalgia trip as well.
EA Sports FC 24 is exactly what you would expect from EA's yearly footballing simulator. There are a few new mechanics to enjoy, with some of them being more useful than others. Player career has seen a slight upgrade with the new contract objectives. However, outside of this there aren't any substantial changes and Ultimate Team is still great fun, for those that enjoy that side of FC. This is yet another solid entry in EA's yearly football sim, and proves that EA don't need FIFA's license to draw players in.
Starfield is a fun adventure that may just lack a bit of direction. The narrative is not exactly intriguing. However, Starfield throws a metric tonne of interesting side quests which will easily distract you from the meagre main plot. Combat is very reminiscent of the fallout series, with the gunplay in particular feeling pretty satisfying. The ship battles are also quite simple and avoid unnecessary systems which is ideal for this style of game. Whilst there are a few bugs, because after all this is a Bethesda game, thankfully they are minor and non intrusive, and often quite hilarious. Overall, Starfield is an entertaining sandbox that will give you hours upon hours of fun. I just hope you don’t mind sitting through (or skipping) the generic dialogue throughout the main quests.
Featuring a terrific turn-based battle system, eye-popping pixel-art, a colourful cast of characters and engaging exploration mechanics to boot, this prequel to 2018's The Messenger is more than worth the 30-hour time investment.
Fort Solis is a major disappointment, missing almost all of the aspects that make for an enjoyable horror/thriller experience.
Even though I physically could not finish the game, from what I experienced, The Cosmic Wheel Sister featured a fairly compelling story and characters. However, it would often forgo the age-old show don’t tell technique, leaving the audience feeling like its biggest scenes are happening in another castle.
Atlas Fallen will get your blood pumping with fast and furious battles that will test your reflexes and strategic mettle.
Double Dragon Gaiden is a short, yet very sweaty experience. The fast and furious combos and special moves make smacking goons feel very satisfying, while the pumping music and tag-team mechanics add in several layers of excitement.
Pikmin 4 contains some fresh ideas and quality of life features, but it still feels a little too simplistic from a gameplay and story point of view.
While it does contain some satisfying combat and runs remarkably well online for PC, Exoprimal’s repetitive gameplay loop starts to lose steam quicker than green grass through a goose.
AEW Fight Forever struggles to find its place with its first entry into the world of video games! Whilst it tries to set itself apart from WWE’s flagship series, with a lack of creativity and variety, it just ends up becoming a bit monotonous. There may be something here for die hard fans, but unfortunately beyond a few matches in exhibition and a lacklustre career mode, AEW Fight Forever does not do enough to be an enticing wrestling game! Unfortunately, unlike the actual AEW brand, the game just can’t compete with its WWE counterpart!
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective game offers a refreshing twist on the mystery genre, blending intricate puzzles, compelling storytelling and a charming cast of characters that will keep the audience hooked from start to finish.
Final Fantasy XVI stands tall as one of the best entries in the series, encapsulating the essence of the long-standing franchise whilst delivering an experience that sets the framework for future titles to come. From the moment I embarked on this journey, I was enthralled by its captivating narrative, breathtaking visuals and addictive action RPG gameplay, leaving me with no choice but to award it a straight 10/10, minor faults and all.
If you’re in the mood for engaging and chilling survival horror that excels in ambiance and psychological intrigue, look no further than Amnesia: The Bunker.
Ask Ken and he’ll say that Street Fighter 6 is just as satisfying as a Shoryuken straight to the face.
All things considered, the System Shock Remake is a bit of a tough sell. Fans of the original will no doubt be curious to see how this version has turned out. Though for the neutral crowd, it may leave them wanting.