The Beta Network
HomepageThe Beta Network's Reviews
Zombie Army 4: Dead War is the game-iest video game I’ve reviewed in quite some time, but it actually ended up being more entertaining than I thought. While the flow of gameplay is as one-note as it gets and the story is a complete waste of time, Zombie Army 4 still features an amusing 10-12 hour campaign and horde mode that’s best experienced in short bursts.
While there aren’t too many memorable moments like the games Tormented Souls is based on, the general horror elements work incredibly well in heightening the tension and keeping you on the edge of your seat. The puzzle segments aren’t mere throwaway either and do serve as a great change of pace from the adrenaline-pumping fear. The story is quite intriguing too, although the voice-acting does leave a lot to be desired.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is another spectacular tactical RPG that combines turn-based and real-time strategy to great effect. The battles are definitely on the easier side of things and it can be a bit tricky to read the visual prompts, although 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim makes up for this with a riveting story and addictive gameplay that’ll hold your attention for the game’s 30-40 hour runtime.
The Skywalker Saga successfully manages to recreate the fun and humour of its 2005 counterpart! It gives us a new take on the Star Wars series, with many great moments filled with hilarious jokes and gags! The revamped combat feels fantastic, and really helps to keep things fresh and exciting. There are a few jokes that may make you roll your eyes, but despite this, it's hard not to get hooked in The Skywalker Saga's world for hours on end!
Weird West is exactly that, a weird yet interesting adventure set in the wild west. Featuring many supernatural creatures to hunt and many stories to uncover, it has an immense world to explore and many characters to talk to. The abilities and perks system help dramatically as well – especially when not playing on PC – and the game looks absolutely incredible. A 20-hour experience that could easily take 50 hours to complete.
Crystar’s gameplay can be a little lackluster at times, however the fascinating narrative does more than enough to keep you playing for hours on end! Some hit and miss combat mixed with a story filled with an interesting unpredictable direction makes for an enjoyable, but occasionally tedious experience!
Ghostwire: Tokyo features a tried and tested triple-A design approach, but the gameplay and story just won’t hold your interest for long. Battles turn into mindless spam fests, the open-world design elements become tiresome and the narrative loses it steam shortly after the first few hours. I ain’t afraid of no ghosts, but the thought of playing this game again gives me pause.
Relayer sprinkles in some small, yet surprisingly impactful changes to the tactical RPG formula. Being able to check threat squares and an aggro list, alongside an awesome limit break feature really help this title soar. The gameplay itself is so compelling, and the emotionally resonant space opera pays off in spades. Don’t miss Relayer.
Tunic initially looks incredible. Featuring a top-down attack and dodge style, it immediately gives off a Death’s Door vibe with an abundance of colour. Upon entering the game though, it becomes very clear that Tunic is just an empty shell of a game. With basically no story, basic combat, and a world that looks amazing but leaves the player wondering where to go. It becomes very stale very quickly.
WWE 2K22 attempts to make up for the massive failure that was 2K20, and for the most part, does so successfully. Featuring an overhaul of the gameplay mechanics and taking some pointers from the SmackDown vs. Raw series, 2K22 stands to become the greatest wrestling game in the 2K series!
The Cruel King and The Great Hero is as classic as JRPGs get, but its little touches of modernisation truly shine through. As the gorgeous art style and chirpy soundtrack complement the thought-provoking battle system with grace. Some story and character moments are left wanting, and there are a few missteps with the general gameplay. But overall, The Cruel King and The Great Hero is a timeless 15-hour adventure that demands at least one playthrough.
Babylon’s Fall bears the shell of a Platinum Games release, however, it doesn’t go anywhere beyond that. The combat is dull and colourless, the story and graphical presentation are weak, and the micro-transactions it tries to shove down your throat feel like blatant predatory practices. There are some enjoyable moments of co-op gameplay, although they are few and far between.
Whilst Shadow Warrior 3 boasts some fantastic combat and interesting new traversal elements, it’s failed attempt to give us a narrative filled with the creativity and humour that we have become accustomed to with the series, really leaves a lot to be desired! The gameplay’s rinse and repeat formula can become quite tedious and will leave many players disinterested fairly early on!
If you're searching for a balance of arcade and sim-style racing full of varied events, sublime controls and great sound design, then you're already in the right place. GRID Legends has such quality content that'll keep you coming back long after the credits roll.
If you’re looking for an entertaining turn-based strategy game and a linear, school-based story similar to the first two Persona titles, then go forth. For everyone else, it’s going to depend on whether you can stomach a bunch of frustrating puzzles, terrible graphics, annoying exploration mechanics and a story that takes its sweet sweet time to get going.
If you enjoy top-down real-time strategy games, then Total War: Warhammer 3 is a must-play. The story is intriguing and stock full of lore. The gameplay is reminiscent of other great real-time strategy titles with it’s own flare. And the art design looks incredible.
Grapple Dog combines some fantastic 2D platforming with an awesome grappling hook mechanic that's a cinch to pick up n' play.
OlliOlli World maintains the challenging gameplay of the previous entries in the series, whilst being much more accessible for new players! Featuring slick and satisfying controls, as well as a stunning cell-shaded art style, OlliOlli World sets itself apart as one of the best side-scrolling skateboarding games to date!
Serious Sam Siberian Mayhem is simply a good run and gun game. There really isn’t much emphasis on story, and honestly, there really isn’t much other than exactly that – running and shooting. This doesn’t make it a bad game, it just makes it fun for a particular audience. For those that love getting chased, shooting countless bad guys, and being under pressure, this game does a great job!