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Darkest Dungeon II is a gloomy tale of survival amidst loss. While its subject matter is grim, the overall game is an exciting take on the roguelike genre.
Gears of War: Reloaded is a nostalgic, yet dated, trek through the iconic origins of the beloved Gears series. While the game is essentially a remaster of a remaster from 2015’s Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, it’s a worthwhile introduction for more gamers looking to play on this generation of consoles.
SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance isn’t just a game; it’s a journey that reaches back to the golden age of gaming and pulls you in with a stunning, modern grip and is a confident return for the franchise.
Despite its familiarity to your average farming sim, this is more of an adventure game at its core.
‘Hide The Corpse’ is a highly addictive, extremely physical, physics-based puzzle challenge that never fails to turn an obscenely simple objective into the fight of your life. If you are on the prowl for a game that is truly easy to play and hard to master, then look no further. This quirky, cartoony, “70s-themed gem is a total trip and well worth the addition to your PSVR2 Library.
The ‘Bendy’ franchise has always thrived on its mixture of vintage cartoon aesthetics and psychological horror, and ‘Bendy: Lone Wolf’ takes that formula into darker, more personal territory. Where previous entries leaned heavily on exploration and puzzle-solving, Lone Wolf emphasises survival mechanics, isolation, and the slow unravelling of one character’s psyche.
‘Hidden Memories of The Gardens Between’ is a heartfelt, nostalgic journey through time and memories shared between Frendt and Arina. This journey of quiet reflection is a testament to the outstanding environmental storytelling, incredible set pieces and stellar animation. If you are looking for a relaxing puzzle game that is sure to have your own childhood memories flooding back to you, then this is for you.
Midnight Murder Club is a moreish mix of mayhem that I can see myself enjoying in short bursts. With multiple game modes and plenty of ways to play with friends, it’s a perfect way to spend time tormenting friends from the safety of your own home.
Dungeon Stalkers combines anime and fantasy visuals while offering somewhat synthetic and dated in-game graphics. The dungeons themself are appropriately (very) dark and lit only by fire or magic, but they feel uninspired with a lack of creativity after multiple dungeon adventures.
So, has my anticipation been met? Yes, yes, it has. Although the lengthy grind and tiresome comedy didn’t appeal to me, as a whole, Stick it to the Stickman is great. With its fast-paced action, poppy graphics, thoughtful audio, and massive replayability, Stick it to the Stickman is another hit for developer Free Lives and publisher Devolver Digital.
Playful, inventive, and accessible in concept
In conclusion, Heretic + Hexen are games I missed the first time around. However, three decades later, thanks to Nightdive Studios thoughtful quality-of-life improvements and impressive new expansions, I can still enjoy titles that have held up remarkably well. With dark fantasy charm, fast-paced combat, and seriously excellent level design, this collection is a must-play.
This isn’t a Souls-like or sprawling open-world; it’s a focused, narrative-driven experience, and that clarity of vision is refreshing.
At the end of the day, if you enjoy simulator games, you’ll find something to like here. The unique Wild West setting gives it some much-needed character. That being said, there’s no escaping the fact that underneath the surface, it’s essentially a copy-and-paste experience that won’t surprise seasoned players.
Sengoku Dynasty will get more of my time; I thoroughly enjoy it, and being a fan of the culture in this title makes it that much more enjoyable. Beautiful graphics, great sound work, and the community element make it that much more enjoyable, helping reduce some of the grinding tasks.
Mafia: The Old Country delivers a deeply immersive experience that transports players back to the early 1900s with a compelling narrative, rich atmosphere, and polished gameplay. The blend of stealth, combat, and exploration keeps the gameplay fresh, and the sound design creates a unique atmosphere, which draws you into an immersive experience.
Short, smart, and unsettling, s.p.l.i.t isn’t your typical horror game. It’s cryptic and cold but rewarding for players who enjoy solving digital mysteries with nothing but their wits and a keyboard.
Liminal Exit is a haunting, minimalist experience that thrives on discomfort, uncertainty, and eerie familiarity. It does not rely on traditional storytelling or jump scares to pull you into the game.
Overall, Death Relives is a great new spin on the horror survival genre and a great first project for Nyctophile Studios. For all horror fans alike, I would recommend adding this to your roster.
In conclusion, the best parts of the game can feel like a product of a bygone era, almost akin to an old Game Boy title. Unfortunately, it also comes off as a cheap attempt at a Metroidvania with some occasional fun moments. And while I can appreciate the effort to do something different with Pac-Man, I think it’s better off sticking to the arcade.