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Unless you have a fond spot in your heart for Aero The Acro-Bat: Rascal Rival Revenge, it’s hard to recommend the game. Even as a remake of a 1990s game released in the 2000s, it feels a bit sluggish and archaic. It’s a decent trip down memory lane for older gamers, but it’s a hard selling to the younger gamers out there who were spoiled with all the nifty quality of life improvement gameplay mechanics.
Tetris Forever is an interesting piece of history as it lets players deep dive in more obscure, older Tetris games; but as you’d expect, a lot of them haven’t aged well. The new entry, Tetris Time Warp, is a fun new addition to the long running series. But given the age of the games included, it’s hard to recommend Tetris Forever to anyone other than diehard Tetris fans.
The game looks fine for what it is; dark and drab environments are detailed and the city feels lively. Its dark theme offers a darker color palette to properly represent the menacing threat. However, it unfortunately doesn’t benefit from the full processing power of the Xbox Series S and X consoles. It looks like early 8th generation console game, which is unfortunate. Human characters are pretty generic, but they did do a great job creating the monstrosities you’ll face. Audio wise, there’s little to no voiceover work, aside from incomprehensible muffles. The soundtrack is incredibly eclectic; some tunes are properly spooky where others sounds like the composer slid his ass across a keyboard. Given this brand new concept, there’s sure to be a few hiccups. Outdated graphics aside, combat does feel a bit loose and requires some practice to feel comfortable. It’s also rough at times facing a bigger Slitterhead and trying quickly swap powers with the d-pad and not get it. Bokeh Game Studio’s first project had somewhat high hopes given the reputation of Keiichiro Toyama, the studio head, created Silent Hill and Siren. But Slitterhead manages to be a surprising and entertaining experience. While having no scares, despite Toyama’s history, the game makes up for it with deep combat system, fun possession system and intriguing story. Sure, it’s not perfect, but if you’re looking for a unique, challenging 3rd person action game, Slitterhead is a must play.
Killing Time: Resurrected is mindless shooter where players just around killing everything. While the gameplay/shooting in and of itself is a blast and holds up generally well, the archaic DOOM formula find key, find door, rinse, repeat gets old and irritating as you’d expect. The exteriors are fun and enjoyable to explore, but insides are confusing and visuals makes it easy to miss doors. If you’re craving an old school 1990s experience, Killing Time: Resurrected is definitely the best option out there. However, if you enjoy a more linear, straight to the point experience, Killing Time: Resurrected will be an irrtating experience.
In this review I’ve critiqued the game from a general standpoint. Ultimately, A Patrick Star game is a simplistic sandbox adventure which will fall short for most – however for its intended audience this will prove a hit. It’ll provide a challenge, as well as give them the chance to explore somewhere they know and love. Everything is straightforward and its free-roam design means that children of all ages will be able to find something they enjoy, without having their progress halted by a level they can’t get past. Outright Games have done a fantastic job in creating an experience for younger players.
I played a lot of this game with a smile on my face, it was exactly what I’d hoped for going in, and plenty more else on top. Sonic Generations is one of the best releases in the series post-Mega Drive, but the addition of a genuinely fun adventure which gives Shadow the moment he deserves makes this not only one of my favourite Sonic releases, but one of my favourite releases this year. My only remaining hope now that the foundations for future adventures have been laid, is that Sega and Team Sonic continue to build on them, so that both their iconic mascot and his fans, get the games that they both deserve.
I won't lie, I become invested for countless hours in creative games like Planet Coaster 2 and it retains the qualities from 2016 and then some. As someone who pretended to be ill in my school days so I could stay at home and plough extra hours into adventures like Theme Park and Rollercoaster Tycoon in the 90s, this sends me back to that headspace. What we have here is a joyful, addictive and rich park builder which will no doubt become more fruitful with updates over time. The real draw though is how reasonably priced the game is. At just £39.99 for the base edition and £49.99 for the deluxe version, it is well worth the money and your time investment if you adore this genre like I do.
On the surface Tiebreak: Official Game of the ATP & WTA is a well constructed and playable Tennis title, but often its mechanics had me feeling a bit frustrated. It felt more simplistic to get to grips with than Top Spin 2K25, but the mechanics and AI become infuriating to deal with at times. If you’re looking for a Tennis title though that has the largest roster available with accurate atmosphere and feel of the real sport though, this one might be for you. But in my opinion it does fall short in terms of gameplay and modes despite its excellent presentation. I do hope Big Ant Studios return next year though with some refreshed mechanics to compliment its sterling work everywhere else.
Squirrel With A Gun never takes itself seriously and it doesn’t need to. Me and my little lad loved playing this one together and at various points, he did have to hand me the controller for a helping hand with some of the trickier platforming moments throughout. The game doesn’t focus on just mindlessly gunning everything down in sight, it has some puzzle elements and areas for you to explore and discover along the way. But if you ever fancied taking a tree rat into moments akin to The Matrix and Max Payne, then this is a real treat. For the price point, it offers several hours of enjoyment and whilst it is a little clunky and frustrating in particular moments, it never stops being fun. For those with youngsters who are out for a laugh, or just want some casual fun its worth a punt.
Vengeance Hunters is one of the better and most enjoyable beat’em ups to release in the last year or so. It has that perfect 90s flair, combat is surprisingly deep, boss battles are quite unique and provide a decent challenge. While levels do feel a bit long, the overall experience is incredibly enjoyable and is definitely a must play; especially if you’re a fan of classic beat’em ups. Don’t miss this little gem.
The best way to sum this up: Retro Revengers was clearly not QA’ed for the fun factor. It’s a generic irritating platformer with questionable level design and iffy controls. While it’s a nice touch to have a variety of unique skills, it also means they don’t control all the same; some feel floaty, others feel like they have cement filled boots. There are many more better platformers available on Xbox Marketplace; so unless you’ve played them all or want to experience this out of curiosity, don’t bother.
The whole package is a thing of beauty and it’s interesting enough that after two games I want more and I’m hoping for DLC again. It’s addictive and always had me having one more go to see if I could get those extra stars I was missing. Mad Fellows have another absolute winner on their hands here, and as I often say when it comes to indies, I absolutely implore you check this out.
Valfaris: Mecha Therion is a another indie gem. The original was one of best, most challenging and enjoyable run n’ gun games I had played. Switching the sequel to the shmup genre while keeping the action packed gameplay from the previous entry offers a fresh take. Valfairs: Mecha Therion, much like its predecessor, is a must play experience. If you’re looking for a fun challenge, don’t miss out.
Call Of Duty Black Ops 6 stays true to the previous titles and carries the torch into this interesting period for Call Of Duty. For Xbox players with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, it is fantastic that it is available to players on launch. Not only will this reign in veterans, but the casual crowd can dip their toes in if they choose. From the multiplayer perspective, it is a welcome change from Modern Warfare and bears similarities to Cold War in how it feels to play. A classic prestige system being re-introduced allows players to digest the game at their own pace and not feel left behind by seasonal updates. This year feels like Call Of Duty has gone back to basics. It still angers me that Xbox still doesn’t allow players to switch off the crossplay options within the internal menu system and skill-based matchmaking appears to be ever-present. These issues aside though, we have a nice refreshing return to Black Ops that not only looks great but also feels satisfying to play for hours on end. For now, time to level up those guns for Warzone on November 14th!
Night Slashers: Remake is ok at best. It’s nothing special; it’s extremely generic and bland. Also very short and bosses, who should instill fear, are just big cronies. It could be some way to pass some time, solo or with friends, but other than that, it’s hard to recommend Night Slashers: Remake knowing there are much, much better beat’em up available. Try at your own risk.
Well, I am glad I listened to all the great feedback about this game and picked it up for a review. If you’re into RPG titles with simplistic turn-based combat that doesn’t have you diving into millions of skill trees and classes, then you’ll love the experience. This will go down as one of the most memorable indie titles I have played not just in 2024, but probably ever. Every year I collate a pot of indie titles that are bordering on masterpiece status, games like Cuphead, Cult Of The Lamb, Deaths Door and Balataro. This belongs in that pot and stays there for sure, and is worth every single penny of the £14.99 asking price. As indie titles go, this is a must-buy, don’t even hesitate just go and play it.
If you missed the boat with Dead Rising in 2006, I highly recommend picking up the Deluxe Remaster. It has been wonderfully reworked across the board to bring a refreshed experience that is more aesthetically pleasing and satisfying to play. Even though I had completed this one back in the day, I would say it is also worth a replay if you’re on the fence. Capcom has done a fantastic job not only giving the visuals an entire overhaul but also some great adjustments to other elements of the experience. The auto-save is a much-welcome addition and NPC’s appear to behave a little less erratically this time. I have to say though, I enjoyed the game just as much today as I did 18 years ago and in this congested schedule of games, I kept going back for more. It retains all the qualities and story from the original game and the wackiness and spontaneous nature of smashing zombies in with a variance of weapons doesn’t seem to tire. Sometimes I do roll my eyes at the amount of remasters and remakes that seem to surface lately, but I guarantee you, this is one of the great ones and Dead Rising deserves some new eyes to the franchise. That said, Capcom we need a Dead Rising 5.
The game looks great with its dark and brooding visuals. While each level has a menacing, dark-ish style, they are uniquely themed such as a forest, living train or even shooting the undead on the Moon. Enemy design, while a bit repetitive, is top-notch and creepy. Bosses are big and grotesque creations fun to challenge. The soundtrack is a high octave hard rock score to get your blood pumping as you shred The Meat’s armies. There’s nothing inherently wrong with Iron Meat aside from the fact that unlocked characters doesn’t offer any variety in terms of gameplay and the fact that given its old school inspiration, the gameplay is limited. When clearing the game, you can replay it and choose which level to play. Whether you’re looking for an old school inspired challenge or some quick fun, Iron Meat is an absolute must play. The gameplay is addictive, easy to pick up and play and some classic co-op action. While the gameplay is limited, the levels and challenge is very fun and addictive. Even after clearing the game, you’ll find yourself replaying levels to hone to skills or just as a stress relief. Iron Meat is a must buy. Don’t miss out.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is definitely going to be in the game of the year conversation. Time management nuisance aside, the game has it all; great environments/locale, enjoyable cast of characters, addictive combat system thanks to its combination of real-time and turn based; not to mention the Archetypes mechanics. Gamers looking for something diverse that will keep them busy for the foreseeable future absolutely need to get their hands on Atlus’ latest opus.
After around 20-25 hours with Starship Troopers Extermination, I wish I could recommend it for purchase. But in its current launch status, it is a bit of a mess. During my playtime, almost every single match crashed and threw me to the Xbox dashboard. During gameplay, there were endless frame drops, and textures loaded slowly, and overall, the performance is frankly terrible at present on Xbox Series X. With this said, I’m almost certain the team will be working on bugs (excuse the pun) and other issues. When the game plays well it is an absolute blast to experience and whilst content seems lacking, there is a roadmap with more on the way. I’m rooting for this game to be something special because it is ambitious, but perhaps it should have had some rigorous beta testing on consoles before launch. I’d advise waiting for confirmation of fixes before taking the plunge.