NextPlay's Reviews
Midnight Murder Club has a strong perception of what it needs to be, but fails to brew up anything that would survive more than one games night with the gang thanks to its one map and little to nothing to work towards.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a legendary remake of a genre-defining game that doesn’t add much extra flavour, but presents top-notch graphics and retains the best parts of the original game, like the cast and their performances and the engaging stealth espionage gameplay.
Len’s Island generates enjoyment primarily out of its building mechanics, providing a serviceable experience amongst every other aspect of the game. While this is still an easy recommendation for gamers with an appetite for a new survival game, it won’t appeal to everyone.
Donkey Kong Bananza is, simply put, one of Nintendo’s finest games and a must-buy for the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo consistently innovate with its flagship titles, and Bananza is the latest to achieve this with its relentlessly exceptional level design. The gameplay is addictive, and the soundtrack pays tribute to the older games while recreating new DK sound beats for this new generation.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 reheats the series’ nachos, bringing back both games with a fresh new coat of paint. Old fans and newcomers are sure to find this next slew of remakes just as entertaining as the last.
Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 faithfully allows players to re-experience Tanjiro Kamado’s trials and tribulations through some of the anime’s best Story Arcs. While there’s not much deviation from the source material, its hard not to recommend this to Demon Slayer fans and anime fans alike.
uper Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV is a welcome addition to the Switch 2’s library, but one that relies too much on the original package. While Jamboree TV provides some fun moments, especially with the mouse mini-games, Super Mario Party Jamboree ultimately carries it on its back in this new package.
“While sharing similar genetics to other games in the soulslike genre, WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers provides a deep and involved combat system that blossoms alongside fluid animations and a beautifully depicted Eastern setting.”
Powerhoof continues to be one of the most exciting developers out of Australia, achieving a tight point-and-click that anyone can get into with The Drifter. The performances from the cast are wonderful and sell the story well, while the quality gameplay clears the bar that the rest of the package sets. The beautiful work with the environments, animations, and soundtrack elevate this Aussie pulp thriller to fantastic heights.
Broken Arrow does enough to differentiate itself brilliantly from what already exists in the market. Unfortunately, the heavy focus on multiplayer holds it back due to cheaters and leavers. Whether the game survives depends heavily on the coming weeks.
Final Fantasy IX is a masterpiece that will stand the test of time. The captivating story is paced perfectly, and is equipped with a lovable cast of characters, and a charming art style allows it to effortlessly justify its place as one of the best in the franchise.
Ruffy and the Riverside is a throwback to platforming greats of the ’90s that is brimming with the charm, level design, and colourful characters that made you fall in love with video games to begin with. While the game isn’t the ultimate platforming experience, Ruffy and the Riverside is sure to bring joy to those who play.
Mario Kart World is a solid entry into the Mario Kart series, but it is still outshone by its predecessor in many ways. While the world in Mario Kart World feels barren, the entertaining and chaotic gameplay we love from the series may well be at its peak.
Deliver At All Costs is a deeply conflicted game. The tone of the narrative and gameplay often don’t match, further driven by the duality of the gameplay itself. The shallow and awkward parts of Deliver At All Costs unfortunately swallows the more enjoyable moments. While the game’s concept is novel, it isn’t enough to carry the game through its 6+ hour journey.
RAIDOU Remastered takes the original Demon Summoner and gives it a plethora of quality-of-life improvements, creating what I would consider an essentially new experience. While the story is the same, engaging combat and a voiced cast help modernise what could have otherwise been a dated PlayStation 2 title. It’s fun, it’s frantic, and it’s unique. This is not only an ode to RPGs past, but proof that ATLAS can and will deliver on its projects.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a technically great accompaniment to Nintendo Switch 2 that showcases the new features perfectly, however, the decision to charge for this interactive manual feels unjust in every way.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered takes the original 2006 release, improves on it by taking successful systems from Skyrim, and modernises the experience through UE5. It’s rare to see a remaster that has done more than simply slapping on a new coat of paint and a higher resolution. This remaster is an ode to the original, one that preserves its legacy.
DOOM: The Dark Ages feels like a victory lap for id Software, regardless of how the fans have taken it. Not every swing for the fences hits its mark, but the things that do make this game fun. Every system that’s built around the Slayer’s new Saw Shield works better than it has any right to, and with the more open mission style, player freedom is put at the forefront of this medieval ripping and tearing. While there are certainly disappointing elements, namely the whole narrative and lackluster soundtrack, Dark Ages is a welcome evolution of the formula and a great way of capping off the DOOM reboot trilogy.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has absolutely blown me away in every possible way. The game positions itself masterfully, exploring grief through the eyes of its characters as they hope for the future in spite of the journey ahead. Exploring Lumiere and the continent is a thrill, with enemies aplenty and battles that feel equally challenging and satisfying. It’s a stunning RPG that pulls at your emotions with its clever portrayal of hope. If you’re avoiding this one because of the turn-based gameplay, then I suggest you pipe down and let this game become your new obsession because it’s unforgettable. Do it for those who come after!
Nice Day for Fishing is not a bad game. With delightful music, charming visuals, and a fishing mechanic that becomes more strategic throughout the adventure. But the repetitive fetch quest mission structure was downright exhausting. I found myself struggling to become invested in the story or excited by the next mission because I was simply worn out by the repetitive and overused fetch quest structure. Pointing out the ridiculousness of video game mission design is objectively funny. But when the experience replicates those issues, to the point where it hinders the enjoyment of the game, does the player not become the butt of the joke?