NextPlay's Reviews
Metaphor: ReFantazio is an incredible game, that implements many quality-of-life improvements to the Persona formula, while enhancing that experience to create an exceptional fantasy RPG. Metaphor delivers a captivating and memorable villain, with a lovable ensemble cast, and brilliant soundtrack, all of which work together to craft a compelling fantasy adventure.
Max Mustard is one of the best VR platformers of all time, up there neck-and-neck with Astro Bot: Rescue Mission and Moss VR. Everything is brimming with charm, from the character designs to the fast-paced and engaging gameplay. This cohesive and genuinely enjoyable experience allows me to say that Max Mustard has set a new benchmark for the VR platformer genre.
Visions of Mana is an exceptionally well made JRPG and a perfect entry into the mana series for those looking to finally dive headfirst into this great and beloved franchise. The Mana games are finally back, and Visions of Mana is what I hope will be the first of many more games to come.
A game that offers gameplay surrounding a vast number of classic franchises seems like a perfect concept on paper, but Funko Fusion is held back by not really knowing the audience it’s targeted towards. This, piled on with a number of bugs and performance issues, means we can’t really recommend this to the average gamer.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster feels more like a Remake than a Remaster, with a hefty visual upgrade and some quality-of-life improvements to refine the original experience. This title will be the perfect entry point into the Dead Rising series for any fan of the zombie-slaying action-adventure genre.
They say cats always land on their feet, and Copycat proves this theory. Copycat brings a grounded and often heartfelt narrative to an authentic Australian setting and brilliantly tells a story of self-discovery. It may be far from purr-fect, but even with a few missteps in the pacing of the narrative and preciseness of the platforming, this is a charming experience that will stay with you for years to come.
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis – The Answer is the perfect narrative conclusion to this incredible adventure. Each character gets time to shine, as deep and meaningful themes are tackled effectively. Aigis is an endearing character and her transition into narrative lead works incredibly well, with an emotional send off that will leave Persona 3 fans very happy. However, I found the repetitive aspects of exploring the Abyss of Time quite noticeable, which left me wishing the expansion was condensed further to avoid the unnecessary padding of completing each dungeon.
Even without the PlayStation references, delightful cameos, and iconic imagery, Astro Bot would still be considered one of the best 3D platformers ever made, but with all these lovely additions scattered throughout this charming adventure, it becomes something even more special. While I cherish those childhood memories of playing Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie, it brings me joy to know that current players will now be able to cherish their own incredible memories, all due to the masterful adventure Team Asobi has managed to develop.
At its peak, Conscript is a wonderfully harrowing ordeal that will keep you on your toes, and at worst, it’s a drag designed to feel as dread-inducing as the setting it’s built around. The rest of the game lingers somewhere in the middle, and whether you’re an avid fan of survival horrors or not will most likely determine your enjoyment with this experience.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is what the fans have been waiting for. The captivating story and characters, as well as the generous offering of weapons and customisation do the heavy lifting, as the repetitive combat is an acquired taste that won’t satisfy everyone.
Emio: The Smiling Man – Famicon Detective Club delivers a gripping, genuinely creepy and intriguing detective themed adventure, which will satisfy both adventure and visual novel fans. The mature subject matter feels fresh and unique, especially for Nintendo Switch owners looking for a more adult experience in-between Nintendo’s usual family friendly titles. While some minor technical issues and a forgettable soundtrack do hinder the overall experience, Emio: The Smiling Man succeeds in providing players with an enthralling detective story, which will leave a lasting impression.
The Casting of Frank Stone embodies the Dead by Daylight universe exceptionally well, providing a revelating taste of lore unexplored within the universe. This is one of Supermassive’s best, an experience that promotes replayability and one that will capture the attention of horror fans across the world.
Star Wars Outlaws is a game you will tip your hat to. Ubisoft’s open-world formula is stripped back to a more palatable level and explores an intriguing story from a new perspective in a galaxy far, far, away. From the action, stealth, space battles, and juggling of cartels, there are elements in Outlaws that will appeal to just about everyone.
Destiny 2’s The Final Shape is a love letter to its fans, it’s the best of Bungie. A triumphant last hurrah from a 10-year-old franchise that has seemingly owned its past mistakes. It manages to mesh past and present together, telling a powerful story without leaning on unearned nostalgia and ends of an enormous high. Gameplay feels as engaging as ever, with loot worth playing for and fresh challenges that players both inexperienced and venerated will love. While the past and future of Destiny is murky at best, the present is a gift.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is a loyal remake of a beloved game that is both: a great entry point for new players to the series and long-time fans of the series that want to jump back into Luigi’s flagship series. While some of the gameplay design and mechanics didn’t translate perfectly over to the Nintendo Switch, this is still a title worth checking out.
Cygni: All Guns Blazing is a dark, challenging, and ultimately rewarding experience that showcases Konami’s ability to blend retro inspiration with modern gameplay mechanics. Whether you’re a seasoned Shmup veteran or a newcomer looking to try something different, Cygni: All Guns Blazing offers a rich, immersive journey that will keep you hooked from start to finish. So grab your controller, choose your difficulty wisely, and prepare to dive into the action-packed world of Cygni: All Guns Blazing.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble brings back a classic series in a way that fans will adore. The short but sweet levels and tight controls are great, with a wide variety in levels to maintain interest. Though where it lacks polish is the online multiplayer, which was an ambitious move for the series that unfortunately falls flat compared to the solo adventure
Nobody Wants to Die delivers a memorable noir-inspired detective adventure set within a captivating cyberpunk setting of New York City. It features brilliant writing, fantastic characters, and intricate world-building. While the gameplay aspects become quite repetitive, discouraging replayability, there is a memorable adventure here that some players will absolutely enjoy.
SCHiM is one of the most distinct platformers released this year, and that deserves to be celebrated. The attention to detail in art direction and game direction, combined with a sublime concept executed near-flawlessly, may classify SCHiM as one of the best indie platformers of all time.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a dark, challenging, and ultimately rewarding experience that solidifies Atlus’ reputation as a master of the JRPG genre. Whether you’re navigating the treacherous Netherworld or uncovering the secrets of modern Tokyo, the game offers a rich, immersive journey that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The complex characters, intricate storylines, and strategic gameplay combine to create an unforgettable gaming experience. So grab your controller, save often, and prepare to dive into the dark, twisted world of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance.