NextPlay's Reviews
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?
Elden Ring Nightreign takes the best elements of Elden Ring and applies an engrossing core gameplay loop that will have Nightfarers in a trance. Everything is better with friends, and this makes Elden Ring Nightreign the best multiplayer game of the year.
Days Gone Remastered offers a solid graphical and performance upgrade with the help of the PS5’s beefy hardware and has some nice additions to help onboard new and inexperienced gamers. Horde Assault, in particular, is a wonderful and exciting addition worthy of your time. Unfortunately, the rest of Days Gone’s core issues are built directly into the DNA of the game and cannot be mended. As a fully-priced remaster of a 6-year-old game (unless you upgrade your PS4 copy for $10), I simply cannot recommend Days Gone Remastered. If you are still desperate for a hit of Deacon St. John, I implore you to go and buy a second-hand copy of the original and upgrade for $10; the asking price is just too steep to justify.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition brings one of the best JRPGs of the 2010s to the modern era, with an expansive and detailed world to explore among some exceptional side quests and engaging combat.
RoadCraft is challenging, realistic, and frustrating at times. Yet, it’s one of the best games I’ve played in recent years due to how engaging the mechanics and visuals are.
Skin Deep brings a fresh spin to immersive sims with its witty, comical tone throughout both gameplay and story. Its levels are approachable, short, and rarely demanding, allowing you to let out your silly side without risking too much progress. Although the campaign is a little short and the humour won’t be for everyone, Blendo Games has crafted something genuine and charming that I would recommend to anyone.
Initially, I had some mixed opinions on The Precinct, but after half a dozen hours or so the world of Averno City began to grow on me. I started to appreciate the ethical policing system, I began to enjoy the campaign missions (though, I wish there were more) and I fell in love with the synthwave styled soundtrack. There’s no doubt The Precinct is a little rough around the edges, with some inconsistent AI, some bugs and glitches, as well as the fact daily shifts lean towards repetition. But overall, if you loved classic 80s cop movies and want to live out some of those thrilling adventures, The Precinct has you dead to rights.
The Midnight Walk is a light horror adventure that is brimming with personality and charm thanks to the worldbuilding and exceptional art design. Fans of horror akin to Tim Burton’s wheelhouse will love this game and the peculiar characters in it, but the choice to create a game with a non-VR and VR mode, while admirable, may have been to its detriment.
I have been playing the SteamWorld series since SteamWorld Dig, and regardless of the genre, this unique universe continues to deliver fun and charming adventures. SteamWorld Heist 2 is no exception. It offers a deceptively deep turn-based tactical adventure with a flexible job system that emphasises player choice, and an awesome soundtrack that frequently made me hang around the local tavern more than I needed to. While the overworld exploration feels like an afterthought, especially when compared to the deep turn-based combat, I would love to see this concept fleshed out in a future sequel.