NextPlay's Reviews
Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part I is a legendary remake of a legendary game. Any new or returning players will find this game to be an emotional and action-packed journey which will continue to stand the test of time.
Santa Monica Studios deliver an action-packed and emotional journey that includes everything you would ever want in a video game. The exemplary performances of the cast, innovative gameplay mechanics, and masterful storytelling make God of War Ragnarök one of the best games in the 21st century.
Resident Evil’s formula has been perfected in this outstanding remake of 2005’s Resident Evil 4 with revitalised gameplay while still remaining true to the original game. If Resident Evil 4 is CAPCOM’s new benchmark for a Resident Evil game, I can’t wait to see where the franchise goes next.
Nintendo has delivered yet another memorable experience that is delightfully ridiculous with surprises from start to finish. There’s a perfect combination of old and new mechanics executed flawlessly which feels fresh yet nostalgic at the same time. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a masterpiece worthy of being titled one of the best platformers of all time.
Square Enix transcends the Final Fantasy VII trilogy to new heights, providing a deeply captivating story and robust combat mechanics. These qualities, paired with entertaining main and side content, cements Final Fantasy VII Rebirth as one of the best RPGs of all time.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is the expansion that the fans have so eagerly been waiting for. With more brutal challenges and exploration around every new corner, Shadow of the Erdtree is a masterclass expansion on par with the most exceptional expansions of all time, such as The Witcher 3’s Blood and Wine DLC and Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty.
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.
Blue Prince’s endlessly clever design, crafted to gently assist you as you push for that 64th room, coupled with a bottomless well of riddles and secrets, make this one of the greatest experiences this year. It’s been over 15 years since I last set foot in my grandparent’s house, and having that same sense of wonder and intrigue evoked after so long makes this a strong GOTY contender in my books. Prepare a notepad and pen, and expect more challenges than you can possibly anticipate!
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!
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.
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.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is magnificent and will become the new standard for the RPG genre and what it can provide players. It delivers a fantastic main narrative, an incredible cast of loveable characters, a nuanced number of choices and side quests, alongside a satisfying/challenging combat system, with a brilliant soundtrack and sleek visuals. Even the aforementioned issues of companion following, and late game crashes hardly hinder what is a true gaming masterpiece, and my current frontrunner for game of the year 2023.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth excels at showcasing the organised chaos that the Like A Dragon series encapsulates. The change in scenery from Japan to Hawaii makes Infinite Wealth feel like a totally brand-new experience that old fans and new ones are sure to love. RGG Studios expands the series even further with a healthy assortment of mini-games and, of course, the game within a game – Dondoko Island Resort.
P3R is an incredible game in its own right, and it is an experience that has encouraged me to venture back to the original release to truly appreciate all the quality-of-life improvements this remake offers. It contains a phenomenal soundtrack, a memorable story with a brilliant cast of characters, as well as the fantastic side stories provided by the Social Links on offer. The turn-based combat delivers high-quality fun to both Persona ventures and new players alike, but exploring Tartarus eventually does become an extremely repetitive task.
Unicorn Overlord is an amazing game that should be played by all, this is the new leader in the genre. Take a journey down the path because the adventure is well worth it!
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.
Hazelight Studios elevates the benchmark for cooperative games, excelling at level design, story concepts, and admirable technical achievements. Split Fiction is the best co-op game on the market, an experience that will create core memories to share with family or friends.
Sorry, We’re Closed is a marvel, not only visually with its ostentatious character design and gaudy depictions of heaven and hell, but in its daring storytelling of the warped depictions of love that we can get caught chasing. Its mix of fixed camera angles and swapping of third and first-person perspectives makes for tense scenarios throughout, and Michelle’s third eye and Heartbreaker are both satisfying additions to the combat. Sorry, We’re Closed is one hell of a survival horror!
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle hits the exact spot with a whip-cracking precision, even if the fascist enemies are a bit one note. Troy Baker’s performance is incredible, which only furthers the game’s focus on immersion and exploration. MachineGames has more than proven just how incredible a first-person Indiana Jones game can be without sacrificing that tender and earnest aspect of the films. Fans will certainly appreciate this new era.
Beacon Pines is a wonderfully crafted adventure game with a twisted yet heartwarming story. The way the narrative is told is extremely captivating in a way I haven’t experienced before. I’m excited to see what Hiding Spot games are able to achieve if they keep expanding on this storybook-adventure genre that they’ve pioneered.