NextPlay's Reviews
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.
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.
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.
While Lords of the Fallen has some great ideas and foundations for a successful game, it’s trying far too hard to reinvent itself that a less is more approach to the game would’ve seen a much tighter and more fun experience overall.
#BLUD features some of the liveliest animation of any game I’ve played this year, something that should desperately be celebrated. Unfortunately, the game’s fantastic story, art, and sound design are severely marred by the disappointing gameplay that drags the rest of the experience down the whole way.
Unholy presents a compelling story that will keep the player engaged, even after enduring the poor gameplay design. While the innovative mechanics using ‘masks’ and ‘emotions’ are standout features of the game, the frustrating enemy encounters will find some players wanting to put the game down. Overall, Unholy offers an intriguing narrative with some unique gameplay elements, but technical flaws hinder its full potential.
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.
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.
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?
Atomfall has the foundations of a fantastic game but falls short by being a jack of all trades and a master of none. While the combat and survival mechanics often feel underbaked, the narrative structure and investigation mechanics offer an experience worth playing.
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
Sand Land falls victim to some pretty dull combat and level design but is uplifted by the entertaining cast, charming Borderlands-like graphics, and a decent vehicle upgrading system.
I enjoyed my time with The Texas Chain saw Massacre in short bursts. However, I can’t recommend it at its initial $69.95 AUD price due to its limited content of only three maps and 10 characters (five per side). Once you’re familiar with the exit locations, the game essentially becomes a cat-and-mouse chase. I hope they expand the game in the future, and if they do, it might become worth checking out. For now, it’s worth a try if you have an Xbox Game Pass subscription.
Contra: Operation Galuga brings the Contra series back to its former glory. This run-and-gun shooter is best enjoyed with friends; however, newcomers to the series may struggle to be drawn in.
Another Code: Recollection is a good remake package that cosy gamers will love. While Two Memories was engaging with its well-crafted storyline, Journey Into Lost Memories loses that spark with a less endearing protagonist and magic lost from the capabilities of the Nintendo Wii.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora should have been a home run of a game using the Far Cry pedigree with an interesting world and franchise, but I couldn’t help but become frustrated by some of the mission designs and story progression. While the game excels technically, it is sometimes drawn back by the lack of enjoyability. I truly believe if they had dialled back some of the explorations and trimmed the mission fat from the game, I would have been much more engaged in this title.
Redfall ensures a fun, vampire-slaying time despite the flaws it has in its current state. Even with the uninspired quests, a mid story, and poor optimisation, I do think this game is one to revisit at the end of the year after a few refinements.
Synduality: Echo of Ada is a ton of fun but ultimately struggles to capitalise on the addictive and satisfying gameplay loop it has with a subdued story.
Until Dawn is a riveting experience not unlike the original 2015 release. While the game looks fantastic, the adjustments to the game direction impacts some of that tension that had the hairs sticking up on the back of our necks in the original. These changes feel like a desperate attempt cater to modern audiences despite the fact the original game continues to remain relevant today.
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.