Qualbert.com's Reviews
As with all games, especially those aimed at young kids, there’s going to be some shortcomings. You can’t expect there to be the same amount of spit and polish as a AAA game. That being said, Bluey: The Videogame really isn’t all that bad. The biggest complaints I have are all visual in nature. And I guess, the biggest problem is it’s really short, like too short. After paying $60AUD for the game, it was over in a couple of hours. But really, these aren’t problems for the intended audience.
As with most Devolver Digital titles, gameplay is the name of the game, and Children of the Sun is at its best when you’ve just figured out how to whittle away a staggering amount of enemies with what looks like relative ease. The process of getting there can be frustrating when you’ve brainstormed and tinkered around tons of strategies, but the end result of puzzle success generates dopamine like no other game can.
From top to bottom, Horizon: Forbidden West’s PC port is a great thing for PC gaming. Not only does it show that a feature-complete, well-polished AAA port on PC should become the norm and not a diamond in the rough, it’s a grand time to have with its enhancements on the platform. It’s must-play territory for anyone who enjoyed Horizon: Zero Dawn or wants to sink their teeth into a large adventure in the shoes of a protagonist that gets things done.
Alone in the Dark doesn’t break new ground gameplay-wise in the horror survival genre, but the story really delves into heavy psychological horror themes. This, along with the acting and frantic characters, really is a love letter to this genre, even if it is a bit too similar to older games in some aspects.
In creating the universe of Helldivers, Arrowhead Studios has drawn inspiration from the sci-fi cult classics Starship Troopers and Alien which really shows. The gameplay elements and world-building are fantastic, with a solid and fair progression system alongside a few minor inclusions for those who want to invest a touch more money into this game. A lack of story mode and online-only component may deter some players but with the servers struggling at launch this doesn’t seem to be an issue.
The tale of the two Banishers is one that is worth being told. Although some parts of the story may seem a bit drawn-out this is more of a case of experiencing the smaller details to add up to the whole. Some games may be bingeable but Ghosts of New Eden is best done slowly. Your choices will effect the ending and there is a tonne of side content and smaller stories to experience. Each one different to the last.
While Penny’s Big Breakaway maintains everything that wowed players in Sonic Mania’s presentation, Evening Star’s transition into 3D isn’t without some stumbles and trips. A few fixes, like being able to bind the dash button away from the swing button, or some more keen playtesting to iron out certain sections that feel like work to get through, and this game could reach greatness.
Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean is a game that despite being over 20 years in age still manages to soar above the typical JRPG fare with its whimsical mix of floating islands, mystical cards, and a revenge plot that becomes a mission to save the whole world. This is a game that has aged gracefully, and with its shiny new coat of paint, it remains a delightful rollercoaster ride through a stunning fantasy world.
While the Geometry Survivor’s lack of traditional levels may deter some players looking for a more structured experience, this is the perfect indie homage to the beautiful simplicity of Geometry Wars. If you’re a seasoned veteran of the series, or a newcomer who loves a good arcade shooter, you’d be mad to not give this one a shot. It’s clear that the devs have strived to carry on the neon-lit legacy of this cult classic series.
Despite its release 20 years ago, the Mario vs. Donkey Kong Remake holds up as a solid choice for fans of puzzle platformers. Its simple yet challenging gameplay, vibrant visuals, and catchy soundtrack make it a joy to play. While the gameplay can become repetitive and tiresome after a while, the addition of bonus levels and post-game content keeps things interesting. If you’ve not played the original GBA title, you’ll definitely find this remake quite a-peel-ing!
As Ubisoft’s CEO struggles to convince consumers that a full-priced live service game is worth buying in the vein of Skull and Bones, I can’t help but feel like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is a case in point as to why $60 and $70 USD new games are as hard a sell as ever. With significant performance hampers, missions that put your arsenal on hold, and no autosaves that risk you losing tons of progress in a second, this game doesn’t feel ready for the public even after years of delays.
Mirari & Co have created some intriguing ideas by integrating several key elements from different game types. Most of this works well enough but occasionally Dark Light feels a bit too bloated with an abundance of design choices. However, this doesn’t make it less fun or challenging, especially if you take advantage of the nightmare mode.
Tekken 8 is a triumph of fighting game excellence that surpasses even the high bar set by its predecessors. The gripping narrative, breathtaking graphics, and immersive audio collectively create an experience that caters to longtime fans. Meanwhile, an incredible set of features make this game more accessible to series newcomers than ever before. By seamlessly blending nostalgia with innovation, Bandai Namco has crafted a game that not only pays homage to the legacy of Tekken but also sets a new standard for the fighting game genre.
The Last of Us Part II has always been a polarizing game. I was part of the public that let my curiosity get the better of me and saw the disparaging leaks before the game released. Despite this, I soldiered on and enjoyed the game’s attention-to-detail, combat, and atmosphere in spite of its shortcomings elsewhere. I also subscribe to the fact that this series having more remasters than original entries is ludicrous – but I’m complacent in the fact that the addition of No Return makes this particular remaster so worth it.
Generation 9 of Pokémon has probably been the most rocky of the Nintendo Switch era. With its first true open world brought an abundance of performance issues and glitches that made for funny yet frustrating times for fans. However, a year later and two story content drops, Scarlet/Violet still keeps the Pokémon world alive with mystery and of course, a crazy amount of Pokémon to catch. If you have slept on this title and are itching to put on your trainer belt again, now is definitely the time to fly into Paldea!
Dead Island 2’s HAUS DLC is an enjoyable little excursion into a new area that slightly expands on the original ending and leaves us with more questions than answers. In many ways, I feel there is a lot of missed potential from this DLC. It could have expanded the world more than it did and it could have offered significantly more playtime.
If you’re looking for a puzzle game to immerse yourself in, then Jusant is it. With a chilled-out soundtrack and not overly difficult gameplay, it’s perfect to zone out and just enjoy the climb. Whilst some story elements have taken a back seat, the details and mystery more than make up for it along with the impressive views. Oh and don’t forget to give Ballast a hug!
Sailing through the cold southern area of The Pale Reach was an icy blast even though it was short-lived. Leaving you wanting more is generally a good sign that the developers have done their job right and this is definitely the case for this DLC. However, unlocking the new equipment would come in handy during the main game rather than after it as after completing these missions there is nothing left to do.
An equally absurd follow-up to the motion-controlled madness of Smooth Moves, Move It! injects even more absurdity into its microgames, making it possibly the most ridiculous (and entertaining) WarioWare game to date. Although some games are held back by the inaccuracy of the Joy-Cons, this is barely a dampener on the enjoyment. Despite a smattering of single-player content, a huge set of delightful party modes make Move It! a must-have multiplayer title that’ll result in non-stop laughs every time you pick it up.
The Invincible is a stunning narrative that takes you to the edge of science fiction. Exploring a desolate planet feels isolating, yet the tension almost never wavers. With an unpredictable story and great characters this is for any sci-fi fan or anyone who wants an in depth tale of survival, exploration and pushing the barriers of the unknown.