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After Streets of Rage 4, I wasn’t sure bringing back another of the 16-bit classics would have quite the same impact, but I was wrong. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is an incredibly fun action platformer, with fantastic combat design, enemy encounters, optional challenges, and the audio visual presentation to really make it sing. I’m done with the story but am already itching to get back and play the unlocked Arcade and Boss Rush modes, and whether you have nostalgia for the old days or not, this is quite simply one of the best games of the year, so get it played.
The tech art and art direction deserve commendation as Echoes of the End is frequently breathtaking. The gameplay design is similarly breathtaking but in the way that it sucks all the oxygen out of the room.
Dead Reset is an enjoyable sci-fi horror story, with fun characters, great b-movie effects and gruesome deaths, and is ripe for several playthroughs to see how different we can make the outcomes of the crew. The time loop addition means we even get a small sliver of experimentation in our choices, as a bad one means we can try again almost without penalty - a rarity in these types of games.
Nine months is a bit too long of a wait for this DLC to truly recommend returning to the game for, but newer players who will have it folded into their organic playthrough are in for a tough but enjoyable addition to an already excellent game.
A stunningly presented psychological horror title with some excellent twists and turns that is only let down by a few obtuse puzzles, Luto is a strong debut title and easily makes its case as one of the better indie horrors in recent times.
Robots at Midnight brings little to the genre that is new. It is decent enough but lacks the spark to elevate it.
Overall happy to see TMNT cross yet another genre, but Tactical Takedown just barely makes a good grade. It’s not bad but it does nothing for the genre to make me want more of it. I can, for sure, recommend this for those wanting a more toned down turn-based strategy experience, especially if you love the Turtles, however. Veterans to these games will likely find Tactical Takedown a bit slow and too simple.
What a ride that was! Viewfinder was pretty much exactly what I expected going into it and fortunately stayed that way the whole time. No matter how hard or easy a puzzle or chapter was, I always felt great completing a level. There aren’t a lot of negatives to say about the game, just an easy recommendation for those who enjoy puzzles and particularly ones that make you think outside the box.
Ra Ra Boom is a fun, colourful scrolling brawler/shooter that has plenty of charm and good replay value. Some small niggles in the combat and early game power levels aside, this is one for those looking for some couch co-op brawling good times.
If you're up for a fantastic yarn and gorgeous sights, Mafia: The Old Country is outstanding, meaning you'll be totally sold by its presentation. The moments, the story and the characters are top-notch, and there's not much to criticize on that front. However, The Old Country is old-fashioned with forced and bland stealth sections, predictable gunplay, and a lack of newness when it comes to the game's mechanics—also the knife fights are unexciting and rote. You can have a blast with The Old Country if gameplay isn't your utmost concern, but if it is, you may need to absolve it of its sins, because while the gunplay is functional and enjoyable enough, it lacks nuance and weapon variety. Altogether, The Old Country is definitely worth taking in, but when gameplay is king, you may feel underwhelmed that it spends more time focusing on its visual and storytelling qualities than it does on crafting a sophisticated playable experience.
Heartworm is a love letter to survival horrors of the 90’s, with a great look and feel that apes those older games brilliantly. Boring boss fights, an uninspiring tale, and some user interface niggles stop this being a full-hearted recommendation, but if you’re in the market for old school Resident Evil-like gaming, then this should fit the bill nicely.
A fantastic cast brings a very real light to harsh realities of the entertainment industry, accompanied by some brilliantly realised puzzle/horror gameplay that oozes tension and atmosphere throughout the entire story.
Some stunning pixel art and music compliment a fun action platforming roguelite title. The aesthetics can occasionally mask enemies, but gaining upgrades and knowledge of what’s to come remains rewarding for its brief runtime.
The arrival of Ready Or Not on Xbox is exciting, but also a foreboding one. The underlying vibes and environmental storytelling are outstanding, and this immersion can be tucked away without notice if you aren’t paying attention. Levels are varied and some can be outright horrifying, which will keep you on your toes during every mission. Ready Or Not isn’t for gamers who want an easy breezy and relaxing time — it’s a relentless tactical shooter where you’ll need to pay attention at all times and work with others to survive. Teamwork is satisfying as you clear out rooms, arrest people and bag evidence — though if you’re yearning for some variety or a break from the norm, Ready Or Not might not do the trick for you. Altogether though, Ready Or Not is satisfying and has been created with attention to detail at its forefront — though its gameplay could’ve done with more excitement and variation.
ISLANDERS: New Shores is an absolute treasure that improves on everything set up before. Amazingly, it also ends up being a great entry point for newcomers by remaining soothing and unstuffy even with the added bells and whistles.
The Tony Hawk Pro Skater games are a pinnacle of my childhood and for gamers like me, we've been eating well, and this new installment is no different. Now, there are small things I would change as mentioned in the video and some things I wish were there but by no means do the "bad" outweigh the good. This is an objectively good game and a great step in a direction that I think will lead to more remakes (just give me THUG 1 + 2, please!!!) and possibly even completely new entries in the THPS franchise (that don't suck; we don't talk about THPS5). A fantastic game for seasoned gamers and beginners alike.
Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is a fantastic stealth/puzzle title, offering up compelling gameplay alongside a captivating story and excellent aesthetic production. A little more freeform use of the abilities, or lessening of the tutorial-like explainers, would be nice, but as it is, Eriksholm is still a title well worth your time.
God of Weapons may not be as refined as Vampire Survivors to knock them off their perch as the best rogue-like survival game. But I think it does plenty to provide a fun alternative. I like the variety of characters, unlockables and objectives as it keeps the game fresh and interesting. It’s very easy to pick and play, and not difficult to master.
I am Your Beast is lean, well paced, and full of style and humour. An essential purchase for anyone that loves to chase a perfect murder run.
Rematch may not knock Rocket League off its perch for a competitive soccer game, but if you are not a fan of cars and prefer the instant arcade action then this is a game that can get you hooked. I am a massive football fan, and I also like Rocket League and Rush from EAFC, so I am impressed with this offering. I have played many times with friends, and it is so easy to lose hours of fun to this game as it’s a joy to win and not that painful to lose.