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SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide isn't going to blow anyone away, but it's a perfectly decent 3D platformer that mostly captures the energy of the show. Swapping between SpongeBob and Patrick is a neat mechanic that's used very well throughout, and levels are big and varied as you explore Bikini Bottom and talk to its populace, all of whom are voiced by the proper cast. It definitely has some rough edges and some soft writing, and it won't win over any SpongeBob detractors, but it's a good all-ages game for both kids and longtime fans.
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Following up on the brilliant Tetris Effect was no easy feat, but Enhance has done it with Lumines Arise. At its core is an excellent puzzle game with lots of depth, and mechanics that gel perfectly with the emphasis on music and spectacular visuals. It's jam-packed with fun features that provide so many different ways to play, including series-best multiplayer and a great range of challenge modes. There are some very minor gripes if we're being really picky, but fans can rest assured that this is the big, flashy comeback Lumines deserves.
So, while there are elements of Tales of Xillia that don't quite measure up to today's standards, the core adventure remains rock solid, and the remaster brings some welcome additions and extras to the table. This PS3 RPG deserved a good re-release, and it's got one.
Much like the remasters before it, Once Upon a Katamari is a great reminder that there's still nothing quite like this series, and it feels as fresh today as it did with Keita Takahashi's original over two decades ago.
1000xRESIST is all in on story, and this laser focus allows it to tell one of the most captivating and intriguing experiences you can have in video games.
ARC Raiders has well and truly been worth the wait. This is a phenomenal showcase of what immersive multiplayer can be. Every run is different, and your squad will come out with stories to tell each time. It can be tougher on those planning to play solo, and the extraction loop won't be for everyone. But as far as extraction shooters go, this is one of the most accessible, and it respects your time, giving you a fun experience from your first match. We can easily say that ARC Raiders is one of the best multiplayer games this generation.
An agonisingly in-depth archive of Mortal Kombat's importance to the industry, this is the kind of kompilation the franchise has always deserved. While its absent online features do put a small dampener on the bundle at launch, the sheer scale of this kollection and the quality of its supplementary materials make it a must buy – even for kurious passers-by who may find themselves discovering the franchise for the first time.
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For those who appreciate a great movement system in a VR game, Reach is worth checking out for that alone. It’s lacking the same vibe as Synapse, with a dull story and repetitive environments, but if you give it time, there’s fun to be had here.
Much like Vampire Survivors, it's extremely compelling; time will slip away without you realising it. The gradual sense of progress is well judged, and there's just enough to keep track of, between unlocking characters and stages and totting up persistent upgrades, to hold your attention.
We think we could forgive its simplicity if the handling was better and the price was lower, because there is fun in the outrageous nature of some of the tracks.
The Outer Worlds 2 succeeds in being a bigger and better sequel, buoyed by an even greater emphasis on player choice and freedom. Its RPG mechanics are largely fantastic, and there are key improvements to both combat and exploration.However, despite Obsidian's clever writing, there's a underlying dreariness to the property that it just can't seem to escape. These dull characters and their one-note factions are difficult to truly care for.
Roguelites are all about repetition, and Full Metal Schoolgirl has that "one more go" factor that makes the genre so darn compelling.Its tongue in cheek premise resonates in these wild times, and its gameplay – with a bit of tinkering – blends character action with third-person shooting in a fresh and interesting way.You just need to be prepared for a bit of frustration and a pinch of jank: this isn't a straight-A student by any stretch, but its robotic heart's in the right place.
Dispatch could be something quite special, but it all depends on how much your choices actually matter in the long run. These first two episodes are packed with personality, wit, and flair. The script can be a bit too cute, and the style of comedy won't appeal to everyone - but we find ourselves eagerly awaiting what's to come.
PowerWash Simulator 2 isn't reinventing the wheel; it's an overhaul of the original that improves just about every aspect. It won't win over any sceptics, but if you loved the serene, zen-like satisfaction of hosing down houses, this is a no-brainer.
Jurassic World Evolution 3 is exactly what it needs to be. There's new additions to the formula set by its predecessors that enhance the experience rather than detract from it, and it accentuates what the series did well before to new heights. Dinosaurs are the name of the game, and whether you're here to help create dino families or if you just want to see a giant lizard eating the clientele, this third instalment delivers.
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a rock solid action game that delivers on what's most important - the combat. While some of the surrounding aspects are a little less successful, such as repeated environments and a forgettable story, the intense battles and myriad challenges are where the game shines, whether playing as Yakumo or Ryu. It doesn't hit every mark, but the simplistic structure, emphasis on technical combat, and even the cheesy performances combine for an action game that feels like it's from a bygone era, in the best way possible.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 is a shambles. Its best qualities are always short-lived, buried deep beneath the frustrations of non-existent RPG elements, extreme padding, and diabolical technical issues. Beyond the promise of its opening hours, this is a tragic misfire of a game.