Reviews

Game Review: Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon provides strong combat and deep customisation

It feels like it’s been over a decade since I played an Armoured Core game last; well, that’s because it has been. Armoured Core 5 might have been released on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 way back in 2012, but the team at FromSoftware have decided it’s about time to suit up and deliver,…

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Game Review: Red Dead Redemption’s latest port is still worth playing

Before we start this review, let’s get one thing out of the way. Red Dead Redemption is not only one of developer Rockstar’s best games but also one of the best games ever made. While I prefer Red Dead Redemption 2, there’s still much to be said about Red Dead Redemption’s relevance in 2023, given…

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Game Review: Immortals of Aveum shines with clean combat and vibrant visuals

I’m a sucker for magic and fantasy as much as the next guy. Immortals of Aveum comes out swinging, dishing out some gorgeous visuals, clean first-person combat and a story that, while not groundbreaking in terms of lore and emotional depth, does help things churn along at a consistent pace. Its repetitive encounters and linear…

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Game Review: Crash Team Rumble packs in the nostalgia, but lacks variety

Crash Team Rumble was released this year to much fanfare and anticipation, particularly from old-school gamers who grew up with classic Crash Bandicoot games. While Crash is best known for his solo platforming prowess, this new entry into the franchise spins off into the realm of competitive team multiplayer and is one of the more…

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Game Review: Disney Illusion Island lacks challenge, but looks gorgeous

I’m a huge fan of Mickey Mouse and in turn many of Disney’s attempts at giving Mickey his own gaming franchise. While there are admittedly dozens, with each varying in quality, there’s no denying some of them absolutely rule; Castle of Illusion and Mickey’s Wild Adventure, we’re looking at you. The art style and cooperative…

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Game Review: Atlas Fallen is a flawed, yet intriguing action-RPG

For as little as I had known about Atlas Fallen prior to its release, its final trailers had admittedly hooked me. From the solid third-person combat to sleek traversal and platforming, it seemed there was plenty to look forward to. This proved to be true in many respects, as most of those aspects stood out…

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Game Review: Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart absolutely shines on PC

It’s no secret that Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart already shines as both a sequel to the long-running PlayStation franchise and a window into the next generation of gaming. While PlayStation’s recent string of PC ports has been rather great (sorry to The Last of Us: Part 1), Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart proves yet…

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Game Review: Exoprimal is a fun and inventive multiplayer romp

Capcom has been tearing it up in 2023. Between their Resident Evil 4 remake and what is otherwise one of the best fighting games in years in Street Fighter 6, anyone would be impressed with those two games alone in a single year. But then comes Exoprimal, a third-person multiplayer game based around mech suits…

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Game Review: Pikmin 4 provides some charmingly unique strategy

Nintendo’s sequels are somewhat known for how long they take to brew. Pikmin joins the ranks of Metroid, Fire Emblem and Zelda as one of Nintendo’s most iconic yet elusive properties, to the point you’d be forgiven for forgetting the Pikmin franchise even existed. The last numbered title was released way back in 2013 back…

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Game Review: Sonic Origins Plus delivers nostalgic punches in bunches

It’s been 22 years since Sega released the first Sonic the Hedgehog game on the Sega Master System.  Since then, there have been over 80 games starring the iconic blue blur. Some tried to branch out and try new things, while some stuck to the classic formula that fans enjoy. Fortunately, Sonic Origins Plus brings…

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Game Review: Aliens: Dark Descent is a competent, yet uneven experience

I’m a massive fan of the Alien franchise. So much so, that Aliens still sits well within my top ten films of all time. Yes, there’s a list, but let’s put that aside for now. Aliens: Dark Descent is yet another attempt to bring validity and ultimately justice to the long-running franchise in video game…

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Game Review: Final Fantasy 16 is a ride worth taking

For a franchise that has existed as long as Final Fantasy has, it’s amazing to see how it’s still evolving into what we now know to be Final Fantasy XVI (16). While it’s not the sixteenth game overall, the sixteenth mainline entry brings forth a new story, fresh characters and one incredibly revamped combat system….

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Game Review: Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is a charming, farming throwback

If real life in the big city is getting too much, you can yeet yourself over to a virtual countryside complete with vast farmlands, adorable barn animals and even the promise of friendship and romance. This is Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life, a remaster of the GameCube classic, Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life. Back…

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Game Review: F1 23 feels like a fantastic step in the right direction

I’m a huge Formula 1 fan and tend to jump into the yearly F1 release for some additional action during the current season. While I certainly enjoyed F1 22, I felt it was lacking something, and at times holding back. As the last thing I really enjoyed about the franchise came in the form of…

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We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie

Game Review: We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie is a rollin’ good time

The cult hit franchise Katamari is back with a remastered take of the much-loved We Love Katamari game from the Playstation 2 era. Titled ‘We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie”, this powered-up version of the original has improved graphics, new features and various additional quality-of-life upgrades. For those uninitiated into the world of Katamari,…

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Game Review: Diablo 4 is the best the series has ever been

I had never really played much of the Diablo series. While I had played each of them in some way or at some point in my life, they’ve never really stuck with me. Be it the ageing mechanics and visuals of Diablo and Diablo II on the PC, to the early days of Diablo III,…

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Game Review: Company of Heroes 3 provides a solid blend of strategy and intensity

Company of Heroes 3 marches forward onto consoles, bringing with it a wealth of content and heart-pounding gameplay. Developed by Relic Entertainment, this WWII real-time strategy game sets out to capture the essence of war while delivering an engaging experience for players. Even though the campaigns have their flaws, the multiplayer matches and skirmishes shine…

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Game Review: Street Fighter 6 is a stellar return to form

I had spent the past couple of weeks wondering why it’s been a while since I had played a Street Fighter game. And then I remembered why. I loved Street Fighter 4 when it was released all those years ago. It was refined, fun and accessible. But Street Fighter 5 was a different story. Sure,…

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Game Review: System Shock is a fantastic and faithful remake

The original System Shock was admittedly released the year I was born, but even though I’ve had plenty of time over the past 28 years, I had never gotten around to playing it until only a few years ago. I had understood its impact as a spiritual predecessor to one of my favourite games of…

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Game Review: Advance Wars: 1+2 Re-Boot Camp is a fantastic remake for fans and newcomers alike

Advance Wars: 1+2 Re-Boot Camp is both a fantastic compilation and remake of the first two, fan favourite games in the Advance Wars series. Originally released on the Game Boy Advance in 2001 and 2003 respectively, these classics have been revisioned by developer Wayforward, known for their work on the Shantae series. The package includes…

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Game Review: Lego 2K Drive is both a fun and functional arcade racer

Lego 2K Drive came as a surprise to me when it was revealed. I had admittedly never expected Lego to pair up Forza Horizon’s arcade racing mechanics and vast open world with a wealth of customisation that only those little bricks can provide. But after a few hours with Lego 2K Drive, I was stunned…

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Game Review: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom stands as one of the best video game sequels ever made

I will admit that it’s been a while since I last played The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. But in many ways, after all these years, it still held the title of the best game I had played on the Nintendo Switch; until now. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom simply…

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Game Review: Ravenlok looks gorgeous, but lacks depth

Ravenlok wastes no time in showing off a gorgeous world, highlighted by vibrant colours, unique environments and a charming art style. Unfortunately, it’s lacking in almost all other departments. From shallow gameplay to frustrating camera control and simplistic story, Ravenlok leaves little reason for most older audiences to give it a try, even if younger…

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Game Review: Redfall provides potential, but largely misses the (bite)mark

Developer Arkane Studios’ return always feels like a welcome one, packed with both anticipation and fond memories of previous titles. From Dishonored to Deathloop, we’ve understandably become accustomed to a certain level of creativity and quality from the developer. That being said, Redfall feels like a missed opportunity. It’s a world full of lore and intrigue,…

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Game Review: Crime Boss: Rockay City is as cheesy as it is messy

Crime Boss: Rockay City’s reveal felt like a nail being hit on the head. Between the stellar cast, featuring Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs), Chuck Norris (Walker Texas Ranger), Kim Basinger (Batman), Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon), Michael Rooker (The Walking Dead) and even rapper Vanilla Ice, and the satiric nature of a crime-ridden beach city in…

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Game Review: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is nothing short of a tremendous sequel

I’ve been a Star Wars fan for almost as long as I can remember. While it started with a love for the original trilogy of films, it soon extend to books, TV shows and most importantly, games. While I won’t run through that entire list of top Star Wars games (let’s save that for another…

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Game Review: Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores is DLC done right

Horizon Forbidden West has released its long-awaited DLC follow-up, in the form of a new expansion titled Burning Shores. The PS5 exclusive add-on for the game follows Aloy as she journeys to a new part of the USA which winks at the future of Hollywood and its place within this new world. The main difference…

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Game Review: Dead Island 2 brings the fun, yet feels a little dated

The time has finally arrived. After what feels like an eternity, Dead Island 2 has finally made its way to our homes, bringing with it waves of zombies to dismember in gory fashion. In many ways, Dead Island 2 is a solid action title, packing in brutal melee combat and a consistent sense of humour….

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Game Review: Minecraft Legends provides a solid strategy spinoff

For everything that Minecraft has done over the past decade or so, it’s surprising top realise that the franchise has not yet touched the strategy genre. That is, until now. Minecraft Legends looks to fill that gap, providing fans and newcomers alike with an RTS spinoff that feels accessible to both younger and older gamers…

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Game Review: EA Sports PGA Tour returns as a contender

I had only gotten into golfing as a sport in recent years, but had always admired the EA Sports PGA Tour games (or Tiger Woods PGA Tour games as they were known back then) for a fun and laidback approach to what is otherwise an incredibly tactical and nuanced activity. While I couldn’t get a…

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