Nat Smith

“What Routine lacks in quantity, it makes up for in staggering quality. It's cassette futurism at its most tactile, with an aesthetic direction that's only matched by the novelty of its CAT tool. Lunar Software raises the bar in sound design to deliver a singular experience for sci-fi horror fans.”

“The premise of Siren's Rest is strong enough to plumb the depths of Still Wakes the Deep's enduring mysteries, but as a compact story DLC, it's just too shallow. The principal goal of tracking down collectibles siphons the tension from its claustrophobic environments, and The Chinese Room's overreliance on scripted sequences creates missed opportunities for emergent horror.”

“The Onimusha 2 remaster does exactly what it says on the tin. Sharp visuals breathe new life and color into a cult classic that merits a life beyond the PS2. However, Capcom's dedication to the original experience means that decades-old problems remain unaddressed, and its capitulation to analog movement undercuts the authenticity it sets out to achieve.”

“Oblivion Remastered proves that The Elder Scrolls 4 has withstood the test of time. It's the perfect opportunity for new audiences to discover why it's so beloved, and a nostalgic throwback to Bethesda's golden years for older fans. However, its extensive quality-of-life features aren't enough to excuse the endemic performance woes of Unreal Engine 5.”

“Zenless Zone Zero sets slick, responsive combat against a backdrop of cassette futurism and '90s nostalgia, but it strains against the yoke of HoYoverse's built-in gacha system.”

“Honkai Star Rail is a highly polished turn-based RPG that builds off the Hoyoverse gacha machine, and while it certainly doesn't reinvent the wheel, its colourful cast of characters and mercurial tone sets it on the right track.”