Lewis White

“Batman: Arkham Shadow is a stunning virtual reality game, and a damn-good workout. Yes, you feel like Batman, but the game is more than just a simulator for Dark Knight roleplayers. It’s proof that any game concept can be adapted to a VR platform with enough care and skill, and it’s proof that VR has the sauce many claim it doesn’t. If you have a Quest 3, you need to play Batman. If you like Batman, you need a Quest 3.”

“Unless you're a fan of the anime, Kill La Kill: IF is not the game for you. While the story mode is beautifully presented, it's not as lengthy or engaging as the hours-long experiences offered by other arena fighters. While the potential of an Arc System Works arena fighter sounds promising, this 3D fighting game ends up being a bigger disappointment than many of its contemporaries. The visuals are pristine, the animation is gorgeous, but everything else feels barren. Kill La Kill: IF feels like a budget title – too bad it costs $50.”

“What Remains of Edith Finch is a 'Walking Simulator' that doesn't just tell an unforgettable story – it's genuinely unforgettable. As tragic as its tale is, it always manages to entertain. As one section ends and as you fight back tears, you'll always carry on, because the next story is as engrossing as the last. If you want a strong feature-length story that doesn't waste a minute, Edith Finch is the one you need.”

“There's no doubt that Graveyard Keeper is a fun game every now and again; there are bright nuggets of gold sporadically hidden within it. It's the video game equivalent of Now, That's What I Call Music: you get it for a few good hits and deal with the fluff in-between. However, if you're looking for a strong competitor to Stardew Valley or Rune Factory, this doesn't quite hit the mark.”

“There’s no hiding the fact that Spider-Man: Far From Home VR is an advertisement. It feels cheap and bare—a budget version of what a Spider-Man game could be. Just like with Homecoming VR, you can see more potential here than what developer CreateVR is letting on: you’re given the prospect of actually being Spider-Man but it’s only just a tease. Then again, it’s free, so go wild.”

“Slender: The Arrival is far from the greatest horror game on Nintendo Switch. With the likes of Outlast 2, Layers of Fear, and Resident Evil to compete against, this bland and bare horror title shows its true colours separated from the hype of 2013. Unlike the mystical powers of the Slenderman, there's nothing compelling here in the slightest, unless you like looking at poorly rendered forestry.”

“Radiation City is shovelware, to put it bluntly. Within the entirety of its (admittedly large) open world, there isn't a single original idea to be found. The ideas it copies from its contemporaries aren't well implemented either. If you're looking for an enjoyable open-world zombie game, look somewhere else. If you just want a thrilling undead experience, check out Resident Evil.”

“Hue is an interesting title. It's unique and striking, but it always feels just a hair's breadth away from true brilliance. The few moments of exasperation after finding your way out of a confusing situation are some of the best a game of this type could possibly have, but they happen so rarely throughout the four-or-so hour running time that their impact is dulled. Hue could have been something more, but what's here is engaging enough if you're gasping for an inventive indie puzzler.”

“Crystal Crisis isn't going to dethrone the kings of the falling block genre anytime soon. It's a solid puzzler with a heart of gold, but it doesn't have the decades of improvements that its peers have. With a solid amount of content, an amazing cast of characters and fantastic presentation, though, we recommend this as a fun alternative if you tire of Tetris 99.”

“VBlank Entertainment's second GTA parody isn't the close-to-perfect sequel we expected, but it's still a decent game. Despite all of its numerous shortcomings, there's still some fun to be had when you're not toiling through menus, but it's hard not be disappointed when you consider VBlank's previous work; hopefully, like Retro City Rampage, we'll see a better DX version in the future. As it stands, Shakedown: Hawaii is full of potential, but it's overshadowed by monotony.”

“Duck Game is a standout multiplayer title on Switch. While it isn't going to be as extensive as its modifiable PC counterpart, it's a solid port to a fantastic portable. With split Joy-Con support, Duck Game is a perfect game to chuck on with a friend for a short game of animal cruelty. So put on a silly hat, pick up a chainsaw and slide at Mach speed towards your opponent.”

“That’s pretty much the entire problem with Treasure Stack—it’s anemic. There’s certainly effort put into the game and it can be a little bit of fun from time to time. It’s definitely not a great game, though. And with so many different puzzle games available, including the almighty Tetris, there’s just not enough to make Treasure Stack worth a recommendation.”

“Hitman HD Enhanced Collection is a messy bundle of fun. It houses two incredible games—one vastly more entertaining than the other—but it doesn’t feel like enough effort was put in to make them feel enhanced. Better lighting, framerate and resolution help during gameplay, but low-quality pre-rendered cutscenes make the experience feel rather rushed.”

“It’s a barebones, lonely experience. Unpolished, unsatisfactory and unfun barely scratch the surface of negative adjectives I could use to describe my time with the game. I want it to be good, but it is so, so bad. Avoid this like the plague.”

“Mastiff’s attempt at designing an interesting and engaging rail shooter falls flat on Xbox One. It could be different elsewhere, especially in VR, but as a regular ‘ol console shooter it is one of the most uninspired this generation. There is a little fun to be had, but only a little, and it fails to grab you every step of the way through the entirety of its missions.”

“Rebellion's remaster won't last you long, but for a few hours of nostalgia for a sixth-generation shooter it might be worth a shot.”

“Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Legacy is not only the best recreation of Masashi Kishimoto's work available for fans of the series, but the best way to bring new fans into the series.”

“While a few extra bells and whistles are added here and there, along with much improved character variety, it's still a Dynasty Warriors game at its heart—and that's not a bad thing. Fans of the series will still love this, despite an underwhelming narrative set in a cliché new world.”

“Thumper is the most hellish and intense rhythm-action game you or I will ever play. While it's Xbox One port may lack some features available on other platforms—such as VR and portability—Thumper is still a fantastic and frightening game that's drenched in atmosphere and polished to the absolute max.”

“Unforgiving and tense, Immortal Planet is the essential 2D Souls-like game.”