playstation

Ys X: Proud Nordics

Ys X: Proud Nordics

Proud Nordics does provide some fine quality of life features, but they are still encased in an adventure that is nowhere as good as the previous entries in the series. The new content is fine for what it is, but does little to push the story forward, and is only for those who loved the story and want to deep dive into the lore.

Under the Island

Under the Island

As Nia moves to a new town, her life gets turned upside down when the ground swallows her up to then place her on the journey of a whole new adventure. Under the Island was a pleasant surprise, and a wonderful delight.

The 9th Charnel

The 9th Charnel

The 9th Charnel feels unfinished despite a good attempt and breeding atmosphere. Saikat Deb has set a somewhat decent foundation here, but its execution has resulted in a boring, broken, and bland experience across the board.

REANIMAL

REANIMAL

Ultimately, the game’s few technical issues are completely overshadowed by Reanimals' excellence across world design, environmental storytelling, and set-piece moments, not to mention its eerie use of audio, especially via headphones.

Romeo is a Dead Man

Romeo is a Dead Man

Romeo is a Deadman is certainly a Suda51 game, and while it is Grasshopper’s best in years, I do wish the No More Heroes jank didn't follow itself here and infect combat and general movement. Still, the craziness that is Romeo is a Deadman is sound, and those looking for another bizarre fever dream are likely to be pleased.

Ride 6

Ride 6

So, when it comes to gameplay, Ride 6 is a solid title that sits somewhere between a full-on arcade racer and a true-to-life simulation. Its physics system and focus on bikes make it stand out from the competition, but the learning curve for cornering might be too steep for casual players.

Apartment No 129

Apartment No 129

I enjoyed Apartment 129 despite the few flaws that drew me out of some moments. The developers, Dead Witness, crafted a great psychological horror experience that I recommend any aficionados of the genre try.

Nioh 3

Nioh 3

If you haven’t played Nioh before but you enjoy soulslikes and character action games, then this is definitely a game you need to try. Its focus on player choice in approach, combined with more cinematic storytelling than its competition have made it my favourite game in the genre so far.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined

I was unsure going into Dragon Quest VII Reimagined whether the game would meet my expectations and if I would cherish it as much as many players have for years. Ultimately, I have loved my time with this reimagined classic.

Cairn

Cairn

Cairn reaches not only the peak of its genre but the peak of gaming itself. Built on top of the foundation of climbing is one of the most beautiful, transformative experiences I’ve ever had in life, not just gaming.

I Hate this Place

I Hate this Place

I Hate This Place tells a new story set in the confines of this richly detailed world. As Elena, you'll battle monstrosities and horrors as you attempt to find your missing friend, Lou, after a ritual goes horribly horribly wrong. To be fair, have rituals in horror stories ever gone right? Yeah, didn't think so.

Ebola Village

Ebola Village

Ebola Village is clearly a game built around its inspirations, but that is putting it mildly. When it isn’t ripping on other game’s ideas, it is providing awful movement, poorly modeled zombies, and a general lack of care across the board for almost anything it does.

MIO: Memories in Orbit

MIO: Memories in Orbit

Despite some poor choices and an unreliable mechanic, not to mention the annoyance that are the tremors, I still had a great time with Memories from Orbit, basking in its gorgeous visuals and memorable characters, and consider it as one of the better Metroidvania titles in years. 

I am Future: Cozy Apocalypse Survival

I am Future: Cozy Apocalypse Survival

I am Future is exactly what it says on the tin, it is a cozy apocalypse survival game, and is a nice alternative to what we usually see. It isn't always engaging, but the bright visuals, comfy music, and charm do a lot of heavy lifting here, making this one rooftop party worth attending.

From The Ashes Expansion - Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

From The Ashes Expansion - Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora was a solid entry into bringing the films to life with an original story. Now, From the Ashes continues a key moment in the film franchise with the introduction of the Ash Clan. So’lek takes on both RDA forces and the Ash Clan in an action-packed standalone adventure that, while familiar, is wonderfully done.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon

Trails Beyond the Horizon is the 3rd entry into the Van Arkride saga, acting as the penultimate entry into the Legend of Heroes story. As a planned mission to space is on the horizon, Van, Rean, and Kevin Graham all take their respective allies to places all over the Calvard Republic to understand the truth behind this mission.

Ink Inside

Ink Inside

Ink Inside is a good attempt at bringing this story to life, but a host of technical issues greatly hold it back. However, aside from its performance woes, there is a solid RPG here with some interesting combat and engaging characters.

Tormented Souls 2

Tormented Souls 2

Tormented Souls 2 is an improvement to the original in so many ways. While its horror elements, visuals, and gameplay are exactly what you want from this experience, the game launched in an underwhelming state plagued by countless bugs and tech issues.

Terrifier: The ARTcade Game

Terrifier: The ARTcade Game

Terrifier: The ARTcade Game is a Beat’em Up that may lean towards the visual approach of Scott Pilgrim, but it lacks the depth and fun of almost any other game the genre offers. With a limited moveset, and underdeveloped characters, this brawler just doesn’t cut it.

Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow

Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow

There is always some interesting hook that has a game built around it, but Legacy of Shadow lacks a hook to lay the foundation. The subtle nicking of items is fun, but a game built around this beloved license simply deserved more.