This isn’t the PlatinumGames experience I expected, and that’s the most depressing part of it all. An absolute waste of potential that should have been far greater than this mess of a release that will quickly be forgotten.
It’s just disappointing that a lack of polish and modern sensibilities hinder the product at all turns, leaving what could have been a chunky and ambitious slice of indie action horror down a path forgotten and overshadowed.
There are more polished, quality roguelites out there that will engage you for a longer period than Death or Treat, but that says less about its own achievements and more about the incredibly high bar set by its predecessors.
Despite some moments of genuine enjoyment, with a combat system that does its best to entertain, Forspoken never makes the most of its potential. Ultimately, there are bigger, bolder and more inventive action games both already out there and soon to be upon us in an already stacked 2023 release schedule.
Sports Story doesn't hit the heights of its predecessor, overstuffed with new ideas and sports that probably should have been left on the cutting-room floor. There's still plenty here to enjoy, both golf and tennis fans will find something to like and fans of the original likewise, but the trophy could have used a polish.
A solid strategy experience isn't quite enough to elevate Days of Doom past its more varied competition on the indie market, but there's just enough meat on the zombie bones.
Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE could have used its inventiveness more concisely, but what's here is still an enjoyable first entry for a new IP that holds plenty of promise now and hopefully into the future.
Rose is a fascinating character that deserves her own, full-blown sequel, but for now Shadows of Rose is a worthwhile adventure for those looking for a little more from an already brilliant Resident Evil tale.
I really did want to enjoy Ann’s story, it’s visually beautiful and has some clever little in-game tricks to its aesthetics. It’s just a damn shame the narrative couldn’t quite keep up, leaving ANNO: Mutationem a visually stunning but muddled, confusing game.
If a challenge is what you’re after, you’ll find it within Aeterna Noctis. There’s still plenty to appreciate and enjoy if that’s up your alley, but it doesn’t do enough to allow its concept to stand out from the competition.
Tiny Metal is an admirable return to the traditional turn-based strategy genre. There's enough of a challenge both in the campaign and skirmish mode to keep players happy for a good while, but the lack of any sort of multiplayer at launch hurts its overall score.
Your experience with The Tomorrow Children will vary, especially if you don't get any players visiting your space. But when everything clicks like a well-oiled machine, there's a strange sense of appeal here that makes it intriguing enough.
Without a focus on MJ's career, 2K23 doesn't offer too much more than last year's iteration. It's a serviceable experience for newcomers and pros alike, it's just a damn shame it's becoming more and more a marketing tool than a game. What concerns me is, where do they go from here?
As the lyrics from the song Reunion asks, was it worth it all? I can happily say, yes. Despite its problems, Goodbye Volcano High is every bit worth it, and I'd happily spend more time with Worm Drama if I could.
It never fully challenged me personally and isn’t an overly long experience, but with a few friends or Disney diehards, Disney Illusion Island is a worthy adventure and one of the better licensed titles to venture out from the Magic Kingdom of late.
With plenty to explore, mechanics that are mostly tight and engaging, and loads of of retro-infused elements, there's a little gem here within the chronicles of two cunning heroes.
It does feel a little patchwork in places, but Crisis Core is a reunion worth going to. The emotional gut-punch of a finale remains one of the best in the long running series, and that alone is worth the price of admission.
Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed stands as Illfonic's best game to date, a respectful addition to the Ghostbusters legacy that, despite a lack of content, is incredibly fun to play.
There's nothing abhorrently wrong with Soul Hackers 2, it's a solid JRPG with plenty to like, but nothing here feels as unique or creative as it could be given the source material. Fans will no doubt still enjoy it, but it's a missed opportunity to push the boundaries further.
If you've been waiting for another lifestyle game to sink countless hours into, Fae Farm should be on your list. It's fun for all, allows for plenty of customisation and sprinkles plenty of magic over the top for good measure.