Well Played

• PS4
• 9 / 10
• Australie

• PS5
• 8 / 10
• Australie

• XONE
• 7 / 10
• Australie

Even if Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla is your first game in the series and first DLC, you’ll enjoy this mythical outing. The Assassin’s Creed series has been around a long time and it’s likely going to continue for a while still, so I have to respect that the games are breaking their mould. The addition of new powers is a bonus I wasn’t expecting, but if you’re playing as a god it’s only fair the game lets you act like one. It’s a return to form after Odyssey’s own mythical DLC that values the player experience and allows players to dip back into the game two years after launch. However, past face value, it really doesn’t add much to the overarching storyline for the franchise. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fun and enjoyable adventure, but it feels like it could’ve worked harder to build itself into the series as a whole. The creed remains, but it’s left me wondering where we’ll see the game series go next.

• PS4
• 9.5 / 10
• Australie

• PS4
• 7.5 / 10
• Australie

• PS5
• 9 / 10
• Australie

I had tears in my eyes as A Memoir Blue came to a close. Though it may be short, there are moments in the final few chapters that are heart wrenching, yet by the end there’s a feeling of pure happiness and relief. I’m sure many who explore its meaning and emotional journey may feel that same connection and perhaps a few tears of their own, but as someone going through hard times and with a deep and loving connection to my own mother, this hit me hard. That’s a good thing, that means the developer’s vision connected, and I’m so grateful for having played it.

• PC
• 8 / 10
• Australie

Syberia: The World Before is a heartfelt adventure across different timelines and a fitting farewell to the talented Bênoit Sokal.

• PC
• PS4
• PS5
• 3 / 10
• Australie

In Nightmare should be a cautionary tale for any developer (be they indie, AA, AAA or even AAAA) to be careful in implementing core mechanics centring around disempowerment. Hiding in cupboards and avoiding instakill view cones can be great I suppose (actually instakill view cones can die in a fire), but if it doesn’t feed into a sense of enjoyment, it will very much feed into the opposite: righteous hate-filled fury. In Nightmare’s exploration and puzzling probably could have easily carried the experience without having to beat the player over the head with instafail stealth, but this is the path it chose. At the end of the day the game’s title is a description of not only Bill’s predicament, but of any player who decides to follow him on his journey.

• PS5
• 7.5 / 10
• Australie

Gunborg: Dark Matter is a simple yet challenging arcade platformer that pushes players to perfect their timing and dodging abilities. The 8-bit world is beautifully coloured in a neon palette and complemented by a soundtrack that is absolutely jamming. If you’re a fan of testing your mettle in old-school style arcade shooters, Gunborg: Dark Matters is more than worth the $17.95 asking price.

• PC
• 8.5 / 10
• Australie

• SWITCH
• 9 / 10
• Australie

Despite not really breaking any ground, and with a couple of minor grievances, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a wonderful outing for the pink puffball and a major high point for the series. At very few points over the course of the game did I not have a massive grin on my face, especially wherever Mouthful Mode is concerned. What could Kirby possibly eat next now that he’s thoroughly consumed my heart?

• PS5
• 7.5 / 10
• Australie

• PC
• XONE
• XSX/S
• 9 / 10
• Australie

Tunic surprises and delights. It doubles down on its environmental storytelling which may put off those looking for a cruisy experience, but true adventurers will be well pleased with the little fox and his quest.

• PS4
• 6.5 / 10
• Australie

Submerged: Hidden Depths doesn’t necessarily do anything new or exciting in the space of contemplative, exploratory indies nor does it challenge players in any real way, but it’s still an enchanting adventure. It’s brisk, beautifully assembled and a massive improvement on its predecessor but if you like your puzzles cerebral or your reflexes tested you might find it all a little too passive.

• PC
• 8.5 / 10
• Australie

Just as The Taken King was the Destiny ‘version two’ relaunch the game so sorely needed, The Witch Queen boldly elevates Destiny 2 into a richer space fantasy. Without taking any risks beyond giving players more options in how they build their Guardians and wreak havoc, Bungie has iterated what may safely be Destiny 2’s best year yet. Until Bungie gives players significant new additions of enemies and characters, Destiny 2 may have peaked for now.

• PS5
• 5 / 10
• Australie

There’s a very interesting game floating somewhere in Breathedge’s debris field. A comedy-focused, tightly constructed version of what you get here could have stood shoulder to shoulder with the likes of The Stanley Parable even, letting the player in on the joke and using that to elevate a stable but stagnant genre of survival sim. Unfortunately, Breathedge runs amok with its premise, tripping over itself to make cringey jokes and press the player into unengaging systems. You might get a good laugh out of Breathedge but I’m going to become the Joker if I have to think about it again.

• PS5
• 3 / 10
• Australie

• SWITCH
• 9 / 10
• Australie