Well Played

• PS5
• 9 / 10
• Australie

Challenging combat, rewarding platforming, engaging exploration and a surprisingly unique story has Survivor in the conversation for the best Star Wars game ever released.

• PS5
• 7.5 / 10
• Australie

I’m a sucker for a dark fairy tale, especially one that calls upon Nordic folklore to shape its premise. Some of the gameplay sequences may be a little dull, but a striking enchanted world and an engaging and sombre story mixed with Nordic mythology ensured that I really enjoyed my time with Bramble: The Mountain King. If you’re a fan of narrative-driven adventure games with a shadowy and creepy tone, I think you’ll find a lot to like here.

• PC
• 7.5 / 10
• Australie

While I love Episode 2 to a similar level that I did the original, I am somewhat left just a little disappointed by its decision to not reinvent the wheel much at all. The experience is still a great one, don’t get me wrong, but the additional drink choices and the ability to give items to customers to get further story content just isn’t a enough evolution in the experience, especially seeing as the location and collection of regular patrons are basically the same bar for a few new characters. The vibes and aesthetic however are still as pleasing as they were before, and those keen for an indie game to relax and pair with a hot beverage, Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly serves as a welcome choice.

• PC
• 7 / 10
• Australie

• PS5
• 7.5 / 10
• Australie

Frogwares’ remake of Sherlock Holmes The Awakened successfully blends the otherworldly with the logical in a compelling and well-written adventure that shows a different side of the iconic detective.

• PS5
• 7 / 10
• Australie

If co-op shooters are your bread and butter and you’ve picked up a PSVR2, you should certainly give After the Fall a whirl. Gunplay is tight, and the core experience feels well-suited to VR, producing nail-biting moments that will stick in your memory. The problem that cools off the good times had is the lack of interesting content. The missions, weapons, enemies and modes on offer are entertaining, but there aren’t enough of them to keep me coming back time and time again.

• XSX/S
• 5 / 10
• Australie

Curse of the Sea Rats’ flaws reveal themselves almost immediately, but despite an initial urge to see the whole thing walk the plank lest my sanity be sacrificed, my persistence was rewarded with extended periods of meditative calm as I poked about the diverse environments uncovering treasures, and in these periods I could clearly see the potential the game had. There is an honest heart to the experience, and the character art in particular is sheer joy, but several vital cogs that would complete the so-called ‘ratoidvania’ machine have been installed incorrectly. Abundant technical issues exacerbate issues at the centre of a game that struggles to realise its ambition, and while I don’t think Petoons Studio’s backers should mutiny, you might not blame the rats for fleeing this particular sinking ship.

• PS5
• 9 / 10
• Australie

Dredge emerges from the mist as a near-perfect foray into cosmic horror and fish mongering. Some minor quibbles with balancing and quest info are surface-level dings against an otherwise water-tight vessel. Refined, approachable fishing and dredging mechanics form the backbone of a tight core loop that rewards investment in your boat with unspeakably cool upgrades and satisfying progression. All of this against an expertly paced open world and gorgeous art make Dredge an absolute catch.

• SWITCH
• 8.5 / 10
• Australie

• SWITCH
• 8 / 10
• Australie

• PS5
• 7.5 / 10
• Australie

Wo Long was always destined to be judged in the long shadow of the exceptional Nioh 2, which here is slightly to its detriment. It does an admirable job of rolling some fresh core mechanics into the now well-established hardcore hack and slash dough recipe, but accidentally only used three quarters of the required amount of yeast and then left the heat on medium. The result is a title that doesn’t quite rise like it should, and is a little doughy in the middle. Elaborate bread metaphors aside, Wo Long is absolutely a good game from a talented studio, but it falls short of being a great one.

• PC
• 7 / 10
• Australie

Despite the simplicity and a few missteps, I actually quite liked the roughly seven hours I spent playing through Scars Above. The story was interesting, the environments were diverse and lovely to look at and the sound design and music were sensational. I’d describe this as something akin to a refreshed PlayStation 2-era sci-fi shooter rather than a contemporary title, but I say that with a fondness for it, rather than disdain. I think that Mad Head Games should be proud of what it’s achieved, and if third-person shooters are your thing, I’d encourage you to check it out.

• SWITCH
• 8.5 / 10
• Australie

• PS5
• 5.5 / 10
• Australie

• PS5
• 7.5 / 10
• Australie

Like A Dragon: Ishin! does exactly what it says on the box. It takes the recognisable characters that have appeared throughout the series and transformed them into 19th-century analogs. The super dramatic storyline, backstabs and betrayals remain pleasingly offset with the eccentric substories that feature memorable characters in the wildest of circumstances. Kiryu-Ryōma-Saito remains the ever-loveable stone-faced uncle driven by honour, stoically seeking the goodness in hearts everywhere before curb stomping a handsy mugger.

• PS5
• 8.5 / 10
• Australie

Through clever innovation and stellar design choices, Wild Hearts stakes its claim on the monster hunting genre with gusto. A serviceable story and some minor issues hold it back from true greatness, but the bones of this beast are mighty and point toward a bright future for Omega Force’s latest. With an emphasis on player expression and co-operative gameplay, Wild Hearts introduces us to a world rich with possibility and ripe for a sequel. I personally can’t wait to see where their heart takes them next.

• PS5
• 8.5 / 10
• Australie

Although it’s probably destined to be a hidden gem that never quite gets the amount of eyeballs and attention it deserves, A Space for the Unbound is a truly excellent game that deserves plenty of love. It does occasionally fall victim to pacing issues, and its gameplay is rather simplistic, but pretty much everything else the game tackles is done with great success. Its enjoyable exploration, heartbreaking narrative, and beautiful anime inspired visuals come together to craft one of the best indie narrative driven games of recent memory. If you value games where story is of the utmost importance, I can’t help but recommend that you give A Space for the Unbound a chance.

• PS5
• 8 / 10
• Australie