130 public reviews
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Edward Kenway has always held a curious place in Assassin’s Creed history. He wasn’t born an Assassin, nor did he spend much of his adventure wrestling with lofty ideals of freedom or order. He was a pirate first, a survivor second, and only reluctantly a hero. That willingness to keep the creed in the background is exactly what made Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag so memorable. It recognised that the series’…
Yuzo Koshiro and Ancient’s Earthion is a rare retro-styled shooter that doesn’t merely imitate the 16-bit classics—it captures their spirit because, importantly, it was designed with that intention. Built to run on original Mega Drive/Genesis hardware and carefully adapted for modern platforms, Earthion plays like a forgotten cartridge pulled from an alternate 1994—only now enriched with three decades of genre…
When Final Fantasy Tactics Advance was released on the Game Boy Advance in 2003, it faced high expectations from fans of the original Final Fantasy Tactics on the PlayStation . That earlier game had set a high standard with its mature storytelling, extensive class system, and deeply satisfying tactical gameplay. Its combination of political intrigue, personal tragedy, and moral complexity had earned it a cult…
Few video games have ever captured the essence of a film as perfectly as Alien: Isolation. Developed by Creative Assembly and released in 2014, it was not merely a tie-in but an act of devotion — a painstaking homage to Ridley Scott’s 1979 masterpiece, Alien. While most licensed games lean toward spectacle and action, Isolation dares to slow the pace, strip away the player’s power, and immerse them in a space where…
If Gradius is the series’ stoic disciplinarian, Salamander 2 is its stylish cousin who turns up late wearing mirrored shades and still manages to wipe the floor with everyone. Konami’s 1996 arcade sequel is available on PlayStation through Salamander Deluxe Pack Plus—a Japan-only compilation that includes Salamander, Life Force (Japan arcade version), and Salamander 2—and it’s the highlight of the disc. The port…
When Marvel’s Spider-Man first launched in 2018 on the PlayStation 4, it did more than deliver another superhero game—it revitalised the genre. Much like Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham series before it, Insomniac’s vision of the web-slinger captured not only the thrill of playing as Spider-Man but also the vulnerability, humour, and resilience of Peter Parker. It established a new benchmark for licensed superhero…
A Fighter Arrives at the Crossroads By 1999, Capcom ’s Street Fighter series had long been the benchmark for fighting games, but the gaming landscape was changing quickly. The emergence of 3D fighters like Tekken 3 and Virtua Fighter 3 , along with Capcom’s own ventures into flashier titles such as Marvel vs. Capcom 2 , meant that traditional 2D fighters risked becoming outdated. Third Strike arrived as the final…
Please note: The Following Review Does Contain Major Spoilers For The Game. When Sega released Phantasy Star II for the Mega Drive (Genesis) in 1989 in Japan and in 1990 in North America and Europe, it ventured into uncharted territory for console RPGs. With an impressive 6 megabits of memory—a substantial size for that era—Phantasy Star II was among the most ambitious video games ever made. It built upon the cult…
Released exclusively for the Super Famicom in 1996, Fire Emblem: Seisen no Keifu (translated as Genealogy of the Holy War) remains a significant, albeit underappreciated, landmark in the history of tactical role-playing games. Directed and written by series creator Shouzou Kaga , Seisen no Keifu propelled the Fire Emblem franchise into bold new territory, reshaping the essence of the genre with sweeping innovations…
Released in 1994 by Traveller’s Tales and published by Sony Imagesoft, Mickey Mania: The Timeless Adventures of Mickey Mouse is a 2D side-scrolling platformer for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The game was part of a broader effort in the mid-‘90s to revive Mickey Mouse’s classic cartoon legacy for a new generation of players. Unlike many other licensed games of the era, Mickey Mania stands out for…
In the golden era of arcade gaming, where Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat were redefining competitive play and side-scrolling beat ’em ups like Final Fight ruled the streets, SNK took a left turn with King of the Monsters. This chaotic brawler smashes together professional wrestling and kaiju cinema. It’s a concept so full of potential that it almost feels unfair how little of that potential is realised in…
In the twilight years of the Commodore 64 , few games showcased how far developers could push the hardware like Flimbo’s Quest. Released in 1990 by System 3 , a studio already known for quality titles like The Last Ninja , this charming side-scrolling platformer combined excellent visual design, fluid gameplay, and a whimsical tone into one of the finest examples of late-era C64 programming brilliance. Flimbo’s…
Final Blow is a 1988 arcade boxing game developed and published by Taito Corporation . Known for its exaggerated characters and accessible gameplay, Final Blow occupied a niche spot in the evolution of boxing games during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was later ported to the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive and other home consoles, gaining a modest cult following. Though relatively simple by modern standards, Final Blow…
When Haze was announced as a PlayStation 3 exclusive, it was met with high expectations. Developed by Free Radical Design—the studio behind the beloved TimeSplitters series—and published by Ubisoft in 2008, Haze was positioned as a potential Halo killer. Its promise of an intense, thought-provoking narrative, innovative gameplay mechanics, and next-generation visuals built significant hype. However, Haze stumbled…
When the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) launched in the early 1990s, most games relied on 2D sprites, and hardware limitations prevented realistic 3D experiences. However, Nintendo and Argonaut Software, the same team behind Star Fox, sought to change that. In 1994, they released Stunt Race FX, one of the few SNES titles to use the Super FX chip, a special graphics processor that allowed for polygonal 3D…
Few tactical RPGs carry the legendary status of Final Fantasy Tactics. Originally released for the PlayStation in 1997, the game marked a significant entry in the strategy RPG genre, combining complex turn-based combat with a rich, politically charged narrative. Over the years, it has been celebrated for its intricate job system, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay. In 2007, Square Enix revisited this…
Read the full review Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
The PlayStation library is replete with classic franchises and hidden gems, yet few games exhibit the raw spectacle and high-speed action of Omega Boost. Developed by Polyphony Digital —renowned for their work on the Gran Turismo series —this 1999 rail shooter remains one of the most visually and mechanically impressive mecha games of its era. Despite receiving little mainstream recognition at the time of its…
A Legendary Journey Through Time When Chrono Trigger was released on March 11th, 1995, for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), the gaming world was already experiencing a golden age of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs). Titles like Final Fantasy VI , Secret of Mana , and EarthBound captivated audiences with their intricate stories, innovative gameplay mechanics, and memorable soundtracks. However,…
Released in 1993 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Star Fox was a groundbreaking title that introduced console gamers to real-time 3D polygonal graphics. Developed by Nintendo’s in-house team in collaboration with British studio Argonaut Software , Star Fox was a technical marvel for its time and a highly engaging on-rails shooter that pushed the boundaries of what the SNES could achieve. The Super…
SNK ’s Neo Geo is renowned for its fast-paced, arcade-quality action, and Aero Fighters 2 (or Sonic Wings 2 in Japan) exemplifies this perfectly. Developed by Video System and released in 1994, this vertically scrolling shooter offers a thrilling experience filled with vibrant visuals, diverse characters, and challenging gameplay. As a sequel to the original Aero Fighters, this instalment enhances the formula with…
There are moments in video games that transcend the confines of pixels and polygons, moments where a medium once considered juvenile strides boldly into the realm of artistry. Such moments can rarely be predicted, and when they arrive, they are greeted with the electric excitement of an industry grasping legitimacy. When Gears of War was released on the Xbox 360 in 2006, it didn’t just emerge as a video game; it…
Some games are not merely played—they are experienced. They leave a mark, an imprint upon the player’s heart, that resonates long after the console is turned off. Such is the case with Final Fantasy X, originally released for the PlayStation 2 in 2001. The 2014 HD Remaster brought this monumental title to new audiences and old fans alike, offering a chance to revisit Spira’s mesmerising landscapes, unforgettable…
Resident Evil 4, released for the Nintendo GameCube on January 11, 2005, stands as a landmark title not only within the Resident Evil series but also in gaming history. Its development, gameplay innovations, narrative approach, and influence on future games make it one of the most celebrated video games of all time. In this review, we will explore its production, place in the series, historical significance, lasting…
Released in 1996 as a promotional title for the Sega Saturn, Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams… is an extraordinary seasonal twist on Sega’s beloved NiGHTS into Dreams… . More than just a demo or gimmick, this festive spin-off is an experimental gem that successfully captures the magic of the holidays while serving as a showcase for the creativity and innovation that defined Sega during the mid-1990s. By blending the…
In the vast pantheon of classic Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) games, Secret of Mana stands tall as one of the most celebrated action RPGs ever created. Released by SquareSoft (now Square Enix) in 1993, this game broke new ground with its innovative combat, cooperative multiplayer, and unforgettable soundtrack. It remains a cornerstone of the genre, frequently topping "best games of all time" lists. For…
Released in 2008 for the Nintendo Wii , 428: Shibuya Scramble (428 〜封鎖された渋谷で〜) is a remarkable piece of interactive storytelling that blends live-action visuals, intricate narrative design, and compelling gameplay mechanics. Developed by Chunsoft and Jiro Ishii , a studio renowned for its contributions to the visual novel and adventure genres, 428: Shibuya Scramble showcases the studio's penchant for crafting…
20XX, developed by Batterystaple Games , is a vibrant roguelike platformer for the PlayStation 4 that takes heavy inspiration from classic platforming games, most notably the iconic Mega Man X series. With its fluid gameplay, satisfying combat, and challenging yet rewarding roguelike mechanics, 20XX invites players to test their skills in procedurally generated levels that promise unique experiences each time.…
Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon, developed by Inti Creates , is a brilliant homage to the classic Castlevania series, particularly those from the NES era. Released in 2018 as part of the stretch goals for Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, the game expertly blends modern design sensibilities with the retro charm of 8-bit platformers. While it is a companion piece to Ritual of the Night , it has enough polish, depth,…
In the vast ocean of indie games, few titles have struck the perfect balance between minimalism and depth, like "Titan Souls". Developed by Acid Nerve and published by Devolver Digital , the game draws heavy inspiration from Shadow of the Colossus , the Souls series , and even the Zelda series . Yet, it carves out its identity through its brutal combat mechanics and stripped-back design philosophy. Launched in 2015…
As a pack-in title for the PS5, 2020's Astro's Playroom highlighted the DualSense controller's features. But beyond serving as a tech demo, this bite-sized experience demonstrated that Sony might have its very own Super Mario Bros. among its first-party lineup. Sony and the talented Team Asobi have fulfilled that promise with Astro Bot, crafting a polished, near-perfect platformer. It deserves comparison to…
When Indiana Jones' Greatest Adventures was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1994, it promised to bring the exhilarating adventures of the world’s most famous archaeologist to the 16-bit platform. Developed by Factor 5 and published by JVC Musical Industries, the game aimed to capture the spirit of the first three Indiana Jones films: Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Temple of Doom, and The…
The first-person shooter genre has seen many memorable titles, from the juggernaut series like Call of Duty and Battlefield to cult classics such as Half-Life and Bioshock. In 2010, Raven Software, a developer with a storied history in the FPS space, attempted to carve out its own niche with Singularity, a game that blends time manipulation, Soviet-era Cold War tensions, and supernatural horror into a thrilling,…
Tunic, developed by Andrew Shouldice and published by Finji, is an action-adventure game that simultaneously feels fresh and familiar. Released in March 2022, this game has garnered attention and acclaim for its charming aesthetic, challenging gameplay, and innovative design. Drawing clear inspiration from classic titles like "The Legend of Zelda," Tunic delivers a unique experience that balances nostalgia with…
Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved, developed by Lucid Games and published by Sierra, is the latest instalment in the long-standing Geometry Wars series. Known for its vibrant, neon-infused visuals and frenetic twin-stick shooter gameplay, the series has built a loyal fanbase since its inception as a mini-game in Project Gotham Racing 2. Geometry Wars 3 takes the franchise to new heights, expanding its traditional…
Released in 1992 by LucasArts and developed by Sculptured Software , Super Star Wars for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is an action-packed platformer that brings the thrilling universe of Star Wars to life. The game is a remarkable blend of intense gameplay, vibrant graphics, and iconic music that captures the essence of the original 1977 film, "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope." For its time,…
Housemarque's Nex Machina stands out as a vibrant, adrenaline-fueled love letter to the golden age of arcade shooters in a gaming landscape filled with high-definition graphics and sprawling open worlds. Released for the PlayStation 4 in June 2017, Nex Machina combines the best elements of classic twin-stick shooters with modern design sensibilities, resulting in a game that is as challenging as it is visually…
In video games, few titles have stood the test of time as successfully as Tetris. Since its inception in 1984 by Russian game designer Alexey Pajitnov, Tetris has seen countless iterations, updates, and adaptations. However, none have been quite as ambitious or visually stunning as Tetris Effect for the PlayStation. Developed by Monstars Inc. and Resonair and published by Enhance Games, Tetris Effect reimagines the…
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, developed by Ubisoft Montreal and released in 2013, is a standalone expansion of the critically acclaimed Far Cry 3. The game diverges significantly from its predecessor, embracing an over-the-top 1980s sci-fi action aesthetic that blends nostalgia with modern gaming mechanics. Blood Dragon is a unique experience that successfully merges satire, homage, and robust gameplay, resulting in a…
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, developed by Eidos-Montréal and published by Square Enix, is a game that finds itself at the intersection of dystopian storytelling, intricate level design, and player choice. Released in August 2016, it serves as a direct sequel to 2011's Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Mankind Divided endeavours to build upon its predecessor's foundations, offering a richly detailed world teetering on the edge…
Gone Home, developed by Fullbright and released in 2013, stands as a hallmark in the evolution of narrative-driven video games. Eschewing traditional gameplay mechanics, it plunges players into a richly detailed environment where storytelling unfolds through exploration and discovery. This review delves into the intricacies of Gone Home, analysing its narrative depth, environmental storytelling, emotional impact,…
Bloodborne is a visceral and atmospheric action RPG developed by FromSoftware, known for its challenging and immersive titles such as Dark Souls and Demon's Souls. Released in 2015 exclusively for the PlayStation 4, Bloodborne has garnered critical acclaim for its intricate level design, challenging gameplay mechanics, and hauntingly beautiful gothic setting. In this review, we will delve deep into the dark and…
Released in 1998, Ridge Racer Type 4 for the PlayStation 1 is a racing game that has stood the test of time. Developed and published by Namco, this game is the fourth instalment in the popular Ridge Racer series. Known for its fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and catchy soundtrack, Ridge Racer Type 4 is a beloved classic that continues to be enjoyed by fans of racing games. One of the standout features of…
Day of the Tentacle Remastered is a classic point-and-click adventure game released by LucasArts in 1993. The remastered version, released in 2016 for the PlayStation 4, brings this beloved game back to life with updated graphics and sound while retaining the same quirky humour and challenging puzzles that made the original so popular. The updated graphics are the first things that stand out in Day of the Tentacle…
Cuphead is a run-and-gun indie game developed and published by Studio MDHR. Initially released for Xbox One and PC in 2017, the game has finally made its way to the PS4, much to the excitement of PlayStation gamers. Known for its unique art style inspired by 1930s cartoons and challenging gameplay, Cuphead has garnered a cult following since its initial release. With the release on PS4, players can now experience…
Final Fantasy VI is a timeless masterpiece released by Square (now Square Enix) in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It's not just a game but a journey that has left an indelible mark on the hearts of RPG enthusiasts. With its compelling story, diverse cast of characters, innovative gameplay mechanics, and unforgettable soundtrack, Final Fantasy VI set a new standard for the role-playing genre and…
Castlevania Rondo of Blood, released in 1993 for the PC Engine CD-ROM² System , is often considered a hidden gem in the Castlevania series. Serving as a prequel to the critically acclaimed Symphony of the Night, Rondo of Blood showcases the fantastic gameplay, level design, and atmosphere that fans have come to expect from the series. From the moment you press start, you are thrown into a world filled with dark and…
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, released in 1997 for the PlayStation 1, is one of the most iconic and influential titles in video gaming history. Developed by Konami, this instalment in the long-running Castlevania series revolutionised the action-platformer genre with its innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack. Symphony of the Night continues to captivate gamers…
Ninja Gaiden 2, the sequel to the critically acclaimed reboot of the classic franchise, continues the saga of Ryu Hayabusa's relentless pursuit of justice. Released exclusively for the Xbox 360, this action-packed adventure promised to elevate the ninja genre to new heights. Developed by Team Ninja and published by Tecmo, Ninja Gaiden 2 was highly anticipated by fans of the series and action game enthusiasts alike.…
