Ashley Bates Avatar Image

Ashley Bates

Skelmersdale
Donovan Ryder

Favorite Games:
  • Halo 3
  • Bully
  • Mortal Kombat

137 games reviewed
73.5 average score
75 median score
53.7% of games recommended

Ashley Bates's Reviews

Full time bearded man of Xbox One UK, and also a Senior Editor. Self-appointed Fighting Game Hype Man, because no one else on site appreciates the art of fisticuffs.
Jul 22, 2022

The exploration flaws are only a somewhat minor gripe, considering that the races themselves are some of the best that Forza Horizon 5 has to offer, and the expansion even includes various Hot Wheels pieces for players to create their own events too. Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels already feels like a massive and enjoyable expansion, and hopefully the player-created content will mean there’s even more to look forward to while we wait for the game’s second expansion.

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10 / 10.0 - Street Fighter 6
May 30, 2023

A sublime fighting game masterpiece from a company at the peak of their powers, Street Fighter 6 is utterly incredible.

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was already a brilliant title, but now that the Booster Course Pass is over, it should go down as one of the Switch's all-time greats.

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9 / 10 - Battlefield 1
Oct 24, 2016

The old adage goes "War Never Changes". The same could be said for EA and DICE's historical shooter, and we wouldn't have it any other way. With the single player campaign delivering engaging stories and informative training, and the multiplayer being as frantic and unpredictable as usual, Battlefield 1 offers shooting fans the complete package.

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9 / 10.0 - Injustice 2
May 25, 2017

With its content-rich Multiverse mode and the boundless possibilities of the gear system, the thrilling Story experience, and the superlative game mechanics under the hood, Injustice 2 proves why NetherRealm are setting the pace for all fighting game developers.

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9 / 10.0 - Strange Brigade
Aug 28, 2018

Though it's value is diminished significantly to anyone looking to play the game solo, Strange Brigade stands head and shoulders above the pack as an incredible, action packed co-op adventure.

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9 / 10.0 - SoulCalibur VI
Oct 16, 2018

Gripes with Tira notwithstanding, Soulcalibur VI exists in its own special pantheon when it comes to current generation 3D fighters. Even if you're not usually a SC fan, consider this your jumping on point.

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Jul 3, 2019

The current lack of Amiibo Support and one or two needed improvements to the online modes mean it isn't "perfect", but Super Mario Maker 2 is the ultimate package for both casual and dedicated Mario fans. Absolutely brilliant.

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While it might not do enough to coax out those who already own the game on other platforms, or who can play it right now via Xbox One Backwards Compatibility, the Bayonetta & Vanquish 10th Anniversary Bundle is a premium slice of video games at their best, and is well worth checking out.

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May 4, 2020

After a 25 year hiatus, Streets of Rage 4 is back and it’s better than it ever has been, thanks to a host of important gameplay improvements.

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9 / 10.0 - Phogs!
Dec 2, 2020

PHOGS! is possibly one of the best co-op games ever made and the perfect remedy for a hellish 12 months.

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9 / 10.0 - Hitman 3
Jan 19, 2021

Hitman 3 takes everything good about the rebooted series and combines it with worthwhile features and levels that are more interactive than ever before to create one of the best stealth games of the last decade.

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Sep 3, 2021

While PS4 veterans might not get as much value from the re-release, Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut is a wonderful showcase for the PS5 and an incredible package for newcomers.

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9 / 10.0 - Sifu
Feb 6, 2022

A potential GOTY contender already, Sifu is martial arts excellence that'll challenge and delight in equal measure.

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9 / 10.0 - Mortal Kombat 1
Sep 20, 2023

Mortal Kombat 1's New Era might be a bit too familiar, but the core gameplay and range of modes on offer here is undeniable.

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Oct 25, 2023

A brilliant superhero game, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 largely improves on the core formula while telling the most intimate, dramatic story yet.

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9 / 10.0 - Alan Wake 2
Nov 3, 2023

A brave, ridiculous survival horror game that oftentimes needs to be seen to be believed, Alan Wake 2 showcases a developer at the peak of their powers.

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9 / 10.0 - Tekken 8
Jan 23, 2024

Tekken 8 appeals to both the casual and hardcore playerbase, with a great selection of modes, training tools and additional gameplay depth. 2024's fighting games are off to an excellent start.

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Jan 23, 2024

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth sun-baked adventure expertly improves on the last game's formula, while giving enough space for both of its leading Dragons to truly shine.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Cuphead
Oct 9, 2017

We've been waiting years for Cuphead, and it's been totally worth it. Some issues with the run and gun levels do dampen the overall experience, but not to any significant degree. Cuphead is challenging, exciting and most importantly, enjoyable.

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