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James Swinbanks

Sydney, Australia
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Favorite Games:

45 games reviewed
67.7 average score
70 median score
48.9% of games recommended

James Swinbanks's Reviews

Freelance videogames writer and reviewer - As seen @ IGN, GameSpot, Hyper Magazine, PC PowerPlay, Waypoint, Player2 and others!
8 / 10.0 - F1 Manager 2022
Sep 6, 2022

F1 Manager 2022 speeds to the front of the grid with a deep, compulsive, and largely authentic motorsports management sim.

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Jul 21, 2020

The cars are faster than ever and feel better to drive than ever thanks to tighter controls and base improvements to the game’s car handling. Equally, the addition of accessibility features like steering help and the casual modes open up F1 2020 to an even wider degree of players, from those with a casual racing interest to people with full-blown personal racing simulators.

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7 / 10 - Planet Zoo
Nov 21, 2019

Planet Zoo is a detailed management sim that's both rewarding and educational, and the cute animals certainly don't hurt.

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5 / 10 - MediEvil
Oct 29, 2019

This nostalgic puzzle-platforming action game, newly transported into the modern day, looks great but feels old.

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C - Grid
Oct 28, 2019

A competent, if unambitious arcade racing game that puts in a solid midfield performance, but falls well short of making the podium.

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Aug 13, 2019

Lose yourself amongst the stars in this excellent space combat and trading sim with a dry, southern drawl.

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Wolfenstein: Youngblood is a pretty rough ride that takes two steps back for every step it takes forward.

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Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night’s excels with its art and design, and once it’s up to speed, offers some wonderfully enjoyable platforming action. But its slow start will inevitably push some players away.

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9 / 10 - F1 2019
Jun 28, 2019

F1 2019's fast and strategic racing elevates it to the top step of the podium.

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8 / 10 - Mordhau
Jun 18, 2019

Steel meets flesh in this violent but refined take on large-scale medieval combat.

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May 17, 2019

The Blue Blur is back in this fast and fun kart-inspired arcade racer, with a few twists for good measure.

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3 / 10 - Left Alive
Mar 15, 2019

This third-person stealth action game is better left alone.

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A or higher - Devil May Cry 5
Mar 6, 2019

A frenetic ride through a demonic underworld teeming with bad guys and plot twists that will have you smiling all the way till the credits roll

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A or higher - Dirt Rally 2.0
Feb 17, 2019

It’s pure joy for enthusiasts, offering a detailed and engaging driving experience to those who are after the sort of thing that hasn’t been on offer since the days of Richard Burns Rally.

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Dec 7, 2018

Earth Defense Force 5 is brash and outlandish, making for an absurdly fun action shooter.

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5 / 10 - Big Bash Boom
Dec 5, 2018

While this arcade-style cricket slogfest shows potential, Big Bash Boom's bugs and technical issues mean it struggles to make a lasting impression.

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Sep 13, 2018

Frozen Synapse 2 is a stylish, tense, and tactical game of chess. With guns.

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Unscored - V-Rally 4
Sep 12, 2018

018’s V-Rally 4 feels like it’s missing an identity; a marquee feature to make it stand out from Kylotonn’s other rally titles, and Codemasters excellent DiRT games. Though considering its absolutely abysmal car handling, even the strongest identity couldn’t save you from the disappointment that is V-Rally 4.

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Sep 6, 2018

Two Point Hospital offers more than just nostalgia for classic management sims.

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9 / 10 - F1 2018
Aug 27, 2018

F1 2018 nails a new lap record with its most complete package to date.

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