Sam Aberdeen


98 games reviewed
82.0 average score
85 median score
80.6% of games recommended
May 3, 2023

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a bigger but not necessarily better sequel to Fallen Order. However, it excels in key areas including slightly improved combat, locations that are larger in scope, more nuanced and introspective character writing, and a terrific, gripping narrative.

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Apr 19, 2023

If you can get over the often daft AI, mild learning curve with systems that might be pretty complex for younger players, and few performance issues, then you might be swayed by its charm. It has a lot of heart and that's where it shines the brightest.

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It's a welcomed change of pace for the Bayonetta series that not every fan will find as fulfilling as the main games, but as a smaller project bursting with heart and creativity, Bayonetta Origins is a fun, charming diversion.

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Mar 20, 2023

Capcom have done the impossible and made a remake that not only stands toe-to-toe with the original, but outshines it in plenty of areas too. The Resident Evil 4 remake is an extraordinary reimagining that honours its counterpart while giving it a more impactful coating of horror and suspense.

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Mar 7, 2023

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is another highly enjoyable effort from Team Ninja that wears its Sekiro inspirations proudly on its sleeves, but it may lack the brutal challenge that usually accompanies these games.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Wild Hearts
Feb 16, 2023

The foundation is strong enough for the game to flourish into something truly special and I can't wait to see how it evolves over time. That said, Wild Hearts is a visual stunner with smooth and stylish gameplay, incredibly designed Kemono and beautiful landscapes despite its few shortcomings.

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7 / 10.0 - Forspoken
Jan 30, 2023

Forspoken has plenty of faults (most of them justified), but I'll be honest, the basic story is effective, the gameplay is flashy and addictive and the visuals are outstanding for the most part. Unfortunately it also fails to live up to its true potential which is constantly derailed by questionable writing and dialogue, lifeless environments and a protagonist that I tried my hardest to like, but just couldn't.

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Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion is a terrific remaster that brings this must-play prequel into the modern era. Almost everything that I hoped would be updated was given attention, including a more fluid battle system and combat, cleaner UI, high-quality textures, lighter controls, and (to my everlasting surprise) an untouched story that doesn't take any daringly divisive risks like Remake.

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Dec 8, 2022

Need for Speed Unbound ended up feeling like a step sidewards for the franchise instead of forward. It’s still trailing behind other arcade racers in the genre despite having a strong, stylish presentation.

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Dec 7, 2022

The Callisto Protocol isn't going to go down as a survival horror classic that some were expecting, but it might go down as an entertaining, technically brilliant way to spend a few afternoons across its roughly 8-10 hour journey. It's elevated by superb visuals and atmosphere, and an engaging combat system that really opens up once you learn its rhythm.

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7 / 10.0 - Evil West
Nov 23, 2022

Evil West feels like a game ripped straight out of the past and dropped into the modern generation with a shinier coat of paint. Surprisingly enough, it ends up being a solidly entertaining action game despite problematic writing, it's overly simple storytelling and some technical hiccups.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Sonic Frontiers
Nov 14, 2022

For all it gets right, Sonic Frontiers is the right direction that Sonic Team needs to be steering the series towards. The semi open-world template could still use a bit of creative work to give the speedy blue mascot a more suitably whacky playground, but some dull zones don’t hold it back from being a blast to play.

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Nov 3, 2022

Santa Monica Studio has brought the Norse chapter of Kratos' life to a close... We've finally reached the destination - for some, it may not be an ideal one - but all things considered, it's still a journey worth taking.

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9 / 10.0 - Bayonetta 3
Oct 31, 2022

The combat is jaw-dropping and stylishly energetic, never letting its foot off the brake. It also attempts to make the most out of its multiverse premise.

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5 / 10.0 - Scorn
Oct 17, 2022

Scorn presents some incredible art direction and a biomechanical Giger fever dream of a world to get lost in, but that’s exactly what you’ll be doing in it for most of your time: getting lost.

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Oct 17, 2022

Some minor framerate drops and odd pacing are hiccups in an otherwise phenomenal package that crafts a gut-wrenching and emotional story, elevates Amicia to one of the most compelling female protagonists in gaming and vastly improves upon every facet of its chilling and unique premise.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Far Cry 6
Oct 6, 2022

Far Cry 6 seems to check all the boxes for a traditional Far Cry experience, and that's exactly what it delivers, for better or worse. An excellent and intimidating villain? Check. An immersive and beautiful open world? Check. Fun gameplay that sometimes goes over-the-top? Check.

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8.5 / 10.0 - The Quarry
Jun 13, 2022

It may not scale the ambitious heights of Until Dawn and House of Ashes - or really give you complete agency like those either - but it serves as another winning entry in the developer's growing list of solid horror gaming experiences that shouldn't be missed.

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7.5 / 10.0 - SnowRunner
Jun 7, 2022

The slow pacing, often frustrating traversal and deliberately tanky controls will turn off those looking for an easy-going experience. However, once all of its mechanics click, it offers a deep and rewarding adventure that isn't like anything else on the market.

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LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga crams a plethora of content into one almost definitive LEGO Star Wars package that's perfect for gamers and fans of all ages. The comedy is once again top-notch, the gameplay improvements make a huge difference, and the attention to detail in recreating Star Wars' most iconic locations, moments and characters is commendable.

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