Rebecca Stow
- Bloodborne
- INSIDE
- What Remains of Edith Finch
Rebecca Stow's Reviews
At the heart of the game is the message of corruption, suffering and horror. Though it falters slightly due to its weak combat system the game is otherwise delightful and, with a unique and twisted story, Bendy and the Ink Machine is an indie title that coloured me terrified.
Subnautica is a perfect example an open world survival game that doesn't rely on action, horror or combat elements to excite. Whilst these classic gaming features are involved to an extent, they take a back seat compared to the story, crafting and surviving elements. And this is what sets Subnautica apart from other survival experiences out there. Don't let this be the one that got away.
Everything aside from the story is simplistic, but it doesn't matter if the puzzles are non-existent or that the graphics are basic, because The First Tree packs an emotional narrative and is a game that every indie fan should play as a result.
Perfecting the mechanics the franchise established way back in 1999, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a crazy, chaotic joy. With a gargantuan roster of fighters, an amazing adventure mode and more unlockables than would ever have seemed possible, this is a game that packs one heck of a punch.
Below struggles with its identity and, with gameplay dramatically shifting between enthralling exploration and bothersome survival, the game never quite finds it footing.
A storytelling masterpiece
Filled with twists and turns, the penultimate episode delivers one explosive finale and, with only one instalment left to tie up Clementine's story, it still feels like anything could happen.
The stunning graphics, incredible survival horror combat and wonderfully eerie setting make picking up a copy of Resident Evil 2 a no-brainer.
There are moments in The King's Bird where it's easy to lose yourself in the gameplay and striking visuals. Rocketing around colourful stages and indulging in the serene soundtrack is fun, but frustrating puzzle mechanics and little variance in the gameplay taint the experience.
Overall, New Dawn is a well thought out and enjoyable first-person shooter. Its singular let down is a fairly mundane story that leaves the game feeling like a decent extension to Far Cry 5 rather than its own post-apocalyptic adventure.
While Sekiro certainly shares DNA with the previous Soulsborne games, fundamental sword-fighting battle mechanic changes leave it feeling fresh. However, as the old saying goes, when you live by the sword, you die by the sword, and players need to be aware that this is a game that will see you die many, many times.
Considering there was a time not long ago where it seemed we would never see a proper conclusion to The Walking Dead, the finale we do get is wonderful. There are a few end outcomes based on your path through the story, each as strong as the one before. But, most importantly, there is real closure here, and a sense that this was a journey worth taking.
Luckily, the more time you spend in Portia the more the world will reward you. The game is effortlessly simple, but it excels in almost everything it aims to achieve. It's one of the most relaxing indie life-simulation games out there, and yet it still offers enough adventure and addictive crafting opportunities to keep you hooked. A totally new spin on the post-apocalyptic experience, My Time At Portia is vibrant, relaxing, and brimming with charm.
Post-apocalyptic Oregon is clearly a place developer Bend Studio have thought a lot about, and crafted with tremendous amounts of care and attention to detail.
F1 2019 takes all the elements of the previous games and adds a very thin layer of polish. The introduction of F2 makes Career Mode a little more exciting, and the racing gameplay and graphics are still top notch, but there's no getting away from the fact that this is really just F1 2018 again.
Along with Kay, the player is subject to a rollercoaster of emotions, each of which is elevated due to the poignant soundtrack composed by Guy Jackson; a soring orchestral onset that isn't afraid to quietly hide in the background when it needs to.
The Blackout Club is a strong addition to the co-op horror genre. Enemies and gameplay are really well handled, and playing with friends is a brilliant experience. If the story was a little more in-depth and better paced, this might be considered unmissable. As it is, The Blackout Club is a worthwhile game if not an essential one.
The soundtrack is also beautifully composed, and different sounds match the tone and vibe of different levels and constellations perfectly. It's another strong element that adds to the superb achievement that is Gravity Ghost.
Sadly, Harvey’s New Eyes stumbles with occasional poor voice acting, and story and character work that doesn’t quite live up to the standard of the puzzles and visuals.
Clementine’s character is renowned as being one of the most impactful and most beloved videogame characters ever. Seeing her entire story retold with beautiful graphics and supported by a plethora of extras feels deserved and right.