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Jonathan Bolding


48 games reviewed
77.5 average score
80 median score
68.8% of games recommended

Jonathan Bolding's Reviews

Jon Bolding is a critic, writer, and streamer with a background in literary criticism and theory. This only sometimes enters his work on games. He sidelines in tabletop game reviews, including a specialization in roleplaying games. He currently edits, writes, and streams full time for The Escapist.
8 / 10.0 - Iron Harvest
Sep 1, 2020

If the RTS is dead, then Iron Harvest is some pretty slick necromancy. A classic single-player campaign with a strong story complements the absolute satisfaction of big, stompy mechs.

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75 / 100 - Shadow Empire
Jul 8, 2020

Ambitious in the extreme, Shadow Empire is a unique sci-fi wargame that's a little lost in its own details.

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75 / 100 - Panzer Corps 2
Mar 14, 2020

For better or worse, this is a classic hex wargame with updated graphics.

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Dec 10, 2019

MechWarrior 5 is a showcase of nostalgic, joyful mech combat.

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77 / 100 - Phoenix Point
Dec 3, 2019

In terms of core design, turn-based tactics games don't get much better than Phoenix Point.

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Nov 15, 2019

Wargames don't see a lot of innovation, but Unity of Command 2 builds new things out of familiar parts.

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75 / 100 - For the King
Apr 26, 2018

A sometimes tricky RPG with gorgeous art that's perfect for co-op.

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64 / 100 - ELEX
Nov 8, 2017

Inventive in some ways and stagnant in others, Elex will appeal to die-hard RPG fans and few others.

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Nov 30, 2015

An accessible ambassador for its genre, Xenoblade Chronicles X makes good choices building a world, but stumbles on writing you a guidebook to it.

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Oct 12, 2015

If you're in the mood for some N64 era platforming held to modern standards, or have a bad-at-platformers partner to tag along, Woolly World is just what the doctor ordered.

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To some players it's going to feel like a handful of aesthetic features, but once you use the new mechanics After Dark draws you deeper into making your own little world.

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Jun 21, 2015

The core gameplay of Arkham Knight is nearly flawless, and most players won't even notice my problems with story or dialogue.

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May 26, 2015

It shouldn't be as good as it is... but who am I to deny something this inkredible?

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It innovates from prior games in the series, and is undeniably fun, but Galactic Civilizations III isn't the clear leader in a packed genre.

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Mar 9, 2015

The finest city builder in over a decade, Cities: Skylines's few flaws are so minor I only noticed them after hours of enjoyment.

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This game preaches to the choir - the hunting faithful will love it, everyone else, maybe not.

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Majora's Mask holds up well, and even if it isn't as near-perfect as Ocarina, the comforting improvements make it more than worth your time.

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Dec 16, 2014

Endless Legend is a lovely game with deep strategy that's a singular pleasure to play, but can sometimes disappoint you in finer details. Know that if you're never going to play multiplayer, you're not getting the whole experience - so bring a friend.

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Super Smash Bros. for Wii U delivers hour after hour of fun fighting game play, even if you hate fighting games.

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Jun 10, 2014

A solid, accessible city builder, Tropico 5 gets out of the way and lets you have the fun you came for without pissing around in fiddly details.

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