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I hope Mad Head Games gets another chance to build upon these ideas in a future sequel. But for now, as it stands, Scars Above is still a perfectly serviceable and surprisingly challenging shooter primed to indulge Sci-Fi fans.
Any future remaster should take notes from Metroid Prime Remastered. This isn't some lazy cash-grab; you can feel the care and passion to deliver the definitive version of an all-time classic throughout every part of this package. Retro Studios has left it alone, not adding any unnecessary fluff you see in other remasters like Ninja Gaiden Sigma. The developer only improved upon the things that really needed it, like the controls and graphics. Metroid fans are truly eating good these days – first Dread, and now this fantastic remaster. While Metroid Prime 4 seems to have a troubled development, Metroid Prime Remastered gives me faith that the fourth entry is in the right hands. Let's just hope we get remasters of this quality for Echoes and Corruption next, please!
Dead Space has had a spruce up for the current-gen and while it looks shiny and new, the pants-wetting terror remains unchanged
With Dragonflight, Blizzard has done an exceptional job at breathing life into a game that had been floundering. This is thanks to a fun campaign that anyone can enjoy, an adventurous spirit at the heart of the world, satisfying dragonriding, as well as a location full of stories and secrets to unearth. This is as good a jumping on point for the game as ever, and it's likely the best there will be for some time. After such a tumultuous time for the MMO, this feels like a clean break – a new beginning and a recapturing of the spirit that made the release back in 2004 so captivating. If you're a lapsed player, or even a new one, scared by the sheer weight of 18 years of backlog, Dragonflight sheds most of that. It truly feels like the triumphant return for World of Warcraft and I can't wait to see what's next.
That said, there are times when it lacks a bit of polish, or the voice acting and dialogue writing feels a little amateurish, despite it featuring hit voice actors like Dominic Armato (voice of Monkey Island's Guybrush Threepwood). Even so, Lucy Dreaming is 10+ hours of laughs combined with head-scratching puzzles and great storytelling, and you owe it to yourself to give it a go.
While it doesn't revolutionise the gameplay, the Sparks system and free movement really do add so much to the combat that makes it much more engaging and allow you to create seemingly limitless combinations. The bigger focus of exploration is a great move from Ubisoft with lots to see and do making Spark of Hope feel more like a Mario game instead of just a game with Mario in it. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope seems to just nail the balance between complex tactical combat and a fun lighthearted romp that since playing the preview and reviewing, I've been dying to get back into. Combined with the more in-depth story and greater emphasis on exploring and Sparks of hope acts as a perfect sequel keeping enough that works and is recognisable and that works from Kingdom battle, and expanding on it and adding some brilliant elements.
PGA Tour 2K23 is by far the best game in the series, with all its gameplay changes improving its accessibility. Being able to pick from a diverse range of professional male and female golfers for the first time is fantastic. The new gaming mechanics and deep customisation is a real testament to the developer's endeavours to give the fans an experience like no other.
Life is Strange Arcadia Bay Collection is a faithful remaster with its new visual enhancements greatly improving the overall experience. The Nintendo Switch version is a great way to experience these classic titles for the first time, especially with all the episodes in one place.
The extensive depth available within combat is fantastic, allowing players to partake in a thrilling fast-paced experience. It's not all plain sailing as the game feels way too linear with not much exploration available and the recurrence of similar enemies can make combat feel repetitive at times. But Valkyrie Elysium is a great return for the series elevating the overall experience from past games.
Tunic is a certified gem that's filled with so many different layers, which keep it original from its inspirations. The level of detail and hidden depth is outstanding for an indie title that shows what can be achieved with clever designs and meticulous planning.
Not only that, but this is the definitive example I will use when it comes to smaller studios producing absolute gems. If you don't have the time to play this game, I highly recommend clearing your schedule at the earliest opportunity and digging into this masterpiece.
Soulstice is filled with fast and furious combat that will please fans and newcomers to the genre. It doesn't really innovate the genre but the developers put a nice twist on existing mechanics. Other than a few issues with the camera, Soulstice is a solid title that maybe plays it a bit too safe.
Session: Skate Sim is not a casual skateboarding game - it's a simulation game designed to give you the closest experience you can get without actually getting on the board.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero is a great entry in the series that builds upon legacy gaming mechanics and combat systems.
The Diofield Chronicle is a thrilling adventure that offers great strategic gameplay and is constantly challenging the player.
Visual Concepts and 2K’s clever enhancements to NBA 2K23 allow for the most authentic experience to date.
Lego Brawls is a mixed bag as it really shines with the extensive level of customisation and unlockables available.
Splatoon 3 is another great entry in the series that takes the best elements from its predecessors and greatly enhances them.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R is another great anime based fighting game from CyberConnect2 and Bandai Namco.
The Last Of Us Part I is a phenomenal remake that has elevated every department from the original and even the remaster.