Rachael Fiddis
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DualShockersLatest Reviews
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is an incredible dance of art, storytelling and the things we do when faced with grief.
Still, Alone in the Dark is well worth its 15-hour playthrough, even if it's just for its puzzles, incredibly rich and inviting environments, chilling atmosphere, and nightmarish landscapes, all while discovering Emily's backstory and how it ties into Jeremy's and the Dark Man's presence. There were more than enough well-written story beats that kept me intrigued, in which I constantly wanted to find out what happened next, but also areas that I feel could have easily been fleshed out to take this beautifully rich game to greater heights.
Besides that, I really can't recommend Kena: Bridge of Spirits highly enough that will see players partake in a meaningful journey absorbed in a vibrant world filled with fluid animations that cries out to be explored. With the game's added photo mode, expect to add on a few more gameplay hours as you fill up your gallery with lots of cute Rot pictures, too.
At the end of each chapter, Life is Strange: True Colors follows the same procedure as its predecessors in allowing you to compare your choices with other players and to find out exactly where your, and your friends, morals lie that will undoubtedly provide some interesting (possible arguments?) conversations. I had waited with bated breath to play Life is Strange's next narrative adventure and I can honestly say I wasn't let down. Every expectation was met and then some. From the deeply impactful writing, the consequences of choices, and the attention to every detail, True Colors was an experience that I can't wait to start all over again.
If you're looking for 10-15 hours more of Ghost of Tsushima but with a greater emphasises on the inner struggles of Jin and an exploration of his backstory coupled with some meaty side quests, cat petting and disgustingly stunning scenery, you really can't go wrong with taking on the island of Iki.
It's honestly hard to describe how amazing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 feels as there's so much to unpack, but from what I've experienced so far, I can truly say that this will be a game I'll keep coming back to time and time again. From the impeccably detailed aircraft and the challenges you can participate in, to the unbelievably stunning world and gorgeous weather system, Asobo Studio has lovingly and meticulously crafted something special here that suits players of all levels and abilities. All you need is the love for adventure, the trill for escapism, and the desire to have your mind blown. I can't recommend it enough.
Planet Zoo is impressive and at the core of this immersive gameplay lays the developers’ passion for wanting to make the animal kingdom a better place. The game does this by not only tackling important educational and conservation topics but by also pulling the player into this kind of gameplay too and making them feel like they could make a difference. Planet Zoo is arguably the best zoo management game to date with enough soul and purpose to shake a stick at.
If you’re looking for a quick game to pass the time, you may want to pass on Days Gone as the story itself is around sixty plus hours long, not including side-missions and all 240 collectibles. But if you have the time and allow yourself to enter this world without expectations, Days Gone will blow you away and leave you enthralled for hours on end.
As you have probably figured out by now, Generation Zero was not in the slightest bit enjoyable for me and it really is such a shame. Avalanche Studios had a really solid base to work off of here and it could have been an incredible experience for players. Instead, to my utter confusion, Generation Zero felt like it was still in early access, at best. It truly was a soulless and painful experience to undertake without cinematics, story, nor any hint of a single-player arc. This is not something I would be inclined to lift the lid on again unless Avalanche is willing to show that they actually know what a player needs and deserves from a game because as it is, that certainly isn’t found in Generation Zero.
Although these issues weren't constant by any means, it was enough to hinder my enjoyment of the game. I felt that Subnautica could do with a little more work to iron out these performance problems to make it even more fluid and seamless, which would then make it then a top contender in the survival genre. Until then, I’m left with a little salt in my mouth and it’s not from the ocean.