Stephanie Watel
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Writing For
DualShockers 
Twinfinite 
The Escapist Latest Reviews
Tormented Souls 2 is a fun, albeit thematically predictable, sequel to a game that served as a delightfully nostalgic surprise to longtime horror fans. It's abundantly clear that Dual Effect has put their heart into this ongoing love letter to classic survival horror, utilizing elements that few other horror indies have dared to touch in favor of modern playstyles and concepts. Charmingly familiar tank control gameplay, ambitious puzzle mechanics that can still feel a bit too heavy-handed for the average player, and thematic horror elements that do work well for the most part. Like its predecessor, Tormented Souls 2 still struggles with storytelling and character elements that just don't quite hit the mark. While it doesn't go as deep as I would like, above all else, it still serves its grandest purpose with all the passion you could ask for.
Overall, much like the focus of its story in the depths of the Interchange, Atomfall is a fascinating experiment that definitely has merits for what it’s accomplished in helping push the singleplayer RPG genre forward. It may not grant all of the 2010s nostalgia some of us want, and certain creative choices behind its structure and gameplay may sooner divide its playerbase, but it’s one you may not want to leave the phone ringing on.
While we may enjoy a good dosage of serious, emotional, and moving storytelling that more heavy-toned games can give us, sometimes there's nothing better than pivoting to one that can transport you to a colorful and carefree world of hilarious whimsy, and effortlessly deliver a different set of emotions - laughter, levity, and just good ol' fashioned frivolity that just wants to put a smile on your face and let you have fun with your friends. Recreate Games brings a flock of the fluffiest and funniest looking animals to their version of multiplayer whack-a-pal with Party Animals, and after a few matches this one honestly and thankfully feels like the opposite of a friendship-breaker.