Keith Mitchell
Game industry critic and reviewer
Writing For
The OuterHaven Latest Reviews
MARVEL Cosmic Invasion delivers one of the best modern Marvel beat ’em up experiences in years. With authentic character personalities, sharp animations, and nonstop comic-book energy, it feels made for longtime Marvel fans. A deeper X-Men and Fantastic Four roster would have elevated it even more, but the core gameplay is outstanding.
Absolum blends the best of 2D beat ’em ups and roguelike design into a loop that’s challenging, unpredictable, and downright addictive. It doesn’t reinvent either genre, but its tight combat, branching paths, and stunning presentation make it a must-play for fans of both. Despite being Dotemu’s first original IP, you’d never know it. This is a masterclass in design that kept me hooked, even as it repeatedly kicked my teeth in.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a return to form for the Sonic kart-racing series, while adding exciting mechanics like portals that shift your race mid-race. The plentiful roster, the tracks are creative and colorful, the visuals shine and the racing and fast and fun. On the downside, handling can feel loose in tighter turns, rubber-banding and item chaos sometimes detract from competitive racing. Still, if you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced kart racing, then Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds delivers.
Dying Light: The Beast is everything I wanted from Techland’s return to the series. The combat is brutal and fun, the sandbox world is massive and rewarding to explore, and Beast Mode is an absolute highlight. I feel that this is still the best entry in the franchise and a must-play for fans of Dying Light.
Gears of War: Reloaded breathes new life into a classic, delivering upgraded visuals, smoother performance, and all the brutal cover-shooting action that made the original legendary. From the chilling horror elements and iconic boss encounters to the witty squad banter, it proves just how well Gears of War has aged nearly 20 years later. With 4K, HDR, high frame rates, and full cross-play multiplayer, this is the best way for veterans and newcomers alike to experience the start of the saga.
After waiting for decades, Shinobi and Joe Musashi have not just made a proper return, but are a shining example of what SEGA can do with its older titles, should it want to. It’s simply flawless, full of enjoyable combat, tricky sections, and plenty to keep ninja gaming fans happy from start to finish. Welcome back, Joe. We’ve missed you.
Dark Deity 2 builds on its predecessor with deeper strategic battles and richer character-driven storytelling. Assemble your team, forge unbreakable bonds, and lead powerful heroes through an epic struggle where every choice shapes the journey. But does it surpass the original? Watch the review to find out!
ReignBreaker is a fast-paced action roguelike that throws you into the heart of a dystopian steampunk kingdom, where towering high-tech medieval machines rule with an iron grip. You take on the role of Clef, a relentless warrior determined to tear through the oppressive forces that guard the kingdom’s inner sanctums. With each battle, you’ll face legions of hostile automations, smashing your way through intricate clockwork defenses in a relentless pursuit of liberation.
Knights in Tight Spaces takes everything that made Fights in Tight Spaces so enjoyable, tosses in a few new mechanics without touching the fundamental nature, and comes out with yet another enjoyable deck-builder game.
In conclusion, Monster Hunter Wilds stands as Capcom’s crowning achievement in the Monster Hunter series, showcasing years of refinement and passion. The combat is seamless, the environments are breathtaking, and the attention to detail is truly remarkable. There’s so much to appreciate in this game that it’s impossible to cover everything in one go. But instead of rambling on, I’ll just say this: Monster Hunter Wilds is a must-play for Monster Hunter fans. This is not up for debate!