Ethan Krieger
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DualShockers Latest Reviews
Painkiller has some truly incredible weapons and powers, but not a lot to do with them. I saw everything the game had to offer in one sitting, and while there is replayability, the repetitive and boring objectives prevent me from wanting to keep going. The game looks awesome, but falls into generic territory in several ways, while also adopting a lot of that Marvel-esque vibe we're all tired of. It's reductive to say, but we already have DOOM at home.
Painkiller has some truly incredible weapons and powers, but not a lot to do with them. I saw everything the game had to offer in one sitting, and while there is replayability, the repetitive and boring objectives prevent me from wanting to keep going. The game looks awesome, but falls into generic territory in several ways, while also adopting a lot of that Marvel-esque vibe we're all tired of. It's reductive to say, but we already have DOOM at home.
Keeper is a very slow burn, but ends up culminating in one of the coolest and most surprising third acts in recent memory. It does feel like more of an experience than a video game at times, but it's still absolutely a journey worth taking. Going into it completely blind is recommended, as the game is actually hiding way more beneath the surface than you'd ever expect. The puzzles are dead easy, and there are some camera/control/performance hiccups at times, but it's still a title that truly takes you places that will amaze you by the end if you're willing to stick with it.
Keeper is a very slow burn, but ends up culminating in one of the coolest and most surprising third acts in recent memory. It does feel like more of an experience than a video game at times, but it's still absolutely a journey worth taking. Going into it completely blind is recommended, as the game is actually hiding way more beneath the surface than you'd ever expect. The puzzles are dead easy, and there are some camera/control/performance hiccups at times, but it's still a title that truly takes you places that will amaze you by the end if you're willing to stick with it.
Yooka-Replaylee feels like one of the best Nintendo 64-era collect-a-thons ever, but with every bit of shine, polish, and refinement that a 2025 release allows. Each level and character design is gorgeous, the orchestral soundtrack is incredible, and there's a ridiculous amount of activities and challenges jam-packed into every single nook and cranny of the game. The whole thing handles as smooth as butter and is a top-tier platformer experience that's oozing with heart, charm, joy, fun, and humor. My hat is truly off to Playtonic for taking the foundation of their 2017 title and improving upon it tenfold in every conceivable way. This is a banger.
LEGO Party! stands tall as one of the best games ever in the competitive board game-style genre. Sure, it's derivative of Mario Party, but it also improves on many games in that series in a multitude of ways. Almost all of the 60 mini-games here are truly great, the game boards are creative, and the player customization options feel endless. I do wish it had a couple additional modes and maybe another game board or two, but that's really just because I want more of this awesome title. Regardless, LEGO Party! is such a blast, and a game I sincerely hope catches on so we can keep getting more content and sequels.
I tried hard to be in on the joke of Baby Steps for the first hour, but it lost me insanely quickly. The thing is, I don't think it even cares. The QWOP-iness of the movement actually is well-done, and there are some moments of absurdity that worked for me. It then just shifts too far from a stupid but fair rage game, to a stupid but cheap-feeling rage game with no redeeming qualities. You'll painfully wander aimlessly for hours. You'll cringe hard at the "humor" that gets way too gratuitous, gross, and vulgar completely unjustifiably. This becomes a mostly mean-spirited game that even wants to drive you insane with the soundtrack. Laugh and watch someone else experience it if you want to, but do not play it yourself.
Towa And The Guardians Of The Sacred Tree is sadly a frustrating, repetitive, poorly balanced experience. It's a shame, because there is a decent amount of heart present, backdropped by beautiful designs and a stellar soundtrack. Unfortunately, the gameplay loop quickly becomes completely mindless, combat is a chore, bosses feel cheap, and your game clock counter just keeps going up while the emotions of the story never hit. There are some nice ideas here, but the execution and implementation still does not lend itself to an enjoyable Roguelite title at all.
Formula Legends is simply fun. The racing is exciting, the attention to detail and depth is a welcome surprise, the love for F1 is charming and hilarious, and I just can't stop playing it. Still, it's probably not as feature-rich as some might desire. It desperately needs multiplayer functionality, the modes are fairly sparse, and there are some visual hiccups. Regardless, at the end of the day, I'm having an absolute blast with this game. This is an arcade racer I plan on working into my regular rotation of long-term gaming titles.
LEGO Voyagers is quite easily my favorite LEGO game ever. It's a super short, but endlessly sweet co-op journey that will tug at your heartstrings by the end and stick with you long after the credits roll. It's a story about growing up that resonated with me deeply, and I really must urge you to check it out with whichever type of co-op buddy you please. The barrier to entry is low and perfect for playing with a partner, sibling, friend, kiddo, or even a parent. I wish it was slightly longer so it had some more time to flesh out some ideas, but what's here is truly special, more than worthwhile, and never wastes a second of your time.