Grime

Grime is an expertly crafted 2D action-adventure game that combines satisfying combat, tight platforming, and rewarding progression to earn its place as one of the most enjoyable titles I’ve played this year. It’s also got some brutally tough, memorable bosses that will truly test everything you’ve got. If you’re a fan of a challenge and aren’t too fussed about a story, you’ll have an incredible time with Grime.

Grime is a stellar offering that stands ahead of the pack in both the Souls-like and Metroidvania subgenres. Its challenging combat and platforming mechanics add unique quirks that make for a refreshing experience. It does have a few notable flaws, but you'll have a great time in its bizarre world.

Soulslike has been a genre long enough now that we all know what it means. We can argue about the particulars but it usually suggests action RPGs with a specific style of precise, timing-based combat that’s unforgiving of mistakes, coupled with stamina management and a reliance on the player developing skills and upgrading weapons, armor, and abilities in place of a difficulty slider.

While I only ran into a few visual bugs I was surprised at the loading times on Series X, and how it would randomly load for a second or two while exploring.  It’s not terrible, but I wasn’t used to having to hit a few-second loading screen in this type of game whenever I used a new checkpoint pillar. The game does have a good map built into it, another plus over hollow knight types.  To unlock each area you follow an incredibly annoying sounding hum to a “resonance pillar” and from there it will automatically update the map as you explore.

Grime is, much like its central character, an odd amalgamation of ideas, from Souls based RPGs, to platforming punch em ups, all oddly twisted into something that looks like a little nightmare all its own. If you’re looking for something different but utterly beautiful, then Grime is worth your time. Grime is out now and available on PC, Mac, and Stadia now.

Grime packs a mean punch in both its platforming and combat, with a visual design that's worth writing home about. Its mediocre Metroidvania aspects are what keep it from being a must-play, however.

Time Crisis turned 30 this year. Tassei Denki, a manufacturer of licensed gaming equipment, saw fit to release the G’AIM’E (simply pronounced “game”), a dedicated lightgun home console, fully licensed by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It will work on any modern display – from your desktop monitor to your 150” projection screen.