Stephen Tailby

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Nov 9, 2020

Critic70/100

Agreement—

Bugsnax is a strange concoction of elements that come together for a truly unique adventure. Finding and catching the titular creatures is great fun, but the gameplay is broken up by story beats that belie the game's simple, whimsical style. The mysterious narrative and memorable ensemble cast will keep you interested between hunting for snax, too. Despite loading screens interrupting the flow and a handful of repeated beasties, this curious game is an unusual blend of flavours that works wonderfully.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Nov 5, 2020

Critic80/100

Agreement—

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered brings back a fantastic arcade racing game, and is still brilliant fun 10 years down the line. Autolog feels right at home in 2020, and the over-the-top cops vs. racers gameplay is a blast. While the remaster itself is a little underwhelming, and some of the original title's issues remain, this is nonetheless a great game for petrol heads and adrenaline junkies everywhere.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Oct 29, 2020

Critic70/100

Agreement—

The game doesn't get everything right. Menus and UI are a little clumsy, and you're unlikely to feel attached to any of the teams in the career mode. However, it has it where it counts — fun, speedy racing, lots to do, and a CoLD SToRAGE soundtrack. WipEout fans looking for a new entry: this is as close as you'll find.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Oct 26, 2020

Critic70/100

Agreement—

A real strength of Carto is its cast of NPCs, written with real warmth and charm. The world they inhabit is also surprisingly well fleshed out, even though you can breeze through it in six or seven hours. This is a puzzle game, but it also tells a sweet, worthwhile tale about tradition and companionship. Combined with lovely visuals and chilled out music, this is a refreshing, relaxing game that's worth marking on your map.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Oct 21, 2020

Critic60/100

Agreement—

There's some fun to be extracted from this, especially given that Halloween is upon us, but sadly this is a game that won't live long in the memory.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Oct 14, 2020

Critic60/100

Agreement—

Each of the games are fun for what they are, but unfortunately there's just not quite enough going on. The rounds are over quickly, and there's not a huge variety, meaning you'll probably have your fill before long. It's a well crafted game that looks and sounds great, but there just isn't an awful lot to sink your teeth into. For an evening or two of candy-flavoured fun playing online or off, this is an entertaining treat — it's just something you'll want to snack on sparingly.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Oct 6, 2020

Critic80/100

Agreement—

There's almost too much to talk about with Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, but rest assured that this is a return to form for the series. It might be tough, even a little mean at times, but this is the proper sequel fans have been asking for. With so much to see and do, this is a stylish, confident 3D platformer that brings Crash back at his best.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Sep 28, 2020

Critic70/100

Agreement—

Going Under is a roguelite that ditches some of the genre's usual depth in favour of a compelling satirical tale. It won't last you too long, but there's enough here to hold your interest as you delve into some truly unique dungeons. Though it isn't the best dungeon crawler, it's certainly one of the most unusual, and we love it for that.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Sep 24, 2020

Critic60/100

Agreement—

If there was a little more to it, it'd be easier to recommend, but it's certainly worth a quick trip.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Sep 21, 2020

Critic80/100

Agreement—

Spelunky 2 betters its predecessor in just about every area. Push through its tough outer shell and you'll discover a fantastic platformer well worth your time. More stuffed with secrets than ever and fleshing out the formula with all kinds of new additions, this is a rich and addictive roguelike with so much to unearth.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Sep 14, 2020

Critic30/100

Agreement—

Overall, it's just not particularly well made; music will drop out occasionally, some collectibles aren't fully explained, the writing isn't good, and it's awkward to control.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Sep 8, 2020

Critic80/100

Agreement—

Hotshot Racing is an unapologetic return to arcade action, and it's brilliant fun. This game's charming retro aesthetic, sweeping powerslides, and glorious handling are a constant joy, and a perfect antithesis to the myriad simulators on PS4. Some might find the courses don't provide much of a challenge, and we'd gladly have taken a little more content, but you'll be hard pushed to find a better example of straight-up arcade racing this generation.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Sep 6, 2020

Critic80/100

Agreement—

Vicarious Visions has produced another excellent remake with Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2. It brings those PS1 classics to the modern era with a wonderful visual upgrade, rock solid performance, and all the features you'd expect of a game released in 2020. Most importantly, though, it retains the specific feel of the franchise at its best, delivering an addictive, fast-paced, arcade-like experience. Old fans can rest easy knowing that the Tony Hawk games are back on form, while new players can dive into the skateboarding world for the first time. This game is sick, bro.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Aug 25, 2020

Critic70/100

Agreement—

There's absolutely fun to be had here, though, and those looking for something different should try it regardless.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Aug 23, 2020

Critic80/100

Agreement—

Spiritfarer is a game with a lot of moving parts, but most of its elements are well handled. Progression comes at a good pace as you upgrade Stella's ship, her abilities, and build relationships with a colourful crew. The crafting minigames are a weak spot, and the writing doesn't always land, but there's a lot to like about this maritime management title.