Stephen Tailby

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Oct 20, 2025

Critic70/100

Agreement—

Ninja Gaiden 4 is a rock solid action game that delivers on what's most important - the combat. While some of the surrounding aspects are a little less successful, such as repeated environments and a forgettable story, the intense battles and myriad challenges are where the game shines, whether playing as Yakumo or Ryu. It doesn't hit every mark, but the simplistic structure, emphasis on technical combat, and even the cheesy performances combine for an action game that feels like it's from a bygone era, in the best way possible.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Oct 15, 2025

Critic80/100

Agreement—

It's designed in such a way that you're constantly given reasons to keep playing, and runs are short enough that it's easy to excuse "just one more". The game is so cleverly done and so moreish to play that fans of roguelites and quick-fire arcade fun simply have to check it out.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Oct 5, 2025

Critic40/100

Agreement—

Dreams of Another is quite dream-like in some ways; the way scenes intersperse and the surreal sights and sounds put us in that headspace. However, also like dreams, the game probably does have some sort of meaning at its core, but you're likely to forget it before long.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Sep 23, 2025

Critic80/100

Agreement—

Baby Steps is more than it first appears, offering up a heartfelt story about a man grappling with his insecurities as he's forced to keep going. The intentionally tricky walking and climbing is a lot of fun to grapple with, and there's plenty of silly stuff to discover in the open world setting. Your mileage may vary due to various factors, not least the amount of punishment you'll take as you scramble up the mountain, but it's a journey worth taking for those willing to persist.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Sep 18, 2025

Critic80/100

Agreement—

Some small gripes aside, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a rock solid kart racer that carves its own path. The dimension-hopping races are fun, varied, and fast, and the robust customisation allows players to really tinker with how the game feels. With energetic action, a good range of race types, and plenty of post-launch content on the way, this is an entertaining entry for casual players and hardcore Sonic fans alike.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Sep 16, 2025

Critic70/100

Agreement—

The game is very straightforward and only a couple of hours or so in duration, which is all the time it needs, really. It's a joyous little thing while it lasts, but smartly ends before it runs out of new things to show you.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Sep 15, 2025

Critic70/100

Agreement—

If you're interested in a laidback co-op experience with a friend, LEGO Voyagers fits that remit. It isn't doing anything truly groundbreaking, and there are some finicky controls that may get in the way, but overall it'll win you over with its clever design and a surprisingly emotional narrative.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Aug 25, 2025

Critic90/100

Agreement—

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is hard to fault. We can take or leave the story, the platforming is occasionally frustrating, and levels can outstay their welcome sometimes - but that's basically it. This is otherwise a brilliant 2D action platformer that looks gorgeous and plays even better thanks to kinetic, satisfying combat that feels superb when you get in the flow. If this is any indicator of SEGA's other upcoming franchise revivals, we're in for some good times ahead.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Jul 31, 2025

Critic80/100

Agreement—

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound brings the series back to its roots with incredible style. The core gameplay feels fantastic, with satisfying, fast-paced combat and platforming that'll put your skills to the test. With a wealth of challenges to meet and things to find, there's a real richness to each level that gives it plenty of replay value. The wonderful art style is the icing on the cake, and aside from one or two small nitpicks, fans should be very pleased with this throwback adventure.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Jul 31, 2025

Critic70/100

Agreement—

The game will probably only last you a couple of hours or so, but that time is filled with lots of fun moments and amusing gags. It's not something that'll stand up to many replays, but it's an entertaining curiosity while it lasts.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Jul 17, 2025

Critic60/100

Agreement—

Shadow Labyrinth is an admirable big swing that places Pac-Man in a strange new space. Unfortunately, while there are some fun elements taken from the arcade classic and a few neat ideas sprinkled in, the majority of the game is a by-the-numbers Metroidvania that doesn't quite come together. It feels like a game built to please Pac-fans and hardcore players that lap up the likes of Hollow Knight, but the end result is something that underserves both. It's not bad, but with so many incredible 2D Metroidvanias these days, this one doesn't quite do enough to measure up.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Jul 11, 2025

Critic80/100

Agreement—

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 is another fantastic skateboarding title that revives some all-time classics, albeit with some caveats. It's a shame that 4 couldn't be more faithfully restored, but what is included still makes for a fun arcade skating experience that fans of the series shouldn't skip - especially considering the brand new levels and other neat secrets. It may not be the greatest remake, but it's further proof that there's life yet in this timeless series.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Jul 1, 2025

Critic70/100

Agreement—

Into the Restless Ruins is doing a lot of things right, then, but the auto-combat doesn't have the exponential growth of Vampire Survivors to keep it interesting, and whatever story is present is easy to forget. However, again, the game's interesting structure is more than enough to make it well worth a look for roguelike fans.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Jun 25, 2025

Critic50/100

Agreement—

Ultimately, Ruffy and the Riverside is a game we wanted to like, but despite its attractive visual style and unique ideas, it never really comes together in a satisfying way. While there's some fun to be had running around in the semi-open world, it never evolves beyond that.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Jun 20, 2025

Critic70/100

Agreement—

Rematch is very close to being a brilliant online sports title, and we're confident it can reach its full potential with the right updates and post-launch support. The gameplay has depth, and successful team play is super rewarding. Once it gets past its early teething issues, this has real potential to take off.