Stephen Tailby

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·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.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Aug 17, 2020

Critic70/100

Agreement—

If you're after something relaxing, we can easily recommend The Alto Collection.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Jul 31, 2020

Critic70/100

Agreement—

Cuphead might be a tough cookie, but it charms with superlative art and music. For every time you might be frustrated by a tough section, you'll be delighted by some wonderful animation or new attack. It isn't perfect; the Run and Gun levels don't live up to the bosses, and a lack of feedback can make fights feel futile. Overall, though, the game succeeds in what it sets out to do -- just be prepared for a real challenge.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Jul 23, 2020

Critic70/100

Agreement—

It might not push its core concept to the absolute fullest, but the overall experience is a charming and enjoyable one.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Jul 21, 2020

Critic60/100

Agreement—

If you're looking for something different, this is worth a try -- just don't expect to be building masterpieces.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Jul 15, 2020

Critic80/100

Agreement—

Gameplay might be much the same, but the Cores and Hacks make the action far more varied. The random nature of the level order and the Hacks offered to you mean there's almost a rogue-like flavour to it, though this is still very much a linear game. It's just a little wider, and that meta-storyline and clinical creepiness is absolutely still part of the experience. Endless and Infinite modes mean you'll never run short of baddies to break, a task that's just as satisfying here -- if not more so with the added power-ups.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Jun 22, 2020

Critic70/100

Agreement—

SpongeBob Rehydrated is a vibrant remake of a much loved PS2 platformer. It's a little rough around the edges, but it's a solid effort that brings back a type of game that's all too rare on modern machines. The simple fun of collecting, bashing enemies, and exploring a beloved location is very much here, and fans young and old will get a kick out of this underwater excursion.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·May 8, 2020

Critic40/100

Agreement—

While some of the mashes show some fun combinations of genre tropes, the majority of what you'll play in SuperMash is a bit of a mess.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Apr 26, 2020

Critic70/100

Agreement—

MotoGP 20 is unquestionably a good, solid racing game made by a passionate team. When you're weaving through a track at breakneck speeds, slowly mastering the tough but engaging handling, it can be great fun. The problem is an unapproachable first few hours; little to no guidance will easily put some new players off. However, if you can get past that initial bump in the road, there's a robust and challenging racer waiting to be conquered.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Apr 23, 2020

Critic70/100

Agreement—

It doesn't quite hit the same heights as its peers, but it's hard to deny its simple pleasures.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Apr 14, 2020

Critic60/100

Agreement—

There's absolutely fun to be had here, with some sequences that truly do feel great to play, and collectable gameplay modifiers that let you go totally bananas.

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Stephen Tailby·Apr 7, 2020

Critic70/100

Agreement—

It's all good fun while it lasts, with some genuinely clever design, but you can wrap it up pretty fast. If you want something quick and fuss free to play with a pal, though, Biped is a charming little game worth trying.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Mar 31, 2020

Critic80/100

Agreement—

The whole game feels fairly modest, but it punches above its weight to deliver something very different.