Stephen Tailby

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Apr 7, 2025

Critic80/100

Agreement—

Despite its disparate elements you've probably seen before, you've never played a game quite like Promise Mascot Agency, a game that smashes together a crime drama story, management sim mechanics, and open world exploration. While there are some rough edges and repetitive aspects, this hangs together thanks to an engrossing story, compelling progression, and unusual but likeable characters. Greater than the sum of its parts, this unique game has cult hit written all over it.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Mar 10, 2025

Critic80/100

Agreement—

It's a clever mix of genre and story, because it provides a cosy space to immerse yourself in while also highlighting the reasons why people play things like this in the first place — to unwind, to take a break with something relaxing.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Mar 4, 2025

Critic100/100

Agreement—

Split Fiction is Hazelight Studios' best game yet, and stands out as one of the most accomplished and fun co-op titles on PS5 to date. Its peerless variety means there's never a dull moment, and all of its different mechanics are consistently well-executed. There are one or two minor complaints you can throw at this, but they all fade into the background when the game is constantly showing you new ideas and almost never pausing for breath. This is proof, if more was needed, that Josef Fares and his team has found a really special formula, one that allows them to explore an incredible range of gameplay that's only enhanced by its singular co-op vision.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Feb 13, 2025

Critic70/100

Agreement—

The writing is genuinely amusing, the story rather sweet, and the slapstick physics plenty of fun to engage with. Only some minor technical hiccups interrupt the otherwise smooth gameplay, and while finding the last remaining collectibles can be difficult (even aided by a special Junk-detecting hat), the game succeeds due to its brevity and playful tone.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Feb 5, 2025

Critic60/100

Agreement—

There's absolutely fun to be had here, and the more you delve into it, the more potential strategies you'll discover.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Jan 30, 2025

Critic80/100

Agreement—

The main thrust of gathering a motley crew and exploring a small slice of the game's universe is great, and with various classes and upgrades to choose from, there's plenty of reason to replay too.

Push Square

Stephen Tailby·Jan 27, 2025

Critic70/100

Agreement—

Overall, you have a game that doubles down on what fans loved about Tails of Iron while expanding in smart ways. There are some rough edges, but it's ultimately a superior sequel and a fun, challenging adventure.