
NUTS Review: Satisfyingly Solid Squirrel Surveillance
NUTS is a superb example of how a single well executed mechanic can mean an indie game punches well above it’s weight.
NUTS is a superb example of how a single well executed mechanic can mean an indie game punches well above it’s weight.
Hitman 3 is the pinnacle of a story and gameplay design philosophy that has defined this trilogy since 2018. At its best, this gives rise to some truly spectacular sandboxes to play in, and dozens of tools to do that with. At its worst? It becomes a quagmire, signposting the path of “how to have fun”. Hoping you’ll glean enough enjoyment from the six levels of the game to justify the story dragging them down.
Let’s start this year on a positive note. A whole bunch of games to watch in 2021 that will probably launch this year. What’s in store?
2020 was not a great year for massive AAA games. Numerous delays and problems with the largest scale games marred many releases. But Indie Developers, small scale experiments and long running games concluding meant the competition for Game of the Year 2020 is filled with quality.
In games, Christmas is a festive tradition that’s normally confined to online games and special giveaways where we stick some mistletoe to a soldier’s hat. But Belfast based Whitepot Studios is here with their own small scale spin on the tradition in Ho-Ho-Home Invasion.
A systems driven game with a cool aesthetic, filled with Eurojank, Cyberpunk 2077 should have been right up my alley. Why’s it currently up there for the most frustrating game of the year then?
If you’re already on the Dontnod adventure game wagon, Tell Me Why is the latest game to follow that trail. It just doesn’t really know how to stick to a straight path to get to anywhere satisfying.
Hades is exceptional. Supergiant Games’ latest work excels in every area possible. An absurdly polished mix of morish combat, note perfect music, humanistic writing and textbook worthy narrative design.
Let’s start as we mean to go on. Squad is a very niche experience. How niche? Military Simulation niche. But get past the friction and Squad is an incredible experience.
Star Wars Squadrons is not a sequel to the classic Rogue Squadron games. Or even the more direct inspirations and more classic X-Wing or TIE Fighter. Instead, it’s a much more simple package. A chaotic, multiplayer focussed 5v5 dogfighting game that feels amazing, when it works.