Ben Rayner

Goodbye, Darth.

Monster-slaying in the Alps.

It’s hard to pinpoint and articulate exactly what made the early ’90s survival horror classics so special. The horror elements were scary but campy and cheesy too, with dialogue and writing that left a lot to be desired yet was perfect for the era.Crow Country isn’t just proof SFB Games has a long-lasting love for the genre, with a plethora of nods, winks and nudges to some of the greats. It also seems to know the secret sauce that makes an instant classic, hitting all the right notes to create…

It’s hard in some ways to separate Stellar Blade from the social-media controversy that has surrounded it, with many people left wondering if the game actually aimed to create an interesting experience or if it was more concerned with giving players an overtly sexualised doll to play dress up with. After sinking many hours into everything Stellar Blade has to offer, it’s actually pretty much both. It’s an experience that is overall just fine, though perhaps if the game wasn’t at the centre of a…

Survival horror has had somewhat of a revival as of late, not only seeing some of the most creative indie titles in some time pushing the genre into new places while maintaining the edge of nostalgia, but also big names coming back with modern remakes.It’s no surprise then to see the progenitor of 3D survival horror Alone in the Dark coming back with a full reboot.This isn’t the first time Alone in the Dark has had the reboot treatment. In fact, this is the third attempt to revive the name and w…

Remaking one of the most beloved JRPGs of all time meant Square Enix had a challenge on its hands.But thanks to some bold decisions, Final Fantasy 7 Remake managed to flesh out part one of a well-known story into a deep epic with rich characters, an intriguing battle system and graphics that most Final Fantasy fans had been dreaming to see Cloud Strike draped in for some years.Part two of this reimagining — or ‘rebirth’ if you will — equally has some big shoes to fill and expectations to live up…

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is a title you’ll no doubt have read a lot about by now, with conflicting opinions all across the map.After spending extensive hours in Rocksteady’s Metropolis, we found the DC Comics-based game to be a disappointment despite some brighter moments.While there’s some of the distinct passion and flair you’d expect from the team behind the Arkham games — including great characterisation, a fun story and a pretty world to explore — there’s also seeming outside…

For a game that boasts more content than your average RPG and then some, Infinite Wealth is a fitting title for the next instalment of the Like a Dragon series (a moniker that took over from simply Yakuza in the West).After taking a bold step into turn-based combat in 2020’s outing, Infinite Wealth is a confident and jam-packed sequel, full of heart that will give you so much to sink your teeth into and make you fall in love with Ichiban Kasuga all over again, not to mention the Ryu Ga Gotoku St…

The ‘Soulsborne’ genre can be a crowded space, with a plethora of titles keen to offer unique and excruciating challenges to players willing to test themselves. Few, however, are well-designed and memorable enough to take on FromSoftware’s iconic style and deliver something special.Neowiz Games has not only created an addictive and challenging playground in Lies of P, but one so full of character that we’re excited to see the franchise develop in the now-confirmed upcoming sequel. Set in Krat, w…

Remedy has always been an interesting games studio. Led by the calming yet enigmatic energy of Sam Lake, they’ve slowly but confidently built a reputation as one of the industry’s most singularly creative teams. From the iconic Max Payne series through to Quantum Break and Control, the team are trendsetters and storytellers.Alan Wake 2, a sequel 13 years in the making, is not only an impressive experience that meets fans’ expectations and then some, it’s also a generation-defining moment. The ga…