9/10

I played this game during Covid and it was a breath of fresh air, so relaxing but also complex to keep you playing for hours. The developer (yes SINGLE DEVELOPER) continually adds big updates as well - marking the game feel constantly new. Also, the modded support will of the game is great as I played 5 player with my friends this year on ‘Stardew Valley: Expanded’ and it made me love the game even more - the game became a completion with my friends for who could make the most money in the shortest time. Overall, what I am trying to say is the game has constant new elements making it almost impossible to get bored of.

My only critique with the game is that the first Spring/Summer can feel a little boring or tedious when doing multiple subsequent farms while you build or your wealth. This isn’t a massive detriment but compounded with the fact that most of the brew content is typically late game like ‘Ginger Island’ or the beginning of the game like a ‘Beach Farm’ this can be annoying.

8.5/10

Personally, I still love a lot of the 3D Sonic games but I appreciate the ‘return to form’ that a lot of 2d fans wanted for so long . The OST is the standout for me in this game - the remix of chemical plant, metallic madness and Stardust Speedway are all bobs that complement the high speed energy of the gameplay!

Glad to have you back sonic!

6/10

For a free game it’s pretty amazing. However, that is about the best compliment au can give as although the character designs and setting are pretty good to be honest, the game lacks any challenging content and never really innovates on its self. Once you’ve played the game for five hours you’ve basically played in for 100 hours. All you’ll do is grind new artifices to do the same Spiral Abyss, and as for the story while it’s not awful a lot of it is meaningless dialogue interactions that don’t force the player to engage in anything.

I’ve played this game at 3 different but pivotal moments in my life, and what I love most about it is that it offers me a new perspective on the events. For instance, when I originally played the game although I loved the art style - I felt I lacked an emotional connection as I was 15 or 16 and couldn’t relate to Mae’s problems. However, after playing this game during and after university where I also felt overwhelmed it grounded me in new experiences which is something few other games have done for me.