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Aug 26, 202110 min read

My Summer Gaming Goldmine – Games I Have Played This Summer

Over the summer, I have been able to play lots of great games. However, I have not been able to review them all.



Because of this, I have decided to outline the games I have played this summer and briefly review them. I will share my experiences of each game and make recommendations as to who should play them.


If you like the look of a particular game, there will be a link to a more in-depth review, whether it is from myself or an external source.


 

The Outer Worlds

The Outer Worlds is a space themed RPG set in the future. Based on a colony known as Halcyon which has been inhabited by humans, you play as a new member of the colony that must explore secrets to determine the fate of this future world.


The game takes heavy inspirations from the Bethesda titles like Fallout and Skyrim as well as space themed shows such as Star Wars and Firefly. There are heavy themes of dark humour and capitalism throughout the story.



Although this game is quite short for an RPG, the story was satisfying as it felt substantial without needing to fill up time with unnecessary tasks. The gameplay feels smooth whilst the visuals, characters, and sound all boost the game’s themes superbly.


Playing The Outer Worlds has left me in anticipation for the newly announced sequel. I would recommend this game to any RPG fans, especially those with a love for all things galactic.


For my more in-depth review, click here: https://www.theallstargamer.com/post/the-outer-worlds-review


 

Overcooked 2

The sequel to the Overcooked provides a frantic multiplayer experience in which players cook a variety of dishes within the time limit. Players must work together to chop, fry, boil, and plate the required food items for an order to be completed.


There are multiple modes available such as a story, arcade, versus, and online. Each mode offers a lot of variety in maps and tasks.



I played this game with my girlfriend throughout the summer. We have played a few games together, but this one has to be our favourite. The levels offered a great mixture of challenge and enjoyment.


We also liked the style of the game. The quirky animations and cartoon design were very cute and probably helped to lower frustration at times.


I would recommend Overcooked 2 to anyone looking for a co-op experience. It is especially suitable for families.


 

Ori + The Blind Forest

I had briefly played Ori when I first got my Xbox One but didn’t pay much attention to it. However, after hearing many positives about the game, I decided that I wanted to play it properly this summer.


The Ori games are metroidvania style platformers. You play as a small spirit named Ori, who is venturing through the forest to look for answers and save the forest. Along the way, Ori will face lots of different enemies with the number one enemy being the forest itself.



The visuals of Ori + the Blind Forest are striking. The colours and details brings the forest to life, enhancing the emotions felt from the story. Gameplay manages to maintain the high standards set by the visuals.


After playing only a few hours, it is apparent as to why this game has been praised as a future classic. Everyone needs to play this game. If you are looking for a challenge, Ori should be on your list.



 

Sonic Mania

I have been a Sonic the Hedgehog fan my entire life. Throughout my life, I have played a lot of Sonic games with some being good and others not so much. This is why I was very excited to hear the raving reviews for Sonic Mania.


Sonic Mania is a throwback title that reimagines classic Sonic games and levels. The game adopts the retro 2D sonic format to create a side scrolling platformer filled with speed sequences and boss battles.



I have only played this game briefly, but the levels that I did manage to play were lots of fun. Each level was intricately designed with a range of paths and hidden items. A highlight for me was the music. Sonic games always have a great soundtrack and Mania does not disappoint.


For my first impressions, check out my Instagram highlights: https://www.instagram.com/theallstargameral/



 

Watch Dogs: Legion

The latest edition to the Watch Dogs franchise takes the series into a slightly different the direction. Instead of playing as one or the same group of characters, Watch Dogs Legion let’s you play as anyone. Set in a futuristic Britain, you must recruit members to rise up and take back London.


I have wanted to play this game since I first saw the trailer. Instantly, I was intrigued by the recruit anyone mechanic. After playing the game for about a week, I have found this mechanic to work very well. It does allow anyone to be recruited, with some taking more persuading than others.



The other aspects have a resemblance to other Ubisoft titles, which does mean Legion possesses similar strengths and weaknesses. The open world feels fun with lots to do, and the story I have played so far has been interesting. However, some missions feel repetitive, and I have already experienced a few bugs.


Overall, Watch Dogs: Legion is a fun open world with a unique aspect of being able to recruit everyone. If you like previous Watchdogs games or other Ubisoft tittles such as Assassins Creed, then grab this game on sale. Also, the game is still getting DLC added so it will have a lot of content for you to enjoy.


To get more information, click here: https://www.ign.com/articles/watch-dogs-legion-review


 

Call of the Sea

This puzzle game puts you into the shoes of Nora, a woman looking for her husband after becoming lost on an expedition. After arriving on an Island, it is your task to complete puzzles and uncover secrets.


I found the puzzles in Call of the Sea are challenging enough to wrap my brain around but not too challenging that it caused me to be stuck for long period of time. Each puzzle also felt significant because they led to either new information for the story or to a new location.



What I really loved about this game, however, was the scenery. The bright colours and clean artistic style made for a beautiful experience. Exploring the island felt like paradise, even during the darker moments. The first person perspective complimented this feel as it allowed me to really soak up the atmosphere of the island.


Those of you that are looking for a great story in a stunning setting, Call of the Sea is definitely a game to consider.


To see my first impressions of the game, check out my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theallstargameral/



 

Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the best games of all time! The majority of readers would have already heard this statement before and so had I, but I never knew how good this game was until I played for myself.


Zelda games were not to my taste growing up. I played Twilight Princess briefly as a kid and didn’t enjoy it. As I got older and experienced more games, I wanted to try playing a Zelda game again. However, my previous experience made me hesitant, until I saw Breath of the Wild.

Credit: Nintendo

After many years of wanting to play it, I finally got the chance to play this summer and it did not disappoint. It is truly breath-taking!


The open-world is gorgeous and elaborate, with players having the freedom to discover it as they wish. You can get lost for hours exploring everything in sight. Furthermore, the physics and systems in place for this game symbolise how much care was taken when creating this game.


I have adored playing Breath of the Wild and can’t wait to play more. Everyone needs to play Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.



 

MLB The Show

Earlier this year, Xbox announced they had acquired MLB the Show 21 for Xbox Game Pass on day one. As a sports fan, this was amazing news as I had never played a Baseball game before. I looked forward to seeing how MLB would compare to other titles such as NBA or FIFA.


Credit: PlayStation

The game did not disappoint, the mechanics were detailed and offered a realistic simulation of a professional baseball game. Also, it provided similar features to other sports games such as a career mode and an Ultimate Team style mode, each being up to par with some of the best in other sports titles.


I found myself playing this game a lot during my free time for a few months and it is a game I am likely to return to, whether that be with this edition or a later one.


If you love Baseball or sports games in general, MLB the Show 21 will fit nicely into your collection.


For more information, click here: https://www.ign.com/articles/mlb-the-show-21-review


 

Gang Beasts

Gang Beasts is a multiplayer fighting game that is guaranteed to make you laugh for hours on end. The ragdoll motions and crazy stages make this game an excellent party game to play with friends and family.


I laughed so much playing this game. The chaotic controls and ridiculous movements provide a highlight reel full of laughs. Fighting games will always make me feel competitive, but Gang Beats makes losing slightly less frustrating.



If you feel like having a laugh with friends, then download Gang Beasts.



 

Gears 5

The Gears of War franchise is very popular amongst the Xbox community. These third-person shooters have players fighting off swarms of locust in an attempt to save civilization from a gruesome fate.


I have not played any of the previous games which made entering at Gears 5 a more difficult experience. I mainly played the campaign, but my lack of knowledge about the series made it hard for me to follow details.



Despite this, I really enjoyed playing Gears 5. Shooters are not my preferred category, but after getting used to the systems of the game, I found the hectic gameplay very enjoyable. Who thought blasting through monster and spraying guts and gore everywhere would be fun?


An unexpected highlight for me was the various locations found within the game. The campaign sends you through lots of different environments, including jungles, towns, mountains, and desserts. These environments showed just how beautiful this game could look.


If you have an Xbox, then you may have already played Gears 5, but make sure you do if you haven’t already. I’m looking forward to completing the campaign in the near future.


For a more detailed review, click here: https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/09/13/gears-5-review


 

Pokémon Unite

As one of the most successful franchises in the world, Pokémon is constantly looking at new ways to reinvent itself and create new experiences for fans. The latest result of this is Pokémon Unite, a free-to-play MOBA.


The objective of this game is to work with other online players to score as many points as possible within the time limit. You select a Pokémon to play as and enter the arena. You can evolve and learn new moves by defeating other Pokémon.



It is nice to see the Pokémon company trying new things and thinking of new ways of using the franchise, especially when this comes to us as free content. However, this game has missed the mark in my opinion.


Although it is hard to complain about a free game, it is riddled with microtransactions that alludes to a pay-to-win strategy. Also, the gameplay was very repetitive, which made the game tiresome after a few matches.


I would not suggest this game to many unless you love Pokémon. It is free so there is no harm in downloading and giving a shot, but for me it’s not worth it.


If you would like to know more, click here: https://www.instagram.com/theallstargameral/



 

Knockout City

This online multiplayer really pack a punch! Knockout City let’s you play dodgeball in the futuristic city of the same name. This recent release is inspired by games such as Rocket League and Fortnite.


This inspiration can be seen throughout the game, with similarities in the gameplay, features, and aesthetics. However, this if it ain’t broke attitude is what Knockout City thrives on.



As someone who loves Rocket League, I really enjoyed playing this game and welcomed another game of the same style. The high action, fast games make Knockout City a great option for those times when you want a quick gaming session.


I still jump into this game for a quick match every week or so and I will probably continue this for a while. If you love Rocket League or Fortnite, you should give Knockout City a go.



 

Totally Reliable Delivery Service

Another bizarre multiplayer experience on the list, Totally Reliable Delivery Service asks players to work together to deliver packages in a specified time limit. Players can use a variety of vehicles or methods to complete each task.


I played this game with my girlfriend after playing Overcooked and Gang Beasts. This felt appropriate because this game seems to be an amalgamation of the two. It follows the similar aspects of teamwork and wacky design found in Overcooked, but with similar mechanics and physics of Gang Beasts.



This combination makes for another wacky multiplayer experience that will make you laugh as you try and complete challenging tasks. However, this game does change things up a bit by allowing players to roam freely throughout the world.


Totally Reliable Delivery Service is another fun game to add to your party collection. However, I would suggest Overcooked and Gang Beasts before this one.



 

Twelve Minutes

A relatively recent release, Twelve Minutes is a mystery game that involves a time loop. Players will experience the same 12 minutes over and over until they manage to solve the mystery. The story-based game has a cast of James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and Willem Dafoe.


The mechanics and design are relatively simple which allows for a smooth experience, making it easier for players to focus on the story. For a short experience, the story provides a lot of depth and the performances from the star studded cast makes for a thrilling experience.



To my surprise, I didn’t find the time loop aspect to be too repetitive. The story does a great job in leading you down multiple roads. This makes each 12 minute loop feel unique and throws players to change direction and approaches often.


I really immersed myself into this game. The story had me gripped and made me want to continue playing until I had answers. If you are looking for a good story, play Twelve Minutes. Even if you don’t like playing games but loves dramas, you will enjoy Twelve Minutes.


To look at my first impressions, check out my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theallstargameral/



 

Worms Rumble

Worms Rumble takes the Worms franchise into the vastly popular online battle royale scene. The traditional warfare is still the highlight of the show, but the turn based structure is replaced with all guns blazing combat.


Like any battle royale, there are a variety of game modes as well as customisation options. Matches can be played alone and in teams, with the last team or worm standing winning. Large 2D battle arenas are used in this game, as is expected of a Worms game.


In my opinion, the game offers a much needed twist to the franchise but fails with the execution. I felt that the game was bare bones and not much consideration taken into development. This was supported by the bad load times and rough gameplay.


Credit: Team 17 Digital

Also, the camera angle bothered me a lot. The zoomed out angle meant that it was hard to see your character at times and made focussing on the screen quite difficult. Because of this, I did not play this game for long.


I loved these games growing up, but not enough to enjoy playing this one.


I would not recommend playing Worms Rumble. If you are a Worms fan you might want to get it, but I would just buy a different Worms game.


If you do want to read another review, then click here: https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/worms_rumble

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