It’s been a while since my last post, but during my time away I have been playing lots of great games.
Just like last year, I have decided to make a list of all the games I have played this summer.
I have been lucky enough to play a wide range of games over the past few months, so hopefully there is something on here that interests you too!
If you do want to learn more about any of the games below, I will be linking full reviews and where to buy them below each section.
Credit: Nintendo
Mario Strikers Battle League
Starting off this list is the one game I managed to do a full review on this summer.
When I heard that a new Strikers game was sliding onto Nintendo Switch, I was more than excited. Mario Strikers Charged is one of my all-time favourite games and after 15 years of waiting, it was finally time for Mario and friends to return.
Whilst stepping back into the world of strikers and kicking about with Mario and the team felt great, Battle League lacked the foundations to build on.
The gameplay mechanics and visuals were stellar. However, the content was barebones, resulting in Battle League feeling incomplete.
Review: The All-Star Gamer
Where to Buy: Nintendo Store
Credit: Bethesda
Deathloop
Onto a game that I have played more recently, Deathloop is a first person adventure from Bethesda’s Arkane studios. I have been waiting to play this game since its release as I found the concept and mixed reviews intriguing.
After playing a few hours of Deathloop, I soon realised why it was greeted with a mixed reception. The story of breaking a time loop by hunting down adversaries is an amazing concept, but the execution doesn’t do it justice.
Instead, the staggered progression and constant jumping in and out of levels reduces the immersion and distracts you from the brilliant story.
Whilst Deathloop is by no means a bad game, I would approach it with caution. Not everyone is going to enjoy it, and I’m still trying to decide myself.
Review: Eurogamer
Where to buy: Bethesda / Xbox Game Pass
Credit: Xbox
PowerWash Simulator
Yes, you are reading that correctly. I did in fact spend time playing a game in which you clean various things with a virtual power washer, and it seems that many others did too.
Over the summer, the release of PowerWash Simulator grabbed the attention of the gaming community for its satisfying gameplay and relaxing ambience. After hearing the buzz, I thought I would give it a try.
However, the couple of hours I played left me frustrated instead of relaxed.
I can understand why it would be relaxing for some, but I found missing a spot and spending hours cleaning boring and a waste of time.
That may say more about my cleaning skills than anything else, but the game itself is pretty standard and just follows the typical simulator format.
Also, I found that using thumb sticks for such particular movements to be quite uncomfortable. So a game like this could be better in VR or with motion controls.
Review: GameSpot
Where to Buy: Steam / Xbox Game Pass
Credit: Hello Games
No Man’s Sky
After the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase, I was fully hyped for Todd Howard’s next big open world RPG - Starfield. Then I saw the comparisons to No Man’s Sky.
Whilst it seems like a lot of these comparisons were an attempt to shoot down Starfield, all it did for me was make me want to play No Man’s Sky.
I gave the space-themed game a go and found it pretty impressive. No Man’s Sky offers unlimited exploration of space, as well as the ability to build bases and discover more about the alien races occupying each system.
On launch, No Man’s Sky was criticised for a lack of content, but years’ worth of content has drastically improved game play.
After travelling from planet to planet for hours on end, No Man’s Sky has become a main stay in my games library. To be honest, the only reason I haven’t played it more is because it's so time consuming!
Review: GamingBible
Where to Buy: No Man’s Sky
Credit: 2K
NBA 2K22
The NBA 2K games have arguably been the best sports games for almost a decade. This is mainly due to the MyPlayer mode.
As the designated player career mode, MyPlayer lets you take your custom character from a prospect to the top of the NBA.
However, where this mode excels is in the bonus features and interactions outside of the court.
2K22 continues the trend with a huge open world city full of shops, parks, and players to explore.
If you love sports games and haven’t played an NBA 2K game, be sure to try it out.
Since playing, NBA 2K23 has released. So that may be a better option, but 2K22 is still a great option.
Review: IGN
Credit: Devolver Digital
Trek To Yomi
As someone who is fascinated by Feudal Japan and the Samurai, I was really looking forward to playing Trek to Yomi.
This game is a homage to the old-school Samurai movies with its narrative and monochrome art style.
Whilst Trek to Yomi is narrative driven, there is plenty of gameplay to get stuck into such as a precise combat system and chances to search for collectibles.
It’s a short but sweet experience that is great for anyone looking to unleash some bushido fuelled fury.
Trek to Yomi is definitely a game that I need to go back and complete at some point.
Review: PC Gamer
Where to buy: Trek to Yomi
Credit: Ubisoft
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles : China
For a game series based on one of the biggest franchises in gaming history, Assassin’s Creed’s spinoff Chronicles trilogy often goes undetected by fans.
Telling unique stories set in the same universe as the mainline series, the Chronicles games are condensed platformers set in predominantly Asian locations.
During Ubisoft’s AC 15th Anniversary sale, I picked up the trilogy for a few quid- because why not!
Whilst I plan on slowly completing the whole trilogy, I started off by blitzing through the first game in the series, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles : China.
I did try this game out a few years ago but struggled to continue playing as I found it boring. And honestly, I don’t know what I was thinking.
Chronicles: China is such a short experience compared to the new AC titles, but it forces you to sneak around and assassinate targets in tightly packed missions – a good throwback to the old games.
If you are a fan of AC and have a few quid lying around, pick these games up when they inevitably go on sale again.
And this goes to show that trying out games again can surprise you.
Review: GameSpot
Where to Buy: Ubisoft
Credit: FoamPunch
Shredders
For those of you that remember the glory days of SSX and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Shredders brings the classic extreme sports style into the modern day.
As a Snowboarding rookie, you need to hit combos by chaining flicks and tricks together. Successfully pulling off tricks will increase your score and unlock more gear and challenges.
Alongside the online and free roam components, Shredders has a full story mode that includes a bunch of missions and challenges to complete.
This game sure is wacky, but fans of the old SSX games will feel right at home on the slopes.
And though they were pretty cheesy, I enjoyed watching the cutscenes and taking on the various missions.
I would highly recommend Shredders to anyone looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush.
Review: Rock, Paper, Shotgun
Where to Buy: Shredders
Credit: Xbox
Fable Anniversary
Ever since the announcement of the reboot, I have been desperate to go back in time and complete the original Fable trilogy.
I have fond memories of playing Fable 3 as it was one of the first games that ignited my passion for RPGs and have wanted to play the original games for years.
Naturally, I started my trip back to Albion with the first game. Starting as a young hero that loses their family, you must go on a journey to discover who was behind the attack.
Apart from the trademark humour, Fable is notorious for innovating a morality system that lets you choose between a path of good or evil.
Despite the original game being nearly 20 years old, Fable Anniversary’s story and gameplay manages to hold up in 2022.
The main issue I had during my playthrough was the combat. It felt slow and outdated, with aiming and timings feeling impossible to control at times.
The newer additions may offer a better experience in this regard, but the first game laid the foundations for future Fable games, as well as many other fantasy RPG series.
The new game is probably still a few years away, but I plan on getting through the trilogy before it arrives.
Review: IGN
Where to Buy: Xbox
Credit: Xbox
As Dusk Falls
Interactive stories are one of my favourite gaming genres of all time. They don’t offer the typical non-stop action and exploration I enjoy, but the intricacy in the story and characters are like no other.
That’s why As Dusk Falls was one of my most anticipated release this year. However, the general reception for this game seemed to be fairly quiet.
Many were cautious about the Xbox Game Studios summer release due to the strange art style and uncertainty around the storyline.
But this uncertainty vanished on release, with As Dusk Falls receiving praise for its branching story and approach to difficult topics.
On my playthrough, I found the story so compelling that I finished it within a day! After every episode, I had to know what happened next.
This game is definitely a hidden gem that should not be overlooked. And with the option to play in a group, As Dusk Falls provides a unique movie night experience.
Whilst I think most people should try out As Dusk Falls, this game does cover some sensitive topics.
Because of this, anyone struggling with any of the themes involved may want to hold off on playing through As Dusk Falls.
Review: The Guardian
Where to Buy: As Dusk Falls
Credit: PlayStation
MLB The Show 22
The final sports game on the list is MLB The Show 22. After finally coming over to Xbox Day One on Game Pass last year, the number one Baseball looks like it will be a mainstay from now on.
This summer, I had the pleasure to go to Toronto and watch the Blue Jays for a second time.
Unfortunately, watching Baseball over here in the UK is almost impossible, so this game is how I get my fix.
Compared to the last game, MLB The Show 22 doesn’t stand out as being much different. In fact, I couldn’t tell you what was different apart from the updated rosters.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the game has a good structure with authentic gameplay. However, it would be nice to see a bigger swing next year.
If you are a sports game fan like me and are looking for something new, MLB The Show 22 could be a home run- had to get it in somewhere!
Review: Game Informer
Where to Buy: The Show
Credit: Finji
Tunic
Perhaps the cutest inclusion in this list, Tunic is a game that is best described as Zelda meets Dark Souls.
And what’s even more incredible about this game is that is was primarily developed by one person!
With some external help along the way, Adrew Shouldice created the world of Tunic from scratch.
At face value, this game seems like a simple top down action-adventure game, but there are lots of interesting mechanics at play.
For example, the language used is complete gibberish to start off with, meaning you have to slowly uncover world by exploring and uncovering the clues.
Tunic is a great indie game, but also extremely difficult. Admittedly, I am pretty awful at learning combat, but I can usually get through a game after a few attempts.
But this game was different, I found myself really struggling to get through even the early stages and reach plenty of points where I was stuck for hours.
I have yet to complete the game, and I honestly think I’m at the point of no return.
If you’re coming off the Elden Ring hype and want a new challenge, be sure to try out Tunic and see if you can do better than me (you probably will)!
Review: Eurogamer
Where to Buy: Tunic
Credit: EA
Apex Legends
In order to shake things up within my catalogue, I thought I would try out a new online multiplayer game this summer.
I also tried out Fall Guys, but having already played it before, it doesn’t count for this list. Instead, Apex Legends gets the call.
Battle Royales are not my favourite type of games, but Apex Legends is a game that I always wanted to try, and it did not disappoint.
Gameplay was smooth and felt well balanced, and the visuals were unique and impressive.
To my surprise, I actually managed to win a game in my first session!
However, after a couple more sessions, my innate feelings towards battle royales started to return. Also, the release of Overwatch 2 may have eclipsed Apex in my online multiplayer rankings.
When it comes to battle royales, Apex is one of the best. But I think I will stick to Halo and Overwatch 2 for my online multiplayer games for the time being.
Review: Xbox Era
Where to Buy: EA
Conclusion
That’s all for this year’s summer gaming goldmine!
Has this list helped you find your next game? Or have you already played a game on this list?
Let me know your thoughts.
Again, apologies for the lack of content in recent months, there has been a lot going on for me as I transition into the working world. Over the next few weeks, I will be working on a way to revamp my content for both the website and social media, which will hopefully result in some more consistency and quality.
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