TotallyJay

+ Horde mode gives the game a lot of replay-ability (especially with friends!) + Chainsawing enemies always feels good ♥️ - GoW3’s narrative and characters feel very strange to me. The game seems to struggle with its own identity and can’t decide if it wants to be a campy action shooter or tell an emotional tale. This game tries and fails at both tonally speaking. Graphics: 4 Sound Design: 3 Gameplay: 4 Immersion: 1 The ‘X’ Factor: 3 Emotional Impact: 1

+ Immersive and emotional from start to finish. + Uses a minimalistic approach effectively throughout and allows you to really embrace the games world. - Although the hub world is fun to traverse the majority of the time, there are segments that leave you feeling a little lost. Graphics: 4 Sound Design: 5 Gameplay: 4 Immersion: 5 The ‘X’ Factor: 5 Emotional Impact: 4

+ A wonderful interactive story that demonstrates that show don’t tell is always the best route to take. The world of ICO feels immersive throughout and isn’t afraid to keep secrets and let your imagination fill in the gaps. + The hand holding mechanic is a great way to create a feeling of connection between the cast. - Sometimes the puzzles can be a bit vague on what to do and can feel frustrating at times. Graphics: 3 Sound Design: 5 Gameplay: 3 Immersion: 5 The ‘X’ Factor: 5 Emotional Impact: 4

+ A fun interactive firework display of a game! - High skill bar and not many levels. Put me off from going back to beat high scores and seeing absolutely everything this game has to offer. Graphics: 5 Sound Design: 5 Gameplay: 3 Immersion: 2 The ‘X’ Factor: 3 Emotional Impact: 2

+ Very memorable and iconic cast of characters + Lots of replay value with new game+ and the first game to introduce ‘Mercenaries’ mode + A great mix of campy fun and intriguing storyline - Hasn’t aged well in its humour at times, with misogynistic jokes aimed towards Ashley. Feels more cringe than camp at times, especially considering her age. - Quick Time Events 😭 Graphics: 4 Sound Design: 4 Gameplay: 5 Immersion: 4 The ‘X’ Factor: 5 Emotional Impact: 4

+ Combat feels smooth and compelling + Enjoyed learning about how the developers reimagined different Greek deities into the God of War universe and was my biggest draw to see this game to the end. - Many of the games themes feel very much aimed at the ‘male gaze’ and although sometimes fits the tone, can be to the point of detriment to the experience Graphics: 3 Sound Design: 3 Gameplay: 3 Immersion: 2 The ‘X’ Factor: 3 Emotional Impact: 1