Female Protagonist – Play Critically

Under the Island Review

In the scrum of indie action and adventure videogames inspired by The Legend of Zelda, Under the Island is above average.

Hades II is a marvel of mechanical and systemic complexity. Narratively, it’s a bit of a dud.

Ayasa: Shadows of Silence is not ready to be in players’ hands.

Sorry We’re Closed exalts in colliding contrasting ideas and feelings against each other.

Blitz Smash Ultimate is an adequate top-down shooter that is eventually undermined by some fundamental design flaws.

As a sequel to Hollow Knight, Silksong meets expectations. When expectations are this high, meeting them is no bad thing.

Wheel World is an enjoyable swoop through a melancholy countryside.

Celeste is one of the most incredible works of art in recent memory—in any medium.

Throes of the Watchmaker is a disappointing but blessedly inconsequential addition to one of 2023’s best videogames.

Neva’s basic platforming keeps me playing. Its haunting visuals keep me fascinated.