Recent reviews by Ambu

Split Fiction could very well be the best cooperative game I've ever played. At the very least, I firmly believe it sets a new standard for the genre. And yet, it's more than that. Split Fiction is a love letter to creativity--to stories, games, and the people who make them. It is funny, dark, joyous, childish, tender, cheesy, thrilling, and remarkable. All this combined with gorgeous environments, fantastic gameplay, and sheer spectacle make Hazelight Studio's newest release an early contender for the best game of 2025.

Firewatch is one of those games that you need to take a step back and think about after it’s over. This tense four-hour adventure might lead you to believe it’s going places it never goes, and while some might wish for a grander tale loaded with conspiracy, what’s actually there stands on its own as wonderful. A touching human story sprinkled with player agency, Firewatch succeeds in causing players to consider what it truly means to be alone.

Hogwarts Legacy has everything a Potter fan would want from a game in the series and still manages to feel inclusive, robust, and immersive due in part to its beautiful presentation. It may not be a groundbreaking take into the open-world genre and may feature a few questionable design choices, but it is sure to make anyone, fan or not, fall in love with the series all over again.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is an essential and immersive experience, offering a profound narrative combined with intense, atmospheric gameplay. The sequel builds on the strengths of the original, with stunning visuals and a deep psychological story that grips players from start to finish. It’s a must-play for those seeking a powerful and emotional journey in gaming, pushing the boundaries of what the medium can achieve.

While Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor’s Early Access status is clear in the limited number of modes and maps it currently contains, it doesn't feel unpolished or annoying to play at all. Translating the adventurous, raucous, party game spirit of its shooter big brother to a single-player roguelite about as well as anyone could have, it's an enjoyable addition to one of my favorite franchises. Whether it’s first-person or top-down, wielding a small arsenal of wonderful, punchy weapons as I sprint through critter-filled caverns on my murderous quest for loot and glory warms my stony heart.

After ten years, the game has not become outdated and plays very cheerfully. In my opinion, one of the most realistic stories of what a world-ending epidemic would look like. Mix in with the story of Joel and Ellie and it's enough to make a grown man cry. If you don't like TLOU, you will sorely missing a masterpiece.

Dave the Diver delves into the hauntingly beautiful and multi-genre masterpiece that captivates players with its engaging game play and ever-changing dynamics. The game seamlessly combines various elements, from fishing and selling sushi to battling sea creatures, making it an enjoyable and unique experience. The story is light, humorous, and entertaining, keeping players engaged throughout. The game's flexibility allows players to choose their preferred game play style, whether it's diving for fish or managing the sushi shop, ensuring a personalized experience for all players. Events and unpredictable moments add excitement and challenge to the game, making each dive feel different and special. Despite occasional repetitiveness, the game surprises with unexpected challenges and moments of kindness.

There is no doubt that It Takes Two is one of the best two-person cooperative games in recent years. From the moment I entered this wonderful world, I was bombarded by senses from all aspects throughout the game and shocked this masterpiece of creativity and imagination. The only question is, to Josef fares and Hazelight, this is the summit or just a good beginning?

The slow, time-consuming monotony of big-city traffic has somehow been transformed into a game that I can’t wait to play more of.

Overall, Thronebreaker is a revolutionary game within the CCG genre, and I hope other companies take note. With a 40-hour story to support an engaging card game, there's nothing else quite like it, and its unique nature is to its overall benefit. It's made me realize how much I can and do enjoy card games when they're done right.