Critical Arcade

This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick solve the worst puzzle box in history and discover that some doors are definitely better left closed as they descend into the nightmarish world of Hellraiser: Revival. Inspired by Clive Barker’s legendary horror franchise, this survival horror adventure plunges them into a twisted realm of pain, pleasure, and unspeakable horrors, where the Cenobites are always watching and the price of curiosity is considerably higher than anyone would like. Armed with the mysterious Genesis Configuration, they’ll have to navigate grotesque environments, confront terrifying enemies, and fight to survive a world where human suffering is practically an art form.

As they uncover the dark secrets lurking within the shadows, Dave and Nick will discover that escaping this nightmare is easier said than done, especially when the inhabitants seem determined to turn every encounter into an extremely unpleasant experience. Will Dave keep his nerve when Pinhead and his Cenobite cronies come knocking? Can Nick resist the temptation to fiddle with mysterious puzzle boxes? And how long before the boys realise that, in the world of Hellraiser, solving your problems with a little box is probably the worst decision you could ever make?
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This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick fire up their engines, throw caution to the wind, and prepare to turn the Outer Rim into their own personal demolition derby in Star Wars: Galactic Racer! With the Empire gone and the galaxy looking for its next big obsession, an underground racing league has emerged where fortunes are won, rivalries are settled, and the only thing more dangerous than the tracks is the competition. Taking on the role of Shade, a lone racer with a score to settle, they'll enter the Galactic League in a high-speed battle for glory, revenge, and the chance to take down the ruthless champion Kestar Bool.

From tearing across the dusty wastelands of Jakku to navigating treacherous alien landscapes, Dave and Nick will pilot everything from landspeeders and speeder bikes to good old-fashioned podracers. With dangerous shortcuts, customisable vehicles, rival racers, and plenty of opportunities to send the competition flying, winning isn't just about having the fastest ride — it's about knowing when to floor it and when to send your opponents into the nearest rock formation.

Will Dave manage to keep his vehicle in one piece for more than five minutes? Can Nick resist treating every race like a personal vendetta? And how long before the boys discover that in a galaxy far, far away, road rage can involve several tonnes of machinery, a questionable braking strategy, and absolutely no insurance coverage?
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This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick strap themselves into the cockpit, fire up the afterburners, and prepare to turn the sky into their personal playground in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. Taking to the skies as elite fighter pilots, they'll find themselves caught up in a high-stakes aerial conflict filled with enemy squadrons, massive battles, missile-filled dogfights, and enough explosions to make the world's air-traffic controllers quit on the spot.

As they climb through the ranks, they'll take on increasingly dangerous missions, push their aircraft to the limit, and attempt to become the ultimate ace while uncovering the story behind the conflict. With spectacular aerial combat, huge set-piece battles, an impressive selection of aircraft, and the series' trademark radio chatter, Ace Combat 8 looks set to deliver plenty of high-flying action.

Can Dave actually keep his aircraft in the sky? Will Nick spend more time admiring the jets than shooting them down? And how long before they realise that "just one more dogfight" is usually how you end up with a missile up your backside?
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This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick trade in their modern conveniences for katanas, sake, and a serious case of revenge as they journey to the snowy wilderness of Ezo in Ghost of Yōtei. Taking on the role of Atsu, a wandering samurai seeking vengeance against the Yōtei Six who destroyed her family, they'll explore a beautiful and dangerous version of feudal Japan filled with samurai, ronin, deadly wildlife, and plenty of people who really don't appreciate being on the wrong end of a katana.

As Atsu hunts down her targets, Dave and Nick will travel across frozen mountains, forests, villages, and breathtaking landscapes while mastering the art of the samurai. With brutal sword fights, new weapons, stealth, exploration, and plenty of opportunities to dramatically stare into the distance, revenge has never looked quite so gorgeous.

Can Dave resist challenging every enemy to an honourable duel? Will Nick spend more time admiring the scenery than actually completing the mission? And how long before they realise that hunting six people across feudal Japan is probably going to be a very long weekend?
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This week on Critical Arcade, Dave and Nick pop their claws, crack their knuckles, and prepare to leave a trail of absolute carnage as they dive into Wolverine. Stepping into the boots of everyone's favourite foul-mouthed Canadian mutant, they'll follow Logan as he battles his way through a brutal world of mutants, mercenaries, and mysterious enemies while uncovering secrets buried deep within his violent past. Armed with an adamantium skeleton, a healing factor, and six very dangerous claws, Wolverine has never exactly been the diplomatic type.

As Logan tears through his enemies, Dave and Nick will experience savage combat, brutal finishing moves, explosive set pieces, and plenty of opportunities to turn anyone standing in the way into mutant-shaped confetti. But will Dave remember that Wolverine can heal from practically anything? Can Nick resist solving every problem by simply popping the claws? And how long before they realise that when you're Wolverine, subtlety is less of a gameplay mechanic and more of a suggestion?
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