Arcs review: "A whole lot of game in a small package"

GamesRadar+ VerdictLeder continues to impress with games that hide rich and deep gameplay beneath an instantly recognizable artwork style. Thanks to Arcs being the best two-player offering they have released, it also means I will be spending a lot of time out amongst the stars in the Reach.TODAY’S BEST DEALS$119.99at AmazonPros+Plenty of ways to play+Clever card system+Incredibly charming artwork+Impressive replayability+Great with any player-countCons-Some won’t like luck-of-the-draw elements-Combat could be more exciting GamesRadar+ Verdict GamesRadar+ Verdict Leder continues to impress with games that hide rich and deep gameplay beneath an instantly recognizable artwork style. Thanks to Arcs being the best two-player offering they have released, it also means I will be spending a lot of time out amongst the stars in the Reach.TODAY’S BEST DEALS$119.99at Amazon Leder continues to impress with games that hide rich and deep gameplay beneath an instantly recognizable artwork style. Thanks to Arcs being the best two-player offering they have released, it also means I will be spending a lot of time out amongst the stars in the Reach. TODAY’S BEST DEALS$119.99at Amazon TODAY’S BEST DEALS$119.99at Amazon TODAY’S BEST DEALS$119.99at Amazon TODAY’S BEST DEALS $119.99at Amazon $119.99at Amazon $119.99at Amazon Pros+Plenty of ways to play+Clever card system+Incredibly charming artwork+Impressive replayability+Great with any player-count Plenty of ways to play Clever card system Incredibly charming artwork Impressive replayability Great with any player-count Cons-Some won’t like luck-of-the-draw elements-Combat could be more exciting Some won’t like luck-of-the-draw elements Combat could be more exciting Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Jump to:Features & designGameplayShould you buyHow we tested Jump to:Features & designGameplayShould you buyHow we tested From forests filled with furry critters to treehouse forts out of a child’s fantasy, Leder Games is launching into the cosmos with their latest project, Arcs: Conflict & Collapse in the Reach. The developer has made a name for itself as a studio that creates deceptively deep and strategic fare wrapped up in the fantastical art of Kyle Ferrin. Titles likeRoot(which is arguably one of thebest board gamesoverall), Fort, and Ahoy have found themselves as common staples of my game nights thanks to the richness of the worlds that the team has created and the tactical depth they pack in. Arcs continues this tradition with a game that may just be the team’s most approachable title, especially at the smaller two-player count. Features & design Swipe to scroll horizontallyPrice$34.99 / £59.99Ages14+Game typeStrategy / wargamePlayers2 - 4Lasts60mins+ComplexityModerateDesignersCole WehrleArtistsKyle FerrinPublisherLeder GamesPlay if you enjoyCosmic Encounter, Twilight Imperium, Root Swipe to scroll horizontally Price$34.99 / £59.99Ages14+Game typeStrategy / wargamePlayers2 - 4Lasts60mins+ComplexityModerateDesignersCole WehrleArtistsKyle FerrinPublisherLeder GamesPlay if you enjoyCosmic Encounter, Twilight Imperium, Root (Image credit: Scott White) Perhaps the most defining aspect of Arcs is how it handles player actions through a unique card system. A majority of your actions come from the cards you play, dealt out at the start of each round. These fall into one of four possible suits (Aggression, Mobilization, Construction, and Administration), and the number printed on them can be thought of as their strength. The higher the value, the harder it is to surpass. Each card also features pips that show how many times the actions of the suit can be taken. Meanwhile, the Ambition symbol shows what goal the card will activate. A player is able to seize the initiative marker from whoever has it as well, but this can only be done once per round. This action will leave you one card short, meaning that you are in essence sacrificing a later turn to be the first player. Still, since this coveted spot will let you play any card in your hand and take all the actions it offers, it also gives you the chance to declare the Ambition you want, potentially letting you score a lot of points at the end of the chapter. Gameplay (Image credit: Scott White) My view however, is that this turns Arcs from a standard tableau into a puzzle game, where how you manage a bad situation (e.g. a bad hand) is almost as, if not more, important than the strategy you play out. During my sessions of Arcs, the only thing I knew I could count on was the fact that Icouldn’tcount on being able to do exactly what I wanted. But knowing about this uncertainty and planning for it was where I found the game’s real strategy. For fans of more asymmetrical gameplay, Arcs offers players the option to pick from a host of Leaders and Lore cards at the start of the game that will add special powers and unique setups. These additional elements are completely optional, with the rulebook even going so far as suggesting NOT to use them your first couple of games until you acclimatize. Once you start using them, though, it’s tough to return. Whether you randomly deal out these cards or draft them, they add so much variety and replayability. For instance, one allows you to sacrifice a ship to destroy someone else’s in the same system whenever you take the Move action. Another lets you reroll any dice when a specific Ambition is declared. Take my word for it: you will want to work these Leader and Lore cards into your games of Arcs as soon as you can. Final frontier(Image credit: Scott White)Want to expand on Arcs? You can currently grab theLeaders & Lore packfor extra options, theBlighted Reach add-onfor narrative play, and aminiatures setfor more immersive sessions. Final frontier (Image credit: Scott White)Want to expand on Arcs? You can currently grab theLeaders & Lore packfor extra options, theBlighted Reach add-onfor narrative play, and aminiatures setfor more immersive sessions. (Image credit: Scott White) Want to expand on Arcs? You can currently grab theLeaders & Lore packfor extra options, theBlighted Reach add-onfor narrative play, and aminiatures setfor more immersive sessions. The area that I found Arcs to be lacking in the most is its combat, which doesn’t have the excitement that I’d associate with flying around and fighting in space. Encounters boil down to the classic “roll some dice, tally up the damage” routine, but the action is one-sided, with the defending player having no involvement or input in the skirmish. Depending on the dice result, the attacker’s ships will take damage, the idea being that the defenders have fought back, but there is a distinct lack of input on the side of the defender to make these encounters dramatic. I wasn’t expecting something like Star Wars: Rebellion orTwilight Imperiumwith their extensive list of ship statistics, tech trees, and weapon profiles, mind you. That’s not what I’m looking for in a game like Arcs either. Even in Root, arguably Leder Games’ most well-known title, the defender could play an ambush card if they had one for some possible interaction. But something like that is missing in Arcs. I would like to see an expansion add a bit of depth or at least interaction on both sides of the encounter as a result. In the meantime, a house rule my friends and I introduced to address this criticism was having the dice marks that would normally indicate a counterattack (damaging the attacker’s ships) instead give the defender that many dice to roll themselves. It does reduce the damage that can be done back to the attackers, but this little tweak did an excellent job in adding to the tension of encounters nonetheless. (Image credit: Scott White) Luckily, Arcs provides players with a good variety of avenues to explore and pursue in their quest for galactic victory, meaning you can avoid combat altogether if you want. Feel like buffing yourself with new abilities to set you up for success? Spread your influence among the space guilds to gain their cards, or try to steal from other players. Or just become a space oil baron, in control of all the fuel in the galaxy. Seeing as earning victory points is dependent on what Ambitions are declared, you can declare for the ones that you prefer – such as being a resource baron or the best empath in the galaxy. Want to wage war, on the other hand? That is just as valid of an option, so let loose those missiles. Should you buy Arcs? (Image credit: Scott White) The tight ship that Arcs runs, paired with Kyle’s art, has rocketed Leder Game’s latest offering straight onto my game shelf. Arcs provides players with a whole lot of game in a small package, and offers flexibility in ways to play. This is all further expanded with Leder Games’ other Arcs offerings, such as the expanded Leaders and Lore add-on or the massive Blighted Reach campaign expansion that turns Arcs into a multi-part adventure. Buy it if… ✅ You want a game with numerous ways to win and plenty of freedomBecause it encourages multiple, equally valid approaches, fans of thoughtful strategy games will love Arcs. ✅ You want a game with numerous ways to win and plenty of freedomBecause it encourages multiple, equally valid approaches, fans of thoughtful strategy games will love Arcs. ✅ You want a game with numerous ways to win and plenty of freedomBecause it encourages multiple, equally valid approaches, fans of thoughtful strategy games will love Arcs. ✅ You want a game with numerous ways to win and plenty of freedomBecause it encourages multiple, equally valid approaches, fans of thoughtful strategy games will love Arcs. ✅ You want a game with numerous ways to win and plenty of freedomBecause it encourages multiple, equally valid approaches, fans of thoughtful strategy games will love Arcs. ✅ You want a game with numerous ways to win and plenty of freedomBecause it encourages multiple, equally valid approaches, fans of thoughtful strategy games will love Arcs. ✅ You want a game that’ll lastDue to being so replayable, Arcs won’t get boring any time soon. Much like Leder’s previous strategy game, Root, it’s actually better after repeat play. ✅ You want a game that’ll lastDue to being so replayable, Arcs won’t get boring any time soon. Much like Leder’s previous strategy game, Root, it’s actually better after repeat play. ✅ You want a game that’ll lastDue to being so replayable, Arcs won’t get boring any time soon. Much like Leder’s previous strategy game, Root, it’s actually better after repeat play. ✅ You want a game that’ll lastDue to being so replayable, Arcs won’t get boring any time soon. Much like Leder’s previous strategy game, Root, it’s actually better after repeat play. ✅ You want a game that’ll lastDue to being so replayable, Arcs won’t get boring any time soon. Much like Leder’s previous strategy game, Root, it’s actually better after repeat play. ✅ You want a game that’ll lastDue to being so replayable, Arcs won’t get boring any time soon. Much like Leder’s previous strategy game, Root, it’s actually better after repeat play. Don’t buy it if… ❌ You prefer a more grounded art-styleThe vibrant cartoon aesthetic of Arcs won’t be for everyone, so try Undaunted 2200 or Twilight Imperium if you want something that looks more realistic. ❌ You prefer a more grounded art-styleThe vibrant cartoon aesthetic of Arcs won’t be for everyone, so try Undaunted 2200 or Twilight Imperium if you want something that looks more realistic. ❌ You prefer a more grounded art-styleThe vibrant cartoon aesthetic of Arcs won’t be for everyone, so try Undaunted 2200 or Twilight Imperium if you want something that looks more realistic. ❌ You prefer a more grounded art-styleThe vibrant cartoon aesthetic of Arcs won’t be for everyone, so try Undaunted 2200 or Twilight Imperium if you want something that looks more realistic. ❌ You prefer a more grounded art-styleThe vibrant cartoon aesthetic of Arcs won’t be for everyone, so try Undaunted 2200 or Twilight Imperium if you want something that looks more realistic. ❌ You prefer a more grounded art-styleThe vibrant cartoon aesthetic of Arcs won’t be for everyone, so try Undaunted 2200 or Twilight Imperium if you want something that looks more realistic. How we tested Arcs Disclaimer Our reviewer played Arcs multiple times to get a better sense of its mechanics and longevity. They also tried it with different player-counts to see how the experience varied, and spent most sessions in a head-to-head duel. For more on our process, don’t miss this guide tohow we test board games. To get a broader overview, see the GamesRadar+review policy. For other recommendations, why not check out theseboard games for adults? You can also drop in on our guide to thebest cooperative board games. Arcs: Conflict & Collapse in the Reach: Price Comparison $119.99View $119.99View $119.99View $119.99View $119.99 $119.99 We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices CATEGORIESBoard GamesGames CATEGORIES Latest"Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history": Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yetFlorence Pugh and Andrew Garfield say their new romantic drama changed them as actors: “I’ve never had an experience like that before"26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► Latest"Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yetFlorence Pugh and Andrew Garfield say their new romantic drama changed them as actors: “I’ve never had an experience like that before"26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► Latest"Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yetFlorence Pugh and Andrew Garfield say their new romantic drama changed them as actors: “I’ve never had an experience like that before"26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest► Latest “Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yetFlorence Pugh and Andrew Garfield say their new romantic drama changed them as actors: “I’ve never had an experience like that before"26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” “Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yet “Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yet Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield say their new romantic drama changed them as actors: “I’ve never had an experience like that before” Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield say their new romantic drama changed them as actors: “I’ve never had an experience like that before” 26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” 26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time” See more latest► Most PopularNemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"Anbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids” Most PopularNemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"Anbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids” Most PopularNemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"Anbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids” Most Popular Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” Anbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket” Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up” Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created” Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships” Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became” Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used” Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”