Joe Apsey

United Kingdom

Journalist, Writer and Editor at Freelance

Freelance games journalist. Words at @IGN, @RollingStone, @PCGamer, @NME_Games, etc. Former Guides Editor @TheLoadout. (they/them) [email protected]

Articles

Review: Dunk Dunk (Switch) - An Affordable, Enjoyable, But Flawed Twist On Basketball

5 days ago | nintendolife.com | Joe Apsey |Anthony Dickens

ReviewsSwitch eShopNintendo SwitchNot quite a slam dunkVersion Reviewed: EuropeanRemember when local, arcade party games were a dime a dozen? The late 2000s and early 2010s were filled with bite-sized, fun, and digestible experiences you could hop in and out of or sit down to play with friends.
'Expedition 33' best weapon for each party member

5 days ago | nme.com | Joe Apsey

Expedition 33 has dozens of different weapons for every character that you can equip on your journey across The Continent. However, each one has different bonuses, stats, and buffs that can have an effect on your build. So, which ones are the best weapons? READ MORE: How to use Colour of Lumina in ‘Expedition 33’Thankfully, we have more than 50 hours in the game and a great idea of the best weapons for each character in your party.
Complete breakdown of all 'Borderlands' 4 Vault Hunters

5 days ago | nme.com | Joe Apsey

Borderlands 4 is almost here, and Gearbox has started to reveal more about the game, including showcasing all 4 of the vault hunters that will be in the game at launch. Here is a breakdown of each of them. Borderlands 4 Vault HuntersDespite only being a small number of Sirens, Borderlands 4 has another one. Vex had a rough upbringing that was made more complicated by receiving her Siren powers.
PS Plus June 2025 games - what to expect from Essential, Extra, and Premium tiers

6 days ago | nme.com | Joe Apsey

PS Plus has had a good year for games. While May was a step back, June could be another fantastic month of games to enjoy on PS5 and PS4. Here is a rundown of what we know about the PS Plus June 2025 games. PS Plus June 2025 GamesThe PS Plus June 2025 games will be announced on May 28, 2025, for the Essential tier, and will be available the following Tuesday – June 3, 2025. The Extra and Premium games will be available on June 17, 2025, after being announced on June 11, 2025.
Forget Fortnite Festival - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on Expert difficulty is secretly the rhythm game I've been waiting years for

1 week ago | gamesradar.com | Joe Apsey

For the last decade or so, I have watched as the rhythm game genre has slowly withered away. A lack of new, exciting ideas (outside of rare diamonds like Hi-Fi Rush or Thumper) and Harmonix getting bought by Epic Games has left the genre feeling rather bare.
Preview: Arc Raiders - This is the approachable, mass market extraction shooter in 2025, not Marathon

2 weeks ago | mmorpg.com | Joe Apsey

Extraction Shooters are the topic of conversation right now. With Marathon’s reveal and Alpha meeting mixed responses, the debate has shifted to asking: “Which of these games will be the one where the genre goes mainstream and attracts a wider audience?” While everyone has been distracted by Marathon in the last few weeks, I have spent 18 hours with Arc Raiders, and it turns out that Embark’s latest stands the best chance of breaking the genre out of its niche corner of the industry.
'The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion Remastered' leveling system explained

2 weeks ago | nme.com | Joe Apsey

The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion Remastered has kept most of the game intact compared to the original. However, one big area that has seen an overhaul is the leveling, making it much easier and more natural to level up stats and attributes. Here is a full breakdown of how the leveling system works and the major changes. The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion Remastered has changed its leveling system so that all the game’s skills give XP towards leveling.
How to use Colour of Lumina in 'Expedition 33'

2 weeks ago | nme.com | Joe Apsey

Expedition 33 introduces a bunch of new mechanics and systems as you play the story. However, during that time, you will get rewards, materials, and items that you can’t use. One of those is Colour of Luminas, which can’t be used for a few hours after beginning your journey in the game. READ MORE: All Expedition 33 outfits and where to find themHere’s a breakdown on when you can use them and where.
All Expedition 33 outfits and where to find them

2 weeks ago | nme.com | Joe Apsey

Expedition 33 gives you a lot of control and customisation over your party, including what they wear and how they look. You can change not only the hairstyle of everyone, but also the full outfit from a variety of different types. READ MORE: Here’s what all five attributes in ‘Expedition 33’ mean and doHere’s a full breakdown of where you can get every outfit in the game. Keep in mind, there are light spoilers below for the game’s story.
Here's what all five attributes in 'Expedition 33' mean and do

2 weeks ago | nme.com | Joe Apsey

Expedition 33 is a hit and one of the highest-rated games of the year and decade. A huge number of people are checking it out and wanting to get to grips with its many systems and mechanics, including attributes and what they do and mean. READ MORE: All 2025 game release dates for PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo SwitchAfter spending several dozen hours with the game, we have a good idea of what each of these attributes does and how they affect your party and gameplay. Here is a full breakdown.