Going backwards from Bloodborne feels almost archaic, and it takes some time to settle into that once familiar gameplay. However Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin offers the chance to revisit that still fantastic and familiar world with a slight twist to proceedings and a respectable face lift. The addition of the DLC makes this package more than worthwhile for any fan of From Software's catalogue, but those that already own the content on another platform may find the investment too high.
It is still utterly fantastic to play. It is still one of the best action fighting mechanics in gaming. It still invokes that deadly and intense sense of failure matched with the heady highs of success that few other games (if not any entertainment) can match. It is still enriched with the uniquely mysterious touch of Miyazaki and From Software and that is all that it really needs to be.
By very slightly opening up the experience, Dark Souls II has risked unravelling this success, particularly for the hardcore fanbase. But in actuality the minor changes do not hugely alter the overall gameplay. It is still wonderfully mysterious and horrendously punishing, all backed up by a unique battle and skill system that is so gloriously balanced it feels like a real talent to master.
You can praise them for all the wonder and beauty they have created, then damn them for the illogical or irrational design choices they make elsewhere, but it is yet another diamond in the rough from Bethesda.
The only fault one can aim at Dark Souls 3 is its lack of originality, everything else is perfect.
The blending of genres, those perfect Moments and the beautiful pace of each game make Blizzard's new IP a must.
An almost perfect sequel, only spoiled by some frustrating bugs.
With its incredible level of customisation Planet Coaster is the pinnacle of theme park management games, however be warned that this depth comes with a vicious learning curve.
In the end the Old Hunters expansion is just as an essential purchase as Bloodborne itself.
Perhaps the most polished and enjoyable release of any in the series, only let down by a baffling AI and some hopefully resolvable niggling issues.
The Reaper of Souls expansion provides a great amount of content, changes and balancing that significantly improves and extends the original Diablo III experience. The maps feel more focused, the bosses refined and the Crusader class is a joy to play. There is however one little sting in the tail: the cost.
When wrestled away from its uncompromising difficulty Gods Will Be Watching becomes a different and wholly original beast. It is rather unlike any game before it. Scant few dare to explore such dark and dubious moral grounds, and the way it hammers such choices home with such brutal and stylish pixelated visuals is quite shocking.
XCOM: Enemy Within should be an essential purchase for fans of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, or even those who have not experienced this brilliant remake. With its many additions and changes it provides fans with a revitalised campaign filled with clever nuances and potentially increasing the game's lifetime by several magnitudes. It is not without its blunders, however.
While we're sceptical about the rather rushed out nature of this remaster, it has to be said that Homeworld is still a fantastic Real Time Strategy game and should be in the library of any one with an interest in the genre.
A fantastic sandbox for experimentation, yet this framework is not backed up by a rich environment. It is screaming for more involving missions, plots and choices to make you feel like this is a game from this millennium rather than a mere tribute to those from the previous. It certainly does a superb job of revitalising Syndicate for this generation, but it feels like it could be so much more.
While better on PC, the PS4 release brings this remarkable game to a new crowd.
A wonderful experience only marred by its brevity.
Call of Duty: Ghosts does not tamper with the formula, fans will receive what they expect yet, with the world moving on to the next generation of consoles, many could perhaps be wanting more and Call of Duty: Ghosts is too formulaic to offer this. It is a victim of its own institution in a world that is quickly moving forwards.
Quest for Infamy is an extremely rough diamond, buried under one too many layers of mess. If one can dig it out they will find a real gem, and it shows promise for future offerings from this team.
If you’re into numbers there is much to love about Offworld Trading Company. It is all about the bottom line and getting those figures to add up. The novel use of money not just as a resource but as liquidity for your company allowing you to purchase all the other resources you require is initially confusing, but ultimately rather wonderful when you fully understand it. The trouble is that all these numbers begin to feel rather heartless after a few hours.