Type-0 can often be a daring departure for the Final Fantasy series, but its uneven narrative and learning curve hold it back.
Bloodborne is one of those experiences that totally consumes you when you're involved in it and working to see all that it has to offer. In that sense it's the digital edition of a round-the-world trip to foreign continents, each turning of a corner providing equal helpings of excitement and trepidation. That recipe brings it own rewards by simply being a part of it, the seemingly effortless delivery indicative of a design team and philosophy that is only getting sharper.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is a valiant attempt at bringing an ambitious and expansive RPG to the handheld realm. For the most part it works, but the original undoubtedly shines brighter than this tweaked offering.
At this point, unless you're an Assassin's Creed diehard, this offering is difficult to recommend in the face of the competition.
By having the courage to rewrite the racing game rulebook, Project Cars manages to carve a space for itself alongside the genre's finest.
If you're going to attempt to make a mark on a genre that already boasts an exacting pedigree you must - one, introduce new ideas, and two, execute the established rules better than your peers. Code Name S.T.E.A.M does neither and, as a result, fails to secure itself a place in its turn-based landscape.
There are still problems when it comes to balancing realism with spectacle, but Madden NFL 16 manages to get the mix mostly right. Certainly, when compared to previous releases, there's a far greater sense that what you're playing tallies with what you see on Sundays.
The latest in Turn 10's driving series is terrific on the track but outdated off it.
When it comes down to it, it's the communication and that sense of shared success that makes Triforce Heroes such a joyous and satisfying release.
No, it's not the best Call of Duty ever made, but the sheer volume of content on display largely makes up for its weaknesses in specific areas. A worthwhile story would have added enormous value to the overall package, but its absence doesn't undermine what is another solid release.
This is the most complete version of Football Manager yet, offering up something new for both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike.
A good combat system and gorgeous visuals are significantly let down by an underwhelming and perfunctory narrative that can make progression a real chore. Whilst there are elements that work in isolation, Bravely Second doesn't manage to tie them together in a way that matches the quality of the original.
While UFC 2 certainly looks the part, it doesn't feel it. Strikes are razor sharp, kicks are satisfyingly heavy, and each and every fighter is beautifully sculpted and recreated, but each and every element is too robotic and rigid to recreate the dynamism and unpredictability that draws me to real UFC fights. Those fights are often won by finding those spaces between the lines that your opponent hasn't thought to cover, but those spaces simply don't exist here. As a fighting game it's worth your time if you're seeking something other than the usual options, but as a recreation of the UFC it falters before the final bell.
Consider yourself a thoughtful football fan? This is for you.
FIFA 17 is a typically slick offering from EA, but if you want the best football game PES 17 is the way to go.
If you're a younger player, or a die-hard Final Fantasy fan that longs for the turn-based days of old, this is well worth picking up.
By incorporating the UK's political landscape, Football Manger 2017 becomes the deepest, most inspiring take on the beautiful game yet.
Steep wants to impart a sense of freedom, but it lacks the courage to offer true openness and underwhelms as a result.
Dragon Quest VIII was one of the finest JRPGs upon its initial release and it manages to retain that lofty status through this 3DS edition. Its adherence to the traditional rules of the genre is where it pulls its strength from, the familiarity of the template allowing the design team to worry about making sure each element is as good as it can possibly can be.
A confused spectacle that fails to promote the idea of a motorcycle game.