Ken McKown's Reviews
of the original will likely find parts they love about Garrett's new adventure, but anyone bred on more recent stealth games likely won't see what all the fuss is about. Eidos Montreal has done an admirable job, but too much holds it back from being the reinvention of the franchise we all were hoping for.
inFamous: Second Son is a gorgeous game that will definitely satiate PS4 owners starving for a new title for their collection. I still feel like it falls short of being that system-seller everyone has been waiting for, but those already invested definitely need to pick it up. Linear story and forced morality don't tear down the otherwise fantastic experience.
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes delivers a solid package for fans of the series. While the main mission's brevity may turn off some, I compare it to when I was younger and telling myself I would pay half the price to get to play games early.
Those looking for a new experience on their shiny new consoles would do well to check it out if they enjoy these types of experiences.
Kinect Sports Rivals isn't going to sell anyone on an Xbox One, or even Kinect for that matter, but it is definitely the best use of the device to date. For those looking for a fun way to get active with their new $500 machine, this is the best example of it yet. I love Rare, and think they still make some of the best software. Rivals definitely feels polished and carrying that quality.
Fans of Tolkien's work or the recent movies are sure to enjoy the journey there, and back again. For everyone else, this is another LEGO title. For better or worse, the series keeps on chugging. Thankfully it is always of high quality.
There is a lot to love about Mario Golf: World Tour. For those that really enjoy the more light-hearted approach to golf that games like this and Hot Shots provide, this is a no-brainer. World Tour does so much right and mixing it with the familiar Nintendo universe seals the deal. Anyone with a 3DS has yet another must-own title to pick up for the handheld.
It is still fun to swing around the city, and some portions really shine, but a full-fledged, full-price experience Amazing Spider-Man 2 is certainly not.
Fans of baseball and even those only slightly curious have yet another great title for the new console.
Bound by Flame is a great, terrible game. Something about it kept me wanting to push through its problems to find the enjoyment buried within. I can't explain why a game that does so much wrong entertained me so much. I couldn't stop playing it despite its issues. There is just something endearing about this game.
Mario Kart 8 is certainly more Mario Kart, but that isn't a bad thing. Any series that can last over two decades and still generate this much love from gamers has to be doing something right. While the latest entry doesn't set the world on fire with its innovation, it makes up for it by delivering some of the best tracks in the history of the franchise, and rock-solid visuals.
Wolfenstein: The New Order is fantastic and one of the best narrative-driven FPS games I have played since Bioshock.
As it stands today, UFC is a title that only the most die-hard fans are going to want to take the time to invest in.
Still, for those looking for a punishing experience on console or PC, 1001 Spikes definitely delivers on that promise. I died and died, yet kept coming back for more.
There is a lot to love about Dead Rising 3's latest DLC. For $10 it is impossible not to recommend to Xbox One owners who still have the game, especially those with a fondness for classic Capcom titles. The grind for costumes and the stiff controls are the only things holding this back, the rest is pure chaotic fun, and when I bring my friends, the intensity only increases.
Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark is not a great game, but for those like me who still dream of reliving my childhood, Escalation scratches that itch. The collection of characters make it worthwhile, but not at $60. I suggest holding out until the price comes down, grabbing three friends, and having a blast. Just be sure to stay as far away from the campaign mode as possible.
Sniper Elite III is a mediocre game with a gimmick that escalates it to be more enjoyable than it should be. Remove that particular mechanic though and we are left with a pretty bland shooter. Still, those that play games like Mortal Kombat just for the gore will be pleased, making this a fun summer diversion for new console owners starving for something new to play.
Even with these downsides I cannot recommend New 'n' Tasty enough. There are not enough games of this type on the market these days, especially ones of this quality. Anyone who enjoys puzzle games owes it to themselves to check out this series. The Oddworld games hold a special place in my heart, and are definitely some of the most charming titles from a forgotten genre.
The journey through the Metro is more than worth the price of admission, plus the visuals are great at showcasing the new hardware. I am really looking forward to what 4A Games has in store next.
Football fans need not worry, it is time once again for the NFL season to begin. Madden NFL 15 will easily keep you engaged for months to come.