Ken McKown's Reviews
NBA Live 15 is a nice step in the right direction, but it still falls short of its competition. It is definitely fun to play, but the late game AI and lack of any real additions or modes is sorely disappointing.
Costume Quest 2 on consoles is not a bad game by any means, but it failed to keep me interested during most of its short duration. I wanted to laugh more and I wanted navigating these charming environments to not feel like such a chore, but most importantly I wanted to have more fun than I did.
For me, being able to finally play Halo 2 multiplayer again was worth the price of admission, but toss in 100 maps, Forge, Spartan Ops (coming) and four of the best FPS campaigns in history and it is impossible not to recommend this. If you own an Xbox One this game is a must own. If not, it might be time to buy one.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare isn't going to make people who hate the series suddenly take notice, but for those that have felt the franchise has been falling flat lately, it definitely re-energizes it. This is the Call of Duty game fans have been clamoring for, and I feel sorry for the team that has to try and top it next year.
Bayonetta 2 is more than just a good action game, it is a fantastic addition to the already stellar Wii U lineup, and yet another reason to own the console. The fluidity of the combat and the unique visuals really help this title stand out among other action games, and I am extremely happy it got the chance to be made. Sure I would love to see a third game down the line, but for now this package will satisfy fans for months to come. A definite must own.
The love poured into these games is obvious, but I can't shake the nagging feeling of the copy/paste mentality each iteration delivers. It also doesn't help that they shove out three of them a year. Still, DC fans and LEGO enthusiasts will find plenty to love with Bruce Wayne's latest blocky adventure.
With all the games vying for your dollars this holiday season, GTA V definitely delivers an amazing package well worth exploring (again).
Far Cry 4 is a great game that just feels like a lot more of the same. Granted as I said earlier, it has been just long enough since the last one to drag me right back into the mix. I hope they take note though and really go outside the box for the next game. Again feel free to use my idea and make it an island full of dinosaurs, then I will completely forgive the rest of the mechanics feeling like more of the same.
Smash is yet another reason to own Nintendo's machine, and anyone looking for a fun romp would be wise to pick it up, along with some Gamecube controllers for maximum enjoyment.
While it might not light the world on fire the way Retro Evolved and its sequel did, Dimensions is a the next evolution of the series, and a really fun way to waste time on the new consoles.
Sonic Boom is a bad game. There is no other way to say it. I won't get excited for another return of the hedgehog…OK that is probably a lie, but either way, don't buy this game. Pick up the infinitely more enjoyable Lost World, or one of the other fantastic Wii U exclusives this holiday season. Just stay far, far away from this toxic hedgehog.
Akiba's Trip is a weird game. Bringing it to the PS4 didn't change that, in fact it just made it more peculiar. There is certainly an audience for this type of brawler, but it is a niche one for sure. If Pantynado sounds appealing to you, this game might be in your wheelhouse. Otherwise I would steer clear of its mediocre combat, and limited world to explore.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a marvelous puzzle game that stretches its initial value well beyond what I had anticipated. It will take players a hefty amount of time to master it all, and the game does a fantastic job of making you want to see and do everything. It is rare for a puzzle game to see this kind of release, and especially one of this quality.
Storm Island is a concept I got behind, but felt like it could have been more. Where is my lightning and thunder crashing down? I want some tropical storm-level insanity to race in. Still for those looking for more Forza Horizon 2 there is plenty to be found in this pack. Just know it doesn't stray far from the original game at all.
Tetris hasn't changed much over the years, but it is always a sign that a generation has started when an iteration finally lands on that console. XB1 and PS4 owners finally have the classic puzzle game on their platforms, albeit with a lack of explanation on new features, and some online lag. Still this is Tetris, and those looking for that experience will not be disappointed.
Still considered one of the best (if not THE best in the series) REmake still holds up today as a trendsetter in the gaming world. Every other title wanted to be it, but none ever quite nailed the formula the way this Gamecube remake does. Definitely recommended for fans of the genre, as this is the pinnacle of what Shinji Mikami created all those years ago.
For those never venturing into Saints Row IV this is a must-buy, and for those that did, Gat Out of Hell is a solid expansion that should satiate the hunger for the inevitable Saints Row V we all hope is coming sooner rather than later.
Riptide GP2 carries a lot of what I loved about classic arcade racing games, but also a lot of what I hate about mobile games.
Evolve accomplished what it set out to do, and I am having a blast learning all the concepts it delivers. As long as I have friends to play with, it will continue to be in my rotation of games to play. My only concern is fatigue setting in with some players, and the base dwindling. This will kill the game, as playing solo is simply not the route to go.
Outside of a few issues though Dead or Alive 5: Last Round is still a super enjoyable fighting game. There is a superb amount of content, and for those not wanting to invest fully, Core Fighters is a great alternative to check out what it has to offer.