Sophie Halliday
If one was to ignore the technical issues and consider it in isolation, Pillars of Eternity 2 could be deemed a solid game.
This is a flawed title, but BattleTech's nuanced tactical depth and engaging system of progression will ultimately sustain it over the long haul.
Ultimately, Tesla vs. Lovecraft isn't particularly innovative but is, nonetheless, extremely enjoyable and easy to pick up and play. Milestone challenges and higher difficulty levels will encourage players to come back for more. However, a woefully underdeveloped story contributes to an overall lack of personality depth, which leaves this game feeling less memorable than its solid gameplay perhaps deserves.
However, it's also likely to leave those older players thinking some things are better left alone as happy memories. It's the same reason that new players are unlikely to be enamoured. It's difficult to play a game like this in isolation. Sooner or later, the mind wanders back to the present – the truth is, the genre has come on in leaps and bounds since Age of Empires came on the scene all those years ago and this is one remaster that feels like it doesn't really belong.
All in all, Strikers Edge is a moderately fun game with limited long-term appeal. It's sincere enough but, ultimately, rather forgettable.
Bridge Constructor Portal is not the Portal game many would have been expecting, but with the reassuring presence of GLaDOS and the Companion Cubes (also, coincidently, the name of my new band), it's nevertheless enough to scratch that 'fun with portals' itch left in the wake of Portal 2.
Freedom of choice is a wonderful thing, and this game has it in abundance. In a way, it saddens me to think that I have likely already missed numerous small-yet-endearing side quests; that I've passed characters by without ever knowing the stories they have to tell. This game is magical, and magically intense – it is an experience that has been passionately and painstakingly realised by developer Larian.
The overall lack of polish, the game's repetitive nature and the completely dysfunctional way in which information is presented to the player is a real let down. As a result, I don't think Warriors All-Stars is a game that is going to win over many new fans. The combat is accessible but everything else is a bit of a chore.
It is impressive that, as a racing game, F1 2017 is a title that genuinely offers something for everyone. At its core though, Codemasters' title is obviously a simulation that has been pitched to F1 enthusiasts. Those players should find themselves more than satisfied with the variety of content, level of detail and complexity that's included.
There is an enjoyable game in here, but it currently lives down the road. For now, however, Starpoint Gemini Warlords is a product that doesn't do any one thing well enough to justify its price point and the accompanying time investment it requires of players.