Darryn Bonthuys's Reviews
It's the same old Pokemon that you know and love, but shinier than ever thanks to the graphics. X and Y doesn't shake the age-old formula up when you examine it closely, but it really doesn't need to as it shifts the franchise into a more modern age.
Super Mario 3D World is vibrant, fun and reaches a new level of excellence for the franchise, creating the right kind of cat-astrophe.
Lego Marvel Super Heroes might just be the perfect game to keep kids occupied these holidays, as it's crawling with familiar faces, voices and some downright charm. Just be cautioned however, as several flaws may make you angry. And you wouldn't like this game when you get angry.
Might and Magic X: Legacy is an uncompromisingly old school trip into forgotten territories. It's a risky move, but it's one that should attract plenty of gamers who want less new school action and a more cerebral roll of the dice in their RPGs.
It's one of the best Tomb Raider games ever made, and it'll live up to the Definitive Edition moniker for those gamers who never set foot on Yamatai Island last year.
Thief is a game, that despite all it's good intentions, will alienate long-time fans. And the cookie-cutter generic gameplay won't do much to attract new fans either, as this franchise once again slips into the forgotten darkness of the night.
South Park: The Stick of Truth is more than just a faithful adaptation of a cult TV series. It's a benchmark for translating a favourite property into a video game format, something that other licensed properties could learn from. And it's also the funniest game on the market.
Infamous: Second Son wears its rebellious heart on its sleeve. Brimming with attitude, unrelenting and massive to take in, the game never forgets the most important aspect of game design however, and remains consistently fun.
Luftrausers is the very definition of replayable insanity. It's difficult,intense and feels smooth when you master the controls. And yet you'll come back for more in a new and improved Rauser time after time, with the constant flow of action never getting old.
While Episode 1 doesn't manage to live up the heights of the previous Bioshock games, Episode 2 closes the book on the series that not only extends the world of Bioshock, but also creates the sweetest farewell to a beloved franchise.
Trials veterans will feel right at home with this latest instalment in the franchise, but they won't be able to shake off that nagging feeling that something is missing, despite the new tricks on offer. Newcomers, prepare to fail again and again as you find yourself addicted to a deceptively simply formula.
Over the years, Spider-Man has been amazing, sensational, spectacular and superior. This year, he's just plain terrible.
Originally and stupidly funny, with plenty of charm wrapped up in a package that is a bit too short.
It may have a few inconsistencies that can otherwise hamper the fine action in front of you, but this is the Wolfenstein return that for the most part, manages to mix deliciously old-school violence with a new generation of visuals and storytelling.
Sniper Elite 3 is still a better sniping game than a stealth game, but at least the series has finally managed to create a fair balance between the two schools of gameplay.
Tomodachi Life is by far the weirdest game that I've ever engaged in. And much like my Miis, the experience has been completely unique.
Diablo 3 may have been first on PC, but it is most definitely better on console.
Make no mistake, Surgeon Simulator Anniversary Edition is a joke of a game. But that's the whole point. It's meant to confuse players, it's meant to make you wonder if you should leave a power drill inside a lung cavity. But for folks who have already played the game on PC, it might be an old joke already. For newcomers, I'd highly recommend the madcap game, which is packed to the gills with extras and insane details resulting in grisly deaths on the operating table. For returning fans, it might be time to move on and leave poor Bob alone on the operating table.
Ignore the starter pack effect, jump into the expanded social circles of The Sims 4, share your worlds and you'll discover for the most part that this game is a true sequel through and through.
D4 is a darkly weird game, and one that boasts a fair amount of polish as it experiments with genres and controls. It's not for everyone, but the solid Kinect input and trademark Japanese madness make for one deep dive that you won't soon forget.