Tetris Ultimate proves that the classic formula still works, and perhaps should be left be. The best features of the new game come from four-player versus, co-op, and things like leaderboards and an activity feed. Unfortunately, with technical issues abound and some design choices that grate on the player over time Tetris Ultimate just doesn't feel like it does the title justice. It doesn't ring as the "Ultimate" version of the old Russian puzzler. The game still functions as it should, and some new modes are halfway interesting, but the sum of the parts just doesn't add up to a great version of Tetris. If you've already got a version of Tetris, you're better off sticking with it, as Tetris Ultimate will really only show value to those craving the 4-player experience, or if you're truly hungry for the latest Tetris release. Otherwise if you're on PC and want a Tetris game, you can literally play it free on the official Tetris website.
The Crew Wild Run saves a bit of face for the game, introducing some cool modes, mods, and new ways to dart around the map with motorcycles. Weather effects and a few visual enhancements make the game look incredible, and while it can't save the ho-hum affair that was The Crew, Wild Run as its own product is a good time, with some real play value to it.
There really isn't anything truly bad about LEGO Dimensions unless the initial cost scares you off – rest assured that the amount of gameplay paired with the good characters out of the box aren't a bad value at all. There's great acting, great action, and great everything, as it transports the older player to a younger age, and inspires younger players imaginations to the possibilities of LEGO.
Star Wars Battlefront paints an incredible digital picture of the Star Wars universe. With authentic visuals and sounds, the most details and beautiful realization of the universe ever, and familiar settings and sound that pull the player in to their childhood fantasies, it does a lot right. The inability to squad up, motivation drying up after a few hours, and no true cooperation rewards barring the cooperative game modes, the game feels like some serious decisions were made in the wrong direction. Battlefront should be about playing and coordinating with others for galactic supremacy, but comes off feeling more like a big deathmatch that while still pretty, doesn't string the player along and motivate return.
Fallout 4 is what we all thought it could be, and so much more. While it might have easily fallen in multiple areas, and the scrutinizing eye will find a blurry texture here and there, the game delivers so thoroughly in so many other areas that will keep players busy for so very long, it truly outshines the rest of the pack. Between the main quest, side quests, settlements, weapons, armor, and just pure exploration the game will remain fresh for years to come, and the end product of four years of work shines as a glowing example of what the team at Bethesda is truly capable of. Fallout 4 less throws its hat in the ring for game of the year, and stomps its powersuit boot down demanding serious deliberation.
Guitar Hero Live has a few issues, and the buying plays thing doesn't feel on the level, but that doesn't really hold it back from the end goal of a great time, and it's just that. A great and extremely (as well as surprising) variety in the tracks available to play, two distinct and unique modes that mix up gameplay in a significant way, and the rush of memories it provides while defining itself as one of the best rhythm games yet prove that we're ready for a bit of a comeback, just not the overload of the mid-2000's.
Grand Ages: Medieval attempts to do something a bit new in the strategy genre, offering a more economic and diplomatic take on building an empire. Unfortunately some rough cuts between a singular style, lack of context clues, and intuitive feedback, as well as a number-driven affair that becomes apparent entirely too quickly leaves the player feeling as though there just isn't a ton of variation here.
Wasteland 2 offered gamers a modern revamp of a sorely missed angle on RPG games, and the Director's Cut enhances the year-old game further, adding value, depth, and polish to an already well-rounded game. This one deserves a spot on your list of games to get to sooner than later.
The writing, humor, and story structure are such that they not only get the job done, but are actually fun to experience, making Superchargers a great option for almost any age. While older gamers might find it aimed at a younger crowd, it's still a great game and opportunity to bring together families and siblings.
There are flashes of greatness in Pro-Am and Rising Star, as well as deep customization and unlocks available, but they can't mount a comeback in the fourth for this one.
FIFA 16 delivers the beautiful game, in a beautiful way. While it's not perfect, it does the best we've seen in a football game in a long time.
Destiny: The Taken King takes what was a good foundational game, and enhances nearly everything about it, taking the great gunplay and environments, and adding more of the good, while negating the bad with system overhauls, new modes, and new ways to enjoy Destiny.
Impactful decisions, great creative and stylish choices, and some truly memorable moments make this episode one to check out, and a bargain at that.
If there weren't balances to these rather significant downers, the game would suffer greatly, but with the story picking up near the end, the driving being fun and the drive to customize both Max and the Magnum Opus being truly motivating, the game ends up being a fun, but not great experience.
Dishonored: Definitive Edition delivers just that, the definitive experience, as long as you've got a PlayStation 4, or Xbox One, and have not played the game previously with the available DLC. If you're looking for something to get through those doldrums of draught that inevitably follow certain seasons, this is a game that deserves time from both old and new players looking to get into the world of Dunwall again. As remasters and remakes go, it doesn't truly blow the doors off anything graphically, nor does it add a ton in the way of game changing play or experiences.
Crashes and glitching aside, the game gives a few scares, that feeling that you'll never truly be ok, and really delivers what can be boiled down to a solid zombie experience.
Submerged left me thinking, wondering, curious. That's what sticks with me, I want to go back at my own leisure and explore the world, find those secrets, and complete that world's story.
"Wild Hunt" will go down as one of the truly great Role Playing Games, and with planned content down the road, there is more than enough to say that "Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" will serve as a tent pole title for CD Projekt Red, and their pride in the world, story, and characters of "The Witcher" shows through each frame.
"The Weaponographist" honestly took me by surprise, as the challenge was one that was motivating, the music never grating, and while the art was a little disjointed, it's easily ignored because I just want to beat the boss. It's a truly fun game, and at a steal of a price that won't have you questioning the value for dollar.
Back is the great experience of building your legacy, and "Tropico 5" like a fine rum-based beverage on its own, comes to PlayStation 4 with more features and a solid bundle of options. This version of "Tropico 5" could be considered that fine rum-based beverage with the proper garnish.