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.
Fenix Furia has had a rough go from concept to release, and while there's a good platformer in there for the glutton for punishment, there's also quite a bit of frustration. Some cool concept and art design with straightforward controls give a good core platforming game, but some light story, frustrating mechanical choices, and lack of reward may leave players wanting more.
Technomancer is a great mid-tier Sci-Fi RPG. Those waiting patiently for Mass Effect: Andromeda might find their appetite satiated for the time being, but those wanting a flawless AAA experience will be left frustrated. The depth of the game is extremely admirable and well-handled, the influences are well placed without being beaten to death, and the game overall straddles the line between good and fine.
If you’ve got the Season Pass it’s worth firing up to see what’s new and maybe spruce up Sanctuary Hills, but is also completely skippable for those looking for anything more than a few new items and a somewhat neat new arena mechanic.
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.
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.
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.
Street Fighter V is a technically sound, and all around well designed fighting game. Unfortunately without being able to report on the online matchmaking in any mode at all, modes missing like a fleshed out story that makes sense and has closure, challenges, and inability to purchase or investigate prices for in-game currency make this a tough game to recommend as a day one purchase. Capcom has some great plans for a well supported 2016 for Street Fighter V, and the ability to cross-play between PlayStation 4 and PC might be an attractive option for some. At this point it's impossible to say that it's a must-own for the casual or much less than big fighting game fan collection, but will hinge on your trust in Capcom to refine, patch, and deliver content throughout the year for Street Fighter V.
Adr1ft is an absolutely stunning visual experience. It looks amazing and feels great to be in nearly at all times. That is until you progress to the point when you realize you're doing the exact same thing in a new sector of the ship, not even with different objectives or quick time moments to try to mask the fact that you're hitting enter to make yet another core and plug it in. The whole experience is relatively short, and while it's something to behold visually and feels good while in it, it might not be something for everyone.
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.
While Assassin's Creed Rogue isn't the technical mess Unity seems to be, it's an uninspired title that seems to check the box of "get a last gen title out the door". There are some good elements here, but nothing that actually innovates or pushes forward. The game is a decent Creed game, and another great pirate game, but it's ultimately just more of the same.
The game shows off some truly cool concepts, and offers Oculus Rift support for those that want to see how the minimal UI and experience change, but at it's core is a good game hamstrung by a few lacking areas.
The Sims 4 is an enjoyable life simulator, and looking beyond its omissions is a fantastic game that keeps you entertained, for a bit. Ultimately The Sims 4 showed much initial promise, but the inclusions do not outweigh the omissions in this game, and the total package leaves us wanting.
Overall Crimes and Punishments serves as a deliberate, well put together mystery game. It serves as a great change of pace from the shooters and action fodder out there now and that will undoubtedly follow in the coming months. Unfortunately, lack of a cohesive story, feeling of being on a set, and the overall vapid nature of those sets lead the game to a somewhat boring end.
There are some genuinely great things about the racing action, the beautiful environments, and the vehicles are incredible looking, but overall the physics bugs and frustrations outweigh the adrenaline and elation of winning.
Deadlight Director's Cut packs a good game in a shinier package – a solid platforming survival (not zombie slaughter) game that emphasizes staying alive and moving quickly while taking the high ground that now has refined visuals and controls. Overall it's a good package and certainly the best way to experience Deadlight but those looking for a ton of value packed or incredible voice acting might be left a little disappointed. In the end, it's a good game, great experience, and we can't wait to see what Tequila Works brings us next.
Far Harbor is Bethesda doing what they do well, extending the longevity of the product and prolonging the players want and need to explore more and more. I finished most of Far Harbor, but it’ll be weeks, if not months before I can say I’ve seen everything. The creepy atmosphere, new designs for everything from weapons to characters and buildings really make this DLC feel different. While there’s a hiccup in the action with the hacking/data theft section, it’s not a dealbreaker.
Shadwen is value-packed game that has a few hours of content in a more than reasonably priced package. The mechanics of rope swinging, grappling and zipping up, as well as chaining together the perfect kills while never being discovered or rarely touching the ground are entirely rewarding.
Fallout 4’s first DLC Automatron sets a good precedent for content coming out of Bethesda to support the game. There’s plenty here to not only explore once, but also to build multiple robots to take on adventures through the wasteland. If you’ve done literally everything else on the map, it might not keep you going for long, but for everyone else you’ve got a fleshed out and thorough reason to jump back in.
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition is just that, the best way to play Gears of War. Although there were a few hiccups and muddy textures, the overall experience brings back a good amount of feel-goods and memories. Some may forget that Gears isn’t just a muscle-bound third-person shooter, instead finding influences in horror, suspense, and thriller and mixing themes to great effect. Alongside obvious visual improvements and additional chapters from the original PC release, the Ultimate Edition the game gets performance and menu additions that will be welcomed by the PC crowd like benchmarking, and Windows 10 Game DVR functionality. Ultimately, if this is your first Gears of War experience, or you just want to remember what a great beginning to end game feels like, this is the way to play Gears of War.