Max Parker's Reviews
It has all the trappings of a triple-A game at first glance, but it doesn't quite manage to distinguish itself from the rest of the series. This is especially apparent when compared to its predecessor that took the series in drastic new directions. In an overcrowded fall season that is packed with $60 games, "Shadow of the Tomb Raider" needed to do more.
"Splatoon 2" is entirely held together by its premise and gameplay. It's charming. It's different. It works and it's fun. But once a closer look is taken at the limitations of the different modes, an embarrassingly outdated set of online features and lack of onboard voice chat that those bright colors start to fade. "Splatoon 2" has the potential to be one of the best games of the year, but Nintendo needs to start taking notes on how modern game makers create an experience for a competitive scene.
As far as the driving goes, it’s hard to find a game that is more finely tuned than “Forza Horizon 3,” but a racing game needs to be more than just the racing in 2016. Just because it’s huge and the map is littered with things to do doesn’t make it a meaningful experience for the player. Those things to do need to be enjoyable. “Forza Horizon 3” needs more variety for both solo players and multiplayer modes. There’s plenty to see in this game, but like any vacation, sightseeing gets old after a while.
“No Man’s Sky” is a modern marvel in game development. There has never been anything close to a game of this size or scope. But size doesn’t always translate to enjoyment. The game is about exploration and exploration alone. There’s no drama or story-driven hook to keep players wanting to turn the next page. There’s enough game here to keep players engaged for multiple lifetimes. How long they will stay with it will depend on the patience of the player. The game’s reach and beauty can only take players so far.
“EA UFC 2” is an improvement on its predecessor. The next chapter needs to go the distance.
"Until Dawn's" overall experience is inconsistent. The production values are impressive, but too seldom did it rely on atmosphere and score to build its tension and regressed into predictable jump scare tactics. And as a game that bills itself as one of near endless possibilities, the choice system doesn't change much of the story. It fills the horror spot in the PS4's library that has since been vacant, but a better thriller is bound to take it's place soon.
The above example sums up "Fallout 4" in a nutshell. Its changes and additions can hardly be categorized as improvements from a standpoint of player experience. The game doesn't look, sound or play particularly better than earlier games in the series. Fans of the series will enjoy touring the wasteland because "Fallout 4" feels familiar, but it doesn't have the meaningful change that is to be expected when a series debuts on a new generation of console.
"Second Son" has all the appearances of a next-gen game, but its gameplay and stunted karma system appear dated. Delsin is a more sympathetic character than Cole, but the simple choices he's faced with fail to further develop his character. This game has a gorgeous exterior, but that shimmer fades when digging deeper.
Therein lies "Mario Kart 8's" dilemma. The Wii U has the tools to make this a standout game in the series, but instead it's just a pretty look at more of the same. It's still all about racing friends in a chaotic battle for first place. That old form of fun is present, but this latest edition fails to drive the series forward with meaningful change.
FIFA 21 is an often great football game packed with content and modes. The few gameplay tweaks that are here make for a better overall experience and keeping Volta around adds some variety. Sadly, the redesign of career mode focuses on the wrong features and feels like a wannabe Football Manager without any of the depth.
A welcome refresh of the UI, more visually pleasing training and tactics menus, and all the addictive depth you'd expect from an entry in the Football Manager series.
Episode one can be a slow burn at times, but it sets the tone for the rest of the series nicely. While not a continuation of its predecessor in any way, it stays true to the series while adding enough to make the formula feel engaging to the player. I'm looking forward to seeing where the new series goes.
Football Manager 2018 is a great game, but that's mostly down to the sheer depth of the series on offer from previous years. A few new features here are fun as ideas, but I'd like them to have a more meaningful impact in-game.
It's difficult not to recommend "Mega Man Legacy Collection 2," but it's just doesn't quite reach the nostalgic overload of its predecessor.
"Yooka-Laylee" accomplishes what it sets out to do. It reminds players what was so appealing about collectathons at the height of their popularity. Even if it overstay its welcome toward the end, it's mostly a joyful journey through a long forgotten genre.
It’s hard not to compare “Rise of Iron” to “The Taken King.” “The Taken King” was “Destiny’s” finest and most robust expansion. Even at its $40 asking price, it seemed like it was just shy of achieving full sequel status rather than an expansion. “Rise of Iron” doesn’t quite reach those heights, but it’s still better than other expansions like “House of Wolves” and “The Dark Below.” Bungie has learned from its experience. “Rise of Iron” mostly adds more of what “Destiny” players want. Year Two of “Destiny has been a huge success for players who want the game to head in the right direction. If this is indeed the final expansion, expectations will be high for “Destiny 2.”
FIFA 17 is another strong entry in the iconic series, and one that looks to lay the groundwork for future titles by switching to a new engine. The hyper-realistic graphics are great, with facial expressions finally helping players look more than mannequins.
Football Manager 2016 is far from the most revolutionary entry in the series, but it's still an addictive game that'll have you signing away the next few months of your life.
Like "Street Fighter IV" before it, "SFV" will be an ever changing game over the next couple years thanks to downloadable updates, new fighters and added functionality. The core fighting mechanics of the game are an excellent base to start from, but "SFV" could use some additional features to elevate it to the current crop of fighting games.
In its current form, "The Division" is an impressive newcomer in the shoot-and-loot genre, but success in the genre is defined by more than just first impressions. Games with no end need regular support from developers that adds new missions, gear and areas to explore. It's too early to tell how "The Division" will evolve in the coming months and years, but the current offering is an excellent starting point.