The Flame in the Flood is a beautiful game on the PlayStation 4 that puts the player in control a very likeable protagonist and her dog. The gameplay is not only challenging but also rewarding, particularly when you overcome an obstacle that has caused you grief. Add in some very gorgeous graphics, a soothing soundtrack and all in all, The Flame in the Flood is not only a very original game but quite enjoyable for this rogue-like survival experience.
Werewolves Within is a very clever game that successfully turns a real-world party game into the virtual sphere that works on all levels. It’s quite clever and one really enjoyable VR experience on the PlayStation VR but its premise may get a little repetitive!
Although I've been critical of the gameplay of The Last Guardian, it's actually quite a beautiful title on the PlayStation 4 with a very moving story. So if you can forgive the technical issues of the game and if you enjoyed Ico or Shadow of the Colossus, it's still an interesting experience that is a thoroughly enjoyable and emotional narrative on this console.
Super Mario Maker 3DS is a fun game on this console that offers some really fun gameplay and more importantly, the ability to create your own 2D arcade worlds with an intuitive creation system. However the downside of this title is the lack of sharing your creations with other players from the around the world and if this was included in Super Mario Maker 3DS, it would have been a fantastic game on this console. It’s still a fun game but is missing that final piece of the gaming puzzle!
Robinson the Journey takes you on an alien adventure in glorious VR, however is hampered by some graphical textures
Battlezone VR is a fun game on the PlayStation VR system which provides an enjoyable game that doesn’t throw too many challenges at the player. It does showcase the VR system and thankfully the controls work hand in hand with the gameplay and graphics to create this almost retro arcade tank game.
Although almost a mirror port with the original PlayStation 4 Hustle Kings, this current VR version does make the game more realistic so to speak but the fiddly controls unfortunately destroy that illusion. It’s a good try but once again, you cannot beat the real-life version of pool which is where I’m sticking for now!
Until Dawn Rush of Blood is one of the PlayStation VR highlights and successfully takes the tried and tested rail shooter and transforms it into an over the top game that almost makes it like you are there. Add in lots of collectibles to be found and some different paths the replay value is quite decent. Great graphics and controls, Until Dawn Rush of Blood is a must have VR game for your PlayStation VR!
RIGS Mechanized Combat League is a really fun game on the PlayStation VR that offers a very sturdy gaming engine set in the world of virtual reality. So whether you’re playing single-player or online, there’s plenty of enjoyment to be found in this title and all in all, it just works well. It’s also a great example of what the PlayStation VR is capable of but beware, some of us got a little ill while playing this title but nonetheless, it still was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, especially the multiplayer component!
In conclusion, Super Stardust Ultra VR transforms the previous game and gives the player a cockpit view that has been built especially for virtual reality. Although this mode does work, I did find the graphics a little dated and at times, a little jarring, especially the non-cockpit game modes. Nonetheless, it’s still an interesting and at times fun experience on the PlayStation VR but given the launch titles, it is on the weaker side but for under $30AUD (November 2016), it’s not bad!
I'm the end Assetto Corsa may lean more towards the professional virtual racer which offers some great features and tweaks available for the gamer who wants to maximise their realistic experience. I also commend the developers on creating such as engaging title but it does border a little on budget when compared to other games of this calibre but the cars look great and they handle how they should. The career mode is in-depth and the other modes are fun, especially the events and of course multiplayer which is where this title shined for me.
Here They Lie is a clever game for the PlayStation VR and its motion sickness does make wonder whether this game would be better suited for the PS4 Pro for faster framerates. The game’s momentum starts slow and every now and then the game will really make you jump which is where the developers have succeeded. However in terms of gameplay, it is a little light in its nature but the nonetheless is an interesting look into both the horror genre and into the psyche of the main character in this horror thriller.
Gears of Wars is back and new developers The Coalition not only pay homage to what came before but enhance the experience. Sure, the mechanics are almost identical to the previous games but with new executions, vehicles, defense building plus new enemies/weapons and you have everything you need for a great Gears of War 4 experience!
Pinball FX: Marvel’s Women of Power is a fun virtual pinball game that really celebrates the amazing female characters from this comic book universe, especially from the animation and sound effects. The graphics are great and the two pinball machines are well designed that are bursting with colours, special effects and some traditional gameplay as it helps emulate a real-world pinball machine. So if you’re a Marvel fan and enjoy pinball, check out Pinball FX: Marvel’s Women of Power that is now available on Xbox One.
Forza Horizon 3 is not just a racing game but it’s an experience and Playground Games have for now delivered the perfect car game for Xbox One and Windows 10 PC’s. It’s graphically amazing, boasts perfect in-game mechanics and overall, the single-player and multiplayer components work on all levels! Yes, it’s pretty much perfect with a great open-world illusion set in beautiful Australia and the only thing is missing, is that smell of rubber!
Bioshock the Collection is a great trip down memory lane and if you have never played these games before, it’s a must have title on the PlayStation 4 because of all the content. Best of all, the gameplay still works well today, including the graphics and outstanding audio. With interesting heroes, villains and characters that you encounter, this ‘remastered’ edition of the Bioshock series is worth having and hopefully this will inspire another Bioshock game in the near future.
Disney Art Academy is not a game perse but rather an interactive paint program for the Nintendo 3DS that uses the intuitive interface of this console in teaching the player a variety of techniques and different drawing tools. However as its based in the Disney and Pixar universe, this will grab younger fans who love the various franchises created by these companies. Thankfully it’s quite an easy to use program that will keep younger gamers coming back for me.
Starcraft II: Co-op Missions Abathur is not only affordably priced but offers players some great new tactics to employ in StarCraft Legacy of the Void as you get to control the ‘Evolution Master’ and send your foes running to the afterlife. It’s definitely a must have DLC for the core game!
In this world of harshness and realism, Kirby: Planet Robobot provides a much needed light on the gaming industry which highlights that games were made for fun which many developers have missed this point. With colourful graphics, a catchy soundtrack and enduring gameplay, Kirby: Planet Robobot has just the right amount of cute, challenge and enjoyment to absolutely make this one a very memorable game of 2016.
So if you’re looking for a challenge that is also a pretty darn good game, then check out the Hitman GO: VR Edition and get lost in the world of Agent 47 courtesy of virtual reality.