James Wright (Impulsegamer)
In the end, The Witcher 3 Blood and Wine is a worthy addition to this franchise that once again makes you appreciate what an amazing game CD Projekt has created. Unlike many games that feature a static world or those that use smoke and mirrors, The Witcher 3 is quite dynamic and it feels like a living breathing universe and Blood and Wine really expands on this.
At times Overwatch does feel like an old school multiplayer shooter but Blizzard has a knack of taking something classic and making it better. The gameplay is fun, the characters are diverse and really make you think, especially when their your enemy!
In the end, Doom is a worthy successor to the original and although there was mixed reviews of Doom 3 way back in 2004, id Software should be praised on not only paying homage to the original but successfully rebooting the franchise on high-end consoles and of course the PC. Sure, it's a little old school at times but that was also the beauty of the original and if you're looking for a fast paced first person shooter than Doom is the game for you. Even though the game is quite linear, there's plenty of secrets to be found which definitely gives you incentive to either explore all the levels totally or play the game again, so Knights of Hell beware!
In conclusion, King’s Quest Once Upon a Climb is an endearing story about King Graham’s search for love in this wondrous fairy tale inspired world that I’m sure Roberta Williams and the old gang at Sierra would definitely give their blessings. Compared to the previous chapters, I found this current instalment a little on the easier side but thankfully the narrative held me quite captivated from start to finish and I’m really eager to see how this modern incarnation of King’s Quest plays out.
Star Fox Zero is a fun game on the Wii U not only offers some entertaining gameplay but some immersive level design matched with first class graphics and audio. Sure it's a little dated here and there but overall, Platinum Games should be commended on bringing this game to the 21st century.
Given the digital price of Star Fox Guard, it’s an okay casual game but it doesn’t have too much depth or replay value once you have completed. It’s fun at the time, yet ultimately forgettable and the links to the Star Fox universe are tentative at best. Nonetheless, it’s a clever twist of a mobile tower defence game that successfully uses the GamePad and your TV to transform you into a “Star Fox” security guard for Slippy Toad’s uncle!
Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is a sturdy sporting title for the Nintendo 3DS that boasts some decent graphics, fun sound effects that would be expect to hear in Brazil plus some carefully designed sporting games that work on most levels. Sure, it does become a little tedious here and there but for the most part, it's a fun game to play from short to long bursts of gaming that also gives you enough incentives to come back for more.
StarCraft 2 Nova Covert Ops Mission Pack is a fun albeit short StarCraft experience but Blizzard really set the foundation for things to come and I can’t wait to see it play out. With around 2 hours of gameplay, maybe a bit more if you pace yourself, Nova Covert Ops is definitely a must have add-on for all fans of StarCraft 2.
Screencheat harkens back to those days of yesteryear where you could "spy" on people's screens during LAN gaming which is where this title succeeds on the XBox One!
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is another enjoyable instalment of this franchise that both plays, looks and sounds great on the PlayStation 4. If you're looking for a fun fighter which doesn't take itself too seriously or has complex controls, then you really should check out Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 as it's a very solid fighter!
If you enjoyed Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China and hankering for more of the same, then India definitely delivers on that level and if you missed the previous game but enjoy some classic platforming with a next-gen twist, this is definitely a title you should check out. The gameplay is sturdy, the graphics mirror painted art and audio create an enjoyable adventure (albeit short) through another part of the Assassin's Creed franchise. In terms of replay value and once you've completed the main game, the title does give the player more challenging modes to complete the game again and fine-tune your assassin skills.
Although King's Quest Chapter 2 – Rubble Without A Cause is lacking the wonder of the first episode, it did have some nice moments such as old King Graham and his grandchildren plus some very nice graphics as he explores the labyrinth of the Goblins. I'm really looking forward to see how the next episode pans out, particularly with the character development of Graham.
Damn you Telltale Games and damn you George R. R. Martin because even though this series is quite an emotional ride, you've really made me invested in these characters and when one of them dies, I feel responsible and I guess that's where you succeeded in The Ice Dragon. With a Season 2 already being mentioned by Telltale, let's hope we get some more victories and that our choices have a much more bigger impact on the storyline because I did feel a little let down with the season finale but even so, I still had quite the time!
At the end of the day, Star Wars Battlefront is a great visit into this universe that heavily focuses on multiplayer and succeeds on this level. However with such a flawless gaming engine, it's also a shame that the game does feature a way to enjoy this title as a solo-player with a strong story and an adventure of your own. Nonetheless, it's still a great multiplayer experience on quite a few levels with some excellent level design, graphics and gameplay.
StarCraft II Legacy of the Void is a fitting way to end the trilogy that boasts some exceptional RTS gameplay with some beautiful storytelling thrown into the mix. If you're a fan of the series, then I'm sure you'll be purchasing this StarCraft game but for newcomers, Blizzard have also welcomed them and will give you enough support to draw you into the world competitive RTS.
WWE 2K16 boasts an insane roster with fine-tuned gaming mechanics that makes this one of the best games in the franchise. If you're looking for your wrestling fix, then WWE 2K15 is that game
In the end, Just Dance 2016 is a really fun party game on the PlayStation 4 that creates your own nightclub or disco experience in the comfort of your own lounge room. Sure, the gameplay isn't 100% accurate but deep down, Just Dance 2016 is a fun music experience that is filled with strange and sometimes awkward dancing that is ideal for two or more people.
Given the lack of rally games on the PlayStation 4, WRC 5 definitely fills this gap but is hampered by its dated appearance on this next-gen console. This is not to say that WRC 5 is a bad game but when compared to other titles of this genre, it's definitely on the other end of the spectrum.
In the end, The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt Hearts of Stone is a fun DLC for this series that gives the player a much more grounded approach to our hero Geralt but with all the great elements of the main game that we all love and at times hate. Yes, the graphics do glitch here and there but the story, characterisation and combat is what makes Witcher so entertaining and Hearts of Stone is no exception to that rule.
If you have a heart condition or easily have bouts of rage, then you might want to get your gaming enjoyment elsewhere because Penarium can be very tough. Even so, Penarium is a very well designed game that successfully ticks all the right boxes for an enjoyable arcade experience with lots of twists and turns for the player to successfully immerse you into this crazy psycho circus.