inFamous First Light is a great addition to the franchise and I for one hope that we see more of Fetch because she's definitely one of the most interesting and likeable characters of year. The story of this DLC works well, even though it does jump around and the gameplay is just as flawless from inFamous Second Son that not only looks amazing on the PS4 but sounds phenomenal.
Kill Zone Shadow Fall is a very enjoyable first person shooter on the PlayStation 4 that really showcases the power of this next-gen console with some fun gameplay tweaks. Graphically, it's one of the best games on this console at the moment and features a very strong single player and online experience. I love the inclusion of OWL into the gameplay, especially with the new DualShock 4 Controller. Sure, there are a few inconsistencies here and there which also includes some very difficult places in the game but overall, it's a must have game for first person shooter fans!
Compared to the PS3 and Xbox 360 release, FIFA on the PlayStation 4 is a whole new ball game and even though EA have tweaked some of the gameplay modes, it is for the better and this version is definitely superior in terms of gameplay, controls and graphics.
Diablo III Reaper of Souls boasts great graphics, sturdy gameplay and a very interesting story that will have both veterans and newcomers of Diablo III entertained and busy for months to come. With the possibility of reaching level 70 and the inclusion of fixes, tweaks and a new character, I for one cannot wait to get back into this game again because it's been far too long between drinks.
The Vanishing Ethan Carter is definitely the must play game of the year that successfully creates a gripping and engaging tale without an ounce of input from the game itself. All the clues are right in front of the player and thus it's up to you to put back together this amazing jigsaw puzzle about a young boy and his dark family with some of the best graphics you'll witness on the PC. More importantly, the game definitely deserves another play through due to the cleverly written puzzles and wondrous links to the Carter family.
Titanfall is definitely a breath of fresh air when it comes to playing online multiplayer and although the story is largely absent in the game, the gaming mechanics really helps in creating a very sturdy gaming experience. Developers Respawn Entertainment should be commended in successfully merging a traditional first person shooter experience with Mechs, especially with the flawless gameplay.
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!
If you're a fan of strategy games and own a PlayStation 4 then you should check out Nobunaga's Ambition Sphere of Influence because it successfully creates a PC strategy experience on this console. Sure, the DualShock Controller will never replace a mouse but the developers have fine-tuned the mechanics to create a very compelling game that is not only easy to manage, both on a micro and macro level but it's quite a good looking game as well.
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.
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.
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.
Gravity Rush 2 is a fun game on the PlayStation 4 that offers players quite a diverse gaming platform/adventure title with plenty of things to do. I really enjoyed the stylised graphics that when matched with the special effects, audio and storyline, it created this quite immersive story from start to finish with fun characters. Sure, some of the control mechanics created a touch of controller rage but for the majority, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Sure, this is not a new game but Rayman Legends is a truly fun game on the Nintendo Switch that is definitely a must have title if you love arcade games, particularly of this calibre. Lastly, the level design is brilliant and the developers successfully take a 2D game and turn it into something very special on this new portable console that not only pays homage to the platformers of yesteryear but creates a very compelling modern game for the 21st century.
Initially I thought Gears 5 was just another Gears of War game, however the developers have upped the ante by focusing on a new protagonist but ensuring that the old guard are still around. The gameplay while familiar has been tweaked and the level design is easily one of the best created worlds on a console, especially seeing it on 4K on the Xbox One X. So if you're a fan of the Gears of War franchise, Gears 5 takes that love to a whole new level and then multiplies it!
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a must have arcade game on the new Xbox Series X that delivers a next-gen gaming experience that looks and plays magnificently!
If you have never played Ghosts of Tshuima before, the Director's Cut is a must have and play game due to its carefully crafted story with exceptional gameplay mechanics, graphics and audio. While I would not call it a true next-gen experience, it is very close and Sucker Punch should be commended on creating such an engaging world with its rich visuals that are led by a very interesting protagonist. The world also fees quite organic opposed to a static closed-world which makes exploring such as a treat. Lastly, Jin is a great protagonist who has secrets and a path of redemption ahead of him. If you own the previous game, you can purchase an 'upgrade' to the Director's Cut that is value for money if you loved the original as it adds to the legacy of Jin and tweaks some of the inconsistencies from the original.
Ghostwire: Tokyo on the Xbox Series X successfully creates an interactive Japanese horror movie on this next-gen console that is filled with scares and enjoyable gaming moments. Best of all, this version has all the latest updates and improvements that really fine-tunes this gaming experience.
Let's Sing 2023 and the Eurovision Song Pack DLC celebrate the diversity of music around the globe and while the gameplay is reminiscent of previous instalments, it's hard to better something that is already good. All in all, Let's Sing 2023 is a sturdy interactive karaoke experience that now embraces Eurovision. Imagine a full-on Let's Sing Eurovision game but in all seriousness, this game is for the lovers of karaoke!
Xenoblade Chronicles is a game that ticks all the right boxes
It's great that developers Slightly Mad Studios have moved away from the more modern approach of racing games that include gaining experience points to unlock new aspects of the game. Rather, they give the player a more holistic and realistic race experience by throwing everything at you.