Knack is definitely a walk down memory lane and ironically the old school gaming mechanics used by Japan Studio work quite well on the PS4. However for a next-gen title, there is something lacking in the game and although the graphics do look nice, I was expecting a little more "wow" when it comes to the graphical abilities of this next-gen console, including some whacky new gameplay modes. However even though Knack didn't deliver on these two categories, there is something uniquely refreshing about this game that is quite addictive and very enjoyable, provided you don't get caught in a bout of controller rage.
LEGO The Hobbit is a fun game with a sturdy gaming engine but it definitely doesn't give this genre anything new. It features some fun cutscenes and follows the first two movies closely and hopefully once the final film has been released, we'll see some additional DLC. So yes, LEGO The Hobbit may not be the greatest game due to its repetition but the humour in the game is really first class and you cannot help but smile and laugh when the silliness begins!
Life is Strange Episode 2 once again successfully ticks all the right boxes and creates a very interesting game driven by player choice and repercussions.
Given the price point of this DLC, it's definitely worth the admission cost, particularly if you enjoyed the base game. So all in all Kao the Kangaroo Bend the Roo'les DLC is fun a hop back to this gaming universe with our Macropodidae hero that looks and plays well on the Xbox Series X.
Even with the controller rage at times, I still enjoyed After Us and it's easily one of the most original games of 2023. It's emotional, engaging and more importantly plays well on the PlayStation 5 with the DualSense controller. Sure it's a platformer, however with the strong narrative behind it, After Us is not just a game but also an experience… just be warned it comes with a healthy dose of gaming frustration.
In conclusion, High on Life is an enjoyable yet silly first person shooter that works on most levels. While the humour sometimes misses he target, for the most part it is quite a witty and humouress story with interesting protagonists and antagonists to be found along the way as you explore this immersive alien shooter. Definitely a game for those looking for something unique yet different in the first person shooter genre.
It's bigger, bolder and Goat Simulator is truly weird @#$… but it's probably the most original game of the year and really fun to play!
Somerville is a true "short and sweet" gaming experience that really throws a spanner into traditional storytelling and gaming.
It's pinball… it's Indiana Jones and not only does it look great but plays well with some exceptional sounds and music. While it may become repetitive for some gamers, purists will enjoy the journey down memory lane that on a large screen TV almost recreates that authentic experience.
The Crysis Remastered Trilogy is not just for purists but is a series that can now be played perfectly on the PlayStation 5 for anyone. Unlike some of the more recent "remastered" games, The Crysis Remastered Trilogy is a true remastered experience that delivers an almost next-gen experience with some stunning graphical improvements.
The Medium boasts an engaging narrative plus clever gaming dynamics and while it starts slow, the ending builds to an impressive crescendo of unexpected surprises. So if you like to be surprised, don't keep reading the reviews or watching Youtube videos because this is one game that must be experienced without coming in with any prior knowledge as you twist your way through of both the land of the living and… the dead!
A Tetris game as a next-gen release title? Crazy huh? But no, Tetris Effect Connected is definitely the dark horse of the pack and is a game that you'll be playing long after you've finished the current years blockbusters of the year.
If you're a fan of ESO, then the Elder Scrolls Online: Greymoor chapter will add a much needed area into this vast world that boasts some graphically impressive places that really makes you wonder at the marvel of Skyrim. While the main story is quite cliched, including the villain, there's still plenty to find, fight and do along the way with engaging NPC's, clever enemies and more exploration then you can poke a sword at. Furthermore, the main game may take you around 15 hours to complete but if you invest in additional exploration, you could easily double this time and then some!
Kirby Star Allies is Nintendo at its best as HAL Laboratories create a truly enjoyable side-scrolling platformer which takes a classic gaming premise and transforms it into something enjoyable for old and new gamers alike that takes the genre to a new level. The controls work extremely well on this console and although single-player works well, Kirby Star Allies is far more entertaining with other players.
Super Lucky's Tale is the first platformer on the Xbox One X that gives players an honest arcade experience with a fun protagonist, decent mechanics and truly impressive 4K graphics.
StarCraft Remastered is a true test of time and although the original still works well today, the remastered version is a fun experience. Sure, it's a little clunky here and there but Blizzard have really brought the game into the 21st century, especially with its revamped graphics that look glorious, not to mention multiplayer updates. All in all, it's a fun trip down memory lane that just highlights the memories again and for those who have never played it before, it will allow them to experience what all the Terran, Zerg and Protoss fuss was all about.
The gaming spirit behind Snipperclips: Cut It Out, Together! is the engagement factor behind its simplistic yet clever gaming mechanics that draws you into this crazy little world. It's also a game that can be played with up to four people, however the perfect number is two as you both work together (and sometimes against each other) in order to achieve the desired outcomes.
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!
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!
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.