In conclusion Ride is good motorbike experience on the PlayStation 4 with some better than average gameplay, decent controls and some enjoyable racing. Graphically, it is a good looking game on the PS4 but some tracks do lack finesse but overall, the bikes handle well and Ride will definitely find a place amongst the hearts of virtual motorbike riders from around the world.
Toukiden Kiwami is a fun game on the PlayStation 4 with some great gameplay that really sets itself apart for what is available on the console at the moment with games like this. Sure it does have parallels to Monster Hunter but I feel that Toukiden Kiwami is a much more narrative focus game.
Even though Aaru's Awakening does suffer from control issues, there is actually a good game to be found, especially with the beautiful stylised graphics. The controls do get better as you play but it definitely needs to be fine-tuned but once you bypass the inconsistencies, the level design, puzzles and story does create a relatively enjoyable arcade experience.
Oscura: Lost Light is an interesting game that has some great graphics and splashes of colours thrown into the darkness. Unfortunately the game is let down by its control system which does make playing this title quite a frustrating experience, especially for the puzzles. This is a shame as well because Oscura: Lost Light is a great looking game on the PC and as a result, it becomes an average platformer on the PC.
The gaming mechanics of the title are quite fun and when mixed with these powerful vines that the player controls, it does create a sense of gaming wonder. Sure, it does lack replay value but if you want a few hours of escapism, this is definitely the answer!
Game of Thrones The Lost Lords Episode Two of Six is another brilliant addition to the franchise, however my biggest complaint about the game is the release time between episodes. In a perfect world, this game should be released weekly with the final episode being released a week before the official airing of the HBO TV series. The long wait is killing not just me but also other fans from around the world!
Forza Horizon 2 Storm Island is easily the best DLC of the year because of the amount of content jam packed into this release. However rather than sitting on their laurels, Playground Games have created new events and updated the graphics engine to create some spectacular weather effects and gameplay tweaks. Add in some difficult bucket list challenges, new online features and a new twist to racing thanks to the harshness of Storm Island and this DLC is definitely a must have additional to any Forza Horizon 2 fan.
Telltale's Game of Thrones Episode 1: Iron from Ice is another in-depth game of storytelling that successfully links to the TV series. By giving gamers access to the Forrester clan, it helps expand the Game of Thrones universe without impeding on the current story. Although it does suffer from some graphical issues and at times clunky gameplay, the powerful story and characters far outweighs these slight inconsistencies that leaves the density of the player in their hands of whether House Forrester will survive or perish!
Rocksmith 2014 Edition is definitely a more streamlined game on the PlayStation 4 that has been fine-tuned for this console. It's definitely faster and a more flawless experience than previous instalments and I love the fact that you can share your music experience with the world. It features a great tracklist and more importantly, you can access your previously owned DLC as you attempt to be the best damn guitar player possible. However patience is the key to success with Rocksmith!
Company of Heroes 2 Ardennes Assault is fun standalone campaign to this franchise that successfully recreates the battles of World War II and more importantly each time you replay the missions, they can all be finished in a myriad of ways that definitely increases the longevity of this title. Developers Relic should once again be applauded for creating one of the most realistic and emotional World War II real-time strategies to date that does not glorify but highlights the atrocities and how those men involved in the war went above and beyond their call of duty.
Shadow Warrior successfully takes the best out of the 90's and turns it into a very amusing first person shooter that thankfully doesn't take itself too seriously… remember those serious Doom remakes? This is not the case with Shadow Warrior as it gives the player pure fun in not just the overtly gory violence, one-liners and jokes but the entire gaming atmosphere that is put together with a very amusing storyline with very memorable protagonists from the classic 90's!
Koei have finally reached the 21st century with their Samurai Warriors and number 4 in the franchise successfully ticks all the right next-gen boxes. Sure, it can be played as a button smasher but if you want to flesh out the gameplay, there are some very impressive strategies involved, especially when you bring a friend on board. With beautiful cinemas, engaging graphics and fluid gameplay, Samurai Warriors 4 is definitely the must play game from this series.
Forza Horizon 2 gives unparalleled racing realism on the XBox One
The Last of Us Remastered Edition deserves another perfect score on the PlayStation 4 thanks to the collected DLC and improved graphics that I thought could not be possible due to how amazing it looked on the PS3. Nonetheless for fans and newcomers, they will enjoy the story of Joel and Ellie as they explore this decimated world and get lost in the untold chapter of Ellie plus the multiplayer fun of Abandoned Territories with its rich textures, colours and silky smooth graphics. Gaming doesn't get any better than this!
Child of Light is a beautifully created game that looks like some lost fairy tale come to life. The UbiArt Engine really enhances the gaming experience, especially the stylised character design and wondrous environments. For a game that appears to be a platformer, Child of Light is definitely not but rather creates an engaging minimalist RPG title. The skills available for your characters are interesting and it's great that it does not limit what your character has access to. The turn based mechanics are solid and I love how Igniculus has the ability to disrupt your enemies turns. Most gamers should be able to polish off this game in around 12 or so hours but if you fight every battle, this will take longer.
Metal Gear Solid V Ground Zeroes is a good game and it's great to see this franchise on both the next-gen consoles. Given the lack of substance in the main campaign, this may deter quite a few players but thankfully the price is a lot lower than most other games on this system. Given that, I'm a little mixed about this game because on one hand, it's Metal Gear Solid but on the other, it's a little clunky and very short, even if you complete all the side quests.
SteamWorld Dig is a much needed casual game for the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation Vita that features a very addictive and challenging gameplay. Even though the mechanics are simple, by "digging into" the title, pun intended, SteamWorld Dig allows players to explore a wonderful world of treasures and challenges that are hidden for the player to find. It's definitely one for the brain!