Dirt 5 is a well-made racing experience that looks and runs like a dream on the new next-gen console, the Xbox Series X! So what are you waiting for? Get your motor running!
PGA Tour 2K21 is almost a hole in one on the PlayStation 4 and is definitely one of the best golfing games in years! Kudos to the developers and 2K for creating something fun, addictive and quite memorable!
The Last of Us Part II is finally here and if you're a fan of the original, the next chapter of the game is even more moving and riveting. For newcomers, it will make you want to play the original and best of all, there is a remastered version available. The Last of Us Part II is also quite a well-crafted game from start to finish and whether its the perfect graphics, the clever world-building elements or the moving and powerful narrative, it all comes together and really makes you invested in the next chapter of Ellie.
Minecraft Dungeons is the perfect distraction and while it doesn't offer much in terms of originality, it's an enjoyable block… err… hack 'n slash game set the wonderful backdrop of Minecraft in this family friendly version of Diablo with good gameplay, graphics and audio to help get you lost in pure entertainment. It's also a game that is played better with friends so if you need some mindless entertainment, check out Minecraft Dungeons!
Wow… Red Dead Redemption 2 lives up to everything and more with what Rockstar Games have promised.
The World Ends with You: Final Remix on the Nintendo Switch is an interesting game and although I had fun playing it, the title did feel a little dated when compared to other titles on this console. Personally, I would have fine-tuned the combat a little better on the Nintendo Switch and I know that the developers were being innovative but the touch screen and the Joy-Con felt a little limited into what you can and can't achieve. Nonetheless, The World Ends with You: Final Remix is an interesting yet enjoyable JRPG experience on this console, although a little lacking.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider delivers and it does it with perfection. It's one of those games that successfully borders on an interactive film experience that really makes you feel like you are part of something big. The narrative goes hand in hand with the gameplay and when added to the gorgeous element of 4K, Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a real treat to play and although I've finished the game, I'm eager to return and complete those challenges and of course find those hidden artifacts.
In conclusion, Origins successfully adds to the franchise of Assassin's Creed by delivering something fresh yet similar. It plays like a treat on the Xbox One X and thanks to the 4K graphics is easily one of the most immersive titles as you explore Ancient Egypt and its connecting lands.
Mass Effect Andromeda is a little rough around the edges but still provides fans of this series or newcomers an immersive experience in another part of this universe. There’s some good storytelling and world building with interesting gameplay mechanics to help keep you invested. I like my protagonist of Sara Ryder and even though she’s no Commander Shepherd, we did have a connection and I look forward to visiting this universe time and time again. Sure, the graphics can cause some issues at times and as mentioned, hopefully these will be resolved in the future but overall, Mass Effect Andromeda ticks all the right boxes when it comes to space exploration as it channels its persona from science fiction. Sure, there is still grinding involved as you ‘level-up’ your character but if you make the investment, Mass Effect Andromeda delivers on most levels.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the best Zelda games to date and it’s also the perfect game for the Nintendo Switch due to its portability. It’s a very well-crafted game with some wonderful gaming mechanics and nothing feels contrived or limited but rather, it creates a very engaging open-world experience and one that feels real on so many levels. So if you’re looking for a reason to buy a Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is almost the only reason you need. As I’ve kept spoilers to a bare minimum, the only other advice I would give is that do not rush playing this game, explore every area because it will make the experience a much more powerful one. Sure, some gamers have finished this title in a handful of hours but like any good relationship, give it plenty of time!
Final Fantasy XV is a fantastic new direction for the series that positively creates an interactive and detailed world for players to explore with a fun bromance in the background. As highlighted by the developers, it's both a game for fans and first-timers and although the traditional mechanics have been tweaked, especially when it comes to combat, it still feels like a Final Fantasy game but more importantly a Final Fantasy game for next-gen consoles.
After the relatively disappointing launch titles for the PlayStation VR, there are a few games that will make you appreciate this new medium and thankfully one of those games is Eagle Flight. In the end, it successfully creates one of the best immersive experiences with its sturdy controls and beautiful graphics plus enjoyable gameplay. Recommended!
Call of Duty Infinite Warfare is another first person shooter in this overcrowded market but what it offers is one of the most unique experiences of this genre in 2016 which includes exceptional gameplay, a fantastic story and truly riveting multiplayer. It’s definitely my favourite Call of Duty to date and Infinity Ward hasn’t pulled any punches when it came to the creation of this game. At times, the single-player is quite emotional and even bittersweet to an extent but where it excels is through its powerful narrative, direction and excellent cast. So once you’ve finished the excellent single-player campaign, you’ve got hours upon hours of multiplayer fun left to take you well into 2017.
No Man's Sky is not only a marvel but also a disappointment in some respects. Nonetheless, it's a very ambitious and powerful title with quite a bit of grinding thrown into the mix.
Compared to the previous game, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is an almost flawless experience on the PlayStation 4. Sure, there are a few clunky control dynamics such as interacting with the environment but overall Naughty Dog should be commended for putting together such a well-made game from start to finish. It's emotional, it's powerful but more importantly, it's probably going to be the most memorable game of the series with a theme of redemption and forgiveness!
Fallout 4 is a big game and I mean a BIG game on the XBox One which means don't expect to knock this game over in just a couple of sittings or over the weekend because you could easily spend in access of 100 hours playing and exploring this game, particularly with the ability to craft items and even your base.
I really enjoyed Rise of the Tomb Raider on the XBox One, however my biggest concern about the game is that it feels a little similar to the previous game. This is not to say that the game is bad but on the contrary, it's quite good, however things felt the same like the villain, locations and gameplay.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate is a fun journey into Victorian London that boasts some likeable characters set in the turbulent world of the Assassin's and the Templars. The developers also give players two very likeable protagonists who both seem quite down to Earth and generally want the best for their city. Add in a climatic boss battle and Syndicate is definitely the game to come back to if you thought the previous game had its flaws. Overall, Assassin's Creed Syndicate hits the mark and gives the player a great story from start to finish.
I really enjoyed re-visiting this franchise again and even though the first game is starting to look a little dated, the other two sequels are far superior and not only play but look great on the PlayStation 4. Add in professional voice acting and a killer soundtrack and Uncharted the Nathan Drake is great value for money that allows gamers to experience the franchise again or for newcomers to see what all the fuss was about.
Avalanche Software and Disney have done it again and successfully incorporated the Star Wars universe into the Disney Infinity franchise. The gameplay has been tweaked and the graphics look more detailed with only a few graphical glitches here and there. Whereas Disney Infinity 2.0 was best played with another player, Disney Infinity 3.0 features a very strong playset that can be played solo or with others. It is a well written story and with the revamped gameplay, it will easily draw you into this colourful universe. Sure, there are a couple of mundane tasks like getting from A to B or those sometimes mediocre vehicle events but overall, this is Star Wars and succeeds at paying homage to the wondrous imagination of its creator, George Lucas.