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.
Battlefield Hardline takes the franchise to a totally new level with the inclusion of "cops" and "robbers" that is pure fun!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tango Gameworks have successfully ticked all the right boxes when it comes to the survival-horror genre and the game is beautifully presented on the PlayStation 4 from its exceptional opening sequence to the twisted and sometimes sickening story of Detective Sebastian Castellanos. The relationship that you form with the game is one of love and hate that I could happily recommend to any gamers that want a true challenge on the PlayStation 4.
Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy aims high and hits the target perfectly by delivering a thoroughly enjoyable single-player action RPG as you control Star Lord and his his motley alien crew while kicking a** along the way.
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.
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!
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!
Even though the episode is quite short, it's quite a powerful release from Telltale Games as you attempt to make the right decisions which you hope will have the least resistance in the future for the Forresters but even the best laid plans of mice and men do go awry. With that said, there's some action scenes in this episode for Garred Tuttle that has a huge consequence for this ex-squire as this series goes into overdrive. All in all, another hit from Telltale Games, especially if you're a fan of HBO's Game of Thrones!
In conclusion, Wolfenstein The New Order may not reach the heights of the original game but it does give gamers an old school first person shooter experience that works on many levels. The upgrade system of your character is a little limited and it would have been good if developers MachineGames fleshed this out some more but it's still worth investigating. Nonetheless if you want to play a first person shooter that doesn't take itself too seriously but still delivers a fun gaming experience than Wolfenstein The New Order is that title.
DC's Justice League Cosmic Chaos is a game that younger gamers will enjoy, even geeky pop culture fans like myself. You can tell that the developers have an affinity of DC Comics, particularly with all the Easter Eggs and weird subtle references that are littered through Happy Harbor. All in all, a sturdy gaming engine with strong controls and well-crafted story featuring the amusing Mxyzptlk and three of the Justice League's most powerful heroes, Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman. It's just a shame that there is no campaign co-op but nonetheless, it works well as a single-player game.
In the end Gigantosaurus Dino Kart ticks all the right boxes for a game aimed at younger players. Not only is it well presented but it plays quite well on the Xbox Series X and more importantly is a great local multiplayer experience.
Princess Peach Showtime is a nice break away from our favourite plumber and his brother and while I enjoyed this as an older gamer, it definitely does have a more younger gamer appeal. Even so, it's quite a clever premise and if you're looking for something a little different, check out the demo via the Nintendo store and if you like it, Princess Peach Showtime might be the fun you're looking for.
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!
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.
Within the Blade on the PS5 takes a classic arcade sidescroller and morphs in into something slightly modern from RPG to crafting (over 200 items) and old school combat mechanics, including a plethora of different weapons plus clever stealth mechanics. Like the games of yesteryear, you'll be overjoyed at times and totally annoyed when you continue dying so expect some controller rage … especially if you play it in permadeath mode.
Kao the Kangaroo is a fun jump through memory lane that delivers an enjoyable (albeit slightly repetative) experience in classic arcade 3D platforming fashion. However the character, graphics and worlds lends itself