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.
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.
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.
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.
Battlefield Hardline takes the franchise to a totally new level with the inclusion of "cops" and "robbers" that is pure fun!
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.
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!
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.
The timing of Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection is perfect as Sony (kudos to their PR) are also releasing their live action adaption of Uncharted on 17-Feb-2022 which stars Tom Holland as Nathan Drake and Mark Wahlberg as Sully… and for a limited time, you can redeem a free ticket for the film if you submit your claim between 28-Jan to 4-Feb 2022. So before watching the movie, it's time to revisit these games again or for the first time on the PlayStation 5 as you get thrown into the action. And although multiplayer has been removed, this is still one of the best darn single-player games around!
Halo Infinite on the Xbox Series X is classic Halo fun that has received a true next-gen makeover that really upgrades our favourite Spartan, the Master Chief himself!
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.
Dragon Age: Inquisition definitely surpasses its predecessors in terms of its gaming mechanics that can be played by a variety of gamers of all levels. The third game in the series is easily one of the most polished RPG's on any system that boasts an engaging story, wonderful characters and flawless combat with your different classes. However where this game does shine is with its beautifully created open-world universe that although has some limitations, still gives the player an unparalleled amount of freedom as they attempt to stop this ancient evil from destroying the societal structures of Thedas!
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!
Starfield is a game that needs time and I do mean time. Without time, you cannot do the game justice due to the complex story pathways and exploration mechanics. While the game mechanics are sturdy, there are definitely parallels to Skyrim, however it's solely a sci-fi experience that fortunately works well with the Creation Engine that was used to build the Bethesda titles of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 76.
I really enjoyed the narrative and gameplay behind The Planet of Lana with Wishfully successfully drawing me into this wondrous yet dangerous alien world with its characters and story. As a result, you immediately relate to the young protagonist and equally heroic alien catlike creature who works in union with you to achieve your goals. Sure, there are some elements of frustration to be found along the way, particularly when you mistime a puzzle, become electrocuted by one of the invaders or fall to your death but thankfully respawn points are well placed and the only person to blame for these mistakes is you. So if you love thinking platformers with an equally beautiful story, then look no further because The Planet of Lana not only delivers but leaves you craving for more.
I could keep going on and on about this for ages… but I need to stop somewhere. With a strong starting point in terms of aircraft to use and the fact that you can fly to/from anywhere in the world plus regular updates and more content, I really can't recommend this enough to fans of flight! Visually stunning and a challenge if you want it to be, or a reasonably calm flight of fancy if you want that, Microsoft Flight Simulator Xbox Series X is a true accomplishment on this next-gen console and a game that you will continue coming back to, even years later that can be played as a enjoyable joy flight or a challenge as you attempt to land a passenger plane at night and with bad weather. But enough from me… I need to get back in the cockpit and enjoy the sights of the world (if we can't get out there in reality at the moment… this is arguably the next best thing!).
From the very first level to the very last, Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart is a true gaming treat that I thoroughly enjoyed and it was like being a Rollercoaster ride between dimensions. It delivered an almost flawless gaming experience that boasts next-gen visuals and mechanics plus an over the top and light-hearted story with two equally entertaining and engaging protagonists, Ratchet and Rivet. So if you're looking for that true next-gen exclusive on the PlayStation 5, Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart is indeed that game that makes it my first must play title of 2021.
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is indeed the must have title for the PlayStation 5 that successfully brings this character to life on this next-gen console with some stunning graphics and flawless gameplay. Just like a comic but better as you're the star!
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.
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.