Even though Spelunker Party! can be almost be in the realm of controller rage, I actually enjoyed this journey back in time to a gaming world that was a lot more simpler with mechanics and where the blame falls on the player when you fail. It's definitely an addictive title on the Switch in both single-player and multiplayer but if you really want to get through the 100 or so levels, you really need to take this game online because it is tough… especially those bosses later on.
Cuphead is a crazy ride into the minds of Studio MDHR and if you're looking for something very diverse, check this out on the Xbox One because you'll be surprised at how addictive, frustrating and entertaining this game is. It takes the classic side-scrolling shooters of yesterday and transforms it into a game of today with some beautiful art and music inspired from a simpler time.
If you're a fan of racing, more importantly simulators, Project Cars 2 is the game for you. Sure, there's the Forza's and Gran Turismos but Project Cars 2 seems more grounded in ‘our' world with its realistic controls and amazing choice for the player in both cars, tracks and events.
Tacoma developer Fullbright should be commended on creating a very original game and given they were responsible for Gone Home, it's great to see them using this premise and adding another layer of complexity with some very clever story telling.
Splatoon 2 may not reach the same heights of the previous game in terms of originality, however it's still a worthy sequel that does enhance the overall experience of this franchise.
If you're looking to further your Diablo III experience or thinking of returning back to this universe as you take on the big bad and his minions, the Rise of the Necromancer add-on adds a fun twist, especially when it comes to the powers and abilities of the Necromancer. Even though I have finished the original game of Diablo III, including the add-ons on numerous occasions, I really enjoyed the ability of playing this new character and if you're looking for a reason to come back to this series, Rise of the Necromancer may be just what you're looking for!
DiRT 4 succeeds at taking the series to another new level which almost makes this one of the favourite ones I've played in the series. The gameplay mechanics work extremely well and I had no issues with the DualShock controller while I controlled these powerful off-road vehicles. Furthermore, there's a plethora of modes to play, heaps of cars and lots of different areas that make this title some excellent value for money. Lastly, it's not just as a rally game as the developers have added lots of fun modes and vehicles to help expand the gameplay. Then you have the daily and weekly challenges which just expand the scope of the game, including the ability of playing it in either two modes, gamer or simulation!
Disgaea 5 is an enjoyable game on the Nintendo Switch and is great value for money as you could literally be playing this game after the 100 hour mark and more. There's a ton of side quests and lots of customisation options to help with your characters in order for them become the masters on the battlefield. The combat system works well and more importantly, the control system is almost flawless on the Nintendo Switch.
In the end, Farpoint is an engaging game that although doesn't push the boundaries of what VR is capable of, it still delivers a fun yet ultimately short VR experience on the PlayStation 4. Overall, it's a fun premise with some really intense battles as you use the Aim Controller to take on an almost never ending hoard of aliens with an interesting yet cliched story as its backdrop.
Sure, the story in the single-player campaign is a little contrived at times but it's a great introduction to the game and more importantly the controls. Given that, the combat mechanics of For Honor is quite sturdy and can be very brutal at times, particularly in multiplayer but the amount of grinding and use of both in-game and real-world currency may deter some people.
Dragon Ball Fusions is a fun adventure in this popular franchise that gives players a new adventure to embark on with lots of cameos, fun storytelling and good (although repetitive) combat mechanics. Sure, there’s a bit of grinding when it comes to leveling up and collecting energy to access new areas but the gameplay works well on the 3DS with that enjoyable Dragon Ball humour. Best of all, the game gives something to both newcomers and fans!
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King is an enjoyable classic RPG on the 3DS with a few 21st century mechanics thrown into the pot. I like how it has been ported to the 3DS as it works on all levels from not just the control system but how the game plays out. It’s the perfect title for this console as it allows you to get lost in this world for either quick or long gaming sessions. Fighting is a challenge, creating items is easy and all in all, it’s a game that has been tailored for lovers of role-playing games.
2017 is off to a great start for gaming and Yakuza 0 leads the way with its enjoyable gameplay (albeit a little dated) and some very interesting characters and a story to die for. My favourite element of Yakuza 0 was the exploration and the craziness of some of the side missions that when mixed with the micromanagement aspect and fighting, it creates a thoroughly enjoyable experience as you battle your way through the streets of Japan to gain your Yakuza cred.
PlayStation VR Worlds is a fun collection of mini-games that really showcases the PlayStation VR technology but given that, it’s a one trick pony. After you’ve played the titles a few times, they do become a little repetitive, especially how short some of the games are. Nonetheless, it’s still worth a look and will provide some great bragging rights for those who have never experienced VR before.
So after smashing out this game over the weekend, I found myself quite engaged with the gameplay, story and fun characters. Sure it’s Pokémon but there’s a true sense of progression that when linked to the entertainment factor creators not the best Pokémon experience but one that succeeds with both newcomers and fans alike.
When I heard about DriveClub VR, I was really expecting the same PS4 experience as the previous title, however I was sadly mistaken. Sure, it has very similar parallels, especially with the amount of content but it’s all about the illusion and due to the reduced graphical capabilities of this game, particularly if you’ve played the previous game, it’s a little disheartening. Nonetheless, the gameplay is sturdy and the VR aspect works but it missed reaching the next level which would have been amazing.
If you have a younger gamer that is a fan of Disney, then check out Disney Magical World 2 which is a mix between The Sims meets RPG but of course with some fun and easy to learn gameplay. Adventuring is fun as you never know who you might bump into. There’s also some great NPC interaction and the cutscenes help progress the story of your avatar, including some fun battles to be found along the way. In conclusion, Disney Magical World 2 proves that games can be created for younger players and best of all, it’s not a condescending title but treats the player with respect and delivers on the enjoyment factor.
Although there are many similarities with the last Paper Mario game, the developers have addressed the concerns of their fans and created a much more rounded and enjoyable experience. The setup of the game is great as you explore the world, take on the Shy Guys plus the meddling Bowser, it’s assisted by the stylised graphics to help with the overall immersion factor. The soundtrack is brilliant as well, so if you’re looking for something fun to play without too many headaches, Paper Mario Color Splash is that game and so far, it’s my favourite game on the Wii U this year.
In the end, the Rise of Iron DLC expansion for Destiny shakes up this universe in order to give players new content to draw them back to this PvP and PvE shooter. Add in tweaked gameplay mechanics and some really impressive graphical treats to be found as you explore the Plaguelands and Rise of Iron will definitely keep you invested in this expansion for some very long gaming hours, especially the co-op aspect.
In the end, Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past is a very sturdy Japanese RPG on the Nintendo 3DS that offers a massive world for you to explore. Best of all, it contains an interesting time travel story as you search for the antagonists and the characters you encounter are not too clichéd but help add to the overall mythology of this title. The gameplay is great and I had no issues navigating both the menu system and the gaming world with my characters.