No touch or motion controls that don't always do what is asked of them; no microphone gimmicks to blow hundreds of times into incredibly infuriating wind instruments; no involuntary hand-holding that removes the need to explore and continuously breaks up the flow of the game—A Link Between Worlds is the very definition of what classic top-down Legend of Zelda games should always be about. It is clear that 2D Zelda thrives and is at its ultimate best when it sticks to its roots, and A Link Between Worlds does exactly that, and more. This is the return to form that long-time fans have been wishing for in the classic 2D format for the Zelda franchise for many years; it is the greatest entry in a very long time.
Bravely Default is classic Final Fantasy in everything but name only. Despite dropping the famous moniker and attempting to become a successful new RPG series in its own right, this is the game that Final Fantasy fans have been missing in their lives for far too long. The added beauty of this very traditional role-playing experience is that it is accessible to all types of players due to the difficulty options and simple tutorials, making for a game that is great for those still new to the genre, but also offers a lot of challenge for the more seasoned gamer that demands it. Bravely Default is a great start for this new Square Enix franchise, and proves that allowing other developers to craft the types of RPGs that have been long-missed by the Final Fantasy company's fans can lead to extremely positive results. This is one game any RPG fan should be setting money aside for, whether they already own a Nintendo 3DS or not.
Already one of the best games to download for the Nintendo 3DS, SteamWorld Dig is now available to even more people through Steam, and they should not pass it up. Whilst the similarities are small to games like Metroid, Terraria and Spelunky, they are indeed there, and they form a short, but extremely fun, little game that demands multiple play-throughs due to its addictiveness and urge to beat it in quicker times than the last. On the other hand, the fact it doesn't last too long and that there wasn't anything added over the 3DS version lets it down slightly.
Sometimes it's great to see an old classic remade and introduced to a new audience, but all these years on, Putty Squad just doesn't hold up with its less-than-perfect controls and quickly-repetitive gameplay. It isn't to say that nobody will enjoy it, though, because there are plenty of levels and challenges to tackle, and it's possible that being familiar with the original game or Super Putty on Super NES could mean this will be more appreciated by such players. For everyone else, however, it's wise to pass.
It is so, so easy to remark about Trine 2: Complete Story's remarkable graphics when the whole game is such a visual delight from start to finish, but the final product overall is a wonderful fantasy tale that comes together beautifully. Whether it is played alone or in multiplayer, this is an imaginative platforming adventure that is incredibly accessible to all. If it has yet to be played on any other platforms, Trine 2: Complete Story should definitely not be overlooked by PlayStation 4 owners.
Anyone that played and loved them way back when, this is the definitive version of both, and makes reliving the journey through Spira extra special; they are worth replaying all over again.
Utterly addictive and packed to the brim with what is currently months' worth of content - with years' more of it guaranteed in regular updates - Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn absolutely deserves taking that leap for both MMO and Final Fantasy fans alike. Just be prepared for something very different if not coming from an MMO background, and to say goodbye to whatever free time there once was.
After a while, though, things do begin to get a little samey, with the button-mashy nature of the combat and simple, linear gameplay beginning to wear a little thin. However, for the younger audience, this is a great title to introduce them to, and the story is certainly one to appreciate.
There are some irritations relating to bosses, odd glitches and questionable AI at times, but this is a quality start for MachineGames, who should definitely be given a chance to work on a sequel built specifically for the newest set of home consoles.
It's obvious a sequel will be coming, but Ubisoft really needs to take a good hard look at this title and address the glaring issues and stereotypical plot if it wants the future of Watch Dogs to be a successful one based on quality, and not the result of a huge marketing push that hides the fact this isn't the next level in the genre it was touted as being.
Despite following in Bastion's footsteps, Transistor doesn't quite manage to deliver as compelling and memorable an experience, even though it has clearly been crafted with such heartfelt intent. Whilst the premise is full of mystery and intrigue, during the course of the short story it never really draws players in as it would have many people believe after its promising start. A case of style over substance, but still a game that deserves the attention of those after something original and rather beautiful - only wait till it goes on sale first.
Compared to the prices being asked for so many rehashes and mediocre titles today, £17.99 is nothing, so support New 'n' Tasty and Oddworld Inhabitants, and show them that Abe's Exoddus must be next on the remake list!
[T]he fact that this delightful game is now readily available to even more players through Steam means they can be glossed over by the majority that haven't had the pleasure of playing Risky's Revenge before. If this is a taster of what to expect in Shantae's next two adventures, platform fans are in for a treat.
Over 25 years of history is crammed into Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call, and it is a marked improvement over the first game. Owners of the original won't find too much different, but online versus mode in itself, plus the substantial increase in the number of songs and characters is enough to dip on this sequel. Bursting at the seams with nostalgia, Curtain Call is a game no one Final Fantasy fan can afford to pass on.
With on-the-fly character switching and chaining moves together to enable free-flowing and fast-paced action, WO3U does a good job of trying to stave off the repetition complaint that follows the series everywhere it goes…but it only lasts for so long before the feeling kicks in. It won't be for everyone, and this port doesn't do much to show it's running on PS4 by any stretch of the imagination, but with how much has been packed into this game, series fans will care very little about such quibbles.
A dimensional switch to 3D, but Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus hasn't evolved into what potential it has after following on from the 2D exploits of the Nintendo 3DS predecessor. At the right price, its rather repetitive formula, variety-starved stages, frequent loading and basic plot can be tolerated because what lies beneath is a solid beat 'em up with some amusing moments outside of the obvious fan service. For a heavy dosage of butts, boobs and brawling, this is the go-to game on PS Vita, but don't expect much more than that.
It is often the case that a great little game will spring up out of nowhere, and that's definitely the situation here with Red Phantom Games' Minutes. Simple to play but very addictive, and challenging but rarely frustrating, Minutes delivers quick-burst, hectic puzzle-action gameplay with enough to come back to on a daily basis. It is well worth the money, and it will be good to see just what else the studio comes out with in the future after this great first independent project.
There is so much to be pleased about in Dead or Alive 5 Last Round for hardcore fans, those that had stopped playing and are returning to the series again now, and complete newcomers that have yet to dive into the franchise. This is one of the most competitive Dead or Alive games thus far, striking a respectable balance across its large roster of characters, with fast gameplay and plenty of underlying mechanics.
In trying to go bigger and better with Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, the majority of what made the original so good has been lost. Levels are far too large, many enemies cannot be seen, and the mask system is effectively done away with for a poor substitute. This is still Hotline Miami; it's just not as exhilarating. Ironically, the planned level editor may be what saves it, where fans can potentially create surpassing stages akin to those found in the first game. For now, though, if yet to taste either title in the series, definitely make sure to buy the prequel over this for the ultimate and most thrilling experience.
There can be no denying the creative effort that has gone into turning the Wii U GamePad into a clever mechanic that cannot really be pulled off elsewhere on game consoles right now. It's just incredibly unfortunate that there are a number of factors that limit the amount of enjoyment to be had. Affordable Space Adventures fails to deliver a world that demands to be explored; it is far too generic and lacking in fun puzzles, instead only producing too many a tedious moment. Patience is a virtue with this one.