Rise of the Tomb Raider is frustrating on one level because it’s so completely in thrall of the blockbuster system that you can feel the creative frustration on several levels through the game, from its storytelling through level design. That frustration has resulted in a blockbuster that almost breaks free of its limitations at times, and it’s certainly an enjoyable game. It’s just that it would be interesting to see what the developers could come up with if they had a more limited budget (and thus lower sales expectations, allowing them to go after a more specific audience with a more focused game).
Mount & Blade Warband is a really entertaining premise, and one that’s quite unique to boot. An RPG that is more about building an army and then leading it into battle is in many ways so much more interesting than an RPG where you’re in control of a one-man army and in pursuit of personal power. I only hope that the release of this game, now, means that there is more Mount & Blade coming, because there really is nothing else like it out there.
While I certainly respect Minecraft, I prefer Dragon Quest Builders. It doesn’t offer the sheer depth that Minecraft does, of course, and there will be no “educational edition” of the game being sold into schools, as there is with Minecraft. What it is, however, is a down-to-earth and genuinely entertaining little game that shares far, far more in common with its JRPG roots than even the game itself wants to admit. And as a long-suffering Dragon Quest fan, that makes Builders special indeed.
EA Sports’ premier title remains the most refined and well-produced sports game out there. There’s something for every sports game fan in there, and the overall package is of immense overall value.
More than anything, the pacing of Sega Hard Girls is so incredibly spot on. It’s a game that’s easy to play for short bursts of time, as missions and dungeons tend to be compact, and there aren’t the long cut scenes to sit through.
While I don’t think Criminal Girls 2 goes anywhere near far enough to be the extreme Sadean experience that it clearly wants to be, at least we have a game that achieves something down that path.
It’s a simple, and entirely appropriate confidence in the quality of the work that led the developers to craft such a lengthy quest back in 2000, and it remains every bit as worthy today.
In the end, Metroid Prime: Federation Force is a limited game that fails to do justice to its source material.
For now Star Hammer continues to be one very fine introduction of a new franchise that is well worth paying attention to. The experience might feel a little unusual to people who are less familiar with the kind of strategy games that were previously exclusive to PCs, but I strongly recommend that people take the time to adjust to what Star Hammer offers, because once it gets its hooks in, it’s unbelievably rewarding.
While Hatsune Miku: Project Diva X isn’t as brilliant as Future Tone, nothing is, and the core rhythm game action is faultless. An inspiring, entertaining soundtrack, coupled with stunning characters, costumes, and choreography makes this essential. Not just for Miku fans, but for anyone who enjoys fun. And you enjoy fun, right?
You'll be genuinely challenged by what's on offer in A.O.T, and there is most definitely a strong sense of satisfaction from slicing through the monstrous titans. Given that this is the first attempt at a very different kind of game for Koei Tecmo, I'd say that Attack on Titan franchise is in good hands going forward.
Really the appeal of Assetto Corsa is in taking control of Lamborghinis and Ferraris and racing around tracks that are really beautiful for high precision cars that have good acceleration built into them. It's far more focused on what it does well than many other racing games, and unfortunately the overall package suffers a little as a consequence, but I just can't get over how much I accelerating out of corners in this one.
As with many classic board and card games, Uno isn’t perfect. It’s driven by luck, games tend to go overlong, and Ubisoft’s no-frills approach is workable, but workmanlike. Despite that, I do really enjoy the core game of Uno in short bursts, and for people who regularly play online with family and friends (and can thus do away with the occasionally irritating random players), this is a great, low-cost way to spend a Saturday evening together when separated by distance.
The Huntsman’s greatest flaw is that it’s ultimately quite forgettable. You’ll remember having fun with the combat system, and if you’re anything like me you’ll remember enjoying the art style. Unfortunately (and a little like the films in this regard), the game simply struggles to justify itself as something unique or compelling within the context of being a modern reimaging of a fairytale.
What sets Little King’s Story apart is how utterly charming it is. Classical music blaring out of the speakers, you’ll wander through your bright, happy kingdom drinking in the colour and vibrancy of it all.
As a spin on air hockey’s basic premise, Power Disc is decent, but it’s also frustrating, and that’s even if you can figure out how to perform necessary advanced techniques.
Unfortunately, too-simple presentation, an absence of personality, and just seven events also means there’s next to no long-term value to this. You’ll be done with it in about the time it takes for an Olympic event to finish, so it’s up to you whether you consider that’s worth a couple of dollars or not.
This is naturally a comical game in tone, and while it’s not written particularly well, the nods to genre classics, from Dragon Quest to Final Fantasy and onwards, are a nice touch for long-term genre fans.
Brut@l is a modernisation and homage to truly pioneering games that were addictive before graphics were even a thing. It’s a hugely entertaining, visually striking experience, and has instantly become my favourite multiplayer title on the PlayStation 4. It does represent how some corners of the modern gaming industry is pushing visceral action over complexity, and that is disappointing on one level, but at the same time I can’t really complain that the developers have gone with the times, especially when it’s this much fun.
[Bound is] for the people that want something thoughtful, meaningful, and intelligent. For that audience, this game is about as good as they come. As a member of that audience myself, it’s right up there with my favourite games of the year.