Rebecca Smith's Reviews
Rainbow Six Extraction is a game that struggles to leave the shadow of its predecessor behind, but that sounds like a bit of an injustice too. Ubisoft has tried to replicate the success of Siege‘s Outbreak mode and the game is a fun, challenging, and competent co-op shooter for groups of three friends. Unlike other co-op shooters, it can even be enjoyed by solo players to an extent. However, the repetitive mission objectives and forced grind mean that long periods of play can become tedious. There’s also not a lot of endgame content right now to keep players coming back, unlike Siege that is still going strong many seasons later. Only time will tell if this game will achieve that longevity.
Life is indeed strange. Meddling with time is not as easy as you would think and this engaging story does a great job of driving that point home. The moral decisions that players make really do have an affect on the story's future. The game's time-rewinding mechanics mean that all options can be considered and those all-important decisions need not be rushed. While the story so far has followed a fairly predictable path, the events of Episode 3 have really turned things on their head. Dontnod has the potential to mix things up in Episode 4. Will they stick with this new direction or will we be turned back onto the path that we have been treading so far? Only time will tell.
In summary, this is a neat little puzzle game that will keep puzzle aficionados content. You won't know anything more about the world that you leave behind, nor will you know why you were ever there, but you will be satisfied at a job well done. Even if the journey is a bit short, the easy gamerscore is sure to be a bonus.
Cubot - The Complexity of Simplicity does indeed offer complex puzzles set in an extremely simplistic environment. Featuring an easy-to-use control system, minimalistic design and clever game mechanics, players get a competent puzzler that has made the jump from mobile to console with few issues. Some may find the lack of replayability a factor to discourage a purchase, but the extremely attractive price point means that most players will be satisfied once they have gotten their initial 2-4 hours worth of gameplay out of the title. Add to this a relatively easy achievement list and players would be a fool to pass this one over.
Although the game may feel short, the story doesn't outstay its welcome and players will likely appreciate the shorter amount of time spent listening to the variable quality of the voice acting. Adventure fans shouldn't pass this one up, and even those who don't normally play this type of game should perhaps consider splashing out on an easy and enjoyable completion.
While the gameplay and storyline certainly aren't lacking and will likely keep Gears fans amused, The Coalition seems reluctant to let the past go and to move on. Away from the campaign, there are tweaks to competitive multiplayer that include a couple of new game modes, but the real focus of the title is the improved Horde mode. It is here that players will spend the majority of their time and where the real enjoyment lies.
Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek is another solid adventure game from Artifex Mundi. Despite bringing the gameplay back to basics with basic hidden object scenes and point & click problem solving, players must use their own initiative to progress through the game, while the new Evidence wall means that players will truly become immersed in the story rather than watching the events play out.
OlliOlli 2 takes everything that was found in its predecessor and builds on it to create a smoother and more addictive experience.
Grim Legends: The Forsaken Bride is proof that Artifex Mundi is trying to make all of their games seem different even if they do share similar gameplay mechanics. The domino games provide an alternative for those tiring of scouring the screen for small objects, but the inability to undo mistakes means that most players will stick to what they know. Despite this, adventure fans shouldn't pass up the chance of another easy completion even if it involves two playthroughs instead of one. For those who don't normally play this type of game, Grim Legends, or any Artifex Mundi game for that matter, continues to be a great starting point for their entry into the genre.
If you're a fan of Kinect, there's no reason why this game shouldn't be in your collection because FRU is a game that is testament to what could be achieved with Microsoft's peripheral.
If you prefer games that allow you to run and gun through a linear story then this isn't for you, but if you like to experience a game at your own pace and in your own way, you can't go wrong with Prey.
Her Majesty's SPIFFING is a very British point & click title where humour is the priority. With digs at the game's cast, the British and even the genre itself, the game doesn't hold back. The puzzles challenge players without being overcomplicated and the game manages to mix humour and decent gameplay that will appeal to most players, even if some of the British humour will be lost on players from other regions.
As an introduction to the Wonder Boy franchise, you can't go wrong here. As a blast from the past, it will hit all of the right buttons.
Depending on how much you like surprises, familiarity and prior knowledge from Life Is Strange can be either a blessing or a boon, but regardless of this, Chloe's new (old?) adventure looks to be a fascinating storyline to follow into the remaining two episodes.
The second and penultimate episode of Life Is Strange: Before The Storm heats things up in more ways than one.
These games won't hold your hand, won't let you take your time and will even try to kill you along the way. If this sounds like fun then you can't go wrong with this blast from the past.
Some players may well prefer Max and her powers to the more grounded story of Chloe, but the prequel is still a worthwhile journey through Arcadia Bay and an appropriate telling of the events before Max returned to the area.
If you love puzzles, you should definitely give this title a spin.
Candle: The Power of the Flame took a while to come to consoles but it was definitely worth the wait.
The timing of the release of The Complex is questionable considering the pandemic that's currently sweeping the globe. Once you get over the similarities between reality and video game, the plot is a great if brief distraction for a lazy afternoon. It's another smooth blend of movie and video game, even if there is more movie footage than gameplay, but this formula seems to be working well for Wales Interactive.