Levi van Tine's Reviews
'Marrakesh' is a step back from the successes of previous episodes, but not dramatically so. IO seems to be experimenting with different playstyles that leave less room for debate, but the classic DNA of 'Hitman' permeates everything and I will have no problem coming back for the next round.
Perhaps after such goodness in licensed games such as 'Arkham' and 'Mordor' I have become spoiled, but I really thought Platinum could deliver a great (or at least good) Ninja Turtles title, especially after their decent work with the Transformers. Sadly, I was mistaken. This is a very short and very weak rendition of the Turtles. With the exception of perhaps the youngest and most devoted fans of the pizza-loving reptilian brothers, it can be easily skipped.
Despite Blizzard's untested pedigree in the realm of shooters, they have managed to craft one of the best entries in this generation. As a critic a big part of my work is to find flaws, and I had a tough job with this game. 'Overwatch' is loud, it's fast, it's audacious, and it is a welcome shot in the arm in a flagging genre.
In terms of design, art, and just plain content, 'Far Harbor' is some of the best DLC in Bethesda’s stable. The island and its marine inhabitants gobbled up many hours, and even now I still have much left to explore. I wish the engine could struggle along a bit better, but the Commonwealth is now firmly in my rearview mirror as I investigate every nook and cranny on this godforsaken island.
I could see myself enjoying 'Homefront: Revolution' briefly in a few years when I've managed to get through everything else in my backlog, itself a tall order. It has an adequate but not quite good campaign, easily skippable co-op, and some serious engine problems. It's your thoroughly average shooter, in a nutshell.
'Afterbirth' is an expensive addition when compared to its base game, but it is truly an expansion. To the right player it will provide far more entertainment than a AAA season pass typically would, and at a fraction of the price. If I thought I had a problem quitting Isaac before, I might as well stop trying now.
On the surface 'Battleborn' is a lot like other competitive shooters we have seen in this generation: solid mechanics that provide a sweet honeymoon period, but are only held up by a stringy framework that brings down their replay value. I can see myself playing it a month from now, but six months, or a year? Anyone's guess.
It’s not every day that a video game surprises me, and that is exactly what’s happened here. 'Kathy Rain' is engrossing for nearly all of its admittedly modest running time, even when it takes quirky trips into left field. It may wear its inspirations on its sleeve, but that makes it no less likeable or entertaining.
'Once Upon a Climb' didn’t quite tickle my fancy as much as 'A Knight to Remember', but it’s pretty close. The storytelling gets better with age, even if the puzzles don’t keep up as well. Still, this is an adventure game with a story to tell, and the gameplay is always going to be on the back burner. As usual, 'King’s Quest' is a good time, with jokes appropriate for almost all audiences.
'Don't Starve Together' is hands-down the best way to play 'Don’t Starve'. There’s nothing quite like taking down a deerclops with your bros and basking in the warm glow of victory before being interrupted by a vicious werepig attack or a bout of troublesome frog rain. It’s still hard as hell in its default mode, but Klei has handed over the keys to get under the hood and fine-tune their survival experience like never before. If your gaming circle is looking for something new, why don’t you try a bit of starvation?
To be fair, it’s tough making a convincing argument for the hidden object genre as anything more than a workplace timekiller when other browser game sites have been firewalled. Artifex Mundi has some decent puzzle work in their portfolio, but 'Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek' was more of a chore than an engaging adventure experience.
Michonne did a great job of holding my attention, and I will be sad to see her go. This has been a worthwhile deviation while we wait for season three of the main series.
'Ori and the Blind Forest' is the kind of game that didn't cry out for a remaster so soon (or at all), not because it was flawed but because it was so amazing. At only $5 for previous 'Ori' owners, it is difficult not to recommend to any Xbox One owner, especially because the new difficulty levels make its strenuous challenges more attainable. It still remains a specific kind of platformer and therefore something somewhat niche, but I am not ashamed to say that it is my favorite Xbox exclusive of this generation to date.
The two year plus wait for 'The Banner Saga 2' was well worth it. Stoic has managed to improve on its formula, adding new wrinkles to the admittedly limited gameplay and telling an even more absorbing story in the process. The saga is better than ever and I'm very excited for the next installment.
I am pleasantly surprised that 'Letter Quest: Grimm’s Journey' has been (rather quietly) brought over to the Xbox in a remastered form. Yes, it is available on many other systems, including some that are easier to carry in my pocket, but it’s the kind of thing that can still be popular with family and friends despite being solely single-player. This is a tough and rewarding puzzle game, and its word/RPG combo is probably one of a kind.
'Wasteland Workshop' seems more like free update material, or additions that would have come naturally if mod support was a thing. As it stands, it’s a mix of unwieldy creature traps, mildly novel base building objects, and a few handy doodads. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for next month’s 'Far Harbor'.
'Skullgirls' has been the subject of some great content additions, and is still an enjoyable brawler. Its odd yet enchanting art design and overall presentation make it stand out, not to mention the awesome training. Unfortunately, this port to the Vita has some control and visual issues, and '2nd Encore' is probably best played on the PS4.
'Organic Panic' is a pastiche of several games and genre staples that have come before it. It is good fun for its nostalgia value for those players who have enjoyed its influences in years past and appreciate its time-tested mechanics, but it struggles to find its place amongst the many good platformers available.
This is not a bad start to a small season of Nova DLC. It has some fresh ideas and enjoyable missions within the framework of the successful 'Starcraft II' recipe. It’s a bit lighter on story than I would like, and stingy with Nova’s upgrades, but I’m quite happy to try the next one as soon as it’s here - especially considering that this is probably as close to 'Starcraft: Ghost' as we’ll ever get.
'Quantum Break', like any expensive exclusive, developed a great deal of expectations over time. By and large, the game lives up to those expectations. It has a few stumbles in its pacing and action, but it combines historic shooter conventions with a set of flashy, delightful superpowers and a live-action component that's easy on the eyes. If you have an Xbox One, this is undoubtedly a game you should play.