Levi van Tine's Reviews
This miniseries is moving forward very quickly, packing more action in two short episodes than a typical Telltale season gets in the same amount of time. It might seem as though that pace is too rapid for any chance at real characterization, but that isn’t the case. In 'Give No Shelter,' nearly all of the fat has been stripped away from the supporting cast to make way for Michonne, and the series is all the better for it.
'Minecraft: Story Mode - Order Up' is a return to form for the series, which has been struggling a bit in narrative heft the last few episodes. The witherstorm probably went on longer than it should, but it was a serviceable origin story for the new Order of the Stone. 'Order Up' seems more like a new season than a fifth episode, and I think that will end up being an advantage as we move forward.
Taken by itself, 'Cold Darkness Awakened' is not a particularly convincing reason to purchase 'Rise of the Tomb Raider's season pass. For those who already own the pass, it’s not a bad way to spend an hour or two, but it probably won’t offer much more than that. It doesn’t offer enough freshness or gameplay to justify a separate purchase.
The high expectations that I developed after playing through the first three episodes of 'République' have been diminished by 'Terminus'. This is not the denouement I had expected, in terms of gameplay or story. Even so, I think the series as a whole is worth playing. The player just needs to keep in mind that, not unlike many great film series or TV shows, the best entries are in the beginning.
'Automatron' is on the smaller side of DLC, but still a bright beginning for what is hopefully an outstanding season of 'Fallout' DLC. The quick and somewhat forgettable mission material is buoyed by strong crafting elements and a more player-oriented approach to companions. I would recommend it even at its separate price point.
The 'Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak - Soban Fleet' makes for a small but potentially significant DLC pack for players interested in a more defensive fleet configuration or fresh options when playing with friends. This is basically a complimentary DLC addition that players new to the base game might not even take notice of right off as the Soban fleet doesn’t fundamentally change anything. For those who have enjoyed the 'Homeworld' prequel, it’s worth playing at least a few matches with the fleet.
'Tom Clancy's The Division' has the fingerprints of many other Ubisoft properties: 'Ghost Recon', 'Rainbow Six', and even non-Clancy stuff like 'Watch Dogs'. It combines some of the best features of those games into a highly enjoyable MMO slash shooter. I would not say it's the best shooter I've played on the Xbox One, nor is it a huge leap forward in video gaming as a whole, but I'll be damned if I'm not having fun with it.
'SUPERHOT' is a very accessible arcade game with highly repeatable shooting shenanigans. I can't quite decide if the storyline is trying to be edgy or funny, but it doesn't really work on either level. Thankfully, much of it can be safely ignored in favor of the awesome physics-based gunplay.
'Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2' is less of a sequel and more of a big expansion, but that's not a bad thing. PopCap has made some big steps forward in cementing the 'Garden Warfare' series as a real contender in the multiplayer arena, if not competitively then at least for sheer enjoyment. 'Garden Warfare 2' is big, fun, and mostly worth the price of admission.
'The Flame in the Flood' hits the nail on the head with its crafty survival gameplay and inspired visual and audio design. At times, especially early on, nothing seems more dangerous than the river, but overall this might be game to get players into the roguelike genre. The technical side lags a bit behind the creative side, but not enough to capsize it.
'In Too Deep' is an auspicious opener for Telltale's new series. It has flaws, and the release schedule is probably too tight for the studio to take any player feedback into account, but I have a feeling it is going to give insight into the intricate personality of its lead and deepen her fandom even further.
'Far Cry: Primal' doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it does have addictive caveman gameplay and a fascinating sandbox to play around in. It does feel like a 'Far Cry', but the setting makes it something new and special. Just like 'Blood Dragon', I find these off-year or "side" releases in the series to be the most fun, although the series' core formula is still captivating.
With 'Dungelot: Shattered Lands,' Red Winter has managed to successfully marry strategic elements with a very simple framework, perfect for gaming in small pieces or long benders. They captured the magic from their first 'Dungelot' while avoiding the freemium pitfalls of the second, and 'Shattered Lands' comes out all the better for it. Some modest polishing issues fail to spoil its charm.
'Layers of Fear' is an imaginative and exquisite horror gem, wrapped up in Victorian madness and medieval art. Traits that might normally be denounced in other games, like the length and low interactivity, only serve to accentuate its dread. Bloober has crafted a delightful nightmare.
'The Following' is the kind of expansion that by today's publishing standards could have easily been labeled as a sequel and given a higher price tag. It doesn't get everything right, but still has a lot to offer.
The 'Lego' games have always been a known quantity, but perhaps familiarity is beginning to breed contempt. 'Lego Marvel's Avengers' wasn't able to hold my attention as well as its forebears, even though it's not a markedly different experience. Perhaps it's time for the series to get a shot in the arm.
Firaxis has outdone themselves with 'XCOM 2'. It is a tactical experience without peer, better even than its predecessors. It is draining and agonizing, but in a good way. The high difficulty may turn off some gamers, but it's worth every second.
11 bit has made an even more compelling war drama with 'This War of Mine: The Little Ones'. The controller is a bit rusty, but don't let that stop you from experiencing one of the most compelling stories in this generation. Coming to the Xbox One 'This War of Mine' is more accessible than ever, and the addition of kids makes it even more bittersweet.
'Baba Yaga' is a capable, if small, piece of aftermarket content for the already excellent 'Rise of the Tomb Raider'. It was thoughtfully constructed even if it comes up a bit short in some places (and another bonus tomb would not have been remiss), but should not be missed by those who enjoyed the base game.
Video games are unequivocally a form of art. But like all art, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. With 'The Witness' I feel like I'm in an art gallery watching a gaggle of admirers who are looking at a piece together, commenting on its style and how it makes them feel. I'm the guy standing off to the side, not with them but looking at the same painting. I can admit that it's pretty, but it doesn't really evoke a significant response, and so I shrug and move on to the next.