Julian De Backer's Reviews
The 'LEGO Harry Potter Collection' is a fancy-free, funny and robust brickified version of the eight Harry Potter movies. The current asking price of $50 may be a little steep, considering these are 5 year old games without additional content. One to watch once it hits a more comfortable price point. Worth a look, but only if you don't already own the games.
'Pac-Man 256' is a throwback to simpler times, when gaming was just a few coins, a lot of sweaty palms and fun. All this, and more, and all the better for it. Breezy, enjoyable, cute. My favorite game of 2016 so far. Highly recommended.
If you like a more-than-decent shooter and lots of blood splatters on your television screen, 'DOOM' remains a force to be reckoned with. I just wish the game was a little more fun to play. But be free to ignore my non-populist opinion, and buy this game. Regret your purchase, you won't.
This is a reboot done right. Recognizable, yet innovative. Well done, Insomniac!
'Until Dawn' should be on top of every horror fan's must buy list. The game effectively presents the tropes and the stereotypes of the genre in a graphically stunning interactive adventure. Those who loved 'Heavy Rain' or 'Beyond: Two Souls' and thought those titles lacked genuine scary moments, will almost certainly eat up 'Until Dawn'. It shortened my life expectancy by a considerable margin.
Compared to the plug and play nature of the still awesome 'Excitebike', 'MotoGP 15' presents itself as one of those extremely detailed simulation titles that successfully attempts to suck the fun out of the genre. Don't get me wrong: 'MotoGP 2015' is mightily impressive, a virtual tour de force and a marvel to, well, marvel at. It's just so realistic and so real, that it ends up becoming soulless, mechanically, technologic and boring. After all, if you want this kind of realism, why don't you just pick up real-life motorcycle racing yourself?
'LEGO Jurassic World' is a light-hearted, funny and generally excellent take on the four movies. Filled with enough chuckle-worthy moments to lighten up even the sourest of sourpusses, and featuring addictive and worthy gameplay, the game is a no-brainer for 'Jurassic' fans and a must for casual gamers. The only downside is that it's more of the same. If you are tired of TT Games' LEGO offerings by now, steer well clear. All others can safely pick up this title – get it now while the free LEGO Gallimimus is still included!
While not close to being a system-seller that so many expected from a high concept, expensive, first-party production, 'The Order: 1886' still managed to charm me with its atmospheric presentation and expert voice acting. It's a short, but pretty game whose engine I'd like to see in action again minus the swipe to fight werewolf boss moments. If you like your 'Uncharted' in a revisionist, steampunk setting, this game is worth a look.
A classic in every sense of the book, 'Tetris' remains as strong as ever in its 'Tetris Ultimate' incarnation. 'Endless' provides the most fun (and the most hardcore frustration) with its neverending appeal to just get a slightly better high score, and playing online (and comparing replays and scores) is a presumably welcome addition to the 'Tetris' mythos that sadly didn't work at the time of the review, for lack of co-players. A game for the ages: yesterday, today and forever. Highly recommended.
The biggest flaw of 'Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Editio'n isn't really anything in the game itself, it's the fact that Square Enix has priced the game at the same MSRP as brand new 2014 games, $59.99. At such a high MSRP, it doesn't make any sense to upgrade to the Definitive Edition if you still own a previous generation console or a gaming PC. Heck, the base game was free for Xbox Live gold members during January 2014 and for PlayStation Plus members during May 2013. In addition, the base MSRP of the Definitive Edition on PC is half of the Xbox One edition, $29.99 (a price that will likely drop under $10 during the Steam Autumn Sale).
'Driveclub' features all the thrills of high-speed octane driving one can have without having to fear a speeding ticket, however, this isn't a driving simulator of the 'Gran Tursimo' variety. Graphically amazing and technically flawless, 'Driveclub' has more pros than cons. The one real caveat is that it's still just a racing game that isn't particularly fun or hilarious. For those kicks, I heartily suggest 'Mario Kart 8'. 'Driveclub,' meanwhile, is part of the new social racer genre, but its gameplay left me cold. Recommended for racing aficionados, worth a look for everyone else.
Being new to Frogwares' 'Sherlock Holmes' games, I wasn't altogether sure what to expect. As a big fan of old school adventure games, I was surprised by the distinct fun and challenge presented in 'Crimes and Punishments' as well as some of the modern touches both in terms of gameplay and story. With the PS4 being so young in its life, I'm glad to see a classic genre making headway on the platform. While some clues are really hard to find and others are laughably easy, 'Crimes and Punishments' finds the perfect balance between frustration and inspiration. A pleasant surprise for all aspiring sleuths.
Rarely engaging, never inspiring and strangely shallow, 'KickBeat: Special Edition' will appeal to rhythm game junkies craving for a mash-up with 'Mortal Kombat'. However, in the musical gaming niche, a lot of better and more engrossing titles are available for purchase, albeit not on the PS4. With a questionable song selection, moderately convincing graphics and an incredible difficulty curve, 'KickBeat: Special Edition' is for hardcore gamers only. A missed opportunity.
Make no mistake, 'Another World' is the same game from 1991 in a flashy high definition disguise. But a classic is a classic no matter what, which is why 'Another World' comes recommended. Pesky, difficult and challenging, but never impossible, this 23rd Anniversay Edition impresses with a no frills attitude and tons of respectable fun.