Andrew Dyce
With NHL 19, hockey fans get a glimpse of how much fun these games COULD be.
Brighter than Unity's ambitions, perhaps, since the sacrifices made on the story front are clear. But it's still an impressive sandbox, and does its setting justice. Rough edges or no, Assassin's Creed Unity is a technical step forward, and likely a title every fan who's made the leap to next-gen will want to see for themselves.
As the first next-gen entry in the series, 'NHL 15' breaks new ground - and the hopes of the hardcore fans along with it.
It was obviously EA and UFC's goal to give fans of the sport a video game franchise that encapsulated all their was to love about it. EA Sports UFC is absolutely that, even if all aspects of the sport are not adapted equally.
Players attracted to the visuals and style may be alarmed to find the combat so frequent (and the writing uneven), but anyone even mildly interested in JRPG combat should give this game a look. Issues aside, it's a clear sign that even big-budget studios can stray from the beaten path with success. And there is no doubt many players will fall in love with its blend of whimsical storytelling, engaging combat, and an attention to detail that deserves particular appreciation.
If you're looking for a Kinect title for the entire family, or one that merely shows the benefits of next-gen hardware hold promise for motion controlled gaming, then Kinect Sports Rivals won't disappoint. If you're hoping for a sports simulator that succeeds at every turn, well… you've likely got a lot more waiting to do.
With a story hampered by familiar mechanics, 'Assassin's Creed Rogue' is a worthwhile adventure for only the most devoted of fans.
The first episode of Telltale's Guardians of the Galaxy isn't what fans will expect.
In the end, The Master Chief Collection brings a better version of the first Anniversary, a similar treatment for Halo 2 producing even more impressive results, and tweaked versions of Halo 3 and 4 for good measure. That's a no-brainer for both singleplayer and cooperative fans, but the weight of the multiplayer – re-capturing the gameplay and maps of Halo 2 to the finest detail – can't be underestimated.