Even though the story isn't always a hit at times, and there are some online issues that could use some looking into, NBA 2K16 remains a slam dunk when it comes to the world of virtual basketball.
While Fall of Cybertron remains the pinnacle of the world of Transformers, there's no denying that Devastation fits right in. Platinum has made a great debut in the series, packing over-the-top action with a presentation that stays true to the form of the 80's cartoon. More content would've been nice (along with a more meaningful weapon system), but there's enough rock-em sock-em here to please any Transformers fanatic.
It's still playable, and might be fun for devoted fans for the series, but there's no question that a lot more polish could've gone into Tony Hawk's revival.
The gameplay is fundamentally flawed, mainly with the inaccuracy of the AI and shooting system, and the presentation needs sprucing up, especially in terms of commentary. With a lot more effort in these departments, EA Sports just might pull off a contender. Or, hey, maybe it's just time to bring back NBA Street and stick with what works.
Even though some might be groaning at the cost of having to buy all new toys with it (relax, older ones work just fine as well), Skylanders SuperChargers still qualifies as one of the better games in the series to date. It's fun to play whether in a vehicle or running around, and it looks and sounds very nice for the most part. If your wallet is prepared, you'll have no problem reaching top speed with this one.
While Xeodrifter could've benefitted from more levels and a bit more boss diversity (are these guys related?), it's still an enjoyable Metroid clone that fans of the genre will certainly want to venture through. Here's hoping that, if we get a sequel, it's bigger and better.
Asteroid Base's Lovers In a Dangerous Spacetime turned out to be worth the wait, perfectly blending elements from space shooters with a bit of strategy and throwing in some entertaining co-op as well. There are times it can be overwhelming – especially if you're going at it single player – but it's still an adventure you can't help but fall in love with.
Leo's Fortune can't quite overcome the hump when it comes to avoiding being categorized as a mobile-to-console game – more levels would've done the trick. As it stands, though, it's a solid platformer that fans of the genre will appreciate, and the various challenges it presents more than justifies the somewhat moderate price tag. Besides, you can't help but admire Leo's confidence and attitude – or his mustache, for that matter.
It's hard to recommend Blues and Bullets Episode 1 because it feels like two games in one. The first half feels tedious, confusing and poorly paced, but then the second really shows the promise that A Crowd of Monsters has put into the game. If Episode 2 can really keep up the momentum that the second half of Episode 1 had, we're in for a treat. Otherwise, this is one cold case you probably shouldn't open again.
One of the best indie games to surface this year, Runbow is a sheer delight, whether you're running through the game on your own or taking up with a group of friends in a fight to the finish. Make sure you rush to the eShop and give it a download.
While there are still some areas that could use polishing (like that commentary team – wake up, fellas), Madden NFL 16 continues to make strides with some strong gameplay change-ups and abundant online features. Draft Champions and Ultimate Team will keep true fans busy for weeks, and the casual play is exceptional enough for that audience to enjoy as well. As long as Madden keeps making progress like this on a yearly basis, I'll keep coming back for more.
When Until Dawn was announced, expectations were low, because I was afraid that Supermassive would simply follow the same horror movie tropes without innovating. But how wrong I was, as, thanks to the "butterfly effect" and some savvy game design, there are multiple ways to experience fear here. Some groan-worthy moments do set in (especially when it comes to some character behaviors), but overall it's an experience that horror fans will gleefully eat up. And that's something you can't really say every day with products from this genre.
While War Chest could've used better matchmaking with player match-ups and a little more variety with battle missions, it's still a fun trip through kiddie nostalgia, especially if you double down on the Hall of Fame Edition and pit G.I. Joe against He-Man. I mean, who doesn't want to see that battle happen?!
Despite the lack of replay value, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons remains a remarkable journey by the folks at Starbreeze, a game that's worth checking out for its emotional punch and fantastic soundtrack. The controls take some getting used to, and the graphics could've been a little bit better, but overall, this is a sibling rivalry you should check out.
After what seemed like an eternal wait for the game, 17-Bit Studios' Galak-Z: The Dimensional delivered on every front for me. While it may seem challenging for some, it doesn't disappoint with its space action and strategy, and the presentation is right on the money when it comes to emulating your favorite anime. This is one space adventure that's worth gearing up for.
Submerged just ends up being a disappointment. Great ideas in the storytelling and presentation are lost with a poor connection to characters and truly lacking gameplay. All the great intentions in the world don't mean anything if they don't convey into a fun game experience. Go play Journey instead.
What could've been a turning point for the F1 series instead feels like the same old grind. While F1 2015 has its moments, it just doesn't adapt enough to welcome new players with open arms, instead reaching out more to those who know what F1 racing is all about. Furthermore, the removal of crucial modes and meaningful multiplayer is sure to upset a few racing fans out there, especially when this game should've easily shifted into a higher gear. Maybe next year, we'll get the F1 game we truly deserve. For now, though, it's worth a rental at best.
While there are certain aspects of the game that could've used polishing, No Time To Explain remains a quirky, humorous, adventurous platformer that's built for the old-school at heart. It'll give you your money's worth, provided you have the patience to see it through to the end. Here's hoping you do – the future needs you. "DOIN' IT!"
Had the team at Gateway implemented better controls, more diversity in level design and other features, Spectra could've easily been on its way to becoming a cult classic for this generation. As it stands, it's not bad for a $5 purchase, but more could've been done with it. It's likely best left to those who want to truly test their "twitch" skills, as everyone else is bound to be frustrated by its limitations – and play a better retro-oriented game instead.
Some may wonder why it's so high-priced, or why certain aspects of the game weren't as polished as the rest of it. But God of War III Remastered shows that Sony Santa Monica is more than ready for PS4 development, and that means we're in for something cool whenever Kratos decides to cover new territory. In the meantime, give his god-pummeling journey a revisit.