Although some players may grow to hate and fear it, 1001 Spikes is a wonderful throwback to an era when platformers didn't need lavish graphics or huge technical feats to impress. The 8-bit presentation hits the spot, and the gameplay is challenging, but not impossible. It truly is a blast from the past, even if that blast stings a little.
EA Sports UFC hits pretty hard for the debut of a new franchise.
Don't think of Ultra Street Fighter IV as "just another add-on." Ono and his team have put delicate work into this final expansion, with new characters that fit right in, balancing that truly makes sense, YouTube uploading and plenty of fun fighting options to choose from. Enjoy the brawl.
Blue Estate shows that an on-rails shooter can work efficiently on PlayStation 4. The comical violence and responsive gameplay are more than enough to give this a look, though it's probably a good idea to download the demo first and see just how much of its raunchy content you can take.
The third Sniper Elite definitely hits the mark, even if it's a bit shaky.
Some lag here and there, but once you connect to a fight against another UFC addict, there's nothing like it.
GRiD Autosport continues the trend of the series as an experience that avid car fans will eat up, but with limited accessibility for newcomers.The game has a dated and flawed presentation, it feels like it's stalling more than speeding. Here's hoping the team finds its footing in the next generation, before the franchise becomes a lemon.
Crimsonland delivers an adequate shoot-em-up performance for the PS4, with plenty of modes to choose from and a fun blastathon for you and your friends. However, it lacks in presentation and diversity, two areas that needed more depth in order for the game to stand out on the console. It's decent, but forgettable.
Easily one of the best releases last year, The Last of Us Remastered has a good chance of winning even more Game of the Year honors with this exceptional improvement. The visuals, sound, gameplay and extras all come together to make this a worthwhile package. Even if you've seen everything it has to offer, you should experience it again.
Had Hustle Kings not existed, Pure Pool could've been considered an essential pool product, as it feels great while in practice mode and looks like a winner. Unfortunately, it's a huge step back from VooFoo's previous effort, and the inability to skip your AI's inhuman actions, shift around the jukebox selection or even get an overhead view of what's happening may be too hard for some pool sharks to take. Try it out first, if you can, before you consider buying the table.
While Sacred 3 isn't likely to steal the crown from Diablo III, it's a great hack-and-slash alternative that's worth checking out. While the technical limitations of the game are too easy to spot, the multiplayer is still a blast, and the audio will crack a smile on your face as you finish off goblin goons. Fans of role-playing games that want to do without the usual bland spell-casting would be wise to pick this game up.
Although Surgeon Simulator isn't a game for everyone, due to its occasionally frustrating controls and its buckets of spilled blood, it's still a fascinating effort for those looking to have a goofy time with a video game. Plus, it beats playing a game with rather good surgeon controls because, really, what's the fun in that? Bob should have known better than to visit a surgeon advertising via a Groupon, and now he's going to pay.
EA Tiburon could be onto something, and if it continues to listen to fan feedback, we could be in for some glorious days of video game football yet. For now, this is definitely worth checking out, as it's far from the same old thing.
Like The Last of Us Remastered, Metro Redux argues the case for seeing games "redone" for a new generation of consoles. The visuals are unbeatable, the gameplay well balanced, the extra modes appreciatively accepted and the challenge second to none when it comes to playing in Survival and/or Ranger Modes. While some new content would've been appreciated here, what's included in the $50 package is more than enough value. It's time to head back to Russia…
The Golf Club would've been a great Tiger killer with some nuances added to the gameplay and some cleaning up in the visual department. As it stands, it's a decent golf sim, but one that's hard to swallow with its ridiculous price and problematic issues. Expert players, however, may find value in the course editor. Try it out first if you can.
Dance Central Spotlight may not break the mold when it comes to being the ultimate next-gen experience, but it does provide a comfortable groove that fans will no doubt want to slip back into – especially as far as the new price point is concerned. $10 is a good value, and being able to add songs and DLC at your own free will is a nice freedom to have. Although, seriously, "Turn Down For What." That's a party in itself.
While First Light comes up just a bit short compared to the full Second Son game, it's a fine continuation for the series, and a fresh take on what's happening within this universe. Now, if we could just get a co-op experience featuring "Fetch" and Delsin, we'd be all set.
Standing apart from duller entries in the tower defense genre, Defense Grid 2 validates the genre with exciting gameplay and a sharp presentation that avoids the usual pratfalls of said genre. Add in surprisingly good multiplayer and you have a game that definitely lives up to its KickStarter promises.
While Castlestorm: Definitive Edition can't quite dominate the market as other next-gen remakes have, it's still got plenty to offer for fans of action and strategy games. Besides, you haven't lived until you've seen a ballista impale a pair of giants.
Chariot isn't just a reminder of the classic co-op gaming experiences. It presents a fun, interesting wrinkle on platforming games as we know it, while pertaining a certain sense of charm in its presentation. Frima Games has made a truly satisfying game that should please all sorts of players – even with that nagging king complaining nearly every step of the way. Rest in peace already!