Alex Hamilton's Reviews
Playing Anno 2205 gives one the feeling that something is missing, like a half-written novel or a song containing only the chorus. The possibilities of the setting are barely scratched upon, while the city-building, as competent as it is on the surface, leaves a lot to be desired for challenge.
Fans of the setting (and of the boardgame) will love Mordheim: City of the Damned. So will fans of squad-based tactical games. Whether they'll be able to stomach the punishing difficulty or long load times is a different question.
Telltale's Game of Thrones: Episode 6 is a worthy, if slightly underwhelming, ending to the developer's first crack at the subject matter. Perhaps with some time and a little more creative freedom they might be able to craft a truly open-ended story to satisfy even the most finicky of gamers.
Football Manager 2016 is another successful entry into a series that is perhaps struggling to find new things to innovate. Changes to tactics, player interaction and the 3D match engine are much welcomed and definitely mark an improvement from last year's game. It will keep fans of the series more than happy (that is until 2017 rolls off the production line next year).
Grand Ages: Medieval can be thought of as an acquired taste (much like the fine wine I peddled around my Alpine trade routes). If you're looking for something more relaxing when it comes to your 4X strategy, this game might be for you.
Prison Architect started out as a diamond in the rough and has been polished and hewn into a truly unique gaming experience. Introversion Software can be proud that they've built Prison Architect the right way and created an exceptional game unrivalled by many in the industry.
The game has an unavoidable appeal due to its odd premise, great soundtrack and colourful visuals. It's one you might find yourself coming back to, if only to perfect that minestrone you've been working on.
If you're a fan of the psychedelic, or if you like your games throwing more shapes and enemies at you than you can shake a stick at, then Zenzizenzic is for you.
Episode 5 arrives with such promise, yet withers a little when the game is forced to try and weave a conducive storyline out of your choices. Inevitably, as a player, you lose out on what could have been a satisfyingly unique experience.
Even though The Masterplan will appeal to some due to its tight mechanics, cool setting and unique style, I can't help but look at it and think about what could have been with a few tweaks: a truly stand out indie title.
A heady mix of expansive story, engrossing combat and silky gameplay makes Knights of Pen and Paper 2 a must for RPG fans looking for adventures on the go.
There's a reason NecroDancer holds a place in the hearts of the many people who played it before its final release: it's an incessantly charming indie game that can eat up hours and leaves an impression long after you've shut it down for the day.
Starships would have worked much better as a smaller form release. As it is, it's an underwhelming tack-on to the already forgettable Beyond Earth that feels rushed and unoptimised. Had it been on a tablet things may have been much different.
A charming platformer to match those in the indie game hall of fame blow-for-blow, Oblitus is an experience that mixes pleasure with pain and can be in parts both utterly punishing and wonderfully rewarding.
As we reach the halfway mark in this season it's hard to imagine the main characters surviving for a second one. With the story ramping up and the plot chugging along, all the pieces are moving into place. As ever, a fantastic homage to the franchise and an event better game in its own right.
Total War: Attila is a triumphant return for the kings of PC battlefield strategy, and hopefully will usher in a new era of incredible Total War titles.
The story is certainly starting to pick up the pace and the player is left wondering who among their current crop of characters will live to see the end. Much like the A Song of Ice and Fire series and A Game of Thrones, nothing is completely certain. A must for fans of either, Telltale are hitting their stride with this series.
Tellale Games have proven that they are more than up to the task of creating a vivid realisation of the Westeros that has found global popularity - as with their previous titles, everything they touch seems destined to turn to gold.
This War of Mine's mechanics are so well polished that you will find yourself playing into the early hours of the morning continually thinking "just one more night", "just one more improvement". Everything from the atmosphere to the characters to the gameplay is presented in a unique and fantastic way.
Poltergeist: A Pixelated Horror is a functional and at times enjoyable puzzler with an interesting twist if you can look past its flaws. Those looking for more action to their ghost simulators, though, might be better off waiting for something else.