P.O.L.L.E.N. is a visually stunning and well crafted exploration game, and the detail that has been put into the small world by Mindfield Games is remarkable. The recognition that, as players, we don’t always need the game to hold our hands in order to progress is refreshing. But there feels like there could be so much more somehow.
Echoes of Aetheria is a surprisingly dense and engaging title, despite its visual simplicity. The throwback to old-style RPGs brings on a sense of nostalgia whilst remaining fresh and unique, with a deep storyline and thoroughly fleshed out characters to bring the game to life. Combat is varied and challenging, and crafting the right items can be a gamechanger. Dancing Dragon Games have succeeded in providing another charming and story-driven adventure to their repertoire.
Black Ops III hits two out of three big marks for me. We were promised a wealth of mindblowing graphics, exciting new content and dynamic gameplay and Treyarch most certainly delivered on all points. Black Ops III is a fantastic Call of Duty game, but despite its best attempts to be completely different, it can't help but to fall into its own category. Underneath the glamour, it feels like just another Call of Duty game - to the delight of existing fans, but the chagrin of players seeking new turf. It is severely let down by its clumsy campaign mode, but additions to movement and customisation in multiplayer mode make it one of the best Call of Duty multiplayers ever created. The new zombie map, Shadows of Evil, is also an enormous high in the series, and is innovative and replayable enough to mark it as the largest and most exciting zombie modes yet.
In all, Life is Feudal is a beautifully balanced, realistic medieval sandbox. Although it may be tedious if played alone, forming a team with friends or the server's community is rewarding and will result in a richly diverse gaming experience. Crafting is intricate and gruelling, but gratifying and combat is equally as thoroughly constructed. There is a very steep learning curve, but once mastered, hours can tick by immersed in this beautiful world.
The combination of RPG, 4X and board game really works, and with the exception of a tiny map size and some repetitive elements, it is an extremely promising debut for League of Geeks.
It currently costs just a couple of pounds on Steam, and so is worth a go if you want something to really get your teeth into. But if you aren't a total masochist, save it for the bus fare.
Saint Seiya: Soldier's Soul would perhaps call out more to existing fans of the Seiya anime, but as a newcomer, I was less than impressed.
Although it could allow the player a little more control, Jotun is a pleasure to play - check it out. You'll be Thor-ry to miss it!
Although it isn't the traditional, fun-filled kind of game most people would look for, I recommend this one. It's more like an interactive work of art, but it's well worth it. Put aside your expectations, and let yourself be guided through Rae's world one step at a time.