Carl Phillips's Reviews
WWE 2K17 shows great potential, and when it gets it right it’s fantastic to play, but its undercooked features and lack of visual polish stop it from getting the 3-count it so desperately craves.
With adorable character design, slick gameplay, and surprisingly deep progression, World of Final Fantasy is the perfect nostalgia trip for series fans.
Despite some odd AI behaviour issues, Firaxis have delivered one of the most enjoyable entries in the Civilization series to date. Beautiful presentation and accessible new gameplay mechanics mean Civilization VI will have you going one more turn for months to come.
With exceptional world building, fantastic art design, and polished gameplay mechanics, Dishonored 2 builds upon is predecessor to deliver a game that encourages exploration and exudes replayability.
Twelve years of development haven't stopped the odd issue and a patchy narrative from rearing their head, but they aren't enough to spoil a beautiful and endearing RPG experience. With action-packed combat and plenty of post-game content, players who take their time exploring the world of Eos will discover that Final Fantasy XV is more about the journey – and the memories you make along the way – than the destination.
Its value may fall depending on your investment in the series so far, but Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue is both an enjoyable way to catch up on the story and a tantalising taste of what is to come.
Bithell Games’ experiment into short-form gaming might not rank as the studio’s best release, but if you’re after an evening’s worth of sci-fi entertainment, Subsurface Circular delivers an enjoyable & well-written adventure title.
Larian Studios have taken on board the critiques from its previous title and delivered one of the most visceral, engaging, and enjoyable RPGs ever made. If you’re a fan of RPGs or looking for a world to immerse yourself in, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is unmissable.
While its twist on stealth mechanics eventually loses steam, Ultra Ultra’s debut title is visually stunning and a delight to listen to. If you’re after a sci-fi experience to dive into, ECHO is one not to miss.
While the end result doesn’t quite hit the highs of its predecessor, Wolfenstein II delivers one of the best FPS experiences of the year with its take-no-prisoners attitude and cathartic FPS action.