Carl Phillips's Reviews
Forget the disappointments of the previous instalment – BioWare are back on top form with Dragon Age: Inquisition. With huge expansive locations to explore, a rich and detailed world to be immersed in, and a branching narrative that has the player make tough choices, it is not only one of the best RPGs of the year, but a strong last-minute contender for game of the year.
Fantastic visuals and enhanced AI behaviour makes the virtual world of San Andreas come to life, and the Rockstar Editor is a powerful tool for machinima creators. It really is the definitive version of a modern classic.
All things considered, WildStar has not only managed to weather the storm that was its launch period, but has continued to remain a fast paced, entertaining, and thoroughly challenging MMO for genre veterans while being accessible for newcomers. With powerful and versatile customisation options, and content for almost everyone, it's a game that doesn't reinvent the MMO wheel, but is the logical culmination of all that is great with the genre. Providing the same level of quality & regularity continues with its content updates, there will be more than enough reason to stay on Nexus.
It won't convert those who despise the Souls series, but the journey through the stunning lands of Drangleic is, for the most part, everything fans could have hoped for in a sequel. With fresh challenges, dastardly traps, and murderous invaders waiting at every corner, the sense of discovery and accomplishment is there for the taking… providing you're patient and brave enough to overcome it. The Iron Price of gaming is back, and it demands that you die.
As cliché as it is to say, good things come to those who wait. With an expertly written narrative, a brilliantly realised location in Europolis, and subtly far-reaching choices to make even at this stage, Book One: Reborn is an excellent return to The Longest Journey saga. In fact, if this is reflective of the episodes to come, Dreamfall Chapters could end up being a masterclass in adventure gaming
While there may be bugs everywhere, it's hard not to be in awe of the extensive open world Bethesda have created with the Commonwealth. Streamlined progression, an improved narrative, and extensive customisation make Fallout 4 a serious contender to the RPG throne.
[SPOILERS] This is, without a doubt, the finest series Telltale Games have produced to date. Whether you're already a Borderlands fan or not, Tales From The Borderlands delivers an emotional, entertaining, and downright fun episodic adventure title.
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.
A lot of its new features & systems aren’t revolutionary, but what Blizzard have done is expertly refine them to work with their online game. With a visceral new hero class and an expansive end-game, the end result not only makes Legion the best expansion the game has seen since Wrath of the Lich King, but it reaffirms World of Warcraft’s place as the king of the genre.
With adorable character design, slick gameplay, and surprisingly deep progression, World of Final Fantasy is the perfect nostalgia trip for series fans.
Seasons After Fall is a labour of love that is nothing short of an artistic triumph. While it does have control issues, it manages to rise above them to become an enthralling puzzle-platform experience.
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.
It's time for us to finally move on from SimCity, as Colossal Order have taken the familiar aspects of city building simulators and given it enough of their own spin to make it fresh. It's certainly not a flawless attempt, and will definitely need some post-launch patching, but the fun factor is there alongside the addictive gameplay. I guess you could even say that, for a first attempt, the foundations are solid as a rock.
It's Civ, but not as we know it… and that's a good thing. The focus on choice and adaptability on the alien world allows players to deal with new challenges on the way to taming this new frontier. It's not a flawless effort, but provided you can overcome the slower pacing of progress, the addiction of going yet another turn is absolutely there, making Beyond Earth a highly enjoyable entry in the Civilization series.
It doesn't fix everything that was wrong with Destiny, but The Taken King does enough in all the right places to make it a highly enjoyable FPS experience overall. A renewed focus on narrative and a streamlined progression system helps to push Destiny in the direction it should have been heading all along.
While there are still blemishes that stop it matching the heights of Brotherhood or even Black Flag, Assassin's Creed: Syndicate restores faith in the series by delivering a highly enjoyable open-world experience. Jacob & Evie make for entertaining characters in a beautifully crafted Victorian London filled with content that will keep you busy for weeks. So pick up your hidden blade - it's time to return to the creed.
With staggering depth to both its map design and new Mastery progression, Heart of Thorns gives Guild Wars 2 players old and new plenty of engaging ways to keep playing. There are still refinements to be made in certain areas, but ArenaNet have shown they are up to the task, making this a worthwhile expansion for MMO fans.
While it may be short and lack replayability, Funcom have delivered a well-crafted and finely tuned psychological experience with The Park. The exceptional audio design helps to build a chilling and tense ambiance that will delight fans of The Secret World, while even newcomers can enjoy the chilling tale of one mother's search for her son. A true psychological thriller that you'll want to play with the headphones on and the lights off.
The unfortunate truth is that its narrative fails to deliver a coherent and satisfying conclusion to the series, but as a stealth sandbox The Phantom Pain is peerless. Responsive controls, freedom to approach objectives, and extensive replayability make it an absolute joy that you won't want to put down. It's a diamond that may be flawed, but it is one that Kojima (and gamers) can hold with awe.