Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is the masterpiece we all hoped it'd be. It's undoubtedly the best game of 2015 and the generation so far and further solidifies Hideo Kojima as a master of the genre. It's no wonder he calls this his magnum opus, the game he's always wanted to make since the inception of the franchise.
All in all, Until Dawn is a fun, gripping, immersive adventure that you'll play on the very edge of your seat. It's a little too short (even with the butterfly effect greatly enhancing the longevity), the story is only mildly impressive, and the camera doesn't always cooperate. But spurred on by great performances, a disturbing atmosphere, a decision-making system that might be unparalleled in video games today, and a very personal approach to interaction, the game makes a strong case for a purchase.
Madden NFL 16 represents a logical step in the history of the franchise. Rather than restricting the experience to the die-hard few, why not make a game that satisfies both the latter group and the more casual fans? It may seem a little intimidating at first but this well-appointed simulator is amazingly flexible, and gives you the chance to play exactly the way you wish. The intro is poorly conceived, I believe, the loading times are still pretty ridiculous, and there are a few lingering gameplay issues (wacky occurrences can be prevalent) but aside from that, this is the best Madden entry we've seen in years.
Zombi is a game that might seem too ponderous and frustrating for many. But for those who appreciate a challenging atmosphere that tasks you with marshalling your fears and taking a studious approach to survival, it's a definite must-try.
Everybody's Gone to the Rapture is an interactive work of art. Those of us who can be demanding when it comes to the realm of virtual storytelling might spot some minor flaws. Aside from those flaws, and beyond those who complain about the speed and lack of input commands, the game stands tall in its efforts to reach a new level of interactive storytelling.
King's Quest: A Knight to Remember is a great first chapter in a tremendously endearing new series. It sets the stage for the second chapter and leaves the player wanting more. There are hang-ups in terms of general flow and gameplay structure but it really depends on your perspective.
Q.U.B.E: Director's Cut is a smooth, polished, original puzzler that's well-paced and rewarding. Both the story and the puzzles will keep you involved throughout and despite a few puzzles that aren't as expertly designed as others, the developers should be commended.
Zombie Army Trilogy is familiar and fun for a short spell. The third game is a good deal better than the first two but for the most part, it's a ho-hum action blast-fest that doesn't have enough "oomph" behind it. The low production values are a definite problem, as is the uninspired and outdated level design and hugely repetitive gameplay.
Anyway, Journey on PlayStation 4 is undoubtedly the definitive edition of an instant classic. It's not drastically different and there really isn't any new content, but the upgrades included in this package are noticeable and appreciated, and vault the production into the stratosphere. We are moved and impacted; some even say they're forever changed after finishing.
Tembo the Badass Elephant is a goodhearted, challenging platformer where speed and rhythm sit at the forefront of the gameplay experience. It's really about getting into that great groove, where enemies are going "poof" every second and Tembo is in absolutely no danger 'cuz you've got him down cold. There are a few shortcomings but none of them should keep the intrigued from giving Tembo a go.
One of these days, I imagine some developer will take a decent whack at this IP. Maybe Rocksteady can take a break from Batman and give this Japanese icon the attention and care he deserves. In theory, a talented team could make a fantastic game because all the necessary elements are there; don't even bother with a story (which is just awful in this game, by the way), just give us some quality gameplay.
I'd like to say Rory McIlroy PGA Tour picks up where Tiger Woods left off but in truth, we've gone back a step or two…or three. It's not so much the mechanics and gameplay core; all this works reasonably well aside from the eccentricities I mentioned here. It's just that the entire package feels flat and featureless.
It is. It just didn't quite hit the necessary benchmarks for execution and the ultimate realization of the main concept. There are quite a few highlights but mixed in are a bunch of low points, and those low points only exist because there is, as I said above, little in the way of follow-through.
Batman: Arkham Knight is arguably the best game of the year so far. The technical aspects are not only eye-popping but they're also quite stable. The graphics are slick, the sound is stellar, the control is rock solid, and the gameplay variety is downright tremendous.
Overall, LEGO Jurassic World is an entertaining game that is large in scope and high in fun factor. If you're a fan of the "Jurassic Park" movies and you've got kids (or you're just a big kid yourself), this is a definite must-try. Playing co-op is always the best option but even playing alone will put a smile on your face.
The Escapists doesn't take itself too seriously but definitely asks you to be serious about your approach. Observation, methodical planning, and timely execution lie at the core of the experience, and if you're particularly detail-oriented – and diligent – this game will deliver. You have to like the fun twist on a normally gritty, hopeless situation, and the basic controls are just fine.
But for the time being, there are simply too many problems with Ultra Street Fighter IV on PlayStation 4. The input lag is definitely an issue, the technical hang-ups mar an otherwise astounding-looking game, and there aren't enough new features or additions for hardcore fans to warrant a purchase. It's nice to have Omega Mode and all the DLC costumes tossed in for free and the Red Focus Attack does add some flash and strategy.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an incredible achievement. It's impossible to list all the positives and highlights. There's a sense of awe and wonder it elicits, from the moment you pick up the controller.
BRAWL is a decent game that hearkens back to the glory days of Bomberman. It's what Basement Crawl tried to be. The single-player difficulty is just too crazy, there still isn't quite enough content, and the technicals are sorta ho-hum.
Toren is a great idea. As a lover of the arts, its focus on artistic impression and intriguing spirituality is something I'll always support. I'm also not one to condemn the length (Journey was only a few hours long, too).