Other than these small gripes, though, Outlast remains a memorable and incredibly effective survival/horror quest. There are so many moments that will make you feel legitimate fear, and that's no easy feat. It's also worth noting that despite the game's constant desire to make you jump, none of them feel cheap or contrived.
The new Hitman is a love note to all the hardcore fans out there, and I love that. It embraces the idea that we should try to maintain very distinct genres, that not everyone on the planet wants action and other genre elements to invade their beloved stealth category. Furthermore, it improves on just about every aspect of the standard hunt-and-kill concept, adding more depth and intricacy while streamlining the experience and upping the immersion.
Leo's Fortune is a great little platformer with a boatload of simple appeal. I suppose I could say I was hoping for just a bit more depth and substance (without first knowing the title's mobile origins), and the control and physics are just a bit wonky, but those are minor issues with which others may not agree. If you love the old-school platformer structure and you're looking for a simple yet highly satisfying reprieve from the massive open-world epics, I say, go find who stole Leo's gold.
[I]f you're in that hardcore driving fan category, it's a no-brainer. Get this game now..
Aside from these mild drawbacks, Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires is a solid, entertaining adventure that successfully mixes depth and over-the-top combat. When off the battlefield, it adopts the feel of a strategy game and when customizing and advancing your hero, you get that distinct RPG vibe. And when you hit the battlefield, the contest explodes all over that small screen.
The Order: 1886 is an example of dying linearity. The worst part is that this style of gaming is dying, not because it's inferior, but because there are those who want us to believe it's inferior. It's just different.
Grim Fandango Remastered is a masterful puzzle/adventure that will go down in history as one of the most unique and atmospheric video games. The graphics aren't really spruced up all that much (they didn't do anything to the cut-scenes, as far as I can tell), and there are a few old-fashioned control quirks and design flaws, but these are minor shortcomings. It's extremely tough to find such games these days, so if you've never had the pleasure, here's your chance to play something completely unlike the other games in your current till.
Game of Thrones: Episode One – Iron From Ice is another great narrative effort by a rising development team. It's full of drama and well-choreographed action scenes, each of which push the plot forward at a brisk pace. Some of the sequences drag on a bit too long and some of the combat doesn't feel as gripping as in Tales from the Borderlands, but these aren't serious issues.
Madden NFL 25 is better than last year's production; it features better cosmetic and aesthetic features, it often feels more streamlined and accessible, and the upgrades on the defensive side of the ball are huge. It's finally fun to play on defense! Sadly, the game still gets bogged down by a balancing issue, as the defense is simply overpowered.
Strider successfully reinvents a classic. With its tight, super-fluid control, engaging and dynamic 2.5D presentation, and excellent balancing throughout, the game is destined to hook you from the outset.
Killzone: Shadow Fall is a good game, and it hints at a rosy future for shooters and video game in general. I remain disappointed at the surprisingly outdated drawbacks, such as audio balancing, silly AI and occasionally unconvincing acting, but the result is still agreeable. The graphics are a definite highlight, the OWL drone works very well, and the more open and immensely detailed landscape infuses the campaign with branching, compelling energy.
OlliOlli is great fun, provided you've got the requisite patience and diligence. I'm still not convinced that the landing mechanic was the correct design decision, and some of the later levels seem overly taxing, but it's still a solid accomplishment. No, I didn't really care for Tony Hawk and I never understood the skateboarding obsession in the first place.
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.
In the end, however, Dark Souls III is indeed a proper homage to an excellent franchise. It delivers precisely what the fans wanted, and it may be some time before we see another IP that so successfully puts a player on intimate terms with his or her own ability. The learning process is different than in any other series I've played and that's a very special achievement.
NHL 16 represents a return to form for the long-running hockey franchise. Those trying to get the bad taste of their mouths from last year's entry should be pleased with EA Canada's effort, which is capable of attracting casual and hardcore fans alike. EASHL is fulfilling and even addictive, shootouts are an absolute blast, the On-Ice Trainer is an excellent addition for newcomers, and the gameplay is smooth in some places, and rugged and powerful where it needs to be (feel that hit?).
Gravity Rush Remastered is about what you'd expect. The slicker visuals and boosted frame rate lead to an even cleaner and more satisfying experience, though its portable roots are glaringly obvious the more you play. If you've got a PS4 but not a Vita, you definitely owe it to yourself to give it a shot.
Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare is a very solid shooter with a lot of variety and charm. It offers players of all ages a dynamic, entertaining experience that encourages practice and experimentation.
NBA 2K16 remains a great basketball game at its core, but makes a mistake in trying to give us a narrative-driven MyCareer mode. It just isn't keeping with the spirit of the ever-expanding customization and freedom of sports simulators and on top of which, it's just not that interesting or especially well presented. The online missteps are another problem, as are the good but somewhat languishing visuals that are starting to show their age.
Unmechanical: Extended Edition is a mostly rewarding and wonderfully atmospheric puzzler with only a few significant flaws. A few of the puzzles just seem poorly designed, which clash with the great puzzles that thankfully populate most of the game. The complete lack of a narrative is only a little disconcerting; even though I'd want to learn a bit more about the world and my odd character, I'm usually too busy thinking.
Street Fighter V marries fresh concepts and upgraded gameplay with the tried-and-true mechanics the fans have always loved. This, along with the technical achievement in terms of graphics and sound, is what will sell the game. For the veteran fans, there's enough familiarity here for them to say, "yep, this is Street Fighter," but at the same time, they can't complain about a lack of significant upgrades and alterations.