Nazih Fares's Reviews
2Dark shows that the creator of Alone in the Dark is still full of good ideas. Even if this game seems like a cute old-school title, it hides a terrific survival game which does nothing like the modern ones, even if it can get a bit buggy. In any case 2Dark is a rather hardcore title, which should largely satisfy lovers of stealth and survival horror games.
LEGO Worlds will surely fill those who have always been fascinated by the idea of a digital version of the Danish construction game. The possibilities are interesting and everything has been done to please LEGO fans, but on the level of pure gaming, the adventure is soon struck with redundancy. LEGO Worlds is a promise that one could hope it gets better in the years to come.
Mass Effect Andromeda is neither a bad entry to the series, nor a title capable of reaching to the heights of the original trilogy. If it enhances the core gameplay of the saga, and offers fresh new settings and a solid game lifespan, Mass Effect Andromeda's lack of finishing touches hurts the experience, whether in terms of technical performance or even core storyline and a cast of character that can't keep up with the Commander Shepard's crew. Yet you will experienced a new memorable adventure, marked by discovery, which becomes a sign that not only the game has traveled to a new galaxy, but the franchise itself is ready to explore new boundaries.
Persona 5 is almost a perfect game and P Studio's best entry in the series, making it a must-buy PlayStation console exclusive. Thanks to an excellent story, charismatic cast of characters, a perfectly calibrated combat system, quality dating sim mechanics, amazing soundtrack and art direction, topped with a monstrous lifespan thanks to a New Game+, Persona 5 might be the best JRPG of 2017, if not the best game released so far.
Despite the defects and bitter aftertaste, Playtonic's Yooka-Laylee fulfills in part its main promise: one of bringing back the nostalgic N64 platformer games.. This highly respected tribute to the productions of the Rare era should undoubtedly be a great pick its fans, with the same gameplay mechanics, colors, worlds, and themes, but in the end lack the soul and flair that made that old generation what it is.
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX is exactly what you would expect after the recent release of Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, especially in terms of remastering techniques. Each of the compilation's titles are cleaner and more fluid... And that's it. In its entirety, this compilation is a must-have if you want to relive the good days of yesteryear without dusting out your old console, or something great to play if you never played the franchise in preparation for the upcoming third game.
They might be old game concept, but this Puyo Puyo Tetris fusion works amazing well for a lone player or with friends. SEGA has managed to create a new type of Puzzle game that works very well, whether you've played Tetris before, or never heard of Puyo Puyo. Adding to that the possibilities offered by the Nintendo Switch in terms of portability and local multiplayer, this is a sure pick for the new Nintendo console.
Little Nightmares might have a striking artistic direction and a dark story to tell, but it's lacking originality by looking too much like PlayDead's INSIDE.
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3 is a decent title which succeeds in what CI Games were aiming to do for the franchise. While it doesn't feel like a AAA title, with a long range of technical problems, the game is still above average, offering an decent adventure in an original Georgian setting, with lot of elements inspired by other large-scale open world shooter games. At least with this episode, CI Games has a decent formula that will probably get enhanced in its fourth sequel.
It's hard not to like The Sexy Brutale Full House Edition, thanks to its refreshing and original game concept. While it doesn't just rely on its neat artistic direction and great soundtrack, the game is also a demanding one for newcomers and fans of puzzle games, but it's only problem might be that it's too short.
Like its predecessors, Outlast 2 solidifies Red Barrels Studio's skills to create a good horror and suspense game. This sequel has notable technical and graphic enhancement thanks to a jump to Unreal Engine 4, but I regret that it still rely too much on a trial and error method, that sometimes frustrates players more than it scares them, but all in all Outlast 2 is exactly what you want the game to be... One hell of a scary adventure.
The Caligula Effect is as fascinating as it is technically failing as a game. This is the kind of title that will be probably remembered for its art style, story and innovative gameplay, but will sadly at the same time, be known as a technical mess and bland progression.
A bit more demanding than usual, NBA Playgrounds fits in the right line of NBA Jam and NBA Street, without a constant comparison. The game may be arcade in looks and gameplay, but it tries to compensate for a slightly more demanding timed control schemes, which might not be fun for all. Too bad that the solo as the multiplayer part have been shipped almost half-baked at launch, and I really hope that the updates and patch will be coming fast to keep the momentum.
Rich and full of ideas, Prey is another great work from Arkane Studios, showing once more that they are on par with the biggest development studios around. Great mood and screenwriting, players will find a Metroidvania game mixing horror and science fiction influences, and can handle action, stealth and survival mechanics without trying to hard.
It's no surprise that the sequel of a great game is one as well, and Injustice 2 fuses perfectly a fighting game with DC Comics fan service. This love of the comics is everywhere in the game, with the most generous roster of the franchise, an ever-evolving and updated multiverse mode, countless cinematic, a loot system, and of course a complete PvP mode. In short, NetherRealm's Injustice 2 is a a great title for DC Comics and fighting game fans
Portal Knights is a game that will satisfy lovers of the Minecraft-like genre, but unfortunately remains too much of the same despite the extra adventure and RPG side of it. It's nevertheless a great building game with a squeeze of action-RPG flavor for good measure if you have friends.
While Star Trek: Bridge Crew might lose players along the way because of its particular gameplay and lore, the game has the merit of being original compared to other VR experiences on the market. The immersion is decent thanks to the use of the PlayStation Move and PlayStation VR, but it still requires you to play in co-operative multiplayer to fully live the experience instead of relying on AI bots.
After waiting for more than 6 years for a sequel, you'd expect Tekken 7 to come back with the might of an iron fist, and Bandai Namco absolutely nailed that. A bit more serious than its predecessor, Tekken 7 is also more technical, precise and demanding without being less entertaining, thanks to its varied roster of characters. While it might not be the prettiest fighting game around in comparison to the current competitions, the rest works perfectly, especially the online modes which are for me the best in the genre so far. In short, Tekken 7 is a great competitive game for friends and rivals!
With Everspace, ROCKFISH Games gives us a well-done and dynamic space shooter, enhanced with rogue-like elements giving the player with a persistent goal to get better. Visually sublime, accompanied by a great story, Everspace is a must single-player experience on either console or PC.
WayForward Technologies Shantae: Half-Genie Hero's experience remains this fresh platforming adventure that will not disappoint you, full of comedy and fun characters, topped by an exemplary design.