Matt Hewson's Reviews
neither the RPG or combat components are individually as strong as the games it is so clearly inspired by, but together they combine to create a wonderfully unique experience that takes both genres in new directions. Add to this some wonderful stealth mechanics and a sound and visual design second to none and Mutant Year Zero has easily climbed its way into my top games of the year.
In all, Big Bash Boom feels like a noble first effort in the arcade genre for Big Ant. Issues with graphics and a lack of game modes are pretty well countered by some solid gameplay and a nice sense of humour.
A wonderful suite of different game modes are on offer and keep the gameplay fresh and exciting, while the gameplay itself is fast, fluid and flexible. NBA Live 19 is a huge leap forward for the franchise and one that promises to entertain until next year’s entry. Well done EA, you have brought Live back from the dead.
To say Divinity: Original Sin 2 is an outstanding example of the CRPG genre would be underselling. With a story that feels like a best-selling fantasy novel, a combat system that is deep and intuitive and a world that is interconnected in ways the boggle the mind, Original Sin 2 should be a must buy for any RPG fan. It requires dedication and demands your attention, but any sacrifice you make to play the game is well worth it.
Sure Golf is a bit of a niche sport and doesn’t appeal to everyone, but for those that do enjoy a round, this is easily the best game available. It is much more welcoming than previous titles, includes the ability to play through the sport’s premier competition and has a never-ending supply of content thanks to the wonderful course creator. As a Golf fan, what more could you possibly want?
As a Mega Man game, this version stands tall. However, there is no escaping the fact the formula is starting to show its age. Tough, challenging platforming we have all seen before.
Barring a massive rethink from 2K in regards to their microtransaction focus, I think NBA 2K19 is the last NBA 2K game I will be excited for. It is clear the developers only see its consumers as a walking pile of cash so why would I willingly subscribe to that philosophy.
Red Faction: Guerrilla is a game that knows its place in life and owns it. A game so confident in its gimmick that nothing else in the game world matters. It was refreshing when it was released and it is still refreshing now. No heavy stories, no deep combat systems, just a man, his hammer and a giant playground waiting to be torn apart. Bliss.
With ONRUSH, Codemasters has given arcade racing a shot in the arm. It has taken a tired genre and freshened it up by changing what the goal should be in a racing game. With the omission of standard races and the focus on teamwork this is a type of game that has never been seen before and should be a must but for anyone who gains even the slightest enjoyment from ultra speeds and vehicular mayhem.
A beautifully told gothic tale with interesting skill systems and some fun combat is only let down by window dressing and a location that feels like a stage and not an actual city. Vampyr might not be the game of the year, but it is certainly going to be one of the most interesting titles we see in 2018 and, sales permitting, a title that will only get better in future sequels.
I warn you, no implore you, do not buy this game. Publishers don’t deserve to make a cent on a game that has clearly been rushed out to exploit a hole in the market, with no thought to actually making a good, working game. Sorry Tennis fans, the wait for a good game continues.
By all means, buy Warmind, you will probably have a good time. But know that all you are getting is more of the same and searching for something new will only leave you unsatisfied.
It is by no means a bad game but due to its lineage, its problems seem much greater than they should. I, without a doubt, enjoyed my time within the game, but at the same time, I felt it could have been just that bit better, that bit more refined. As a result, I was never hooked in the way that I was with Rise of the Tomb Raider and it left me feeling a little down. Shadow of the Tomb Raider is well worth playing and it is an entertaining game, it just isn't as good as it could have been and that is a giant shame.
So with The Crew 2, I am left a little split on my feelings. There is nothing in the game I can point at and say “that’s bad” but there is undeniably something missing, something lacking. It is a game I will probably play on and off in the future, dipping in for a quick blast of boating or off-road fun, but I don’t think I will sink any more serious time into. This is a polished game that looks great and basically does what it says on the box but still is somehow less than the sum of its parts.
The Banner Saga 3 is a dark, enthralling end to one of the best stories in gaming, a story that needs to be experienced by all.
Despite a promising setup and some nice enemy design Extinction fails to entertain in any meaningful matter. Once the initial thrill of taking down a giant orc wears off, the games many many frustrations take over and players are left with a mess of half-baked ideas and poor mechanics.
Super Daryl Deluxe is one of the more unique titles available today. It takes familiar a 2D platformer and mashes it with an Action RPG while adding a dash of Metroidvania for good measure. Add to that the seriously impressive animation and art style and the game is well on its way to being a cult hit.
In all Penny Punching Princess is a promising title with a unique idea that is let down by a wonky control scheme. If the devs could somehow improve that through patching I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this as a great $20-ish title for the Switch. As it is however, the general clunkiness is likely to put just about everyone off.
With State of Decay 2, Undead Labs has realised the potential of the first game. This is very much more of the same, but that same has been polished to a blood-smeared shine.
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition is a love letter to the AoE gamers of old. This is not a remaster aimed at recruiting new fans, this is a wonderfully spruced up version of a classic game for long time players. It looks great, sounds excellent and has had some slight modernisation touches without ever losing the feeling of the classic AoE experience.