Nicole Hall's Reviews
The Lost Legacy condenses every last bit of greatness from the past 4 titles into 8 hours of gameplay for half the price. It’s quite remarkable that in such a short amount of gameplay time we play through such intense action sequences, journey through and revel in the glory of the Indian wilderness and get to know such fantastically cast characters in such great depth. With elements being carried over from it’s predecessor, and frequent nods to past events from the previous games, The Lost Legacy emanates a homey sense of familiarity yet really holds it’s own identity as a standalone title. The story is rich, action-packed and wonderfully humorous much like every Uncharted title before it. Chloe is another fine display of Naughty Dog’s commendable ability to develop a strong, iconic female character.
There began a looming fear when talk of Destiny 2 came about that the game would feel more like Destiny 1.5 rather than a sequel. However, a mere 10 minutes into Bungie’s latest addition to the series and we can see this simply isn’t the case. Playing through Destiny 2’s first story mission alone we see a hop, skip and Hunter-style triple jump up in the content and overall standard of the story. Honestly, the first mission alone far surpasses the quality of the entirety of that of it’s predecessor.
For those out there with lingering apprehension about gratifying their Creed cravings with Ubisoft’s latest addition to ever expanding line of Assassin’s Creed (AC) games, have no fear as Assassin’s Creed Origins easily puts to shame the last few bland and “samey” AC titles. I kid you not, this installment to the series has been redefined in a way that almost separates Origins from the series altogether. For the most part of my first few hours of gameplay, I didn’t feel like I was playing a Creed title – I liked that. Origins doesn’t reek of the traditional, rapidly deteriorating Assassin’s Creed game mechanics that felt like they were clinging onto the series by nothing more than fraying nostalgic threads in the last few games. No, instead the series feels profoundly like it’s found a fresh lease of life and in light of it’s forebears and where the series was headed without a serious rethink, this undoubtedly had me breathing a distinct sigh of relief.
The Star Wars Battlefront series has always been credible for it’s ability to somewhat ease the insatiable Star Wars void that sits inside fans of the iconic, sci-fi franchise. Come on fans, you have to admit that no matter how much you indulge in the series over a multitude of mediums, you always want more. This is where the Battlefront series shines. With it’s spectacular portrayal of Star Wars settings and events combined with trademark sounds of blaster rifles and Wookie cries, the Battlefront series definitely takes pride in it’s ability to moderate that galaxy sized void that sits inside you, regardless of who’s hands the game series sits in. It goes without saying that EA DICE’s sequel to Battlefront (2015), Battlefront 2 upholds that very same vibe the series is renowned for maintaining.
The Call Of Duty franchise has found it’s way back to earth in the renowned war-based shooter series latest release. Yes, boots are back firmly on the ground as Sledgehammer Games take the reins of the series in Call Of Duty: WWII. As the title states we become reacquainted with the WWII roots that once saw the series prosper and packed into the game we see a heartfelt campaign, the forever popular zombies mode and COD’s famed multiplayer. The developers have ditched the exo-suits, boost jumps and laser weapons for this particular installment and it’s unquestionably done the series a favour in doing so.
In the first extensive DLC release of Sledgehammer Game’s Call Of Duty: WWII, the developers spoil us with three new multiplayer maps (including a remake of a classic map from a previous successful COD instalment), a new class division to utilise in said maps, a brand new chapter in the Nazi Zombies mode and a new War Mode map for players to enjoy the more narrative-driven game mode on.
Fe isn’t spurred on by an easy to follow narrative but instead by a moving soundtrack that orchestrates your journey through a quaint world with the help of some pleasant platforming elements that are carefully weaved into this all-round lovely game. Zoink have conceived a setting which can only be compared to a mood ring in both colour and emotion alike, full of mystery and a delight to explore. They want you to halt your journey, look around, truly indulge in their handiwork and let out a satisfied sigh. As you interact with nature within the game, you gradually ignite a fire of need within you to protect it. Moreover, subliminal eco-friendly morals resonate whilst you play, leading you to care and truly become emerged in this ingenious world and the creatures that roam within it. Similar to likes of Journey and Abzu, Fe achieves a moving and memorable gaming experience by generating a magical, highly immersive environment that accounts for each and every emotional arc within the game. A touching tale and completely captivating title.
Assassin’s Creed: Rogue’s initial release on Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 was significantly overshadowed by the simultaneous release of Assassin’s Creed: Unity as naturally, the greater part of players turned to the game released on next gen consoles (at the time). That said, many never embarked upon Shay’s journey, including myself making the remastering of this title a divine opportunity to fill in some blanks for presumably, a vast portion of Assassin’s Creed players.
Owlboy is everything you’d traditionally expect of 2D puzzle-platformer and beyond.
Enforce the will of The Emperor and purge an onslaught of heretics in the latest edition to the catalogue of Warhammer 40K video games in NeocoreGames, Inquisitor Martyr. Unlike recently released Space Hulk: Deathwing, Inquisitor Martyr steers clear of manic, FPS shooter mechanics and instead adopts a Diablo-esque, action-RPG style of gameplay that does the extensive and intriguing 40K universe a far greater degree of justice.
If your tastes aren't yet accustomed to the complexity of tactical RPG titles, it's unlikely Disgaea 1 Complete will take your fancy. In harnessing all the staple features of the genre and bringing an assortment of new elements to the table, it's more of a game for tactical RPG veterans as opposed to curious newcomers that may find the game overwhelming and otherwise daunting. If your interest is still piqued, however, don't be deterred, for scratch beneath the surface and you'll uncover a commendable remake with exciting new features for longtime fans, and a classic title that still excels in narrative and gameplay alike .
LEGO DC Super-Villains is perhaps the best LEGO game to date.
World of Final Fantasy Maxima simply continues to promote the celebratory vibe of the original game. New additions to the catalogue of both characters and Mirages truly encourage replayability, offering incentive to make return trips to Grymoire to tackle the many new endeavours they've brought with them. More classic Final Fantasy characters revived in a loveable art style not only act as a lure for younger eyes but also capture the essence of the franchise as a whole, no doubt provoking an appeal to FF aficionados too.
Igniting bouts of nostalgia for PS4 players
Still Abzu-lutely magnificent, but now on the go with Nintendo Switch
Subnautica sees you submerged in a vast and utterly breathtaking underwater world, teeming with secrets and polished off with an unsettling atmosphere that instigates a real sense of thrill as you play.
Even as an Ark aficionado, it's difficult not to slump in disappointment as you play the Switch rendition of what can be a fantastic title. The touch screen may allow for better control functionality as far as the other consoles go but ugly visuals and general instability don't really make up for it. Ark: Survival Evolved is and will remain one of those titles that shines brightest on PC and only there can it gain the appreciation it truly deserves.
Metro Exodus provides an immersive FPS experience that marks a new milestone for the franchise. Its survival-horror, sandbox and shooter elements are remarkably well balanced, constituting an engaging and thrilling game that’ll leave you no stranger to a good jump scare
Don’t let the ‘5’ in the title intimidate you, the game is as much of a warm welcome to the world of Devil May Cry as it is a hard-earned treat for fans. Gameplay is refined and polished constituting a fluid and wonderfully satisfying action experience. Honestly, demolishing an endless stream of fugly demons with outlandish flair and snagging those ‘S’ ranks has never looked and felt so good.
Steins;Gate Elite provides a much more aesthetic and visually engaging approach to the genre.