Somehow, the developers of Lego Horizon Adventures found the perfect recipe to simplify everything about Horizon while keeping the charm and the nuances that make the franchise so endearing to its fans. The development team knocked it out of the park in translating such a robust experience to a family friendly version that can be enjoyed by gamers of all ages. This is an enjoyable ride for everyone but especially for fans of the franchise.
A game that certainly isn't shy about what it is, Berserk Boy is a love letter to the Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man franchises. While there are arguably some slight concerns along the way on the design front, those shortcomings are overshadowed by fun and addicting gameplay. The game manages to pay great respect to the games that influenced it and still stand on its own at the end. Fans of both classic franchises will certainly enjoy going Berserk!
This is a Battlefield experience through and through. However, I find myself staring more at the gaps in the menus than the accessible parts that are there. The promise of future content is a great thing, but not when you are constantly reminded of the voids it will fill. Fans will love this entry, and rightfully so, but in its current form Battlefield V won't be recruiting any new soldiers to this battle.
Titanfall 2 succeeds in being both accessible and fun, which is a nice change of pace in the modern era of shooters. It isn't the most complicated of shooters, nor is it the most refined. However, it very well may be the most fun, which is the most important thing to a gamer.
If there is one shooter to be had this year, it is Battlefield 1. The series’ return to classically-styled warfare is a breathe of fresh air for both the franchise and the FPS genre. The solo experience(s) are enjoyable and serve as a primer for the larger, more enjoyable multiplayer experience. That multiplayer options feel like more than just a simple mode thanks to the new Operations mode, but are more like a living and breathing world that will keep players hooked for a long, long time.
Despite there being no real improvements or enhancements to any of these games, it is hard to deny the quality of these three games. The BioShock franchise consists of three of the best games we have seen in the past decade and these are the best versions you can get of them. There isn't much in new content but the base content of this collection alone is an incredible value.
Imaginators is yet another solid Skylanders offering that your kids will love. The action is extremely varied, providing a good mix of action, platforming, and other various offshoots like racing, which keeps things fresh and fun. While I enjoy creating my own characters, the requirement to purchase special crystals to do so feels like I am just being forced to buy save slots.
A strange combination of both familiar territory and a fresh feeling, Gears of War 4 provides and enjoyable and robust experience. While there isn't much new ground broken in the experience, it does a lot to remind us what was so great about the original games in the first place.
Despite being a little over the top at times, violence-wise, Mother Russia Bleeds is a fantastic brawler at it's core. Addicting gameplay with a classic look, this one should keep you and your friends entertained time and time again, just like the classic beat'em ups of the past.
A simple concept that is very well executed, Hue is a nice change of pace from the usual game releases. The narrative is the provoking in the game play what surely stretch your mental muscles.
Too simple for it’s own good, A.W. Phoenix Festa is a game that never truly commits to itself. That’s sort of ironic since dating and relationships are such an important part of the experience.
CastleStorm VR is the same awesome experience from a new visual perspective. The core game remains as fun and polished as ever, but the perspective offered with the GearVR adds a fresh take on the battlefield. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the perspectives used between battles.
Star Fox Zero offers a blend of a familiar story with fresh gameplay experiences and mission variety. The controls are the biggest hurdle for this game and will likely deter a lot of players. Those who stick with it and eventually get the hang of things will be thankful that they did in the end.
Star Fox Guard is really a pleasant surprise. It’s a simple concept that is well executed and makes perfect use of the Wii U’s unique control options. Hundreds of levels and the ability to create and share your own give this one some serious legs.
Strip out all of the blood and gore from the Hitman franchise and what is left is truly a thinking man's game. The developers certainly understand what the true charm of the series is and it is highlighted in this puzzle-take on the franchise.
Transformers Devastation is the definition of a fan-service game. An excellent combat system layered over sights and sounds that take children of the '80s back to their youth creates a memorable experience for Transformers fans. The only sad thing is that it never really goes deeper than that.
Street Fighter V has all of the makings of a fantastic fighting game. Unfortunately, that is all it has: makings. There are some performance issues to go along with a serious lack of content that is meant to constitute a full game experience, which is criminal, to say the least.
Far Cry Primal is truly a breath of fresh air for the FPS genre. The setting is original and the gameplay elements that go along with it work perfectly. The world of Oros is truly a thing of beauty and it is so easy to get lost just living within its confines. From hunting, to exploring, to actually pursuing mission objectives, there is so much to do that it almost feels like you're living a second life. If you're looking for the shooter that does more than just shooting, Far Cry continues to be one of your best options.
Once again, Zen nails the Star Wars look and feel with another set of tables. There are issues to be taken up with both, but overall they prove to be a lot of fun and great additions to the Star Wars Pinball line.
Fast and frantic, Not a Hero provides some serious satisfaction when things are running on all cylinders. There's nothing lack diving through windows and taking out bad guys, even if it is classic 8-bit sprites. The humor feels a bit forced at times, but the action wins out in providing a ton of fun.