Colm Ahern's Reviews
Games have taught us to expect the expected, but Pony Island throws the rulebook out the window in this puzzle-cum-runner title where you must escape Satan's clutches.
TellTale's meandering Game of Thrones ends with an episode that is very much like the rest of the series. Just "alright".
Backdrops still aren't easy on the eye, Gared's tale has dipped and it doesn't have the tension present in previous episodes, but Mira and Rodrik's gradual transformations are a delight, and Asher's narrative finally steps up.
If The New Order was up your alley, The Old Blood will be, too. But here, it's all about murdering nazis and zombie nazis, with less of the reflection.
At the middle point, Game of Thrones is losing its momentum and, except for Gared and elements of Rodrik's story, hasn't shown enough progression to get people excited for what's to come.
Twitch-based gameplay at its finest, with some of the best music ever featured in a game. Wrong Number ramps everything up to varying degrees of success.
While Cersei and Ramsay's omission is felt and backdrops still haven't improved on episode one, the story remains strong and Castle Black sticks out as a big highlight for Game of Thrones fans.
At a higher player count, the chaos get's too much, but when it's at its best, #IDARB is a hell of a lot of fun.
Soaring through Hell thanks to the wings on your back adds another element to your A-to-B arsenal, however the repetition on offer stifles flight. A lot.
Fans of the TV show can breath a sigh of relief as, even with graphical hiccups, the foundation for an engrossing story is there.
If you've played a Lego game before, you know what to expect. It's full of charm and wit, while lacking much innovation.
Even with some hiccups when playing single-player, the attention to detail in this beautiful story all about friendship is bliss.
While the human element of characters isn't as fleshed out as it could've been, This War of Mine is an interesting take on the war genre.
It's Football Manager, with some welcome new additions.
The relatively gratifying story and straightforward puzzles aren't the real reasons to visit Red Creek Valley. The location is a good enough reason itself. More often than not people look to graphics as an indication for this medium's progression and even though that's somewhat of a falsehood, it has to be said that this spirit story's looks are otherworldly.
Velocity 2X is a sequel that takes the original idea and expands on it. Unlike a lot of follow-ups, though, it has added a whole new way to play the game. The greatest triumph is in how the spacecraft gameplay and platforming sections feel similar in parts, while also retaining some individuality. It's disappointing that a number of factors cause Velocity 2X to experience a little turbulence, because generally, it's a great flight.
Gods Will Be Watching takes some tired features like pixel art and adventure-style dialogue options, and makes them feel fresh. Choices have consequence, but the mortality of those around you can't be dwelled upon as your mission is far more important. You'll question how inhumane you have to be and then, without batting an eyelid, become the efficient lunatic you never thought you would be. While the decisions feel weighty, the story is essentially disjointed and becomes confusing. Where Gods Will Be Watching is really testing, though, is in its almost impenetrable difficulty. There's a fine line between challenge and frustration, and sadly, with all of its positives, Gods Will Be Watching will leave you questioning whether its really worth it.
All entertainment media has a tendency to glorify war and games are no different. On most occasions, we select our loadout and happily headshot anything with a pulse. Valiant Hearts tackles the harsh realities of what this war did to regular families. It tore people apart and, conversely, brought strangers closer together. It's a beautiful tale of love and woe, with a consideration for the chilling realism of war. History may be in the past, but it should never be forgotten, for the people affected truly were Valiant Hearts.
Questions have been asked and we can now take solace that satisfying solutions are being given. Snow and Bigby's exchanges are very brief as The Sheriff focuses on getting answers that have eluded him since the beginning of The Wolf Among Us. Bigby excels in what is the most action-packed offering yet and will leave you wanting more. In Sheep's Clothing ends on one of the best cliffhangers you could imagine.
There's still plenty to uncover, with two episodes to go, and things are setting up quite nicely for an explosive finale, but don't enter A Crooked Mile expecting to get much in the way of answers. The conclusion will come soon enough but until then, enjoy the bloody, twisted ride.