Anthony DeCicco's Reviews
Hitman 2 offers a variety of options in the gameplay department. It also allows for exploration and trial and error. The additional modes adds even more replay value and continued play as we transition from standard single player games into games as a service, this is an example of a great combination of both worlds. 47 has never looked so good and so deadly.
Call Of Duty is a franchise that has almost always stuck to its set formula. That abruptly changes with Black Ops 4 and the end result is better for it. The Blackout mode comes across as the evolution of not only the Battle Royale genre, but also the Call Of Duty franchise as a whole. The accessible mode is accompanied by familiar and improved aspects, such as the multi-layered Zombie mode and a competitive multiplayer that finally feels competitive again. You may forget that Call Of Duty ever needed a single player campaign at all.
United Front may be the most packed DLC for Call Of Duty: WWII as it not only offers one map, but essentially three zombie maps that function as an entirely new experience. The multiplayer maps are somewhat lackluster except for well put together set pieces. It’s standard fare. It functions how players have come to expect without trying to re-invent the wheel. The same sadly goes for the War Mode map, Operation Supercharge, which had the most momentum coming off a stellar experience in the previous DLC outing. If you are a fan of Nazi Zombies, United Front could very well be a must have for you and your friends for the challenge alone.
Call Of Duty: WWII’s second DLC helping, The War Machine delivers in content and diversity in more ways than the previous one. It offers the always entertaining zombie mode a new map to run around and play in, but also manages to introduce new elements into the already fresh War Mode with the latest map. Coupled with events that seem to occur every few weeks and a wonderfully varied array of multiplayer map, fans will be coming back to The War Machine’s content again and again.
TERA is a solid MMO with a very enjoyable combat system. However, it fails to impress when it comes to traveling and the lack of quest diversity. There is still plenty to enjoy, especially in the endgame. And the constant support the game has received thus far is promising for the future. En Masse is definitely in it for the long haul on consoles with new dungeons being added and double XP weekends. With a zero dollar entry cost, TERA is an MMO worth diving into.
Burnout Paradise offers all the excitement and crashes you remember from the original release. Now the game is upped to 60 FPS support and 4K, which adds to the experience. It wasn’t a whole complete overhaul of the 2008 release, but the opportunity to return to Paradise City and it’s accompanying Big Surf Island is one that many won’t (and shouldn’t) pass up, especially if you plan on bringing a few friends along for the drive.
Call of Duty: WWII – The Resistance is a solid foundation to build future content on and sets a high bar for all future DLC related to the fourteenth installment of the franchise. This is what players want to see when it comes to downloadable content — gameplay, maps, weapons and an evolution of the original experience seen in the base game. Everyone should be looking forward to where the DLC goes next and, of course, how the story of zombies continues to develop.
Shadow Of The Colossus is a rare solo cinematic experience that, when originally released, many praised and loved. Years later, it still holds up favorably against the test of time in a remake that gives it a fresh coat of paint. And what a sparkling, pristine coat it is, while not changing anything that made the game so highly touted back in the day. New features like photo mode and next-generation technology allowing for smoother frame rate only improve upon the formula that made the game an instant classic. Now, an entirely new generation is able to enjoy this masterpiece in what is a new benchmark for future remakes to achieve.
Need For Speed Payback is a step in the right direction in some departments, but a few poor choices where it counts sets the game back overall. If you are looking for an adequate solo affair and don't mind grinding for speed cards to upgrade all the vehicles in your stable, than it is possible to find something worthwhile hidden behind Payback's misguided structure. If thrilling online races and roaming with friends in endlessly customizable cars is more your style, you are better off looking elsewhere.
Call Of Duty has made a commendable return to the franchise’s former roots in what could be considered the best entry this generation with Call Of Duty: WWII. Players are given an array of choice in the multiplayer and a solid single-player outing. The reformatted multiplayer creates something special that will hopefully carry on into future iterations. Much like the campaign, the Nazi Zombie mode introduces a much more cinematic experience that adds to the enjoyment. The release of Call Of Duty: WWII has solidified Call Of Duty as the go-to multiplayer game once again in a sea of new ideas and competition.
Gran Turismo Sport is a departure from the usual Polyphony Digital affair and presents a heavy focus on the online, one of the few aspects that is fully realized and delivers so far. The single player is what was damaged the most by the developer’s shift in priority. That is not to say it isn’t a decent game. Online players will enjoy it for months to come, especially if they plan on taking on championships and tournaments. For the rest, the tacked on single player will leave them disappointed, especially since provides a wonderful driving simulation experience. For a full retail priced game, it is hard to justify the purchase unless you know right away that you are going to be dedicated to the online mode. That is the only area wherein you will see the title’s true potential. For now, we are left hoping that a more traditional Gran Turismo installment manages to find its way on to the PlayStation 4 in the near future.
Destiny 2 is the culmination of two years of Bungie learning what players want, enjoy, and love about the world of Destiny. It is the evolution of the team’s previous shortcomings and an improvement upon what is already working. It is everything that makes Destiny great, but better in nearly every way. A game of this quality is teetering on the edge of perfection and it’s likely Bungie’s ongoing commitment will soon find a way to give it that final push.
Volition brought their trademark flair to their first non-Saints Row game in awhile and it definitely shows in Agents of Mayhem. If you want an over the top, explosion filled, machismo spouting, and action packed single player, then you are in for a wild ride. Agents of Mayhem brings not only this, but oh-so much more for fans of Volition’s patented brand of gameplay and humor.
The Surge is a fun and engaging action-RPG for those wanting punishment in a brightly colored futuristic environment. It changes up the formula used by other titles in its genre and for the better. Variety is the spice of life, and that spice is peppered throughout The Surge, from its varied weapons or the many severed limbs and heads of your enemies. Deck 13 has crafted a memorable and engaging title that makes me wish that they never stop doing what they are good at, hardcore, controller smashing games that allows the player to feel accomplished at every enemy that falls to their feet.
Not a bad game, but very basic with a fair amount of modes and replay value that raise it’s worth exponentially. If you are yearning for a frantic shooter, than this will quench your bullet lust.
While it may not have the finesse of other NBA licensed games, it manages to be a structurally solid pick-up and play street basketball game with a lot of licensed players to choose from.
Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition doesn’t change the game a whole lot. Which is pretty much what we expected, although it is still fun and entertaining. If you want a mindless bloody, expletive filled game that is great when you are tired of Call Of Duty or sports titles, than this is the game for you.
The console transition feels right, complete with tight controls, and a host of experiences to be had in Tamriel. If you are fan of MMOs, and must get your fix on consoles, this is as good as it gets.
House Of Wolves manages to be a well-rounded expansion with a lot to offer and content to experience. Even if that comes at the trade of having max level so easily accessible and the same recycled story environments.
The Order: 1886 is a great game, as long as you treat it as a mindless shooter and not the bevy of innovation we were all led to believe it was. Graphically appealing, the title shows us once again, we should not judge a book by its cover.