'The Final Station' is a fascinating journey that ends a few stops too soon. Its ending ultimately raises more questions than answers, and I was left largely unfulfilled. This disappointment bleeds into the gameplay as well, as each facet of gameplay from the citizen management to the gunplay could've been fleshed out more. Despite these shortcomings, it's still an enjoyable five hour ride — just one that ends before it hits its stride.
'Worms W.M.D' offers up some of the best multiplayer fun available on PlayStation 4. It's dumb in all of the best ways, from its ridiculous voice acting to the farting grandmother that I often used (unsuccessfully) as a weapon. There are a few rough edges, such as the platforming, but whenever I would die due to an unfortunately timed jump I always ended up laughing. If Team17 have accomplished anything, it's that they have made a game that always leaves me chuckling with a grin on my face even when I was dealt a raw hand.
Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X may start off too simple for returning players, but it opens up into a fun, yet familiar, rhythm game. The action is highly enjoyable, even if I was just frantically pressing butons, and I even found myself getting into some of the periphery features. It may not reinvent the series, but it’s yet another solid entry.
Assetto Corsa may succeed as a simulation, but it fails as a game. Clearly a ton of work has gone into making sure the cars handle correctly and that the tracks are as realistic as possible, which just makes the end result even more heartrending. It has a terrible user interface, isn't fun to play and doesn't feature any of the helpful tools that make Forza such an appealing game.
'Metrico+' removes all of the gimmicks that made the original a burden to play, and replaces them with fantastic level design. This isn't a port, it's a complete overhaul that demonstrates what Digital Dreams has learned from their Vita exclusive. This update is well worth playing for puzzle platforming fans, regardless of whether or not one has played the 2014 game.
Alone With You provides an interesting ride for players, but doesn't manage to fulfill its potential. The romantic side of the game feels underdeveloped, and I ran into bugs often enough to hamper my enjoyment. That said, it has an interesting enough story that is worth checking out and its shortcomings can't undo a solid story that is told well.
The King of Fighters XIV is a fully featured fighting game. It still feels like its classic predecessors, but it has been updated in some important areas to feel like a modern take. Its roster is both a celebration of the series that also signifies that this is a new step forward. I’m excited to see KoF back in the spotlight, and I hope to see SNK continue building on this great installment.
Style Savvy: Fashion Forward is a charming but repetitive experience that's best enjoyed in short bursts.
Reigns provides hours of entertainment for a cheap price. Presenting more of a balancing act than a moral dilemma, it can be equally as satisfying as it is frustrating at times. One thing it always does, though, is keep players interested.
Ubisoft Chengdu’s UNO does exactly what it sets out to do, it’s a polished (although not perfect) digital version of the beloved card game. The lack of decks is disappointing, but it definitely delivers the same brand of fun that gamers had 10 years ago on Xbox 360. I can recommend drawing four cards if you’re looking for some light fun, but this isn’t quite the must-have it could’ve been.
Ben-Hur doesn't succeed as a game or as an advertisement for the film. In fact, all it's really good for is some easy achievement points.
If there is one core issue with Gundam: Extreme VS-Force it's that it feels like it should be on a console.
There's an interesting story to be told in A.W.: Phoenix Festa, but sadly, this game only teases it.
The first game published by USC features a fantastic concept that is executed well, but one that really feels like it could've used some more time to be fleshed out. 'Chambara' is a fun local multiplayer diversion, but the lack of online play and variety really stifles the overall experience. Hopefully a sequel will be able to take the game to the next level, but as of now I'm left with a rad proof of concept that is best played in short bursts.
Shiren's latest adventure is a rewarding one. It offers up an enjoyable dungeon crawl, one that is not only challenging but also surprisingly inviting. Just don't expect it to feature constant progression, as players will fail far more times than they succeed.
ABZÛ simply has to be seen to be believed, as it's a real achievement for the video game medium.
While 'Mutant Mudds Super Challenge' loses some of its charm without the stereoscopic 3D ofthe 3DS predecessor, the fantastic platforming is still fully intact on PlayStation 4. It's a highly difficult affair, sometimes tip-toeing into tedium with how many game over screens I looked at, but its still some of the most rewarding platforming available. The Nintendo 3DS version of Renegade Kid's latest love letter to 2D gaming is still king, but this is a fine port even if it lacks some of the added bells and whistles that could've been added.
Lifeless Planet: Premier Edition doesn't fix its issues on PlayStation 4, and instead adds new ones.
It doesn't quite recapture the magic of Chrono Trigger, but I Am Setsuna has enough interesting mechanics to stand on its own without the crutch of nostalgia.
Unfinished Pixel has simplified stealth into its core essence and have created a very satisfying experience. It's sadly over before it really hits its stride, but there is plenty of incentive to replay levels. The short levels are also a perfect fit for handheld gaming.