Synapse is the new standard for VR FPS. thanks to teh clever use of force feedback and eye tracking, you feel like you're inside the action. The combination of eye tracking and telekinesis is simply delightful and this is the closest we've felt to being a true force wielder. the clever use of your offhand for navigation, telekinesis and climbing/hiding is brilliant and works like a charm. If we have to complain a bit, we would love some more variety to the weapons used.
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Final Fantasy XVI is a complete package with a refreshingly mature storyline, full of surprises that keeps raising the stakes. The switch to real-time fights is daring step, but works most of the time, as long as the graphical effects don't blur what's going on. The game can be greatily adapted to facilitate those that mostly play for the story, but also those that are looking for a real challenge. The most epic fights, those between the Eikons, are visually impressive, but a bit too hands-off.
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Farming Simulator 23 for Switch balances between two extremities. The game offers a solid farming experience that can be enjoyed endlessly, but, as it is based on the mobile version, it's also very limited. It doesn't offer the freedom which makes Farming Simulator great. Without mods, limited vehicles and fixed layouts, you're trapped in the base functionalities without the possibility of experimentation or expansion.
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This game was clearly a challenge too big for the developer and they should have been saved from this embarrasment. This game doesn't do the Lord of the Rings franchise, Daedalic or Nacon any favors and it would be best if they avoid games of this size and for a while. With its extremely poor character design, lackluster, boring gameplay and bug ridden mess, this is one title even the biggest LotR fan should avoid.
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A platformer that's hampered by it's focus on telling a tale of an ecological drama. The enormous environments are widely different, but are all dark an gloomy, while protagonist Gaia can temporarily bring brightness. Gameplay is diverse, even though Gaia could really benefit from the ability to shy away from edges, making the platforming more difficult than neccessary. There is a great game here, but it isn't allowed to shine due to the unrelenting desire to get the ecological story across.
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Murfasha is short, but fun to play. There is a lot of shooting, but it's still laid back and actually too easy. The Tower Defense mechanism where you're the tower yourself is nicely thought of. The game has a dark sense of humor that actually works, without getting too much on the forefront. Murfasha is a great game for a couple of hours or evenings of fun, with out too much hassle.
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When a game is delayed for a long time, it usually doesn't bode well. But Dambuster Studios has delivered a strong zombie-slayer in Dead Island 2, with a lot of content, loads of weapons and anatomically correct zombies. It does have some technical issues, but that doesn't stand in the way of fun.
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Mile 0 is the prequel to Road 96, a highly valued indie game. Sadly, this prequel cannot live up to the expectations. The choose your adventure mechanic doesn't work if the final result is already known, the game is short and marred with technical errors. Also, the game seems designed for mouse and keyboard with controller support added as an afterthought. Sadly, we cannot recommend this game in its current form.
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Many would consider remaking a classic like Resident Evil 4 impossible. However Capcom has taken up the gauntlet and managed to make the classic even better. With an expanded storyline, better movement options and fighting skills, as well as many big and small quality of life improvements, this remake is better in almost every way, except for the graphics, which could have done with a bit more polish
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Moss Book2 is longer, more versatile and graphically better than it's predecessor. Quill (and companions) are adorable as ever, but the even bigger stakes and more interesting puzzles make this follow-up even more interesting. The release together with PS VR2 is welcome and makes this one of the better starter-games of the launch line-up.
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When is a remake not a remake? Ishin at times feels like the developers cut corners by incorporating existing models from other games and the original. NPC characters and animations lack refinement and didn't get the overhaul you would expect from a remake. However, the cutscenes and the original story remains strong and the gameplay with its new use of weapons and the added team cards are solid as ever. Together, Ishin fails to rise above the average, which could have been easily avoided.
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Dead Space is how a remake is supposed to be. The game is full of big and small improvements that make the experience even more intense, but also even better than the original and that with graphics and sound that are completely current-gen is. When you play the game, it really feels like the Dead Space of before, but as soon as you hold both versions next to each other you only notice well how big the differences actually are. That's exactly what a Really good remake features: the preservation of good elements and improvements that don't stand out.
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One piece Odyssey celebrates 25 years of the anime by providing a game with gameplay that is at times just as old. The turnbased fights have some interesting new elements, but outside the fights a lot feels oldfashioned. Quests lack a sense of progress, no fast travel during quests and the use of savepoints make this game feel like it hasn't progressed beyond a few decades ago. Fortunately, the anime itself is brilliant and makes you eager to go watch it right after you close the game.
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With a distinct and interesting artstyle, which mixes a realistic car and city with streetart cartoon drawings for special effects, NFS Unbound definitely sets itself apart from the rest. The game sports a Souls-like mechanism of risk vs reward and a day-night cycle that work, but also hinders progress through the storyline. the races are fun and the many collectibles are well integrated. The near-mandatory police chases quickly become a nuisance and we wouldn't mind if those didn't make a return.
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This edition is supposed to be a fresh new start to the longrunning series, but stumbles at the get-go. Longrunning features like the Dancefloor are missing as are most of the songs of the new Just Dance+, which only contains about 25% of the old Unlimited. The core mechanics of the dances is still there as are a some 40+ new songs to dance to, as well as a new menu that needs some getting used to but ultimately makes life easier. A not-so-fresh start then, but it might be a good set-up for the future.
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Pentiment plays like a living storybook. You walk, talk and act in a medieval style book that is written as you progress. The game leans heavily on storytelling and its historical background. The game is special in a good way. It's not for everyone, but if you're remotely interested in this turbulent times or a good murder mystery, you should really try this one out.
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Bannerlord doesn't excel graphically or in storyline, but makes that up in flexibility and scale. The vibrant world evolves even without the gamer and offers both opportunities and threads that can be exploited. This is a true mediieval sandbox where the player can act as he wishes, but always has to face the consequences. While much great effort is put into making this game playable on consoles, the sheer number of options, menus and controls make this better suited for PC.
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The rats are coming, again! Requiem is bigger, bolder and more beautiful than it's predecessor. The story is both huge and intimate, which is an accomplishment in its own. Requiem builds on what Innocence set out to do, and does everything better.
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This game is very ambitious and to some extent is able to fulfill that. The environment is gorgeous and driving through the different areas each have their own challenges. The game doesn't fully feel finished. Technical issues ranging from superficial to gamebreaking and some key functions are simply missing. The AI really isn't very good, and the game really needs the promised photo mode and free roam. The game really has potential, and if the promised additions are there, it might be able to deliver.
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The Diofield Chronicle is a refreshing take on the tactical battle game where positioning is key. The game offers a wide variety of missions, enemies and teammates, but is slightly let down by a leveldesign that doesn't fully explore the tactical possibilities and a control scheme that doesn't always get the job done. Still, the game has plenty to offer to keep you interested during its 40-some hour campaign.
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