Graham Banas
- Kentucky Route Zero
- Bioshock
- Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast
Outlast: Whistleblower doesn't muck around with a formula that's already proven to work, and it subsequently succeeds at extending the spooky atmosphere of Red Barrels' survival horror release. The new campaign accompanies the original game well, and even improves upon it in many ways. It also ups the ante in the terror department, hitting harder and more frequently, without relying too heavily on jump scares. As such, if you liked the main game, this expansion is a real scream.
Horror games can be tricky to get right, but Daylight fails on virtually every front. It's a shame to see such a promising product slump so spectacularly, but despite being a rather short affair, this is still a pain to play through. As a result, there are far better experiences that deserve your attention ahead of this – especially with Outlast recently being offered for free on the PlayStation 4. Don't shine your torch in the direction of this one, as you'll only find bitter disappointment in its beam.
Octodad: Dadliest Catch is a game that embraces its craziness. The title's zany controls lead to some even stranger onscreen occurrences, and that culminates in a lot of unexpected entertainment. The release does start to grate in long sessions, and perhaps doesn't have enough gameplay variety to carry its core idea, but with PlayStation Move support and a ridiculous co-op component, the package will spread a smile across even the sternest countenance.
It's not perfect, but Outlast is still arguably one of the best survival horror games in recent memory. You'll need a strong stomach to get through the campaign, but if you can cope with jump scares and graphic content, then this is an exhilarating experience from bloody beginning to chilling conclusion. With fantastic audio work and a clever camera mechanic, Red Barrels' debut fear fest really will make you afraid of the dark.
A lacklustre campaign shouldn't stand in your way of experiencing Battlefield 4's top of the line multiplayer. While it can't quite shake the feeling of being an iterative entry in the series rather than truly revolutionary, it does enough new things, and sees the return of enough fan favourites that it shouldn't go unnoticed. Next-gen visuals and 64-player online combat mean that if you don't want to sink money into a high-end PC, this is without a doubt the best way to play DICE's latest destructive hit.
A relatively short excursion into the lives of Didi and her imaginary friend is ruined by an astounding number of bugs. While Contrast is worth completing for the sake of seeing the gorgeous scenery and hearing the exceptional soundtrack, don't expect to have any real burning desire to play this game again over the coming months.