There are people that say that Battlefield Hardline is just a DLC pack disguised as a new release, but that's not quite true. It feels familiar in terms of gameplay, but fresh enough in theme and heavy enough in content that it's worth its own release. It's a decent game that gets points for originality of concept, but how much value it has is down to how much you enjoyed previous entries in the franchise, and how much you'd like to see the Cop FPS genre become a thing.
If the quality of the output remains this good, Advanced Warfare may be the first Call of Duty in years to actually deserve the purchase of the Season Pass. It adds some key stuff, including zombies, which will no doubt tempt even the stingiest of DLC shoppers. Whatever you're willing to pay for it, you won't be disappointed when you finally pull the trigger.
Resident Evil has small issues here and there, and the silly writing and survival gameplay have never been for everybody, but these negatives don't change the fact that this is a fantastic release. The REmake is as enjoyable as ever, enhanced by small improvements that make it that much more playable, and the whole experience hints at just how great a new "classic" Resident Evil could be with today's technology behind it.
Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris is a decent game, especially with friends – but it'll never surprise you. The basic mechanics work well, but you'll struggle to shake off the feeling that they could have been utilised so much more effectively. With no plot and no great rewards, you'll be playing just for the sake of getting to the end, which won't be enough to hold everybody's attention through to its premature conclusion.
Shadow Warrior is more than just puerile jokes and demons – there are some quite interesting technical faults in there as well. The personality of the game is enough to recommend to those that enjoy old-school shooters, but it comes with a warning: Wang should probably be taken in small doses.
Velocity 2X is everything that a game should be. Requiring skill and dedication, it's been built for core gamers ready to challenge themselves; for people who desperately miss the likes of Contra and R-Type. Don't be fooled, though, this isn't a throwback or even a celebration – this is a modern game done right, and the new standard for which indies have to aim on PlayStation.
Addictive, deep, and just a little bit crazy, Disgaea 4: A Promise Revisited is the perfect companion for someone looking for some on-the-move RPG greatness. Few people are ever going to see it all — a fact made truer by the often vague introduction of features — but what they do see is going to knock them over. Either that, or give them a very real addiction to sardines.
As this is an indie title closely aligned with Sony's PlayStation Plus programme, Road Not Taken has its work cut out right from the very start of its arduous journey. Taken on its own merits, however, it offers an enjoyable ride for the five to ten hours that it lasts. Niggling performance issues aside, it's hard not to enjoy being the star of your very own fairy tale world – even if that fictional realm has a particularly odd approach to infant safety.
Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty is everything that you could hope for from a remake: old issues have been resolved, the levels now flow much more naturally, and the world has never looked better. It does run into a few niggling problems along the way, but this is the beginning of a brand new Oddworld – and that's a prospect that becomes increasingly exciting with every Mudokon mutilated.
Puzzle fans beware: Sparkle 2 will have you glued to your console – especially if you attempt the addictive Endless mode. This is an entertaining distraction at a decent price, and is definitely deserving of an ever ready spot on your device.
Sportsfriends is a party game for the type of people that appear in Nintendo Wii commercials – but real-life is never quite that perfect. As such, this is a fun package, but one that will rely on the right kind of investment from your buddies if it's to become the life and soul of your social gathering. With a low price, it may be worth splitting the cost between close pals for an evening's worth of entertainment – just make sure that you know what you're getting into first.
Stick It to the Man will make you laugh, and then it'll be gone. The game's short story and lack of additional content mean that this is a trip that you can take in a single evening – but its originality makes it more than worth the ride. Indeed, while this zany affair may be fleeting, its characters and dialogue will stick with you long after the credits roll, and that's reason enough to engross yourself in its wacky world.
Child of Light has a few flaws, but these don't prevent it from being an instant classic. A lot like Braid in 2008, this will be a title that comes to represent a whole new generation of 'artsy' affairs, and while its running time leans a little on the short side, its excellent battle system and outstanding art style will ensure that you enjoy every minute while it lasts. If you're looking for something a little different for your PS4 – or you just want to reward the poor writer who had to spend months slumped over a rhyming dictionary in order to concoct the cunningly clever plot – then this is very much a must buy.
Trials Fusion is one of the best games on the PlayStation 4, there's no doubt about that. Convince your friends to get it, and established relationships will turn sour faster than an Evel Knievel-esque stunt. Challenging, funny, and exciting – gaming rarely gets any better than this.
Tiny Brains definitely isn't great. In fact, it's not even very good. However, for the group of friends that opt to enjoy it together, it may just provide enough laughs for a decent night in. Technical issues, an extortionate price point, and a slender running time mean that you should approach with caution – but if you're looking for something to play with your buddies, then you may enjoy the experience all the same. Just like Facebook and instant soup, this experiment is very much what you make of it.
Putty Squad isn't a good game by modern standards. It's repetitive, confusing, dull, and a reminder that the medium has evolved. That doesn't mean that there isn't a niche that may still enjoy this, and if you happen to squeeze into that cross-section then there's plenty to sink your teeth into here. Everyone else looking to relive the past may be better off tackling one of the Blue Blur's adventures, though – and letting this blue blob fester in the pipes beneath the sink.
DC Universe Online lacks the 'pow' of the properties that it's inspired by, but it's a decent enough MMO with some solid ideas and a strong following. As a free download, it's hard not to recommend – even if you only intend to give it a try. Just remember that being a superhero isn't all about tight clothing and Christian Bale-esque angry acting, as it takes a lot of hard work to keep the grunts of Gotham in line – and that's exactly how you'll spend most of your time in Sony Online Entertainment's caped crusade.