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Sammy Barker

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Favorite Games:
  • Shenmue II
  • The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
  • Super Mario 64

346 games reviewed
66.9 average score
70 median score
39.1% of games recommended

Sammy Barker's Reviews

Sammy Barker is a product of the PlayStation generation. Having grown up with games, he decided to turn his hobby into a lifestyle. He's now the editor of one of the world's leading PlayStation publications.
Dec 8, 2013

This is agonisingly close to being at the front of the pack, and is the best arcade racer on the PS4 by default, but its missteps mean that it's a millisecond away from a podium place.

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Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is an exceptional port of an already entertaining escapade, but outside of the extravagant visuals, there's not a whole lot to sweeten the purchase a second time. If you have a perverse penchant for grave robbing, or you've never stepped foot on the strange shores of Yamatai before, then this is an enjoyable band-aid for the emerging next-gen drought. Just don't expect it to change your mind if you didn't like the original game.

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Dead Nation: Apocalypse Edition doesn't solve the core gunplay issues that plagued the release's original outing, but this is still a fine upgrade for those merely looking for some rotten flesh to fire at. Once again, the survival horror aspects feel at odds with the arcade-inspired gameplay, but the new social features just about justify a return to this resurrected digital download.

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Mar 19, 2014

There's an unparalleled sense of empowerment in inFAMOUS: Second Son that makes it a release to be reckoned with. Bursting with more attitude than a high school hardcore band, this out-of-control excursion effortlessly nails the sensation of possessing superpowers. It may put its plot forward a little too forcefully at first, but persevere and you'll be richly rewarded with an appetising roster of outlandish abilities. While it does little to push the open world format forward, this is still a series that's very much in bloom.

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8 / 10 - MotoGP 14
Jul 1, 2014

Presentation problems prevent MotoGP 14 from riding into the sunset with a championship trophy under its arm, but the latest entry in Milestone's motorbike simulation is more than worth its podium place. An entertaining handling model coupled with copious amounts of content make this a must-own option for motorsport aficionados, while the ability to tune the experience to your own personal skill level means that those in need of training wheels will enjoy their time in the saddle, too.

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Jul 4, 2014

Resogun's still sensational at its core, and the Heroes expansion serves as a resplendent reminder of that. Survival strips the release's formula back to its very basics, prompting a punchier take on the title's score-based gameplay. Demolition, on the other hand, is a more considered addition, which fuses the best of pinball with Angry Birds and wraps it in a glistening intergalactic shell. Regardless of which you prefer, both options come highly recommended – and considering that you can play the entire affair as Buzz Lightyear these days, there's never been a better time to rekindle your addiction to PS4's best game.

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Aug 1, 2014

The Last of Us Remastered was unlikely to be anything less than sublime, and that's the expected outcome that we've arrived at here. While its PS3 precursor prevents it from possessing the level of next-gen gloss that its native PS4 contemporaries contain, this is still a mighty fine looking title, and its framerate and resolution improvements only serve to solidify that. Of course, the onboard add-on packs and smattering of superfluous extras ensure that this is the definitive edition of an already outstanding affair – but, unsurprisingly, it's the touching tale at the heart of the package that once again sets it apart from its peers.

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Aug 25, 2014

inFAMOUS: First Light is never going to set the world alight, but if you've been gagging for more of Sucker Punch's superhero series, then it will fill that hole until a full sequel charges onto store shelves. Fetch's fast-paced take on the neon power set makes her an entertaining protagonist to play as – especially in the frantic Battle Arenas. In many ways, this represents the brand stripped back to its very basics – and you'll need to decide whether that's enough for you.

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6 / 10 - The Golf Club
Sep 7, 2014

The result is a package that settles for a par score – nothing less and nothing more.

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Poor voice acting and obnoxious back tracking let it down – but this is still on the right side of the law as far as we're concerned.

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Oct 4, 2014

Padding is Alien: Isolation's unfortunate undoing, as there are a few too many recycled moments throughout the course of its seemingly never-ending single player campaign. Still, when it's on form, this is a nail biting affair, as you use sound and cunningly constructed items in order outwit your incredibly intelligent enemies. Outstanding audio and impressive art work make this more than just another bug hunt – but you'll be rolling your eyes rather than flinching in fear at points during the outer-space escapade.

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Oct 13, 2014

At its controller clutching best, The Evil Within evokes memories of Silent Hill's high points – but it's the Resident Evil comparisons that are most consistent throughout. Unfair difficulty spikes swap out the title's pervading sense of fear for outright frustration at times, while technical issues undo the developer's outstanding art direction. Thankfully, legendary director Shinji Mikami doesn't disappoint in the gameplay department, forcing you to get creative with your plentiful combat options due to an unending absence of resources. It's here that developer Tango Gameworks finds the breathless brilliance within.

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MXGP: The Official Motocross Game hasn't found itself unseated on the PS4, but this isn't enough of an improvement to warrant a second buy. The title's scrubbed up just fine on Sony's next-gen system, but it still bears the telltale signs of a PS3 game. A straightforward campaign and surprisingly solid online mode make this an enjoyable enough ride for newcomers, but those that are a little pickier about what they play may want to wait and see what improvements next year's edition brings.

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9 / 10 - Minutes
Nov 3, 2014

Simple like a classic Swatch watch, it's Minutes' exceptional mechanics that make this indie worth your time. Clean, colourful, and effortlessly cool, this is a reminder that you don't need a million dollars to make something special.

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Nov 8, 2014

Those with zero existing understanding will find that Rocksmith 2014 Edition will cause their guitar to gently weep, but when used as an accompaniment to real lessons, the software really sings. With a wealth of songs to learn and excellent arcade minigames that make typically tedious practice exercises actually entertaining, anyone with the right attitude will find real value here.

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Nov 17, 2014

With a string of new tools on offer, creator curators will have a blast exploring all of the possibilities available here – and while you'll certainly need dedication to get the best out of them, the lazy among you will more than get your fill via the output of more industrious players over time.

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Nov 25, 2014

For a game named Tennis in the Face, this curious new indie from Finnish outfit 10tons is delightfully inoffensive. Outside of its outlandish energy drink-inspired storyline, this is a straightforward arcade game which revels in the base appeal of hitting people with balls. Lively presentation belies comatose gameplay, but its simplicity serves as a solid palette cleanser between longer gaming rallies.

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Dec 18, 2014

Framerate fluctuations render Tetris Ultimate almost unplayable, and while these issues only seem to occur when online, disconnecting tends to strip the title of much of its appeal. Assuming that it's eventually patched, there's a no-frills version of an all-time favourite here – but while the multiplayer is well integrated, the overall experience is far too ordinary to really recommend.

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5 / 10 - Loadout
Jan 5, 2015

New shooters need to be special to stand out in an arena of bigger brands, and Loadout doesn't quite have the quality required to back up its ideas. When you've got a good gun, the game's not a complete washout – but the free-to-play affair ultimately blows its load with a lack of variety and a lousy sense of humour. You'll find the fun faster if you cough up a bit of cash, but only diehards will stick around for more than a handful of rounds.

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The bleak backdrop of Franciade sums up this miserable outing, as you engage in dreary underground missions built around the most rudimentary of brazier-based puzzles. We like the addition of the Raiders and the Guillotine Gun, but they're the only jewels in this expansion's smelted crown. Forget about the French revolution – this franchise needs an uprising of its own.

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