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Out of the Park 15 is not only a great baseball simulator, but approaches all-time great sports game, period status. It is the only sports simulator on the market that tries to capture the nuances of both on the field gameplay and off-the-field life and decision making. It goes far beyond trying and succeeds masterfully in both accounts. With its dedication to pristine simulation now joined with a step into 3D visualization, a deepening of real world leagues, and improvements across the board, Out of the Park 15 absolutely knocks it out of cliche park. If the promises of 3D game display comes to fruition, it will be the last step in the game's ascension to the top. This gem of a game is absolutely worth anyone's time who loves the sport of baseball, sport itself, or has even ever played a baseball game, digital or otherwise.
This next-generation launch has been described as a little anemic, but I'd have to disagree. There are some incredible games hitting the market this holiday season, and this is one of them. The PlayStation 4 version of the game is mechanically the same as the PlayStation 3 version, but the new engine is eye-poppingly awesome. The new visual tech has gameplay implications, which is rare and highly appreciated. In the end you really can't go wrong with either version, but the PlayStation 4 version has entirely too many bells and whistles to not recommend. The fact that I've had a bout of OCD and needed to find each and every thing in the game speaks volumes.
Strike Suit Zero: Director's Cut may not be for everyone, and if you suit up expecting a AAA budget game you might be disappointed. Looking past the surface, the combat is surprisingly deep and satisfying once you get the hang of the controls. With unlockables and 18 missions that range from 15-30 minutes each, there is a lot of game for $20 in a genre that has not yet found a foothold in the console market. Reminiscent of Wing Commander: Prophecy, Born Ready scratches an itch for those who love dog-fighting in space, regardless of realism.
Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Complete Edition is a great buy if you haven't played a game in the series in a while, and are looking for something to hold you over while you wait for the PS4's library of games to grow, but for fans, this is not the next generation leap forward that you were hoping for.
It doesn't take but a glance upwards at the last near-1500 words to see that Reaper of Souls is far more than a single character and a new chapter expansion. So much has changed, and literally all for the better. By taking the chains off of the game mechanics, removing the disruptive Auction House, and refining the game mechanics that serve as the base of Diablo III, Reaper of Souls is finally the loot-grabbing adventure we all wanted.
There are no secrets to Luftrasuers; it has no surprises. It comes to you with open hands, unwilling to explain if you'll enjoy playing it because you're reminiscing about how this style used to be cutting edge, or if you just need to see if there's that perfect configuration that will take you all the way. It's not about being good or bad, it just about being what it is and if that's something you want.
Infamous: Second Son is a solid entry in the franchise, but doesn't do a whole lot to move the series forward other than presenting a new, far more likeable protagonist capable of harnessing multiple powers in a gorgeous representation of Seattle. It may look and sound next-gen, but its gameplay takes a few too many cues from the last.
Resident Evil 4 was a monumental achievement upon its release back in January 2005, and it is still one that video game connoisseurs appreciate today. What many of these connoisseurs forget is just how well the game holds up nine years later. Sure, it has frustrating elements that can throw you off your positive momentum, but the strong elements of the landmark release that was Resident Evil 4 still stand tall today. In all honesty, it just feels nice to play a great Resident Evil game, even if it is nine years old.
If you're looking to invest in the game and have a choice, leave your older generation system behind – this is the right way to enjoy the entire line of Skylanders Toys you or your kids have amassed. The added improvements in graphics and audio will certainly outweigh any minor annoyances the Xbox One version brings. Be warned: if you already own it on any other console besides the Nintendo 3DS, it might not be worth the duplicate toys that come along with the minor bump in audio and video fidelity. This is where Activision should be looking at releasing a next-gen version with previously unreleased characters to bolster their brand in the next-gen world.
Answering the question of whether Titanfall lives up to the incredible amount of hype and anticipation is something that'll take a little bit more time. It's fun, damned fun, but the lack of single-player campaign, customization, and matchmaking options come as a bit of a surprise. What amazed me most though is what is layered throughout – accessibility. Titanfall makes every player feel like they have a role to play. Even if you are just crushing bots underfoot, you feel like a badass in a giant walking tank every second of play – I just wish there was more of it.
If you've not gathered it thus far, the house that brought you Fallout: New Vegas, Dungeon Siege III, Alpha Protocol, Neverwinter Nights 2, and Knights of the Old Republic 2 have struck gold once again. An epic RPG, a licensed game that somehow transcends its source material, and the culmination of everything South Park has come together to create the funniest game I've played in a decade. Stuffed with fan service, South Park: The Stick of Truth is better than any episode of the show, and it's so much better than any of us could have anticipated.
Bravely Default’s combat combines the best things that old-school JRPGs had to offer with some new and welcome additions, and its social features are incredibly forward-thinking. However, its sluggish pacing and over-reliance on repetition and genre conventions holds it back from being the Final Fantasy replacement we all wanted it to be.
Tomodachi Life is more toy than game, but it's an intriguing, colorful, and consistently surprising one.
While Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy offers little innovation or surprise, it’s still just as charming and entertaining as ever, and it’s a fitting end to a legacy of perplexing brainteasers.
Yoshi’s New Island looks great, plays flawlessly, and is entertaining and challenging enough for any fan to enjoy—and ultimately, that’s all that matters. If you’re a fan, you’ll find what you’re looking for here, but those still waiting for the next great and unique Nintendo title will have to keep on waiting. Some of the pieces of the game feel poorly tacked-on, but at it’s core Yoshi’s New Island is a worthy sequel to a beloved series that has been out of gamer’s lives for too long.
Sadly, LEGO The Movie Videogame fails to live up to the expectations set by both it's source material and its video gaming forebears. A few inspired moments of gameplay give way to a bland and tired retread, while lacking any real substance to provide reason to revisit. Long loading times, last-gen caliber graphics and moments where bugs stop gameplay underline the lack of attention. At a sticker price of $60 I recommend you buy a movie ticket instead, and spend the rest on a LEGO set or two. At least if you tire of those, you can build something new and entirely different.
I've played quite a few Kirby games, and Kirby: Triple Deluxe may very well be my new favorite. It has perfected the platforming experience and has more content than even Kirby could fit into his fat mouth.
Mario Golf: World Tour offers little in the way of surprises, but it's still an entertaining and accessible golf game for the masses, with a decent amount of content for the price.
I thought that Spartan Assault would be a great addition to the Halo universe while expanding the audience with a new genre. In the end the short campaign, lack of storyline, and ease of gameplay make this a tough sell. I enjoy dual stick shooters like this, so I did enjoy my time with the game. However, you might have to lower your expectations with your purchase.
Appealing to both hardcore shooter fans as well as younger and more casual players, Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare is entertaining, accessible, and oozing with charm. And while it's only launching with a handful of maps, the lower price point and promise of free content down the line softens the blow considerably.