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[T]his game is like the One Ring: it'll take much for it to ebb away into the shores of time, but will surface in our memories for years to come due to its "preciousss" novelty.
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.
The story and characters are nothing to write home about, but the innovative spin on the genre's gameplay results in mentally engaging challenges that reward both quick thinking and deliberate planning, and the satisfactory visuals and sound effects don't hurt in augmenting this amazing abnormality's appeal either.
With tight gameplay, sharp shooting, and a remarkable sense of style, Futuridium EP Deluxe is a delightful 3D shooter. While there are certainly moments of frustration to be had here – predominantly stemming from misjudged aiming – the gorgeous graphics and stellar soundtrack more than make up for any misgivings. Oh, and if you do decide to play it, be sure to use headphones.
FIFA 15 boasts everything that we've come to expect from EA's annual footy sim. All of the teams, stadiums, and modes are here, packaged alongside numerous alterations that don't promise much individually, but affect the game in a largely positive way when combined. The franchise can still pride itself on being top of the league, but it seems content to hold onto its position with rather predictable 1-0 victories.
While this castle may still have some foundation issues, it holds a lot of treasure if you're willing to devote some time and effort. The campaign and multiplayer alone make CastleStorm: Definitive Edition a worthwhile experience, with enough customisation to add depth without being too complicated.
There's no doubt that T-Bone makes a much more interesting lead than Aiden Pearce, but Bad Blood's gameplay fails to reflect the swap. Fortunately, though, the combination of sneaking, hacking, and shooting feels just as cohesive and enjoyable as it did in the main game. If you could do with more Watch Dogs, you'll have a rocking good time with this continuation – but don't expect any deviations from the original title's solid but predictable template.
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.
KickBeat: Special Edition is a solid enough game, but it never does anything beyond its initial concept to make it feel unique. Decent presentation and a comical plot help to balance out boring gameplay and a disappointing soundtrack, culminating in a release that neither looks good nor bad on the dancefloor.
Considering that EA Sports took an extra year to craft NHL 15, the wealth of missing features here is inexcusable. The solid, exhilarating gameplay is still present, and feels better than it has in a couple of years, but the astounding absence of features and game modes overshadows everything that the game does right. . . . Put simply, this is not a complete game.
Flockers is a fun Lemmings throwback that provides a decent challenge. While the trial and error heavy gameplay will certainly put some off, those willing to engage their brains and reflexes will have a good time herding their flock through some downright dastardly levels – even if the experience is marred with occasional control niggles. Yes, the package is a little bit bare bones, and the gameplay never really mixes things up too much – but at this price, it isn't something that you can really bleat about.
Destiny's budget was out of this world, and it's there for all to see in the finished product. Bungie's smash hit isn't the gameplay revolution that some wanted, but its accessible RPG systems, sublime gunplay, and incredible presentation over all aspects of the release elevate it beyond some of the very best shooters on the market. And although its flaws keep it from becoming legend, group together with friends, and you'll partake in an intergalactic experience that's a beacon of light in an increasingly darkening genre.
Even without the ability to install mods and play on infinite worlds propped up by dedicated servers, Minecraft: PlayStation 4 Edition is still a strong addition to your next-gen library. The improved visuals and larger settings alone make for a significantly better experience than is currently available on older consoles. Granted, the title's not to everyone's tastes, but there's a reason that it's dug a path into the hearts of millions of players since its initial release in 2011 – and you'll probably have an inkling of whether you're a fan by now.
The result is a package that settles for a par score – nothing less and nothing more.
Last Tinker: City of Colors is a solid platformer that fans of the genre will certainly enjoy, although the issues are hard to ignore. An incredibly erratic framerate, little replay value, and the lack of any real challenge throw a few wrenches in the gears, but overall, it's not a particularly bad game, even if you'll never look back once the adventure is over.
The best thing that can be said about Madden NFL 15 is that it works properly, and that it's made some notable, positive changes to defence and play calling that really improve the whole experience. It's no secret that in previous years, the changes were subtle and lacking, making it fantastic to see the franchise finally evolve in a meaningful manner, with dramatic camera angles and intense defensive battles bringing the fun back. It's Madden season once again, and there is now a reason to celebrate.
Even though Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate is buried in some slightly lacklustre content, you're definitely getting your money's worth with this shockingly robust package. The franchise's seemingly simplistic alterations to the Warriors formula hide some extraordinary depth, and the gigantic character roster will be enough to send most fans into a daze. Even if you're new to Tecmo Koei's divisive software, this may be a perfect starting point thanks to its standalone, over the top story – just try not to burn yourself out before the next inevitable release.
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.
Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare stays true to its roots, while at the same time branching out to new audiences by switching up the franchise's familiar format a little. The gameplay is rock solid, the music and visuals are adorable, and, while the release's multiplayer focus won't appeal to everyone, it's a finely pruned package overall. PopCap deserves credit for taking an existing concept, and making it blossom all over again.