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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.
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.
The mere mention of thatgamecompany will always elicit a reaction among gamers. Whether you see the studio's output as games, art, or a bit of both, it's hard to deny that the developer delivers unique experiences that will challenge your view of what games can be. More of an interactive experience, flOw won't float everyone's boat, but if you can overlook its shortcomings and immerse yourself in its world, then you'll be able to see why this indie hit rose to the surface when so many others sank without a trace.
Unless you're a die-hard fan of both franchises, we recommend that you leave this one in a galaxy far, far away.
Skylanders: Swap Force is clearly geared towards a younger audience, but that doesn't mean that fans of hack-and-slash platformers should ignore the title entirely. The idea of physical figures that you can control in the game is brilliant – if expensive – and it results in a solid experience that thrives with friends. Sadly, the slow pacing, repetitive combat, and awkward jump mechanics let the gameplay down in places, and prevent it from reaching its full potential.
When you're dashing and slashing with capable allies, Warframe is decent game – but there's still a lot of work that needs to be done before it can be considered a good one. The user interface isn't controller friendly, you're given little to no direction, and the title's free-to-play model hinders its overall design. Until these issues are rectified, we recommend waiting in the shadows for the release to finally emerge from its beta state.
NBA 2K14 on the PS4 is a stunning digital facsimile of basketball. The title's visually jaw dropping, technically stunning, and represents a whole different ball game to its PS3 counterpart. The new My Career and My GM campaigns don't always score a slam dunk, but they're engaging enough to dribble your way through, making this is a top option if you're eager to shoot some hoops on Sony's next generation console.
Several small gameplay niggles and the unexpected absence of a couple of modes prevent FIFA 14 from attaining the perfection of Barcelona's passing statistic – but that doesn't stop the series' PS4 debut from sitting at the top of the league in terms of atmosphere, immersion, polish, and attention to detail. This is not only the most well-realised soccer simulation on the market, it's also one of the best launch titles available for Sony's next generation system.
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.
Escape Plan has broken free of the shackles of the Vita and tunnelled onto the PS4 with a surprising degree of success. The touch controls are mostly gone, but the button prompts that replace them result in a more precise and less frustrating experience. If you haven't played the title before, then this pleasant port offers the perfect opportunity to experience the wonderfully surreal first-party exclusive on a big screen. And if you've already spent time behind bars, then at least through the power of cross-buy your second spell in the slammer will be on the house.
The sheer simplicity of flower makes it a difficult game not to fall in love with. It's a relaxing, calming, and curiously moving experience that has the power to change the way that you look at the outside world. Moreover, the improved motion sensors inside the DualShock 4 coupled with the enhanced horsepower of Sony's fresh hardware breathe new life into the experience, ensuring that this former PS3 favourite blossoms all over again on the PS4.
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.
Knack offers a refreshing return to the PSone platformers of old. The title may not be particularly ambitious, but it has a nostalgic quality that can make it difficult to put down. Checkpoint hiccups, framerate issues, and difficulty spikes prevent it from reaching its maximum potential – but much like the titular hero himself, the title will definitely grow on you.
Aside from the simplistic online co-op and lack of local multiplayer, it's hard to pick a fault in this explosive PS4 exclusive. Much like Super Stardust HD before it, Resogun offers an almost perfect fusion of challenging and rewarding action. While the core arcade mode does lean a little on the short side, this is a title that you'll struggle to put down while you battle your way to the top of the online leaderboards. Plus, did we mention that it looks amazing?
Trine 2: Complete Story is an impressive realisation of a magical and whimsical tale that you can see and play. The plot is innocent fun; the graphics, colourful environments, and audio are unbelievably captivating; and the gameplay, while falling short in minor areas, shines with excellent puzzles and platforming. Simply put, it's an exemplary indie game that has the makings of a blockbuster title – and that is no fairy tale.
Tearaway is a handheld masterpiece, and a shining example of how unique hardware features should be handled. Its short running time is mostly overshadowed by its compelling mix of platforming, combat, and personalisation – a brilliantly crafted gameplay combination that'll keep you glued to the wonderful world that Media Molecule has created. This papercraft adventure is easily one of the best that you'll unfold on Sony's portable system.
Despite being beyond brilliant at times, Killzone: Shadow Fall misfires in many of the same areas as previous entries. It undoubtedly does an exceptional job of demonstrating the power of Sony's next generation system, but the single player pacing issues and narrative flaws let it down. These issues are accentuated by the fact that the core combat and multiplayer is outstanding – even if the lack of voice chat augments an unnecessary obstacle when communicating with your team.
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.
Occasionally aggravating controls and careless AI aside, the action is largely slick and intense – although some out of place commentary and server issues let the experience down. This is still a strong purchase for fans of the sport, but waiting until the bugs are inevitably ironed out would be highly advised.
Super Motherload is a game that will appeal to casual gamers and hardcore gamers alike. Solving the puzzles and blasting your way deep into the heart of Mars is entertaining, despite it feeling somewhat repetitive at times. Throw in a few friends and the formula definitely comes alive, though, making this something of an unpolished gem.