DualShockers
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From the very start, I was expecting a fun, light-hearted take on a series that already doesn't quite take itself too seriously; by the end, I didn't know what to expect from a series that kept me guessing at every possible turn, and more importantly provided one of the funniest and most enjoyable game experiences of the year. Even in theater and film, it's often said that comedy is a heck of a lot harder to pull off than drama, yet Telltale Games' Tales from the Borderlands pulls off laughs, shocks, and cheers nearly effortlessly.
Overall, for those looking for their Strategy RPG fix, especially on the PS4, should definitely pick up Disgaea 5. The new features make the gameplay experience even better. Of course, the over the top humorous setting of the game, including the story and the characters never ceases to entertain.
The varied and meaningful skill tree system is the best part of Wasteland 2, as it pushes you to create a very defined set of characters. Assigning skill points is consequential, and while that level of permanence is not felt in the narratives decision making, the combat and unique factions you come across will be enough to push you forward. Wasteland 2 is a great CRPG ported to consoles, and while you may find some technical hiccups, the overall experience is well worth it.
"Polarized" will most likely be the most…well, polarizing episode of Life is Strange, and though the episode falters a bit compared to the times it succeeds, it still concludes the tale of Max, Chloe, and the numerous citizens of Arcadia Bay with style, emotion, and nearly every loose thread wrapped up neatly. While "Polarized" maybe suffers the most from some of the more "gamey" elements of Life is Strange, it still brings with it so many of the qualities that made Life is Strange a unique, if not quite perfect episodic experience. From a dreamlike sequence ripped straight out of Twin Peaks, to a gripping murder mystery, to a touching story of friendship and support, Life is Strange has been daring and unafraid to try something different, and "Polarized" caps off the season with a poignant and touching picture to remember the series by, even if the end result is a little overexposed.
Even with some of the strongest elements from Minecraft: Story Mode's debut missing, "Assembly Required" is a decent follow-up to the series premiere, though it mostly serves to keep the story chugging along at a leisurely pace, rather than going full-speed ahead.
It's been over seven years since I first fell in love with the series with Fallout 3, and obviously with 4 on the horizon, there's no way of knowing when (or long) it will be until we can jump back into the wasteland once again. However, all I can think of in my time with Fallout 4 is how great it is to be back home again: I don't mind staying for a while.
Ultimately, Rise of the Tomb Raider is definitely one of the best games released in 2015. It improves on its predecessor massively, and on basically every aspect of the game. It looks better, it plays better, it comes with more and better puzzles, a better story and a better Lara Croft to boot. While the Tomb Raider we got in 2013 wasn't by any means a bad game, I have no hesitation in saying that this is the game that finally does Lara Croft's glorious franchise justice.
The first three Uncharted games are among the best titles on PS3, and they hold their own majestically on PS4. If you didn't play the games on Sony's older console, and you're even remotely a fan of the genre, purchasing the collection is a no-brainer. If you already purchased the three titles separately on PS3, then the reasons to double dip are more limited, but if you love the series, this is definitely a very solid buy.
On the flip side, the team takes the approach of "less is more" in the game's multiplayer as it goes, for the most part, back to basics and it quickly transports you to the franchise of old. If this is the title you've been waiting for before making the jump to Xbox One, you won't be disappointed, as it stands, in my opinion, as the best reason to own Microsoft's console.
If Nintendo realizes that a large enough audience still exists in the West, the next entry in the franchise might be released in the west without such a long wait (and possibly a physical version for North America as well), another incentive for supporting Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water. For now, I'll just sit back, turn all the lights off, and enjoy the game.
Even those who are bothered by the business model, can still experience the first five or six tiers of all the available nations without really needing to spend a dime, and enjoying a metric ton of great content and fun gameplay. There are some flaws here and there, but obliterating a cruiser with shells that weigh as much as a car is too satisfying to pass up.
Whether you love the Yoshi franchise or are new to it, without a doubt I would recommend Yoshi's Woolly World. The game has so many unique levels, the mini games are fun, there's plenty of challenge and challenges to be found in every level (especially with all the item collecting), adding up to tons of fun and replay value.
The difficulty is never so punishing that you feel like you can't improve, and playthroughs can be short enough that you are never too far from just restarting a run fresh in order to succeed where previously you failed. The lore is shallow yet entertaining and battles infrequently unfair, but I keep finding myself wanting to play just one more run to see if I can perform better than last time on my way towards utopia.
While it's easy to recommend this title to any die-hard Transformers fan, to more casual players it would be a harder sell. I'd warn you to approach with caution — even though you'll experience a fun and nostalgic game with enjoyable combat, don't expect to avoid a few hiccups along the way.
The Taken King is an important step forward as a franchise and more often than not feels like the Destiny we should have gotten last year. Bungie is finally adding meat to a game that was mostly bones. Year 2 is off to good start with a story that matters, improved loot drops and leveling system. At the end of the day, Destiny: The Taken King has become an easier adventure to revisit and an even easier recommendation for new players. Now, who wants to raid?
Although it seems to lack the production value and spectacle of the genre’s heavy hitting Project Diva series, Persona 4: Dancing All Night makes up for that with narrative substance, use of an IP already adored by millions and a soundtrack that has something for everybody, all topped with a certain polish unique to Atlus and the Persona series.
While the title does hit rough patches here and there (expected of a series hitting uncharted waters), players can expect to experience a decently polished third-person shooter that extrapolates well on the mythos of Danganronpa, particularly the on-goings between the first and second title, and is well worth the price of admission for fans of the series.
Overall, One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3 is the best installment in the series as it has both great gameplay mechanics, pleasing fans of the Musou genre, as well as plenty of content and modes faithful to the original series, which easily satisfies One Piece fans.
Other than those minor issues, Super Mario Maker remains an excellent value for gamers: a deep and satisfying creation mode for level building wrapped in a relaxing and non-stressful package that those of any age could enjoy — maybe even multiple generations together.
Turn 10's latest game leaks love for cars and car culture from every pixel. The studio didn't manage to make the Xbox One shine as much as it could with Forza 5, but with this sixth chapter, Microsoft's console is as bright as a star.