Examiner's Reviews
If you are tired of the same old online shooters and looking for something new to play on your Xbox One or PS4, PAYDAY 2: Crimewave Edition is for you.
Silly, but sometimes intense, "Tales from the Borderlands: Episode 2: Atlas Mugged" is another solid addition to the series, even if it doesn't challenge you much.
With a slew of new characters, laughs and emotional moments, "Tales from The Borderlands: Episode 3: Catch a Ride" continues to prove that Telltale just has a gift for making us care even more about some of our favorite game franchises.
"The Weaponographist" honestly took me by surprise, as the challenge was one that was motivating, the music never grating, and while the art was a little disjointed, it's easily ignored because I just want to beat the boss. It's a truly fun game, and at a steal of a price that won't have you questioning the value for dollar.
If you are a patient person that likes this type of lore and gameplay style, The Banner Saga delivers on what it set out to accomplish.
Splatoon is the best online game to come from Nintendo. It's an innovative take on the third-person shooter genre, and a game that Wii U owners will have a blast with this summer. The multiplayer is pure fun, and the single-player is entertaining. It may be lacking in game modes and maps at launch, but new content will be coming soon. As it stands, there is a lot to love from this splatastic game and things can only get better. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some Splatoon to play.
Charming and inventive, "Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars" is one of the best sequels to own in 2015 on the 3DS and one of the most enjoyable Wii U games you can play with kids and friends. With a top-notch level editor, it's never been more fun to jump right into a game and discover what makes it so great.
Once you grow tired of the story, there's the Battle Coliseum Mode, featuring exciting match-ups with even more familiar faces and a growing challenge as you increase in rank. There are different types of matches to choose from including special matches where characters are often predetermined, 1v1's, all-out brawls and more. The coliseum is a great place to get used to each character, especially since there are no penalties for losing or surrendering.
Ori and the Blind Forest is a great game Xbox One game. Its world and characters are delightful. The music and visuals are extraordinary. The high level of difficulty and distinct save system may be off-putting for some players, but those looking for an exceptional Metroid-like substitute will thoroughly enjoy what Moon Studios have created here.
There's a lot of beauty in Halo 2: Anniversary, and even more if you consider the fact that all four titles are playable in a row. For new fans and old, the Master Chief Collection stands as a can't miss. And we haven't even considered the multiplayer yet.
Project Spark is an inspiration. A wide open toolbox that quite honestly isn't getting the marketing it deserves. A brilliant execution of a tough to perform idea, Team Dakota deserves to be proud of what they've done. While creation isn't everyone's thing, the ability to pick up and play other players creations or the premade campaigns while progressing characters is fantastic.
Dead Rising 3: Apocalypse Edition represents a few things; a good value, a solid game, and a good time. The story, as mentioned earlier, is one of the best stories in the series (if not the best), fun to play, and only better with a friend. Dead Rising 3's co-op allows players to jump in and search, collect, and slaughter together, with shared collectible findings so you don't have to worry about losing progress. I truly enjoyed Dead Rising as a game, and appreciate what it does. While it might not win awards for the best story, or the best anything really, it's a fantastic game, and deserves your attention.
Rory McIlroy PGA Tour is a great game and I do not see myself getting away from it anytime soon.
Thanks to a hearty stew of old-school gameplay mechanics and a funny story, "Swords and Soldiers II,"is a worthy addition to the series and a solid RTS for any hungry for something different on the Wii U.
While the long-term staying power might be arguable, "Dungeons 2" gives some great mechanics, good animation, and mixups to the gameplay loop that influence how players approach each situation.
For those looking for something different from the standard "Civ" experience, or something that's an even larger departure than "Beyond Earth" was, this may just be the scratch for said itch.
"Cities: Skylines" brings us forward, while looking over the shoulder and providing an ever so slight nod to the proud history of city management games.
[W]e're left feeling like there's greatness to come. Beyond Earth is a wonderful experience but we can't shake the feeling that the past holds much more than the future, at least for now.
Not all remasters are worth getting, but Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition is one that deserves a spot in your PS4 or Xbox One game library. If you played the original game back in 2008, the new content here makes for a fun, fresh, and exciting experience. If you are new to the DMC series and are curious about the title, this is a fine way to familiarize yourself with the franchise as its gameplay holds up remarkably well and it remains one of the best action games ever made.
Abyss Odyssey is going to appeal to a certain audience. If you are one with that audience, you will truly enjoy the experience that this game has to offer. For casual gamers, the difficulty might be too much, but it is an adventure game that you basically just jump into.