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"Until Dawn's" overall experience is inconsistent. The production values are impressive, but too seldom did it rely on atmosphere and score to build its tension and regressed into predictable jump scare tactics. And as a game that bills itself as one of near endless possibilities, the choice system doesn't change much of the story. It fills the horror spot in the PS4's library that has since been vacant, but a better thriller is bound to take it's place soon.
The above example sums up "Fallout 4" in a nutshell. Its changes and additions can hardly be categorized as improvements from a standpoint of player experience. The game doesn't look, sound or play particularly better than earlier games in the series. Fans of the series will enjoy touring the wasteland because "Fallout 4" feels familiar, but it doesn't have the meaningful change that is to be expected when a series debuts on a new generation of console.
"Second Son" has all the appearances of a next-gen game, but its gameplay and stunted karma system appear dated. Delsin is a more sympathetic character than Cole, but the simple choices he's faced with fail to further develop his character. This game has a gorgeous exterior, but that shimmer fades when digging deeper.
Therein lies "Mario Kart 8's" dilemma. The Wii U has the tools to make this a standout game in the series, but instead it's just a pretty look at more of the same. It's still all about racing friends in a chaotic battle for first place. That old form of fun is present, but this latest edition fails to drive the series forward with meaningful change.
Episode one can be a slow burn at times, but it sets the tone for the rest of the series nicely. While not a continuation of its predecessor in any way, it stays true to the series while adding enough to make the formula feel engaging to the player. I'm looking forward to seeing where the new series goes.
It's difficult not to recommend "Mega Man Legacy Collection 2," but it's just doesn't quite reach the nostalgic overload of its predecessor.
"Yooka-Laylee" accomplishes what it sets out to do. It reminds players what was so appealing about collectathons at the height of their popularity. Even if it overstay its welcome toward the end, it's mostly a joyful journey through a long forgotten genre.
It’s hard not to compare “Rise of Iron” to “The Taken King.” “The Taken King” was “Destiny’s” finest and most robust expansion. Even at its $40 asking price, it seemed like it was just shy of achieving full sequel status rather than an expansion. “Rise of Iron” doesn’t quite reach those heights, but it’s still better than other expansions like “House of Wolves” and “The Dark Below.” Bungie has learned from its experience. “Rise of Iron” mostly adds more of what “Destiny” players want. Year Two of “Destiny has been a huge success for players who want the game to head in the right direction. If this is indeed the final expansion, expectations will be high for “Destiny 2.”
Like "Street Fighter IV" before it, "SFV" will be an ever changing game over the next couple years thanks to downloadable updates, new fighters and added functionality. The core fighting mechanics of the game are an excellent base to start from, but "SFV" could use some additional features to elevate it to the current crop of fighting games.
In its current form, "The Division" is an impressive newcomer in the shoot-and-loot genre, but success in the genre is defined by more than just first impressions. Games with no end need regular support from developers that adds new missions, gear and areas to explore. It's too early to tell how "The Division" will evolve in the coming months and years, but the current offering is an excellent starting point.
The "Halo" series has had a pristine record when it came to online stability at launch, but now that record is tarnished. This review will be updated again once these multiplayer issues are rectified, but right now this is a major disappointment. This is a series that was built on multiplayer action, and the online features are a mess.
"Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze" is a top-tier offering for the Wii U, but it doesn't break the mold the same way "Super Mario 3D World" did late last year. It's a Wii U exclusive, but it fails to take advantage of the GamePad. This is a good game that missed opportunities to be great.
"Sniper Elite 3" isn't trying to be a groundbreaking display of social commentary. It's not begging to be analyzed. It's shooting Nazis in the most violent way possible. That's what it set out to do, and that's what it accomplished. It's not the most polished experience, but it should be a bullseye for fans of the stealth and sniping genre.
"Hohokum" is an example of how abstract a video game can be when it strips away the conventions like a plot, tutorial or anything that is a virtual representation of something found on the Planet Earth. Its vagueness is both its strength and its weakness. Players will either love it for being different or hate it for the same reason. I'm stuck somewhere in between. I don't see myself revisiting "Hohokum," but it will certainly stick out in my mind for the foreseeable future.
Overall "Disney Infinity 2.0" improves on many aspects of the first game. The experience clicks perfectly when playing one of the better Play Sets, and seeing novel creations in the Toy Box often amazes. If you're willing to throw down the money to collect many of the better characters, the experience a memorable one. If you're just planning on checking out The Avengers starter pack, there's more to "Disney Infinity 2.0" than this subpar representation.
For now, it's a wonderful social experience that kept me wanting to see more. And when I wasn't playing, I was looking forward to returning to the open sea.
"Valiant Hearts" is able to convey this very real story of war through its cartoon-designed characters. It's gut-wrenching as realistic stories of wartime loss often are. That story occasionally gets lost while shuffling between the four main characters, but the message remains. The perils of war are far more real than the glory of the battlefield that is often depicted in today's games.
But is "Far Cry 4" fun? I enjoyed "Far Cry 3," so it's safe to assume that I also enjoyed "Far Cry 4." There just isn't much new here to call it a sequel. "Far Cry 3" was a change in direction from "Far Cry 2." I expected that same innovation from "Far Cry 4," but instead saw more of the same. Kyrat is a wonderfully crafted open world that encourages players to seek out all of its hidden adventures, but the sense of discovery is lost when it feels like the second time around.
"Horizon Zero Dawn" hits the mark in almost everything it sets out to do, and it's that much more impressive that it's the team's first attempt at an open world game such as this one. Unfortunately, the character experience gets stale toward the second half. But, story woes don't ruin everything the game has to offer. It's still absolutely gorgeous and the combat is varied enough to be satisfying. There's room for improvement, but that just makes me more excited to see what's possible in the eventual sequel.
Despite some of its problems, "Lego The force Awakens" is still a step in the right direction for the series, and is enjoyable for any "Star Wars" fan. It's a great way to revisit the excellent movie, or introduce a younger audience to the iconic series.