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Outlast 2 is what I hoped it would be. It’s horrifying, dark, gritty and disturbing. I was left wondering how the concepts that are implemented into this game were even conceived. After the team at Red Barrels gets a chance to relax from launch I think they should all check into a mental health wellness retreat just to clear their heads of the horror they created for our enjoyment. I also particularly enjoyed how Outlast 2 pays homage to other games in the industry such as DOOM and Mortal Kombat, this adds a rather quirky element of humor to these moments in the game. The new mechanics introduced are a major plus, the added layers to the storyline bring a new element to the franchise, and the sense of fear and dread are almost overwhelming at times. Well done Red Barrels, you smashed it out of the park and I will be sure to forward an invoice to you for the many ours of lost sleep I can look forward to from ANY noise I hear in the dark for many weeks to come.
Taking everything into perspective, I found Rain World to be an absolute gem. There's not much of an explicit story, yet the world is spelled out all around you with your experiences in this ecosystem personalizing each encounter. The difficulty can be a nice throwback however, the fact that your progress can be so easily lost is going to be a 'make or break' point for most gamers. If that's something you can't deal with, I strongly emphasize my caution to you to stay away. For those who do choose to press on, you're in for an incredible journey through a world that's truly unique every time through.
Vertical Drop Heroes HD is great fun and has oodles of replayability. Given its low retail price, you will definitely get your monies worth for giving it a go. A fun and moreish experience. More of this please!
Mass Effect: Andromeda is overall an enjoyable experience, with a stand out combat system and expansive worlds to explore. Where it lets itself down in character animations and dialogue, it makes up for it in the gripping storyline and customization options. I believe that the release time was essentially one of the biggest problems Andromeda has had to deal with regarding its acceptance, due to hitting the shelves after games that are contenders for Game of the Year such as: Horizon: Zero Dawn and Zelda: Breath of the Wild. After experiencing games that are almost graphically perfect and storylines that captive you from the word go, it can be quite easy to pick apart what is essentially a very good game, but hasn’t hit the mark quite as well as those released just before it. It is important to push through the first few hours of the game to really begin to experience everything that Andromeda has to offer, and it’s a lot. Fans of the franchise will most likely be as conflicted about their overall feelings as I am however, still be happy with the end result. Andromeda deserves it’s time in the spotlight, as the things that have not been done well are greatly outweighed by the things that have been done exceptionally well.
1, 2 Switch is indeed a fun game in places. It has a number of games that really show off the tech within the Switch, especially the Joy-Cons, and the HD Rumble is particularly impressive. That being said, unless you have regular gatherings and spare cash to burn, it'll certainly feel steep at the asking price.
Ultimately, Styx: Shards of Darkness is a great game however, it is a STEALTH game, with no misconceptions of anything else thrown in, that must be understood. Sure, the satirical nature of the world might not get fleshed out quite as much as I'd have liked but the refreshing tone is more than enough as-is. The gameplay is fun and the options provide great replayability to each level. Not to mention, of course, Styx himself, who provides comedy and wit galore. If you're looking for a stealth title that will have you creeping cautiously through vast levels while trying not to laugh your head off, then Styx: Shards of Darkness is definitely the game for you
For Honor is a triumph in bringing a new action brawler to gamers. Ubisoft should be commended for their willingness to try out a new potential IP and succeeding in doing so. For Honor's gameplay mechanics work incredibly well and although easy to pick up, will take much more effort to master. Further to that, the endearing and moreish multiplayer is also a success, despite its rough edges. The story is endearing and fleshed out through a good use of collectibles. It is also an absolute pleasure to look at. To arms!!!
Horizon: Zero Dawn exceeded all my expectations. From the impeccable graphics to the character development, every aspect of this game compels you to play more. The freedom of the open world coupled with the lore driven storyline is extremely well balanced and flexible. The customization options and variety in quests allows you to linger as long as you like, or push through the gripping storyline to find the answers that you seek. Aloy is a strong and positive role model who inspires you to overcome any obstacle and stay strong during times of hardship. Her character is both refreshing and a powerful influence on the way we see the world as we progress through the game. This is one of the most polished, visually spectacular, and engaging video games I have ever played. The bar has most certainly been raised. Thank you Guerrilla Games, for stepping into the Action-RPG genre, you nailed it!
Trulon: The Shadow Engine has decent card-based combat and a fantastic world. However, a myriad of issues such as stuttering and crashing plague the game, while the story never really develops in a meaningful way. It's still decently fun to play, however at I can't really recommend it at $20. If it looks like something you'd want to try, wait for a sale.
I'm a huge fan of drama, dark humour, blues country music and the theatre. There were many moments in which Knee Deep had all of these going on, and I really enjoyed it. However, some elements seemed rushed, or as if they were put in as an afterthought, and the pacing was sometimes too slow. There were also times where I felt the dialogue was disjointed and left me confused, and there was no real cause for me to really be worried about the choices I made through the game. For the first title from Prologue Games however, it's a strong start, and I hope for more like this from them in the future.
Subterrain offers players an overall intense and challenging experience that's open-ended enough to allow players plenty of varying playthroughs. Although the overly simplistic combat and clunky U.I can hamper some enjoyment, the game's in-depth crafting and loot system, greatly effective atmosphere, and its plentiful amount of weapons helps make Subterrain a worthy visit to any player who wishes to get a top-down view of what other sci-fi protagonists like Isaac Clarke and Doom Guy see up close and personal.
Halo Wars 2 is certainly a worthy addition to the RTS genre and has raised the bar from its predecessor Halo Wars. The artistic style and cinematics complement each other nicely and are accompanied by a fantastic sound track.
Hunter's Legacy is by no means a terrible game but, it is by no means a great game either. For everything that Hunter's Legacy brings to the table its held back by such an average state in almost every area. Metroidvania is a very hard genre to develop for as the highs of the genre is almost impossible to achieve and Hunter's Legacy feels that struggle. It's nothing to write home about but for its price, if you are a lover of the genre then it may be worth your time.
Pixel Heroes excels at emulating the classic RPG formula from the 80's and 90's, albeit with a cool rogue-like twist. It certainly has some flaws and it's touchscreen mobile roots become more apparent the longer you play. However, those with a love for past games of this type will benefit most from what it has to offer. So finish that frothy mug of ale and get adventuring!
Metrico+ is a fascinatingly unique game that works so well. The little nuances and challenging puzzles make for a rewarding experience. Although there is more replay value through different challenges it does feel like it would have benefitted from little more length. Despite this small critique, Metrico+ is an intriguing, engaging and rewarding experience. Kudos to Digital Dreams.
Toby: The Secret Mine is a fun platforming adventure whose art design alone is worth a look. The visuals are consistently amazing all the way through it's short playtime. The fact that it takes so little time to finish is it's biggest flaw. The odd technical hitch and a general lack of depth don't help matters. Fans of Limbo will be in circular saw heaven here and are probably the ones who will benefit most from Toby's stylings. For the rest, this is a game where the sights are breathtaking to behold but when examined deeper, it's a journey found curiously wanting.
If there is any game that will make you see red, Feist is it. Although it looks stunning, the frustrating controls and near god like movements of the AI at times can make the game less fun than it should be.
While it has a few issues with combat, Sylvio definitely has that special something. It's a unique take on psychological horror that manages to be frightening without resorting to cheap scares. The ghost recording concept works perfectly, weaving a harrowing tale that unfolds at just the right pace. Turn the lights down and listen....the dead are calling!
Nitroplus Blasterz Heroines Infinite Duel is a massive step backwards in the world of fighting games like this. Cast your minds back to the 90's with classics like Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat and Tekken and you'll find much better, much more playable games than this. Although a well drawn, well presented game - it lacks so much with its gameplay and what little story there is, it is a massive let down.
Tyranny is the game that flips the moral compass of RPG's on its head, you are the bad guy - but how bad will you be? Tyranny is a fantastic isometric RPG from the masters at Obsidian, if only the creases were properly ironed out and they made a decision to go full voice-acting or none at all, this would have been a near perfect 10 across the board - that being said, this is a solid title that deserves your time and is definitely one that I will play again...and again...and again.