PlayStation Universe
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Periods of fun stealth play aren't enough to rescue the second entry in the Chronicles saga from being a forgettable, average platformer.
You can see what SCE Connected Content Group was aiming for with Hardware: Rivals, as the car combat genre has long needed a decent revival from somewhere. Unfortunately, far too many of Hardware's ideas are poorly executed for it to be the saviour it might have been. It doesn't do it any favours to see it presented in such a generally unenthusiastic, haphazard fashion. With variety sorely lacking and balancing currently an issue, there's little to suggest a long-term future for Hardware: Rivals in the heaving ball pit that is online-only gaming.
Amplitude manages to be both a throwback, and as relevant as ever. This feels like a Harmonix with the shackles off, free to unleash their creative side onto the rhythm-action genre once again. With its initial simplicity, mesmerising visuals, and a great marriage of music to game mechanics, Harmonix have given the world a better Amplitude. One that is simply a superb title.
A satisfying conclusion to this story arc, full of revelations, heartbreak and humour. The only things that really hamper Story Mode's penultimate episode are some predictable moments and how little much of its cast have developed over the span of the past four episodes.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel has an old-timey feel to it while not getting lost in the novelty of that. Trails channels inspirations from the entire RPG timeline in subtle ways and brings it into a modern and progressive light. The PS3 and PS Vita are lucky to have this gem of an RPG in their library, even if it doesn’t push the hardware as it could.
A sadly disappointing festive spin-off to the lovably quirky Hatoful Boyfriend; Holiday Star strips back the things that made its predecessor a cult favourite. There's little holiday cheer for this bird, as its wings have been clipped. At least it hasn't been stuffed.
Multi-layered in its sophistication while being drenched in aesthetic bombast and effortlessly entertaining, Nuclear Throne isn't just Vlambeer's finest work to date, it also happens to be the best twin-stick shooter since Helldivers; even in light of its relatively minor transgressions.
This could have been a triumphant return for Rainbow Six, even with the true single-player experience stripped out, but bad decision after bad decision helps to bury the potential and leave Siege D.O.A.
Fat Princess Adventures is a pleasant hack-'n-slash romp with a wonderfully silly sense of humour. It lacks depth, and replay value, but as a budget game to play with friends it offers fine value for money.
Varied and fun to play, Shadow of New Despair captures the intensity and feel of 70's and 80's monster/sci-fi movies, though its difficulty curve is sometimes hard to swallow.
Fun to play with plenty of replay value, Zotrix sounds the part but the clunky interface and non-nonsensical controls prove to be frustrating.
A deft remastering of what was arguably the PS3's technical swansong, Beyond: Two Souls finds new life and an attractive home on PS4, with some extra features thrown in to sweeten the deal.
Filled with action, Just Cause 3 offers a massive and realized world with engrossing scenes inspired by works like those from Michael Bay. Skill development aside, this sequel delivers on all fronts.
Easily the strongest episode of Minecraft: Story Mode yet, The Last Place You Look does wonders to a series that looked like it would be a sinking ship just one episode ago.
A superb second chapter with a fantastic storyline, great characters and compelling combat system.
A dazzling audiovisual spectacle with a solid, highly accessible set of mechanics for a wider audience to enjoy. The problem is, this blockbuster is shallow and soulless beneath its sparkly veneer, and that detracts from much of the good it does.
A brilliant expansion to an already unmissable gaming experience.
A season that began with much promise doesn't quite deliver by the time the sixth and final episode's credits roll. Some fine characters and a real sense of what makes the Game of Thrones universe tick mean this is worth checking out if you crave more stories from Westeros and beyond in the wait for more books and TV episodes.
Game of Thrones finale has the big, brutal moments you'd expect, but they are diluted by technical issues and a feeling of unfinished business.
Most fans of the series will get some enjoyment out of Lost Song. The core gameplay elements are solid, but the superficial story and monotonous questing prevent it from being fun throughout.