PlayStation Universe
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Headliner: NoviNews tries something new in gaming - managing a news desk and influencing the welfare of the citizens with each day of published and suppressed articles. With a good balance of moral decision making, 2D exploration and interaction with NPCs, the only thing really missing is any depth. After a few repeat plays, you'll have had enough which is a shame as the few hours when the material is fresh is both enjoyable and thought provoking.
Blair Witch is easily the best videogame take on the licence to date and an effective, frequently petrifying horror effort. Unfortunately, a much too long final chapter and pointless stealth sections late in the game sadly detract from a genre effort that is overflowing with dread and atmosphere.
Avicii Invector is a wonderful tribute to the EDM artist and celebrates his work by creating a diverse tracklist from across his career. The rhythm gameplay has its own unique twists and provides a challenging experience. The visual effects can get a bit much at times, throwing off your streak, but the game is still a wonderful way to surround yourself with some of the best EDM music from the past decade.
An inspired attempt at something new, like an Americana graphic novel read through at a snails pace. The lovely meditative quality to the gameplay eventually becomes somewhat frustrating because of repetition, the limitations of the concept and how much the player can interact with the characters and stories. Regardless of these shortcomings, anyone looking for some fresh ideas in their games should give it a try.
The things that make Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey so appealing are the same thing that make it frustrating. Many things stand in the way of your progress, many of those things being mechanics, and rewards come sparingly. At the same time, there is something wholly unique here that, if you can properly sink your teeth into it, you could find yourself completely engulfed in it.
A charmingly clever multiplayer title, Tools Up! takes the madness of Overcooked! and distills it into a far less chaotic, though ultimately more thoughtful set of scenarios that players of all ages will surely enjoy.
Stardust Odyssey is a game of true beauty, transporting the player to a fantastical world as hauntingly familiar as a recurring dream. While the Stealth gameplay can become frustrating due to escalating difficulty and some checkpoint issues, Stardust is still a game that every PSVR fan should experience for its world-building alone. A true step forward in VR gaming.
Several weeks after release (and several patches deep) Espire 1: VR Operative is ultimately an unfinished game. I have no problem with Early Access titles on PC, but by the time a game hits the PlayStation Store, my expectations are that it is in a playable state. After two patches, Espire 1: VR Operative still feels largely unpolished (and at times, actively broken). Proceed with caution.
Star Ocean First Departure R offers an easy way to play a hard-to-find classic RPG, but very few enhancements makes this a purchase strictly for Star Ocean fans. Simplistic combat and minimal options make this a hard sell for devout JRPG fans.
A surprisingly deep and wholly satisfying side-scrolling brawler, Fight'N Rage is massively enjoyable genre effort that stands shoulder to shoulder with its classic counterparts.
Gris is a serene experience all its own, filled with problems to overcome and success to achieve. Gris is a wordless game dependent on your ability to surpass what it throws at you. Pacing aside, not much gets more beautiful than witnessing Gris in full motion.
A beautiful adventure that will stay with me forever. Arise: A Simple Story is one story told through amazing animations played through a beautiful world, accompanied by a soundtrack that makes this game a masterpiece in every piece of its design.
Golem is a video game redemption story – saved from the brink by a patch that cleared up many of the game's release problems. What is left is a fascinating game of exploration, punctuated by hardcore, visceral combat. With atmosphere to spare, Golem delivers a unique experience unlike any other on PSVR. Recommended for patient, thoughtful players that enjoy a challenge (and don't mind a lot of repetition).
Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts is the most average game I have ever played. Nothing it does is particularly memorable or amazing, but it isn't broken or bad either. The gameplay can be both enjoyable and clunky depending on the situation. The story is forgettable and environments aren't appealing. But, the game's open-ended levels and tick box-style gameplay make it a great game to play whilst listening to a podcast. Overall, it is a half-step forward for the franchise, but much like the previous games, there isn't much reason to check this entry out.
An otherwise robust combat system is summarily undone by dunderheaded AI, repetitive grinding, a lack of modes and uneven presentation. We've wanted to return to Ancient Rome for years now on PS4, but not like this.
Playing Deemo without PSVR is a very hard sell. TV Mode requires a great deal of extra practice and effort in order to regularly score well. The delightful soundtrack and charming story truly depend on a PSVR headset to succeed.
Munchkin: Quacked quest is certainly a colorful and charming dungeon crawler. Sadly, uninspiring hack and slash fundamentals and a lack of variety conspire to drag down what is otherwise a fairly charming and occasionally enjoyable offering that is best enjoyed with friends.
Shenmue 3 is an uncompromising love letter to fans of the original games, make no question about it. If you weren't on board before, then this will do little to sway your opinion, as modern conventions have been largely ignored in favour of preserving a 20-year-old experience. While it's not perfect, Shenmue 3 is about as solid of a sequel as we could have expected after all this time.
With a strong focus on storytelling, The Lord of the Rings: Adventure Card Game is a PVE collectable card game that will challenge – and sometimes infuriate – card game and strategy fans. While the "always online" demands and the original storyline are bewildering, the gameplay itself is deep and entertaining. Just be ready to shake your head when Sauron whoops up on you at the last minute. Stupid Sauron.
The hard-hitting emotional narrative, beautiful score and pleasant visuals were just enough to drag me through a game that was at times, not fun to play. Technical issues ranging from freezing to death loops soured what could have been a very fun and touching exploration game. I did enjoy my time with it but the issues I had did take a few points off the overall score. Perhaps wait for an update before purchasing.