TheSixthAxis
HomepageTheSixthAxis's Reviews
Overall Bloodborne is a fantastic game and could be considered one of the best exclusives available on the PS4 so far. The gameplay will not be for everyone, with the difficulty and repetition a potential turn off, but if you are looking for a new challenge, Bloodborne is a fantastic choice. The twisted atmosphere of Yharnam, the great design of the monsters, and the fear it can instil within you is something that won't be forgotten in a hurry. There's a time when you realise a game will be revered and spoken of fondly years from now, and Bloodborne will be one of them.
Telltale's take on Game of Thrones feels quite low-key compared to some of the goings on in the main series, but this episode begins to move away from that being a problem and starts using it to its advantage, as it shows you different sides of familiar situations. There's still a lot of filler to get through, though, and it's very dialogue heavy with little to offer in terms of unique gameplay. Hopefully, now that we're getting past the halfway point, the next episode will be much more enjoyable.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is an excellent port of one of the best RPGs of the last generation. It features an emotive story, strong characterisation and an engaging battle system, which combine with an approach to the genre that still feels fresh and innovative. The fact that you can now experience the game whilst on the go is hugely alluring, and while it may not make a New 3DS an essential purchase, it certainly provides a compelling argument.
Life Is Strange promised to explore mature and realistic themes from the start, and this second episode continues to do so even amidst the sci-fi trappings of time manipulation. Aside from a few miscued points here and there with pacing or the game's general presentation, this builds upon the first episode and draws you further into its tangled web of mystery.
The first episode of Tales from the Borderlands was excellent, and while the second episode continues to be enjoyable, it's not quite as good as the debut. Still, there's some really good comedic moments in here, and the plot starts to feel like it's going somewhere, with that split narrative once again being put to good use. If you're a fan of Borderlands, you should be invested in this series, yet even if you aren't, the characters and quirky world will do enough to draw you in.
Despite some of the flaws in the pacing of Metamorphosis, this remains a strong finish for the game as a whole. The episodic format suits Revelations 2, and may be prominent in future instalments. The conclusion of each of the characters journeys felt satisfying and shows that Resident Evil is still capable of telling a worthwhile story. Revelations 2 may just be the game which renews peoples faith in a series which has long been accused of becoming stagnant.
I loved the art style of Aaru's Awakening, I loved the story premise it had, and I loved teleporting. I did not love the rest of the gameplay decisions along the way.
Ori and the Blind Forest does all these things and is by nearly all accounts a masterpiece in video games. It has a little something for just about everyone, but more than enough to satisfy even the most galvanized platforming fans. Its difficulty might keep some from seeing the credits roll, but the sense of achievement and experiencing how the story ends makes any hardship along the way well worth the ride.
As a remaster for new consoles, there was only so much Omega Force could do in trying to make Bladestorm relevant once more without having to rebuild the game from scratch. What new feature Nightmare has to offer are intuitive and gel perfectly with Bladestorm's existing mechanics. The demonic campaign is admittedly underwhelming in parts yet gives Bladestorm fans another series of unique battles to play through. If undecided, try the demo – it even extends the option to carry your progress into the main game.
It's easy to dismiss Hardline out of hands as being too far removed from Battlefield's typical setting to be worthy of the name, but even as Visceral ride on the brands coattails, they've had the confidence to adapt that core gameplay to suit a new setting. That's not just true of the multiplayer, but also the single player story and its compelling tale of drugs and police corruption.
Judgment continues the strong work that the first two episodes started, though it meanders a touch too much, and the increased number of puzzles tend more to hinder rather than genuinely challenge. The character progression of Barry and Natalia is excellent, and it's their sections that stand out the most. The conclusion of their story is what every player will be hankering for when the credits roll, and they don't have long to wait.
These gripes are incredibly minor though when you evaluate the rest of the game. Defiant has done a fantastic job of marrying together two very different flavours of game, presenting it a stylish package that feels one part adventure book, one part action brawler. The potential for expansions and sequels further down the line is immediately apparent so, hopefully, this won't be the last time we're dealt into Hand of Fate.
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is an entertaining game, at least for the majority of its play time. It takes what made Hotline Miami great and made it greater, these being the weapons and level design. It is a much longer experience too, though personal playthrough times will be dependant on your skill. However, Wrong Number also tries to do too much too quickly, and its multiple character paths don't work as well as hoped. Add in the fact there are fewer masks and it feels like a major part of the game has been stripped out. Overall it doesn't quite reach the same heights as its streamlined, bizarre predecessor.
Cities: Skylines might be Colossal Order's first attempt at a city builder, but it already feels well rounded and complete. There are a few areas that need improving and others that are crying out to be expanded upon, but those will come in due course, and what's already there lets you build vast cities to your heart's content.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars is an enjoyable and involving puzzle game, particularly for younger gamers, which despite its relatively short campaign has a number of tricks up its sleeve to guarantee that you'll be returning to it many months later. The level editor is a great example of empowering players with clear and solid tools, which allow you to to work creatively and effectively without being hampered by overly complicated systems.
From the vibrant visuals and the pitch perfect 70s cop theme to the fast and snappy buddy cop action, LA Cops has a lot of great ideas, but hasn't really done enough with them. The partner system in particular could have been something unique and special, evocative of classic buddy cop films and TV series, but in the end, I was just gunning down enemies with my backup around the corner.
Contemplation builds on the successful first episode of Capcom's latest foray into new distribution models, and piles on the difficulty, atmosphere and ever-thickening plot with satisfying results. Fans of the series will appreciate the plot twists, whilst newcomers can get stuck into a well-grounded Resident Evil game that is so far living up to its heritage.
Zombie Army Trilogy knows what it wants to be, a straightforward zombie sniping game that lacks any real pretensions or delusions of grandeur. Parts of the trilogy are showing their age and difficulty spikes can sap away the fun, but steel yourself for a challenge, get some mates together and there's plenty to like about it.
Fans of previous Dragon Ball games will no doubt have a field day with XenoVerse. Aside from the immediate sense of familiarity, it has a shedload of content to wade through, including a trove of iconic items and clothing that can be used to customise your own unique character. Online play is also quite the boon, allowing you to saddle up with friends in a Monster Hunter kind of way. Inevitably, however, there will be those who simply don't see the appeal of XenoVerse's core gameplay, and it ultimately grates as it becomes repetitive no matter how much you enjoy it at first.
With seamless online matchmaking and drop-in local multiplayer, Helldivers is the complete coop game. After being left disappointed many a time by previous local multiplayer games the PlayStation 4 has had to offer, Helldivers is a breath of fresh air providing short bursts of explosive action that's both strategic and enjoyable.