VDZE Media's Reviews
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a masterpiece. I have no doubt that it would be a smash hit no matter when it released, but coming just as the world went into a lockdown has played to it’s advantage also. It is giving people a routine when they otherwise wouldn’t have one and honestly being ill myself over the last week, it has been a life saver. The greatest compliment I can give it is that earlier tonight the sequel to my favourite game of all time (Last of Us) was delayed and my first thought was; “More time for Animal Crossing”.
The Last of Us Part II is not only Naughty Dog’s finest work, but one of the greatest video game experiences I have ever had. It sets a new bar in terms of graphics, storytelling and presentation – while offering up so many different ways to play that it feels inclusive to all gamers (Over 18)
id Software and Bethesda really have something special on their hands here. Games divide opinion, which is natural. So when I tell you that I haven’t heard a single person say they aren’t enjoying DOOM Eternal, that’s probably one of the biggest compliments I can give it. This is the culmination of everything the DOOM series has been working towards. Buy this game!
Resident Evil 3 is exactly what I hoped for after the stellar re-imagining of RE2. I have seen criticism that the game is too short, but given that YouTube has countless RE2 speed runs hovering around the 50 minute mark, it feels like a stretch. Plus, if you are hurting for content there is an entire online game attached.
The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners is probably the most complete experience on PSVR to date. An RPG with excellent combat, brilliantly implemented free movement and a proper campaign.
This entire game just reeks of quality, and can be exactly the type of racing game you want it to be. The new My Team mode will keep you busy for hours upon hours, but the management aspect does require more of an acquired taste.
SUPERHOT Mind Control Delete is a worthy successor to an outstanding game. It improves on the original with better level design, switchable perks and more diversity in the combat. It’s such a great formula for a game and one where you will turn on for 10 minutes and be glued to the screen for hours.
Creaks was an absolute joy to play. I could argue that it maybe lasted a little longer than it needed to but at no point did I stop having fun solving puzzles or being wowed by the beauty of the world. The story may not be one that lives long in the memory, but the characters left an impression on me and I highly recommend this game to any fans of puzzle platform games.
Pistol Whip is up there with Walking Dead Saints & Sinners as the best PSVR game of 2020. Hell, it’s one of the best games the headset has to offer. If you have any interest in rhythm games or even just waving a gun around, you are going to have an absolute blast here. When all is said and done this is likely to be mentioned in our top games of the year discussion.
PGA Tour 2K21 is an excellent golf sim. I would like to have seen more official courses on display, but with the course designer, the likelihood is that some kind soul will rectify that before the week is out. The gameplay is on point and both career and online modes will keep you entertained for months. This is the best representation of golf on current gen systems.
EA Sports have taken the formula of the previous games and made subtle improvements. Career mode is great fun, even if it does lose some steam by the end. The new KO mode allows players who don’t want as technical a battle to stand and bang, while online will retain a base of players until the inevitable UFC 5. Marry all this up with big improvements to the ground game and you have not only the best UFC game to date, but one of my favourite fighting games on PlayStation 4.
I am a big fan of both narrative adventure and episodic games. Over the course of this generation, Dontnod has provided us with some great stories that stick with me to this day. So when I say that this is their best work to date I don't make that comment flippantly. There are themes tackled in this game that we don't see enough of and they are done so in a mature and natural way. It really is great to see boundaries being torn down. Tell Me Why is a must-play title.
I honestly challenge anyone who liked the original games not to enjoy this remaster. It met my expectations in every way and then exceeded them by being an even better game than I remember. Sure, it’s frustrating at times, but that’s because I sometimes fall below the required skill for the really high combos. The game is unforgiving, but it makes you want to get better and keeps you coming back. This is a must-play.
Thanks to Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario 3D All-Stars is an essential purchase for Nintendo Switch. Even if you can’t get to grips with the ageing Super Mario 64’s controls, and if you never bother to so much as load up Super Mario Sunshine, Galaxy holds its value and is still worth paying full-price for to this day. Of course, it’s a bonus if you have nostalgia for one or both of the other two games, and their modern enhancements will help those glasses of yours feel just a little less rose-tinted.
Mafia Definitive Edition is a brilliant remake. I get a feeling of déjà vu saying that because of all the great titles that have been modernised for console this generation, but Hanger 13 have gone over and above here to make this the best title in the Mafia series. This is a must-buy for all fans of open-world action game. Just note that it is a lot less open than you may expect.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is a truly exceptional game. Going in I just wanted a sequel that did the original three games proud, but what we have here is the best Crash game to date. It’s visually stunning, difficult yet accessible and always has a trick up its sleeve. This is a must-buy game.
With its much-improved stealth, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has won me over. This feels like the best AC in a long time. It gives you the choice on how you want to tackle your objectives, something Odyssey lacked if you wanted to stay in the shadows like the Assassins of old.
Twin Breaker: A Sacred Symbols Adventure is a great arcade brick breaker that goes over and above in terms of storytelling and varied gameplay. Lillymo Games has proved to be an excellent choice of developer to bring Colin’s vision to fruition and when you consider that this is cross-buy with the PlayStation Vita it represents great value for money too.
Moving Out is the next great local co-op party game. The lack of online play is disappointing, but with all the accessibility options this is a title that will bring gamers and non gamers together. If you enjoyed games of a similar ilk like Overcooked you can’t go wrong with this title.
My Friend Pedro is an absolute gem of a game. It is one of the most fun releases on PS4 in some time. Varied level design and cool boss fights compliment the relatively short campaign, but the replay value is high and you will likely find yourself returning over and over again for better scores.