Vamers's Reviews
The concept of time is a core tenet of Quantum Break. It is the driving force behind the gameplay and the scientifically enthralling narrative that intertwines the game and accompanying television series. Despite the scientific complexity of using time as both a gameplay and narrative element, Remedy Entertainment has done a fantastic job of producing a compelling story that is not only engaging and filled with spectacular twists and turns, but it is also incredibly immersive – especially for players who take the time to find all of the extra collectibles. Complementing an unforgettable story are visuals and audio that defy what many think the Xbox One is capable of, for Quantum Break is an unmistakable technical marvel and one of the best looking games of this generation [thus far]. Coupled with gameplay that manages to inject a fresh spin on the typical cover-shooter genre, Remedy Games have managed to create a memorable game that deserves to be experienced, played and enjoyed. Quantum Break is, without a doubt, one of the best titles available for Microsoft’s Xbox One.
It is very rare for a game to come along and hook me the way that Ori and the Will of the Wisps has. I love Metroidvania titles and have grown accustomed to the various little ways they force you to double back on yourself. In this regard, Ori and the Will of the Wisps kept reminding me of some of my favourite Metroidvanias (namely the later games in the Mega Man X series), and has rightfully earned a place as one of the best in the genre. Similarly, I love soulslike titles, which are basically Metroidvania titles where challenge and exploration take precedence over storytelling and mission structure. Ori and the Will of the Wisps peters on the fine line between Metroidvania and soulslike, which ultimately makes it a truly incredible and unforgettable adventure.
Anno 1800 Seat of Power is a lot of fun. It may come with a few caveats (like needing to be a long-term player with good standing amongst the populace), but the tradeoff works in your favour once the Palace has been built. Overall, the Anno 1800 Seat of Power expansion is a wonderful addition to an already spectacular title.
Despite the platforming elements possibly being the worst addition to Doom Eternal and personally feeling that codex entries and the story should be more obvious to players, I will say I adore how much effort has been put into the game to make it a wonderful standalone experience. From excellent level design where arenas grow larger, taller and deeper; all the way down to the brevity of weapon acquisitions and constant arsenal updates, it is clear the developers want fans to feel like the Doom Slayers their characters are made out to be. Doom Eternal is excellent in this regard, and is easily one of the fastest, best and most entertaining first person shooters on the market today.
Kylotonn is an excellent studio and continues to release outstanding games. They recently reinvigorated WRC and brought it home to a whole new generation of gamers. Furthermore, they took what they learned with WRC 8, and put it into TT isle of Man 2. The result is a genuinely fun motorbike simulation that does not compromise on details. It is a robust, insanely involved, and a truly gorgeous game.
Having an isometric viewpoint automatically makes the game look surprisingly like some Diablo wannabe. The assumption that it would be similar to Diablo was compounded even further by the pre-release marketing material -- gameplay videos that most definitely gave off the feeling the developers copied directly from Activision Blizzard’s homework. In short: the game is nothing like Diablo… yet it manages to be one of the best Diablo-type games I have played in years.
Rugby 20 is not a bad. For one of the very few rugby video games out there, I firmly believe the game has enough on offer to justify a purchase – even more so if you are a Rugby fan. The game is not perfect, but it ticks most of the right boxes and, at the end of the day, that is what matters.
Battle for Neighborville is one of the quirkiest multiplayer shooters I have played in a long time. While the game is not really up my alley (I do prefer the nitty-gritty of Call of Duty over this), I appreciate its appeal and its unrelenting focus on being as silly as it can be. I also see how it appeals to a larger audience than all of the Call of Duty games. Ultimately, the game is an enjoyable romp that can be played in short bursts. It may not be entirely my thing, but I will admit that I found the whole experience oddly satisfying. It is a game I would return to, time and time again.
The visual upgrade, in particular, is awesome and the “director’s cut” edit of the original campaigns into a beautifully written seven campaign arc, does not disappoint. However, it somehow manages to miss the sweet spot the original so lovingly crafted. Custom games have been marred by Blizzard’s new-found enlightenment over user rights, and strange decisions like replacing the original game client with the Reforged client have merit for scaring older fans off. It is also very clear the game needs polish. For all intents and purposes, it does feel like a rather lazily crafted remaster of an excellent game. Despite this, the game is enjoyable and satisfies most of the nostalgia driven cravings older gamers might have. Newer gamers, however, might be better off looking elsewhere for their RTS fix.
Although not as good as MXGP 19, Monster Energy Supercross - The Official Video Game 3 is a strong and fun off-road arcade racer, and it knows it. The game looks pretty and the gameplay is simplistic (when compared to simulation titles), thus it allows you to sit down and enjoy it in short chunks. Bikes are detailed and sound great, which is perfect for any motorbike fan. It is just a shame that it suffers from weird input lag and awfully long loading times. Perhaps it will be fixed in a patch. Until then, however, you would be better off playing MXGP 2019.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is enjoyable, but it is not a must play title. Despite gorgeous visuals, it suffers narratively and features ageing gameplay that simply pales in comparison to the enhancements the series has culminated with in Black Ops 4.
In a way, Assassin’s Creed III: Remastered is only for individuals who have never played Assassin’s Creed III. If you already own an original copy of the game, there is no need to sit through an experience featuring a rather jarring and plastic-faced Haytham Kenway.
From the mind-bending new premise and gameplay concept, to the masterful design in narrative and art, it is clear 11Bit did not hold back in favour of squeezing more money out of their players. The expansion improves upon the base game in ways I did not think possible, with brand-new laws and reworked research trees; a new set of buildings and new roles for engineers and workers; all the way through to incredibly voiced cutscenes and hand-drawn art. It also tells a whole new story about people who still think they have the upper hand over mother nature and her cold grasp.
WWE 2K20 is not "WWE 2K19 great", but it is an enjoyable experience for anyone looking for something new in the WWE world.
Overwatch on Nintendo Switch is a decent port. Sure, it might not have all of the visual bells and whistles as other platforms, but it is essentially the same experience. From a technical perspective, it is a less than optimal means of enjoying one of the best team-based online shooters available. Although the issues are noticeable, they never serve to ruin the game in a meaningful way.
There is a lot to like about Medievil. It features a likeable, if slightly dimwitted, protagonist who is doing his best to right the wrongs of the past. The visuals, voice over work and audio are all representative of a title crafted in 2019. Even so, it does a wonderful job of pulling all of the right nostalgic strings for gamers of the 90s who enjoyed the original. Unfortunately, it is this very same nostalgic charm that serves to hamper the experience.
Gamers who are happy to experience a truly sublime blast from the past, will be enthralled with the Spyro Reignited Trilogy. The title does a fantastic job of rekindling the fires of nostalgia. Allowing older gamers to re-live the 90s in the best way possible; through smooth and familiar gameplay and becoming familiar, once more, with the same magic that made Spyro's world so unforgettable all those years ago. Newer gamers, on the other hand, will be able to enjoy a classic experience made infinitely more accessible with a wondrous Pixar-like aesthetic. The title is a delightfully magnificent ode to a classic character, warts and all.
Control is an interesting title. It features some truly incredible gameplay, with visuals and audio to match; but disappoints in terms of providing an engrossing narrative. The puzzle like structure of the overarching story can be confusing and often lacks any real draw for gamers to continue pushing through the game's 20 hour campaign. At best, the draw to find out what is actually going on and to help Jesse's brother will keep players moving forward; at worst, there are a multitude of side quests and mini-bosses to invest in as players push toward the conclusion. Narrative aside, Control features superb level design that encourages exploration. The exploration coupled with the superb gameplay help mask the repetitive nature of the title, thus making the game genuinely fun to play. Jesse being a likeable protagonist, with her fourth-wall breaking moments of introspection, not to mention the often crazy and psychedelic level design, should keep players interested for some time to come.
Anthem is a game that requires patience and time to be fulfilling. It is more about the journey and experience of becoming a legendary Freelancer, than it is about being 'all-powerful' and grinding for the next piece of loot. With that said, there is no denying that the game has many flaws. From a lacklustre campaign, through to unusual omissions in tutorial management, many of the game's issues are inexcusable. Despite this, there is something truly special about Anthem. Perhaps it is the exceptional visuals and audio, coupled with sublime platforming like gameplay, that is addictive. It could also be the interesting and overarching narrative that leaves players yearning for more. Either way, Bioware and EA will hopefully take the time to make the game as legendary as it is trying to be.
Although Florence is a short and sweet look into the love life of a 20-something young woman, the experience is one that I feel is well worth enjoying. Granted, it features a story that will leave you wanting for more. Much like many of the most compelling artistic works, however, the feelings it elicits will forever be remembered and cherished.