Vamers's Reviews
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.
Astro Bot Rescue Mission offers a level of interactivity and polish that has not yet been seen on the PSVR platform. It is quite clear that the game was built specifically for VR, and in so doing was obviously a labour of love for Japan Studio. Quite simply, the game offers the best implementation of PSVR yet seen on the platform. It features solid and refined gameplay and crisp Pixar-Like visuals; all of which are bundled together in a title with so much charm, character and charisma, that it would be a travesty not to experience. Without a doubt, the game is a true PSVR classic.
After five years, Crystal Dynamics' reboot of Lara Croft's origin story has come full circle with Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The game successfully builds on the foundations left by the 2013 and 2015 releases in the rebooted trilogy, respectively, and does a wonderful job of fleshing out the final arc in Lara's 'origin' story. Although the overall narrative may not be as strong as in previous titles, it does offer enough to keep players engaged throughout.
There is no denying Jurassic World Evolution is enjoyable. It is a game that has a lot of wonderful charm that pulls on the strings of nostalgia from a franchise that, in some ways, has lost the awe that made the original film so unforgettable. From digging for dinosaur DNA through to eventually hatching a new dinosaur; Jurassic World Evolution has a certain kind of addictive magic to it. Alas, it is a magic that appears to have been tainted by a lack of development time. In its current form, Jurassic World Evolution is a good game that has the potential to, in time, be great. With solid and well thought out core mechanics already in place, all the game really needs now is some extra polish. Given Frontier’s heritage and penchant for updating their games years after release; it is safe to say that the game is in good hands. Until then, however, the game’s flaws will continue to erode away the sheen of a title that really has the potential to be remarkable.
In a year that is going to be rather dry in terms of exclusive games, Microsoft certainly have a unique, yet barren, gem with Sea of Thieves. Once Rare addresses the content issues, however, the game will offer a sublime time where gamers can sail the seas with a tankard in one hand, cutlass in the other, and a map pinned to the back of the nearest barrel of grog; ready for further adventure.
Very few games have managed to captured my attention and awe as much as Assassin’s Creed Origins. Despite having spent more than 80 hours in the game (40 to 50 of those spent only on the campaign), I am still inexplicably drawn back to the incredibly well realised ancient Egypt that the game provides. Simply put, the unforgettable and enigmatic ancient Egyptian setting is wonderfully brought to life through outstanding auditory and visual design. Coupled with solid, fluid and fun gameplay; and tied together beautifully with a captivating story arc and copious amounts of interesting and fun side quests; makes Assassin’s Creed Origins the best entry yet in the long running franchise.