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NBA 2K16 remains a great basketball game at its core, but makes a mistake in trying to give us a narrative-driven MyCareer mode. It just isn't keeping with the spirit of the ever-expanding customization and freedom of sports simulators and on top of which, it's just not that interesting or especially well presented. The online missteps are another problem, as are the good but somewhat languishing visuals that are starting to show their age.
FIFA 16 added what it needed to add and refined what it needed to refine. It pinpointed the problems bogging down last year's entry and fixed them. Perhaps one could argue they went too far in the other direction, thereby changing the pace of the gameplay for the worse, but I don't agree.
Leo's Fortune is a great little platformer with a boatload of simple appeal. I suppose I could say I was hoping for just a bit more depth and substance (without first knowing the title's mobile origins), and the control and physics are just a bit wonky, but those are minor issues with which others may not agree. If you love the old-school platformer structure and you're looking for a simple yet highly satisfying reprieve from the massive open-world epics, I say, go find who stole Leo's gold.
NHL 16 represents a return to form for the long-running hockey franchise. Those trying to get the bad taste of their mouths from last year's entry should be pleased with EA Canada's effort, which is capable of attracting casual and hardcore fans alike. EASHL is fulfilling and even addictive, shootouts are an absolute blast, the On-Ice Trainer is an excellent addition for newcomers, and the gameplay is smooth in some places, and rugged and powerful where it needs to be (feel that hit?).
Mad Max can be a very entertaining game, especially if your expectations are in the right place. There's a lot of fun to be had in the wasteland; careening over the sand and blasting foes, laying the prodigious smack-down with fists and shotgun, and upgrading and improving the always-cool Magnum Opus. The control for both driving and melee combat is just about right and the combat mechanic is a tried-and-true system.
Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls is oddly named and really, the game lives up to that tone: Odd. But that’s part of the charm and appeal and fans of past entries will quickly embrace this style. What’s questionable is whether or not they’ll embrace the new third-person action gameplay, which is a dramatic departure from the courtroom scenarios seen before.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is the masterpiece we all hoped it'd be. It's undoubtedly the best game of 2015 and the generation so far and further solidifies Hideo Kojima as a master of the genre. It's no wonder he calls this his magnum opus, the game he's always wanted to make since the inception of the franchise.
All in all, Until Dawn is a fun, gripping, immersive adventure that you'll play on the very edge of your seat. It's a little too short (even with the butterfly effect greatly enhancing the longevity), the story is only mildly impressive, and the camera doesn't always cooperate. But spurred on by great performances, a disturbing atmosphere, a decision-making system that might be unparalleled in video games today, and a very personal approach to interaction, the game makes a strong case for a purchase.
Madden NFL 16 represents a logical step in the history of the franchise. Rather than restricting the experience to the die-hard few, why not make a game that satisfies both the latter group and the more casual fans? It may seem a little intimidating at first but this well-appointed simulator is amazingly flexible, and gives you the chance to play exactly the way you wish. The intro is poorly conceived, I believe, the loading times are still pretty ridiculous, and there are a few lingering gameplay issues (wacky occurrences can be prevalent) but aside from that, this is the best Madden entry we've seen in years.
Zombi is a game that might seem too ponderous and frustrating for many. But for those who appreciate a challenging atmosphere that tasks you with marshalling your fears and taking a studious approach to survival, it's a definite must-try.
Everybody's Gone to the Rapture is an interactive work of art. Those of us who can be demanding when it comes to the realm of virtual storytelling might spot some minor flaws. Aside from those flaws, and beyond those who complain about the speed and lack of input commands, the game stands tall in its efforts to reach a new level of interactive storytelling.
King's Quest: A Knight to Remember is a great first chapter in a tremendously endearing new series. It sets the stage for the second chapter and leaves the player wanting more. There are hang-ups in terms of general flow and gameplay structure but it really depends on your perspective.
Q.U.B.E: Director's Cut is a smooth, polished, original puzzler that's well-paced and rewarding. Both the story and the puzzles will keep you involved throughout and despite a few puzzles that aren't as expertly designed as others, the developers should be commended.
Zombie Army Trilogy is familiar and fun for a short spell. The third game is a good deal better than the first two but for the most part, it's a ho-hum action blast-fest that doesn't have enough "oomph" behind it. The low production values are a definite problem, as is the uninspired and outdated level design and hugely repetitive gameplay.
Anyway, Journey on PlayStation 4 is undoubtedly the definitive edition of an instant classic. It's not drastically different and there really isn't any new content, but the upgrades included in this package are noticeable and appreciated, and vault the production into the stratosphere. We are moved and impacted; some even say they're forever changed after finishing.
Tembo the Badass Elephant is a goodhearted, challenging platformer where speed and rhythm sit at the forefront of the gameplay experience. It's really about getting into that great groove, where enemies are going "poof" every second and Tembo is in absolutely no danger 'cuz you've got him down cold. There are a few shortcomings but none of them should keep the intrigued from giving Tembo a go.
One of these days, I imagine some developer will take a decent whack at this IP. Maybe Rocksteady can take a break from Batman and give this Japanese icon the attention and care he deserves. In theory, a talented team could make a fantastic game because all the necessary elements are there; don't even bother with a story (which is just awful in this game, by the way), just give us some quality gameplay.
I'd like to say Rory McIlroy PGA Tour picks up where Tiger Woods left off but in truth, we've gone back a step or two…or three. It's not so much the mechanics and gameplay core; all this works reasonably well aside from the eccentricities I mentioned here. It's just that the entire package feels flat and featureless.
It is. It just didn't quite hit the necessary benchmarks for execution and the ultimate realization of the main concept. There are quite a few highlights but mixed in are a bunch of low points, and those low points only exist because there is, as I said above, little in the way of follow-through.
Batman: Arkham Knight is arguably the best game of the year so far. The technical aspects are not only eye-popping but they're also quite stable. The graphics are slick, the sound is stellar, the control is rock solid, and the gameplay variety is downright tremendous.