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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.
Overall, LEGO Jurassic World is an entertaining game that is large in scope and high in fun factor. If you're a fan of the "Jurassic Park" movies and you've got kids (or you're just a big kid yourself), this is a definite must-try. Playing co-op is always the best option but even playing alone will put a smile on your face.
The Escapists doesn't take itself too seriously but definitely asks you to be serious about your approach. Observation, methodical planning, and timely execution lie at the core of the experience, and if you're particularly detail-oriented – and diligent – this game will deliver. You have to like the fun twist on a normally gritty, hopeless situation, and the basic controls are just fine.
But for the time being, there are simply too many problems with Ultra Street Fighter IV on PlayStation 4. The input lag is definitely an issue, the technical hang-ups mar an otherwise astounding-looking game, and there aren't enough new features or additions for hardcore fans to warrant a purchase. It's nice to have Omega Mode and all the DLC costumes tossed in for free and the Red Focus Attack does add some flash and strategy.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an incredible achievement. It's impossible to list all the positives and highlights. There's a sense of awe and wonder it elicits, from the moment you pick up the controller.
BRAWL is a decent game that hearkens back to the glory days of Bomberman. It's what Basement Crawl tried to be. The single-player difficulty is just too crazy, there still isn't quite enough content, and the technicals are sorta ho-hum.
Toren is a great idea. As a lover of the arts, its focus on artistic impression and intriguing spirituality is something I'll always support. I'm also not one to condemn the length (Journey was only a few hours long, too).
[I]f you're in that hardcore driving fan category, it's a no-brainer. Get this game now..
Broken Age is exactly what Schafer fans expect, which makes it an automatic success. The creativity and imagination is here in spades, the strict adventure style is prominent throughout (and it doesn't deviate; there are no ill-inspired action sequences, for instance), and that atmosphere and charm ties it all together. You could say some of the puzzles get a little tiresome and the lack of direction is annoying at times.
Bastion is a joy. It's a game that has all the pieces in place. The key to the game's immense entertainment value is how unbelievably well each piece marries to the next; the result is a smorgasbord of color and action, and one you will undoubtedly appreciate.
Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones is an extremely challenging and exceedingly well-designed blend of clever stealth and platforming. It builds on the concepts of the original and while it implements a few things I don't like, it's an undeniably unique adventure. It's just too bad that the controls feel slightly wonky and the repetitiveness of the levels gets a little boring as time goes on.
Mortal Kombat X is full of gory fun. It's fiercely fast, wildly engaging, and wonderfully diverse. Not all modes are equally strong and I still say more could've been done with the promising story, but it's nice to have such variety.
Axiom Verge is a glorious throwback to the 2D days, but it doesn't forget that we're playing in a very different age of interactive entertainment. Those subtle refinements and features that enhance the playability are greatly appreciated. Unlocking a weapon or ability that compels you to return to earlier explored areas to find previously inaccessible power-ups is just plain addictive, and the overall balance and diversity is top-notch.
MLB 15: The Show doesn't really launch us into a new stratosphere of simulation gaming. The upgrades and improvements are there but a lot the game still feels underwhelming, simply due to its age. Even so, it's impossible not to recommend this game to baseball lovers, as the purity and authenticity of the mechanics and physics, engrossing Road to the Show Mode, and unrestrained depth can keep you entertained for many months.
I'm in the latter camp, as most of you are aware, but this is all about the gameplay. It really is. The atmosphere and combat is the focal point and as such, the story and characters take a back seat.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection is pretty darn handsome. It looks great, plays great, and has a boatload of content. It offers more bang for your buck than just about any other collection currently available, the improved lighting and textures are a big plus, and Gearbox typically makes excellent DLC.
Final Fantasy Type-0 HD has its ups and downs. The narrative falls well shy of the intended mark, as none of the characters really stick with you after playing, and the writers explain very few of the minute details. The camera and blurring effect puts a crimp in the flow of combat, and I wish some of the fighters had more originality in terms what they can do on a battlefield.