Reviews
INSIDE (Switch) Review
Jul 25, 2018
As the screen fades up from pitch black into a dark forest at nighttime, and a red-shirted boy who is your avatar tumbles into frame, there is a distinct and deliberate feeling of familiarity; not quite deja vu, but close. This is almost immediately undercut by the realization that you are on the run, and you don’t have time to stand still and get your bearings. Thus, in the first twenty seconds of the game, INSIDE makes it clear that you’re back in Playdead’s world, but the stakes are higher and as familiar as things may seem at first, you won’t be able to rely on your past experiences to survive this journey. This world isn’t just dangerous, it’s actively hunting you, trying to catch you at every single turn.
LIMBO (Switch) Review
Jul 25, 2018
In the eight years since Limbo’s original release in 2010, which practically seems like another lifetime ago, we’ve seen a great deal of advancement in development philsophies, general gameplay refinements, and graphical fidelity continues to improve year over year at impressive rates. The late 00’s were an exciting time in games, when indie developers were gaining more exposure on bigger platforms and distribution channels were becoming more easily accessible. Moreover, audiences were ready for fresh experiences that experimented with our conceptions about what video games as a medium could be.
Hotel Transylvania 3: Monsters Overboard Review
Jul 20, 2018
Hotel Transylvania 3: Monsters Overboard is based off the just released into theaters “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation” from Sony Pictures Animation. Instead of replaying the events of the movie in videogame form, Monsters Overboard instead takes a sidestep from those events in which the cast gets marooned onto a series of islands after the hotel cruise liner crashes. While the premise saves the game from spoiling the movie, the game spoils itself from being a fun experience, and is something kids won’t entirely be enjoying.
Hand of Fate 2 (Switch) Review
Jul 16, 2018
Hand of Fate 2 is a great fit for the Nintendo Switch. With its combination of tabletop, collectible card game, and action RPG, it does everything the other versions of the game does – except done in handheld and portable form. Defiant Development’s hit from the tail end of 2017 sees new life in 2018. Whether you’re playing the series for the first time or double-dipping on another platform, Hand of Fate 2 is a unique experience that expands on the original in every way.
The Crew 2 Review
Jul 06, 2018
The Crew 2 allows Ubisoft to have selective amnesia. The Crew 2 acts as if The Crew never happened, or allow it to remember that it even existed. Which, is nothing but great news. So instead of a gritty story about vengeance and undercover cops, we have a live television show that’s broadcast around the world that goes for fun and celebration.
Bus Simulator 18 Review
Jul 02, 2018
Bus Simulator 18 is the sophomore outing from developer, stillalive studios. This entry sees a vast improvement over its predecessor, Bus Simulator 16 in almost every way. The most clear change is the switch of game engines to Unreal Engine 4 which gives the game a better look, more sounds, and a larger city to work in. However, that doesn’t ease the fact that the duties of a bus driver are not only aggravating, but monotonous as well.
MXGP PRO Review
Jun 29, 2018
MXGP PRO is a fresh start for the series. It’s got a short name, but it plays a lot like the previous entries. It’s still the official video game of the Motocross Championship, but with a focus on being more of a professional experience as the goal. Milestone mostly achieves this with MXGP PRO, even with some issues still present from several years ago.
Basemark GPU V1.0 Review
Jun 27, 2018
Basemark GPU is the new kid on the block for benchmarking tools. Basemark calls this the ‘graphics performance evaluation tool’, which already sets itself apart from other benchmarks. Basemark has worked over the past several years to deliver a tool that can test everything from mobile to tablet to desktop without having to use multiple programs to do it. There’s consistent visual fidelity across PC and mobile, making Basemark GPU a powerhouse of an engine for serious testers.
Far Cry 5 – Hours of Darkness Review
Jun 25, 2018
Hours of Darkness is the first DLC for Far Cry 5, going into the past during the Vietnam War via a standalone story. While the events of this DLC doesn’t directly correlate to the main game, it does take one of Hope County’s residents, Wendell Redler as he recollects the events of his time in Vietnam. Those events are rather unsettling at times, but mostly forgettable. Now, Hours of Darkness isn’t anything to write home about, though it’s not a “Dear John” letter either. It straddles a line of just being ‘okay’, and that’s okay.
Prey – Mooncrash Review
Jun 18, 2018
The first DLC for Prey is a surprise, because not only is it an expansion, but one that has a twist you wouldn’t expect out of Bethesda or Arkane. Titled, “Mooncrash” this is an infinitely replayable DLC – akin to roguelikes, but done in that very Arkane way. This expansion takes place after the events of Prey, and expands the lore and possibilities of what Prey can offer. ♫ You spin me right round, baby ♫
MotoGP 18 Review
Jun 11, 2018
MotoGP 18 serves a reboot of the series for Milestone. With Unreal Engine 4 now powering the game, the game was built from the ground up. MotoGP 18 looks photo realistic with how light and shadows work to the way physics and handling are done. MotoGP 18 sees a lot of other improvements over prior entries that no longer compare, namely the career mode. But in a lot of ways this reboot exposes how serious and sterile the experience is. Though I have to say, this the most authentic and best simulation of the sport to date, making it all the reason you should own this.
Gunheart Review
Jun 04, 2018
Gunheart from Drifter Entertainment is a VR game first and foremost, but it isn’t exclusionary as it allows for desktop players to get in on the action as well. Gunheart is incredibly social, approachable by anyone, funny, and constantly adding new missions to extend its lifespan. Drifter Entertainment has made a well-rounded game that if you’ve got friends with or without VR, you’ll have a great time where no one will be left out.
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life Review
May 31, 2018
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life marks an end to the tale of series protagonist Kazuma Kiryu. As sad as those words are to write, the sixth mainline title in this franchise leaves me with a gigantic grin on my face. Coming off the incredible Yakuza 0 and the first Yakuza remaster, Kiwami, Yakuza 6 is at a high point in the series popularity here in the states. Thankfully this latest entry in the series will continue that high as it gives fans more of what makes these titles great.
City of Brass Review
May 03, 2018
Inspired by an episode of “One Thousand and One Nights” (also known as “Arabian Nights”), the City of Brass is Uppercut Games’ twist on the tale. While the original was a story that meant express the downfalls of wealth, the game is about survival and reversing a curse. You won’t find Aladdin and Princess Jasmine here, but you will find a rich, luxurious world to explore that’s conversely incredibly ruthless. City of Brass is captivating as it incites curiosity and the desire to see more with each return trip through the gates.
BATTLETECH Review
Apr 24, 2018
If you didn’t think you’d hear the words BATTLETECH or MechWarrior in 2018, or 3018 for that matter, rejoice. Harebrained Schemes and original BATTLETECH creator, Jordan Weisman have made a tabletop experience on PC. MechWarrior is known for being a shooter series, and BATTLETECH is thought of as a tactical game. Each embrace the space opera in different ways, but BATTLETECH‘s return sees events unfold with exciting twists and turns. BATTLETECH sits well in the house of Paradox, and cements its place as being the premier tactical series that’s been long overdue for a revival.
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