Max Parker
- Portal 2
- Super Mario 64
- Batman: Arkham Asylum
Max Parker's Reviews
This is a special game. It also puts me in a bit of a quandary. The original game came out last year, but should this version receive game-of-the-year consideration? I have five months to figure that out, because it's the best game I've played in 2014.
What Rocksteady games has accomplished with the "Arkham" series is nothing short of historic for video games. This used to be a medium where games based on comic book heroes were comparable to the quality of games based on movies. Some may have had decent action or gameplay, but games based on comic heroes always lacked the depth that was found in the source material. The "Arkham" series found that depth that is essential to any great Batman story, and then built some of the most satisfying gameplay in the action genre. "Arkham Knight" is the perfect sendoff for their work; the perfect exclamation point. Batman's "Arkham" story has come to a close. Let us celebrate what it has given world of video games.
"Mario Odyssey" is the perfect blend of wonder, creativity and nostalgia. This is the truest evolution of video games' most iconic character. When the world seem bleak, "Mario Odyssey" is a wonderful, whimsical counterbalance that's custom made for escapism. The video game world doesn't just need more Mario. The world needs more Mario.
Football Manager 2021 is a winner and a real worthwhile upgrade not only for those who played the previous game but also those who might have lapsed in recent years. This is the most realistic version yet, with deeper player interaction and more varied communications with your team and key staff making you feel even more like a real manager.
Forza Horizon 5 is more of the same for the series and it makes a glorious impression. It’s a visual treat on Series X, with fun and approachable gameplay that always feel varied.
"God of War" is the culmination that the series always had the potential to be. Better yet, it's just the beginning of a new legend forged by the God of War.
Talion's story captures the essence of a Tolkien story. It's all about the journey. Friends are made, strangers are met and the true evil of Middle-earth is ever-present, but each story revolves around a true hero. Now Talion can stand next to the legends of Gimli, Frodo, Legolas and Aragorn.
This is a wonderful callback to the original games that adds new ideas.
Genuine comedy in video games is a rare find in today's gaming landscape of hyper-realistic shooters and pretentious fantasy realms. It's refreshing to have a game that is consistently hilarious, but also has gameplay chops. I hope that Matt Stone and Trey Parker continue with the path of video game writing. They could offer a lot to this industry. But I can't blame them for going out at the top of their game.
If any game in the "Super Smash Bros." series has ever been the go-to game to play with your group of friends, this new Wii U version will replace it. A new "Super Smash Bros." game is the only suitable successor to a previous "Super Smash Bros." The king is dead, long live the King.
"Ori and the Blind Forest" is much more than a pleasant surprise of 2015. This is a must-play game in the Xbox One and PC library. It's a rare find that molds gameplay, level design and a heartfelt story to tie it all together.
From little things like a damage system to gameplay on a larger scale like world exploration, "Rise of the Tomb Raider" expertly nails everything it sets out to do. From the narrative angle, Lara is developed as a driven force better than she ever has been before. In a genre that has been dominated by characters like Nathan Drake or whichever assassin leads the annual "Assassin's Creed" series, Lara stands as the new queen of action.
Give it a chance, stick with it and make each death a learning experience. It might just become your new favorite series.
It was unclear if the "Uncharted" series had any new ground to explore after three successful chapters. "Uncharted 4" could've just been a bigger version of the "Uncharted" games before it, but instead it grew up. It's the most sophisticated story of Nathan Drake's illustrious career that sets out to discover humanity in the character that was never found in his previous tales. That narrative, plus the best action gameplay in the genre, make the game an outstanding achievement. "Uncharted 4" reaches the peak of what the series can be.
"Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection" is more than the typical remastered collection. It's a great way for fans to relive some of the best games of the last generation. It's also great for anyone who never owned a PS3. This is a huge piece of Sony's exclusive pedigree. This is the adventure genre at its best.
This review is slightly vague, but that's for the reader's benefit. "The Witness" is at its best when it's discovered within an isolation chamber. It's not going to be a game for everyone. For those who are impatient or who are unwilling to test your mental moxie, then steer clear of "The Witness." If you're looking for a beautiful brain teaser that rewards as well as it punishes, this should be the next game you play. It's unlike anything else out there.
"Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" is so complete that it made me wonder how the original Wii U release even made it to shelves in its original state. This is everything kart fans could want from the series: fast action that can be enjoyed by beginners and seasoned veterans, plenty of unlockables, an assortment of tracks and fun modes for parties. This is the new pinnacle for the "Mario Kart" series. Nintendo was smart to take us on another lap around the track.
Anyone who was Team Sega in the 90s remembers the "Sonic" series fondly. "Sonic Mania" is tailor made for this audience. Sonic's first spin dash through a loop of rings brings a wave of nostalgia that Sonic hasn't been able to muster in decades. This game makes up for lost time and reminds gamers why the Blue Blur is one of the most beloved game characters in the medium.
"Sonic Mania Plus" is a speedy return of Sonic the Hedgehog, and this time he brought even more friends. The new and improved cast does plenty to enhance the game and its many stages. This is the best version of the game to check out whether you're adding to "Sonic Mania" via DLC or picking up the beautiful physical copy. If you gotta go fast, this is the best way to satisfy your need for speed.
"TFBW" has everything a good sequel should have. It builds on the groundwork laid by original while staying true to the classic and hilarious South Park tone. The original was no slouch, especially considering it was the first RPG set in the South Park universe, but "TFBW" surpasses it in every way. It's not just the best South Park game. It's one of this year's best RPGs.