James Wright (Impulsegamer)
On the PlayStation 4, Injustice: Gods Among Us is truly a thoroughly entertaining fighter that not only looks amazing but plays extremely well. Although you can play the game as a button masher, there is an element of skill involved as each character has their pros and cons, especially when fighting other characters so yes, there is a strategy. I also love the fanservice that NetherRealm give the players, especially with the awesome cameos in the title. Sure, it does feel a little like Mortal Kombat but this is all DC comics baby!
Elite Dangerous successfully takes the original game and turns it into a true 21st century revolution as you explore the furthermost reaches of the universe as you attempt assassinations, protect spaceports and search for those illusive credits in order to better yourself in this gaming world. The learning curve is a little steep and the controls can be at times fiddle some but overall, the developers of Elite Dangerous should be commended on creating a truly visual, immersive and memorable experience on the PC that not only pays homage to the original but takes it to a new level thanks to the MMO component and inclusion of the Oculus Rift DK2.
Madden NFL 16 definitely streamlines the American football experience on the PlayStation 4 with its enhanced gaming mechanics, especially with the new catches and accessible in-game goals. Controls work extremely well and the tweaked gameplay creates a new direction for the series, more so with the next-gen graphics that just boom out of your TV.
In conclusion, Gran Turismo Sport is one of the best GT experiences on any Playstation console, however it does have limited content compared to its competitors such as Project Cars and Forza on the Xbox One. Graphically, it's a thoroughly impressive game, especially with 4K HDR and then you have the option of VR which gives you a very immersive experience but more would have been nice, especially more content for offline. Needless to say, the developers have pushed for online which may turn some players away but if you're looking for a total online experience, GT Sport definitely delivers on that scale and offers a very simulated racing game from start to finish… just be warned that you need to put in the hours.
Pokken Tournament is a very entertaining game on the Nintendo Switch that successfully gives players an almost Tekken-light experience on this console that is more fun than controller rage. Furthermore, there's quite a bit of depth hidden in this game and hours upon hours of replay value to keep you engaged as you fight the various Pokémon.
If you're looking for a well-made first person shooter with plenty of action and soul, Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus ticks all the right boxes on the Nintendo Switch as developers Panic Button have successfully ported this game onto a far less powerful console that works like a treat, even with the slight graphical hit!
Gears of Wars is back and new developers The Coalition not only pay homage to what came before but enhance the experience. Sure, the mechanics are almost identical to the previous games but with new executions, vehicles, defense building plus new enemies/weapons and you have everything you need for a great Gears of War 4 experience!
The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon DLC is a truly enjoyable return to this franchise and given the cost, it's good value for your money. So if you have a hankering of returning to the universe of Halycon, this DLC is your panacea and is probably a nice distraction in this COVID-19 world. All in all, a well-written and carefully crafted DLC that works from the get go!
Mass Effect Legendary Edition is almost a return to greatness and it's hard competing with the memories of an awesome game with a younger you. Thankfully Bioware have successfully paid homage to the old and more importantly, have spun their technological magic to draw you back to this amazing universe that they have created with new features. Sure, it's not a perfect release when you look at the current batch of next-gen titles, however it is a playable one and if you've missed this universe or you're a newcomer, there's some exceptional value for money in the Mass Effect Legendary Edition that will literally give you hours upon hours of enjoyment and yes, some frustration, depending on the difficulty level you play.
Even after all these years, Bayonetta 2 on the Nintendo 2 is still a very fun experience with a great gaming engine, exceptional graphics and a female protagonist that will make you laugh and also give you a healthy dose of controller rage.
In this world of harshness and realism, Kirby: Planet Robobot provides a much needed light on the gaming industry which highlights that games were made for fun which many developers have missed this point. With colourful graphics, a catchy soundtrack and enduring gameplay, Kirby: Planet Robobot has just the right amount of cute, challenge and enjoyment to absolutely make this one a very memorable game of 2016.
The developers of Ring Fit Adventure have really thought outside the square and have delivered an enjoyable yet interesting fitness game that actually works. It's not clichéd or forced like some other console fitness games but one that uses the Ring to truly immerse you into the game that tracks your movement and in essence, turns it into real-world exercises… but more enjoyable! It's gaming meets exercising!
If you're looking for an amazing indie game that will draw you in from the very get-go, then Death's Door is indeed that game that creates its own engaging universe as you play this little crow who has been tasked to return the souls of the lost.
WWE 2K16 boasts an insane roster with fine-tuned gaming mechanics that makes this one of the best games in the franchise. If you're looking for your wrestling fix, then WWE 2K15 is that game
At the end of the day, Star Wars Battlefront is a great visit into this universe that heavily focuses on multiplayer and succeeds on this level. However with such a flawless gaming engine, it's also a shame that the game does feature a way to enjoy this title as a solo-player with a strong story and an adventure of your own. Nonetheless, it's still a great multiplayer experience on quite a few levels with some excellent level design, graphics and gameplay.
If you allow yourself to get lost in the world of Mad Max, you could easily spend around 40 hours in this game as you explore this world, search for valuable scrap and upgrade your abilities as you seek our additional quests and bonuses. Even though the third person mode as Mad is a little dull at times, the hand to hand combat is flawless as are the spectacular vehicle battles. In the end, Mad Max is a great addition to the open-world action adventure genre that is as slick and memorable as the Hollywood blockbuster film, Mad Max Fury Road.
If you have a heart condition or easily have bouts of rage, then you might want to get your gaming enjoyment elsewhere because Penarium can be very tough. Even so, Penarium is a very well designed game that successfully ticks all the right boxes for an enjoyable arcade experience with lots of twists and turns for the player to successfully immerse you into this crazy psycho circus.
Although King's Quest Chapter 2 – Rubble Without A Cause is lacking the wonder of the first episode, it did have some nice moments such as old King Graham and his grandchildren plus some very nice graphics as he explores the labyrinth of the Goblins. I'm really looking forward to see how the next episode pans out, particularly with the character development of Graham.
RIGS Mechanized Combat League is a really fun game on the PlayStation VR that offers a very sturdy gaming engine set in the world of virtual reality. So whether you’re playing single-player or online, there’s plenty of enjoyment to be found in this title and all in all, it just works well. It’s also a great example of what the PlayStation VR is capable of but beware, some of us got a little ill while playing this title but nonetheless, it still was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, especially the multiplayer component!
It feels like a bad 70's action movie and the story, characters and quirkiness of the gameplay is pure ingenious. Even after all these years, Bayonetta 2 on the Nintendo 2 is still a very fun experience with a great gaming engine, exceptional graphics and a female protagonist that will make you laugh and also give you a healthy dose of controller rage.