Although rough around the edges, Deception IV: The Nightmare Princess gives players a chance to kill people in some of the most brutal ways possible. Fans of wanton violence and Rube Goldberg contraptions will have a bloody good time setting off traps. And with two full games to choose from, this PlayStation 4 port will keep sadistic murderers busy for dozens of hours.
With an emphasis on improved graphics, this PlayStation 4 port is the best Tomb Raider yet. Unfortunately, this Definitive Edition doesn't add enough new content to warrant a second purchase. If you have somehow missed out on Lara's newest adventure, then Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is a must buy.
1001 Spikes joins a growing list of retro-themed games made for modern consoles. This PSN release (also available on every other system you own) will test your resolve through a series of increasingly sadistic stages. With deadly obstacles at every step, this is one game that never lets up. But fans of this type of punishment will enjoy the clever level designs and rage-inducing traps. Good luck.
Sniper Elite III is a third-person action game with a heavy emphasis on stealth action and sniping. Thankfully the levels are large and the player always feels in control, even in the frequent indoor portions. Gamers looking to run and gun will be disappointed, but everybody else will get a kick out of this solid World War II shooter.
While not as ambitious as recent Marvel or Star Wars tables, South Park: Super-Sweet Pinball is a solid collection with a great sense of humor. The two tables are radically different and the objectives are a lot of fun to complete. Fans of the long-running TV series will get a kick out of the cameos and inside jokes, but everybody else will be left scratching their heads.
Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition not only includes an updated version of the 2012 crime thriller, but also packs in all the downloadable content. While a solid collection, this port is marred by inconsistent frame rate, technical problems and a high price tag. We can argue about whether or not this is enough to warrant the $60 asking price, but there's no debate over the quality of Sleeping Dogs as an open-world action experience.
Samurai Warrior 4 is yet another solid entry in the long-running beat-em-up franchise. It offers a few new gameplay tweaks and a different narrative structure, but is largely the same old brawler you've seen countless times. Thankfully, the game's Chronicle Mode helps set this installment apart, making this one of the most memorable Dynasty Warriors spin-off.
Although it may be the first installment made specifically for the brand new consoles, Unity remains a traditional Assassin's Creed game. The setting and atmosphere is cool, but some of the best ideas are marred by bad checkpointing and a story where the historical elements often feel like an afterthought. Assassin's Creed Unity is a solid action game, but a disappointing follow up to Black Flag.
Dakko Dakko takes a simple idea and stretches it as far as it will go. Scram Kitty DX may not be an essential purchase, but it's full of good ideas and fun challenges. Too bad the presentation is so bland and the gameplay repetitive. Imperfections aside, fans of unorthodox arcade shoot 'em ups will get a kick out of this action game.
What feels a lot like the spiritual successor to Haunting Starring Polterguy, Poltergeist: A Pixelated Horror is a clever puzzle game that puts players in the shoes of a ghost trying to scare away unwelcome guests. The gameplay may be simple, but the level design shines and the 16-bit visuals are charming. Glitchy Pixel's new game proves once and for all that it's more fun to be the ghost.
If you thought the second season of The Walking Dead was going to be more lighthearted, then prepare to be disappointed. All That Remains sees a more mature Clementine battling to survive by herself. As first episodes go, this one definitely gets the job done. The hard part is waiting for the second episode.
Strider's back for his first adventure in more than a dozen years. As Capcom reboots go, this is one of the best. Double Helix has managed to capture what made the original game so much fun, while fleshing out the story in some very wacky ways. Unfortunately, too much of the game is spent indoors and there's a little too much backtracking, but Strider is a great start to what will hopefully be an ongoing series.
With a likeable character, great puzzles and an intriguing world to explore, Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee - New 'n' Tasty! may be the most compelling adventure game currently available on PlayStation 4. Unfortunately, some gamers will be turned off by the game's deliberate play mechanics and the steep asking price. If you can get past these problems, you'll be rewarded with a quest that is as funny as it is long.
The Last of Us has one of the best stories in recent memory. Too bad the rest of the gameplay isn't as well done. With far too many action segments and repetitive puzzles, this survival action game gets bogged down by filler. Thankfully the strong last act and great chemistry between leads makes this a must-play, warts and all.
After six long years, Geometry Wars has finally returned. Now set on three-dimensional stages, this sequel delivers a host of fun game modes. Unfortunately, the level designs sometimes make seeing enemies difficult and the single-player campaign is more frustrating than it needs to be. Regardless of whether you like the three-dimensional shift or not, there's enough content in Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions to warrant a look.
Man the cannons and brace for impact, because Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is here to blow up any preconceived notions you had about the annual franchise. With a great cast of characters and a huge world to explore, this next-generation sequel is the best installment since Assassin's Creed II.
Rogue Legacy is a devilishly clever mix of Castlevania and Spelunky. No matter how many times they die, players will never grow tired of the large variety of characters and classes, as well as a world that changes with every play. While great on all systems, it really shines as a portable action game. This is one roguelike that is hard to put down.
Never Alone tells a deeply personal story of an Inupiaq girl on an adventure to survive the elements. This is a spellbinding experience that not only introduces players to the real stories and culture so important to the native Alaskan community, but goes one step further by creating two dozen informative videos featuring interviews with tribe elders, storytellers and artists. It's a dazzling adventure that is not to be missed.
By combining elements from collectible card games and Plants vs. Zombies, Zachtronic Industries has created a game that feels weirdly familiar yet brand new. Ironclad Tactics mixes the American Civil War with robots, creating an addictive strategy game overflowing with charm.
After seventeen long years, Grim Fandango finally makes its console debut on the PlayStation 4 and PS Vita. This is a remastered port of one of the best point & click adventures of all time, and the Tim Schafer classic hasn't missed a beat. It's overflowing with fascinating characters and a story full of twists and turns. No matter if you're new to the Land of the Dead or a returning visitor, Grim Fandango Remastered is a must-play.