Sam Brooke's Reviews
It might not be too innovative, but Frantics provides an enjoyable party experience that Sony's PlayLink service has been lacking. It certainly isn't a killer app, but the fun variety of minigames and its (mostly) responsive controls show how much of a good time PlayLink can provide when it's properly used.
Milestone's latest is a fun romp through a variety of off-road locations, offering both quantity and variety in terms of tracks, cards, and modes. It's not the most ambitious racer ever, but the non-serious style of the flagship Off-Road Masters mode will be very appealing to those wanting an enjoyable arcade experience.
Though the new Longshot mode is ultimately a disappointment and the gameplay hasn't changed much, Madden NFL 18 is still an excellent pigskin sim despite its lack of competition. Welcoming for newcomers and deeply detailed for die-hards, this year's edition of the long-running franchise is certainly not a Maddening experience.
Victor Vran: Overkill Edition doesn't revolutionise the action RPG genre, but it certainly has helped it evolve. The scrapping of class systems and skill trees gives you more control over the character that you want to make, while the hordes of collectable loot will keep you chopping and changing your loadout for a long time. While its story is a little stale and there is still something very conventional about how Haemimont Games' latest is set out, the variety of gameplay and four-player co-op will keep you coming back to Zagoravia for hours.
For all of its flaws, Snake Pass represents an admirable attempt at blending the past and the present. Its anthropomorphic characters, jubilant worlds, and atmospheric soundtrack all scream of eras past, yet its movement system and excellent controls are things of the future. Those willing to slither past the checkpoint and camera issues will find an enjoyable and heartwarming nostalgic adventure. Snake Pass shall pass.
LEGO Worlds is a technical accomplishment, containing thousands of bricks and items that allow players to build whatever comes to their mind. There are a few odd decisions and the gameplay will appeal more to a specific demographic, but Traveller's Tales' latest will surely prove a joy for most creative types.
NOW That's What I Call Sing 2 isn't anything special, but it's a decent karaoke game that you'll have fun playing with friends. The tracklist may only appeal to a certain audience, but singing along to cheesy pop songs is part of the fun, and the variety of modes does just enough to prevent it from getting boring.
Hitman: Episode 5 - Colorado may not be as impressive or vibrant as Sapienza or Bangkok, but it brings its own new take to the game. With a newfound focus on stealth, sniping, and uniforms, this latest mission does well to bring back memories of the sneakier Hitman of old, but some frustrations and annoyances due to the difficulty are present.
Hitman: Episode 4 - Bangkok may be weaker than Sapienza, but by no means is it a bad addition. While the setting does feel a missed opportunity, the Himmapan Hotel is ripe with plenty of different kills, and the clandestine nature and harder difficulty makes it all the more interesting. The humour and comedy is excellent as always, and while it's not the strongest level, everything feels organic, and there are plenty of hidden kills. All in all, Bangkok puts Hitman one step closer to gaming Nirvana.
Worms W.M.D brings back the classic 2D joy of Worms Armageddon, yet mixes it with new and interesting ideas that keep you on your worm tail. Though some may wince at the price, it's hard not to love the chaotic multiplayer and extensive customisation, and the addition of crafting adds a new lease of life to an already timeless formula. Forget the series going stale – this is one of the freshest cans of Worms to date.
Batman: Return to Arkham isn't the greatest ever remaster, but the price offers excellent value and the gameplay of both Asylum and City still hold up. Couple two of the greatest superhero games of all time with their DLC, and you get a lot of bang for your buck here.
Hitman: Episode 3 - Marrakesh is a good addition to an already great release, and although it may not have the total freedom of Sapienza, it certainly does espionage and detail well. The constantly busy atmosphere and the variety of kills will keep dedicated assassins coming back for more. Roll on Thailand.
Coming from the mind of a Sound Shapes developer, you can really see the influences in LOUD on Planet X; the quirky, minimalist style, the simplicity of its gameplay, and the excellent soundtrack all echo its spiritual predecessor. Yet Pop Sandbox's console debut does plenty to distance itself from its competitors, and its blend of beats and battles makes it a must for any rhythm game fan and a good place to start for those who aren't. Simply put, this'll strike a chord with anyone.
For all of its shortcomings, Sky Fortress adds a lot of enjoyable content to an already enjoyable game. The Bavarium wingsuit is out-of-this-world fun, making for plenty of chaotic and explosive scenarios, and the campaign – despite being rather short – doesn't have many low points. It may be hard to justify the price of this DLC if you're not a committed fan, though, but keep in mind that Sky Fortress really does make Just Cause 3 that much better.
Awakening is a solid start for Black Ops 3's DLC catalogue, with some moments of excellence punctuated with patches of dull dreariness. Gauntlet and Skyjacked provide excellent, fast-paced fun in most modes, while Splash could also become a favourite in time. Rise deserves no praise for its cookie-cutter style, but Der Eisendrache is easily one of the most unique and fun Zombies experiences to date, despite its occasional shortcomings. All in all, despite its slightly steep price, Awakening provides the pep pills needed to keep Treyarch's latest alive and kicking.
Let's Sing 2016 is practically the same game as Now That's What I Call Sing adapted for the North American audience, which means that it's a pretty solid singing game. The wide range of modes makes it fun to play with others, and the songs are varied enough to keep things fresh, whoever you're playing with. All in all, this game certainly isn't rudimental.
NOW That's What I Call Sing is a solid buy for anyone in need of a karaoke game on the PS4. Its wide variety of modes make it a hugely entertaining release to play with friends or by yourself, and the vast range of songs ensures that you'll always have something to sing. Whether you're in the mood for Jess Glynne or Lorde, this title has you covered – and that's what makes it Charli XCXellent.
If you've already played Deadpool on previous platforms then there's no real reason to revisit it. However, if you're a newcomer and you want to get hyped for next year's movie starring Ryan Reynolds, then you'll have a fun time with this PS4 version. While it's not the most ambitious remaster, the hilarious jokes, varied gameplay, and stellar voice acting ensure that you'll have a good time.
While its setlist does underwhelm in some areas, and the online multiplayer mode is not ready yet, Rock Band 4 still feels like the music platform that Harmonix set out to make. Career mode is deep, fun, and customisable, Freestyle Solos is an excellent addition, and the general gameplay maintains the awesome feel of the originals. The revival of this much-missed franchise may not be revolutionary, but it definitely hits a high note.
Guitar Hero Live surpasses Rock Band 4 in terms of track list and replayability, but sadly lacks the party appeal that Harmonix's latest provides. Though Guitar Hero TV is an excellent addition to the series that really makes the game, the microtransactions ruin it for us. There's no kidding that Guitar Hero Live is a very fun game, it just feels like it cares more about the money than it does about the fans.