Saturday 1 September 2018

State of Mind Review

State of Mind Review
iRo-bored... 3.1/5
In a present where we have the likes of Elon Musk and SpaceX, developer Daedalic Entertainment's version of our future might not be so far fetched.

With their latest release, sci-fi adventure State of Mind propels us thirty years into a dystopian future where, among other things, autonomous Tesla-esque vehicles are the norm. Furthermore, robots and automated AI are commonplace throughout households, as are food dispensers that can make any dish via the press of a button. And while all of these contraptions are intriguing enough; it's a future where virtual reality can provide people with their most sought-after desires that State of Mind directs our attention.

Sunday 24 June 2018

Onrush Review

Onrush PS4 Review
Twisted Metal! 4.4/5
Onrush is a vehicular combat game that crashes its way onto the PS4 and Xbox One courtesy of publisher Deep Silver and developer Codemasters.

Gameplay


Now, while Codemasters have a long list of racing titles in their portfolio, their latest release, Onrush, certainly isn't a traditional racing game. While parallels exist between it and EA's Burnout series, stylistically, Onrush is much closer to the old PlayStation classic Destruction Derby. This is because that while Burnout and Onrush reward dangerous driving in addition to smashing into your rivals; with Onrush, you're not really racing anyone.

Monday 18 June 2018

Space Hulk: Deathwing Enhanced Edition Review

Space Hulk Deathwing Enhanced Edition
Hulk Smashed! - 2.6/5
Space Hulk: Deathwing Enhanced Edition is a tactical first-person shooter set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Initially released in 2016 for the PC, this is a new version of the game available on the PlayStation 4.
Upon its release, Space Hulk: Deathwingreceived a mixed response from critics some of whom were less than impressed with its general performance issues. So, with this latest version vowing to correct the original’s problems, how does the enhanced edition fair on the PS4?

Wednesday 2 May 2018

Extinction Review

Extinction PS4 Review
Cornball Ogres - 1.6/5
Developed by Iron Galaxy and published by Maximum Games, Extinction is an action adventure game that sees you assume the role of a warrior named Avil as he fights interdimensional 150-foot tall monsters.
Known as “one of the world’s last defenders” one would think to play as Avil as he defends humanity against these massive brutes would invoke some excitement. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case, and not only is Extinction void of any real zest, it isn’t even remotely enjoyable. Plus, since Extinction is currently retailing at a mind-boggling $99.95, the same price as a Triple-A title; somebody, somewhere, is taking the piss.

Thursday 19 April 2018

God of War Review

God of War Review
Beardier n' Badder - 4.6/5
With a wild swing of his axe and angry grunt in his voice, Kratos begins life on the PlayStation 4 in a somewhat different fashion to past God of War games. Appearing older and perhaps wiser now, another significant difference is that with this latest incarnation of God of War; Kratos isn't alone.

In a setting that substitutes Greek gods with Norse mythology, joining the Ghost of Sparta on his venture to the peak of a sacred mountain is his young son, Atreus. And while the thought of seeing Kratos play a father figure in a God of War title seems a little outlandish at first, the connection between the two keeps the story intriguing with the youngster's inclusion not lessening the relentless violence and overall savagery synonymous with past entries in the series.

Sunday 1 April 2018

Screenshot Sunday #4 - Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn
Screenshot Sunday Numero 4 features Guerrilla Games' open-world adventure, Horizon Zero Dawn.

I recently finished this game and my thoughts on my experience as Aloy can be found here.

Enjoy!



Saturday 31 March 2018

Opinion: Horizon Zero Dawn - A beautiful but familiar experience

Horizon Zero Dawn
Beautiful but familiar
As of February 2018, Horizon Zero Dawn, the open-world action-roleplaying game developed by Killzone creators Guerrilla Games, has sold 7.6 million copies worldwide. Not only has it amassed some impressive sales figures; the overall critical consensus has been "generally favourable" according to Metacritic, where it currently holds a score of 89/100.

It seems then that with Horizon Zero Dawn critics and gamers agree that the PlayStation 4 exclusive is one of the systems most outstanding titles. Indeed, aside from the critical praise and impressive sales numbers, Horizon Zero Dawn has won a host of 'Game of the Year Awards' from some of the industries most respectable outlets.

So, after recently finishing Horizon Zero Dawn, why do I feel like I'm the only one who didn't enjoy a game which everyone appears to hold so dear? Why didn't it captivate me as much as I thought it would?


Monday 26 March 2018

God of War - Two-hour hands-on preview in Sydney, Australia

God of War Preview
God of War preview
At a recent hands-on experience in Sydney, Australia; Impulse Gamer gave me the chance to preview the first few hours of the upcoming action-adventure video game, God of War.

On March 14th, I got to sit down with Sony Santa Monica's Senior Community Strategist, Aaron Kaufman for an exclusive preview of God of War in Sydney, Australia. 


After the events of God of War 3, and set in the world of the Norse Gods; Kratos lives with his son Atreus in small log cabin hidden away in the woods. And it's here where Kratos must teach his son how to survive the monstrosities that encompass every inch of their environment.



Sunday 25 March 2018

Devil May Cry HD Collection Review - A unique series worth revisiting

Devil May Cry HD Collection Review
Value for money - 7.5 / 10
Created in 2001, Devil May Cry has somewhat of an interesting development story. Initially thought of as a Resident Evil title, it didn't take long for director Hideki Kamiya to realise that the fixed camera view synonymous with past Resident Evil games didn't suit his upcoming hack and slash project.

After lengthy discussions that culminated in a brief visit to Europe; it's there where Kamiya and his team photographed ancient buildings and statues. On his return home and armed with these new compositions, Kamiya tried to combine gothic stylistics and fast-paced gameplay mechanics into what was supposedly still a Resident Evil game.

Sunday 18 March 2018

Coming this week - Dante in HD

Devil May Cry HD Collection
How does the original DMC shape up on the PS4?
Coming this week to Unlocked Gaming is a review of Devil May Cry HD collection and my thoughts on Kratos' return in God of War.

On Wednesday 14th March, Impulse Gamer gave me the opportunity to go to an exclusive hands-on experience in Sydney with God of War and later on this week, I'll be sharing my thoughts on the game.

So, check back later this week!

Screenshot Sunday #3 - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt*Screenshot Sunday #2*

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of my favourite ever games.

Including all the DLC, I spent well over 300 hours slaying beasts across an array of visually stunning continents. And although open-world games are probably not for everyone; this particular adventure deserves all the praise bestowed upon it.

Tuesday 13 March 2018

Screenshot Sunday #2 - Middle-earth: Shadow of War

Middle-earth Shadow of War
*Screenshot Sunday #1*

It's time for Screenshot Sunday again, (on a Tuesday)..

Today the thread features my best shots from Middle-earth: Shadow of War. I reviewed this game late last year and my thoughts on it can be found here.

Enjoy!


Saturday 10 March 2018

Screenshot Sunday #1 - Hellblade, Shadow of the Colossus & DBFZ

Hellblade Senua's Sacrifice
I know it's Saturday but here's the first entry in the new 'Screenshot Sunday' thread I'll be posting each week (until I forget so this might be the first and only post)..

I've had a busy seven days reviewing Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet, but no pictures from that particular game feature this week. Below you'll find my favourite shots from Hellblade Senua's Sacrifice, Shadow of the Colossus and Dragon Ball FighterZ.


Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet Review

Sword Art Online Fatal Bullet Review
Mediocre - 3 / 5
Following on from the events of Sword Art Online: Hollow RealizationSword Art Online: Fatal Bullet is a third-person role-playing game published by Bandai Namco and developed by Dimps.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the franchise; Sword Art Online is a Japanese light novel series written by Reki Kawahara. Since April 2010, the series has produced eight manga adaptations, an anime television show and four video games.

Sunday 4 March 2018

Metal Gear Survive Review

Metal Gear Survive Review
Dud Zombie - 2.4 / 5
Metal Gear Survive replaces stealth with survival in what is the first Metal Gear game without the involvement of director Hideo Kojima.
Although Survive is the first entry in the Metal Gear series without Kojima’s influence, it isn’t the first spin-off. Released only five years ago on the PS3, XBox 360 and PC; Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance took the Metal Gear series in a completely different direction.
Replacing stealth with hack and slash action mayhem, surprisingly, Rising worked. The reason for this was due to Kojima Productions enlisting the help of developers Platinum Games who are most famous for their 2013 hit, Vanquish.