Review – Bayonetta 2

Bayonetta 2 is one of the most stylish, fast paced and fun action games ever created. The much anticipated sequel hasn’t changed the formula from the first installment of the series, but it’s certainly come quite close to perfecting it. The gameplay mechanics have been fine tuned, the action is even more adrenaline pumping, the controls work exceptionally well and the feeling of accomplishment is even greater this time around. Bayonetta 2 has added new layers of depth to the combat system and presents the over the top insanity with the highest level of polish and detail. This is the sequel Bayonetta fans have been hoping for. (more…)

Review – The Evil Within

The Evil Within had a lot of hype to live up to right from the get go.  Being directed by Resident Evil creator, Shinji Mikami, and developed by his studio, Tango Gameworks, audiences everywhere instantly expected great things.  The trailers prior to the release of the game focused on the creatures and gore that the title was sure to be chalk full of, and only fueled the hype train even more.  Was this the next best thing to the long wished for ‘back to the basics’ Resident Evil that fans are still hoping to see?  Well, I popped the disc in, turned down the lights, and decided to find out for myself. (more…)

Event Coverage – Nintendo Holiday Preview Event 2014

As the weather gets colder and the leaves start to change, we’re reminded that the season to stay warm indoors is quickly approaching, and with that, means a whole new season of videogame launches.  Nintendo held their annual Holiday Preview Event and we were fortunate enough to be able to attend again this year.  Nintendo showed off some of the recent titles that have hit the store shelves as well as some yet-to-be released games that are sure to be big draws this holiday season.  At the very least, it is easy to say that Nintendo certainly has something for everyone this fall.

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Review – Alien: Isolation

I am a huge fan of the Alien movie series so when I first heard Alien: Isolation from Creative Assembly was going to be a first-person survival horror akin to Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic, I was intrigued, but still wary after the debacle of Aliens: Colonial Marines. But when I found out the Nostromo Edition contained DLC that would include the voice talents of most of the original movie cast, I immediately placed my pre-order.

Newt: They mostly come at night… mostly.* (more…)

Review – Hyrule Warriors

Everyone loves a good Zelda game.  You’d be hard pressed to find any gamer who says that didn’t enjoy Ocarina of Time, even if they will grumble about the Water Temple until the end of time.  The lovable characters and the classic “good vs evil” story lines have kept gamers coming back for more with each new entrant in the series.  The most recent addition to the franchise is Hyrule Warriors for the Wii U, and while the look and feel of the game is different than Zelda games past, some might say that change isn’t always necessarily good. (more…)

Review – DRIVECLUB

Driveclub is a game that feels as if it’s constantly at odds with itself. It’s certainly an unfortunate conundrum for a racing game that showed such potential in its earliest stages. The game lacks a true defining characteristic, making it a solid but underdeveloped final product. Evolution Studios debuted this PS4 exclusive during the February 2013 PS4 reveal event, touting it as “the most realistic looking racer ever”. In fact, it was the very first game shown during that press conference and it was promised as a free Day 1 launch exclusive for PlayStation Plus members. Since that time, the game has had several delays and is now no longer a free game. Despite all of the negative sentiment towards it, I was eager to play Driveclub when it finally launched. That eagerness would prove to be somewhat overblown. (more…)

Review – Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor introduces the world to a truly engaging version of big budget open-world game design. Remarkably, the game does not do this with better visuals or higher productions values. Nor does it accomplish this with a higher level of online integration within the campaign. Shadow of Mordor is a massive open-world adventure that contains exceptional combat and face-paced traversal through its environments. While this game has been heavily compared to both the Assassins Creed and Batman: Arkham series, in reality it is something much greater than the sum of those two parts. Shadow of Mordor has changed the way enemies and narrative should be utilized in action games. It has also created the first ever open world that feels as if it constantly shifts and evolves with or without input from the player. Shadow of Mordor is revolutionary. (more…)

Review – Super Smash Bros for 3DS

Believe it or not, I am a complete novice when it comes to Super Smash Bros.  At no time in my gaming history have I owned a Smash Bros game for any of my Nintendo devices.  That isn’t to say that I’ve never rumbled with the band of Nintendo-brand misfits, but when I would play, I wouldn’t be so much competing, as much as I was target practice for my friends.  Despite constantly losing, I always enjoyed getting the opportunity to throw down in the colourful arenas with the group.  So, when it came time to review Super Smash Bros for 3DS, I thought this might be an interesting experience, approaching a widely familiar franchise from a fresh perspective.  I’m not going to claim to be any good at the game yet, but it’s certainly been an entertaining journey. (more…)

Event Coverage – X14 Preview Event

Each year, Microsoft holds its annual preview event, allowing gamers to get a glimpse as to what is to come the approaching fall season.  I was fortunate enough to get an invite to try out some of these titles and chat with some of the very people who helped create them.  Below I will run down a few of my impressions of some of the titles I got to see that day.  The first anniversary of the Xbox One is nearly upon us, and gamers are chomping at the bit to get some new games for their shiny consoles.  Based on my experience at the event, I have a feeling that this coming season will definitely have something for everyone. (more…)

Review – Destiny

Become Legend. That is what Bungie did when creating the epic Halo series, and now they challenge themselves and us to do the same in their brand new highly anticipated game, Destiny.  Bungie has set the bar high, not only settling to create just another first person shooter, but to create a gaming experience which will last the next ten years. To accomplish this feat they are attempting to create a hybrid of the successful MMO formula and the graphics and gameplay they are renown for. (more…)