A stellar online experience that feels familiar yet still entirely new. It takes something that people have enjoyed for a number of years, appeals to fans of the online shooter genre whilst also adding a layer of inclusiveness to makes it fun for casual players too. And for a Blizzard release, what else could you ask for.
Exhilarating in every sense of the word.
It rewards players in ways that we rarely get to see, and even when it's over it begins anew and invites you to keep exploring, keep discovering, and keep reaching for the moon.
Although this might have been (or hoped to have been) the expected outcome by fans, it does bring to light the idea that the horror genre is the ideal candidate for the remake treatment.
The best way to sum up Reaper of Souls is to unfortunately badmouth the original release, as this is the definitive version of Diablo III, which makes the version we all played two years ago seem like a work-in-progress. Everything has been changed for the better, and when you factor in all the new content and the fantastic new Crusader class, you have what is arguably the best entry in the series. Or at the very least a worthy sequel to Diablo II, which after all, is what a lot fans wanted the first time around.
Proving that a sequel can take a very different perspective, showcase a new part of the world, and be all the better for it.
Plus, simply sailing around listening to your crew sing sea shanties whilst you track down rogue pirates is something we've always wanted to do in a grand adventure like this.
So, being able to take Diablo III with you wherever you go for a quick rift or bounty or two or three – is well-worth it.
That said, for the quick and obligatory surface level comparison: it's a dash of Fallout, a sprinkle of BioShock, some Dishonored for flavour and Thief to darken the edges. Yet still, all Metro Exodus.
Eternal is as much a statement of renewed intent as it is a brilliant slice of first-person action from id. A studio that has taken the simplicity and peerless feel of DOOM 2016, Quake III Arena, and other past glories and expanded that into an experience that also captures the wonder of exploring new alien worlds and locations. To ‘Rip and Tear’ through.
For a genre steeped in keyboard shortcuts, understanding tech trees, the importance of a build queue, and multi-tasking so you can turn that gold into gold-plated armour, Age of Empire IV's easy-to-learn interface and systems go the opposite route to what you'd expect when throwing the word ‘streamlined' into the mix.
A joyous adventure game that, if you've ever been a fan, should be savoured like a tall glass of aged grape juice.
It’s still a relatively short game, about three hours or so if you’ve got your Portal brain switched on - but still a remarkable experience. The puzzle rooms and pacing toward the big GLaDOS reveal, and iconic end and credits sequence is still spot on. Portal is as finely tuned, deep, and fun as ever.
Control has flaws, but even these give it character. And don’t detract from the overall enjoyment. A brilliant slice of interactive sci-fi and action in a world where we're not only likely to remember for years to come. But, ponder its meaning too.
And I love it. BUY GAME.
The Division 2 is not only a refined follow-up, it's the arguably the best ooter shooter' this generation has seen.
Even though there's a deep and rewarding RPG-lite customisation system in place, it still comes down to strategy, working as a team, and being, well, good enough to takedown a Spawn of Chaos when your team's back is literally against the wall. And then survive whatever end-game scenario a mission might throw at you.
In terms of narrative it's as dizzying, exhilarating, and divisive as the series has always been, arguably providing some of its most memorable sequences yet, and for fans it's something that not only has to be experienced, but savoured.
Clever new mechanics and glorious new ways to die are gradually introduced as the game begins to ramp up the difficulty and complexity of each level. Before long your ninja is wall-sliding and dodging lasers like a boss.
The story takes bigger risks, and is all the better for it. By no means is it perfect, but the negatives are so slight they don't really warrant full disclosure. This is a bigger, meatier sequel, one that improves on an already great game. And again, it gets the balance right. The balance between survival, in terms of facing off against an army of foes as well as giant killer snow bears, and exploration, in the form of archaeology-by-the-way-of Lara being genuinely excited when she comes across an ancient trinket or mural.