Windows Central
HomepageWindows Central's Reviews
While Quantum Break exposes the Xbox One's technical limitations, Remedy has crafted a masterpiece that earns its place among the best that the console has to offer. Quantum Break is the first thoroughly unmissable, truly unique console exclusive the Xbox One has. Every single Xbox One and W10 gaming PC owner should pick up this game, and the big-budget publishers out there funding similar cinematic experiences should take note. Quantum Break has permanently altered the way I want to experience storytelling in games.
One needs a certain disposition to appreciate Dark Souls III – a willingness to face setbacks and challenges and then overcome them. Don't expect to play this just like any other action-RPG. If you're going to play this game, it must be on its own terms and as it's meant to be played. That patience will be rewarded with a masterpiece, easily one of the best action and role-playing games of the year.
When I first started Overwatch, I wasn't particularly impressed, but as I invested more time, the game continued to unfold. What I initially thought of as a shallow shooter rapidly expanded into a deep and polished experience, which I hope grows alongside the community. With flawless and varied character design there's something unique for everyone, combining the most desirable attributes from the biggest shooters of today. Blizzard's ability to perfect a game's balance has come to light once again, creating one of the most exhilarating multiplayer shooters this generation.
DOOM allows you to become the main character of your own personal gory action movie; the conductor of an unholy, death metal symphony. As you vault and explore vantage points, as you blast demons mid-air as you leap down and stomp on demonic brains.
I simply cannot write about some of Inside's most hauntingly memorable scenes and most diabolical puzzles without ruining the magic – so I won't. Fans of Limbo should know that they're in for a treat with Inside, and if you're new to Play Dead's brand of Lynchian puzzle games, know that Inside is a unique, 4-6 hour experience that'll change your perception of what a puzzle platformer should aspire to.
If you want to go where no Kerbal has gone before, at a rate faster than our own Earthly space programs, I would put Kerbal Space Program at the top of your list. Get stuck in to the breath-taking beauty of space, and take all the screenshots.
Despite its imperfections, ReCore is exactly the type of game I want Microsoft Studios to take seriously. ReCore leans on some beloved gameplay conventions while injecting injected some of its own, gloriously unique and fulfilling elements. The RPG layer provides boatloads of additional gameplay and the setting, story and characters are just something I want to see more of.
As if it was in much doubt, Forza Horizon 3 is one of the finest games you'll find on the Xbox One right now. It's so incredible to look at, so beautifully crafted and so enjoyable to play that there are literally hundreds of hours of fun to be had here. Maybe more than that once additional content comes along.
Gears of War 4 just feels great. It feels like the return of an old friend, and The Coalition masterfully weave that nostalgia into the game without smothering us in it exploitatively — which is something they very easily could have done. Gears of War 4's greatest moments can be found in between the lines. They're in the shadows of familiar silhouettes, in the tones of nostalgic sound effects, in every COG tag you find scattered around the battlefield, and every ridiculous, over-the-top set piece.
Fundamentally, stepping back into Skyrim is like revisiting one of your favorite places as a child. Everything is like you remembered it, except it's been redecorated and modernized.
Dishonored 2 is an amazing game. Played entirely in first-person, the freedom it bestows players closely resembles that of the Elder Scrolls games. Although the game is broken up into distinct levels rather than an open world, each chapter is huge and filled with atmosphere, detail, and myriad nooks and crannies to explore. The Empire really feels like a believable steampunk world, one with countless stories to tell.
Stardew Valley is the most intriguing and engaging games you'll play in 2016, and maybe 2017. If you want a break from all the skull-crushing and bullet sponges, and want to kick back and relax while actually feeling like you're accomplishing things, buy it. Buy it now.
Overall, Shred It! is a fantastic time waster of a game.
Grab this one for its artistic beauty and a unique, captivating diving experience.
If you're a fan of the franchise, or of horror in general, Resident Evil 7 is a must-buy purchase.
Players who like tough games will love Rise & Shine, but it will never truly shine unless the developers rebalance the difficulty.
Hitman's new approach to both gameplay and distribution hasn't gone unnoticed, signaling a return to the roots of the franchise. Introducing a new depth of variety and replayability to its sandboxes, Hitman's experiences are now more enjoyable and fulfilling than ever before. Although this can lead to a short experience for some, the content is some of the highest quality since the series' conception.
Crypt of the NecroDancer is one of the best (and at times, one of the hardest) Roguelikes around.
Rebellion is on track to become an essential AAA studio with Sniper Elite 4. The bottom line: If you were a fan of previous Sniper Elite games — you have to buy this game. If you're a fan of stealth games in general — you have to buy this game. If you were holding off due to Sniper Elite's historical lack of AAA polish — you have to buy this game. Sniper Elite's fourth installment propels the series into the big leagues for the first time, and Rebellion deserves every shred of praise.
Halo Wars 2 proves that the franchise is strong enough to work extremely well in other genres. Under the careful scrutiny of 343i and Creative Assembly, Halo Wars 2 doesn't feel like a spin-off. Instead, Halo Wars 2 stands proud among the greatest games the franchise has to offer.