Games

6 Massive Game Reviews in 6 Minutes

We give our verdict on some of the biggest games on the market!

Published

8 years ago

March 31, 2017

OK, we don’t want to lie from the outset. We’re not exactly sure if this article takes 6 minutes to read, but it’s somewhere in the ballpark. We’re writers, not mathematicians here!

Anyway, with all the massive games releasing this season, it’s quite difficult for gamers out there to keep track of what’s releasing when and what’s worth picking up (for one reason or another); so, in the spirit of being as thorough as possible, we’ve reviewed 6 of the biggest titles that have released within the last month in one convinent article, rounding up exactly what games have released, if they’re any good, and which one you should buy.

Here are our 6 game reviews in 6 minutes:

Mass Effect: Andromeda

Available on: Xbox One, PS4, PC

What we think: After 5 years of waiting, and 40 million + USD, over 200 developers at Bioware have created a gem in the gaming world, Mass Effect: Andromeda. Much like the last 3 Mass Effect games, it’s an action-adventure amongst the stars with storytelling that is, arguably, second to none. Your choices have an impact and some of the choices you have to make are completely gut-wrenching. You’ll often find yourself staring at the screen not knowing what decision to make the hero/heroine, Ryder, say next. BioWare have completely outdone themselves when it comes to choosing your own path to save humanity.

Why should you play it? New toys, from a jetpack to a rock-climbing off-roading vehicle, Andromeda will keep you glued to your seat for weeks. Improvements, including more fluid movement and combat, is a refreshing boost in pace, along with the ability to assign skills to any type of playstyle, rather than having to pick a class from the get-go.

How much does it cost? Find the best price on – Xbox One | PS4 | PC

Styx: Shards of Darkness

Available on: Xbox One, PS4, PC

What we think: Styx: Shards of Darkness isn’t the biggest name sequel arriving this year, but it’s one of the most original games that fans of stealth should take note of. Following a cult-loved original game, the notorious goblin is back to cause more chaos from the shadows. The gameplay is tighter, the levels are bigger, and the AI (despite the odd bug) is sharper, making Shards of Darkness a challenging yet rewarding experience to play. There is a great level of variety thanks to the host of ways to overcome each mission (whether you want to go unseen or dispatch guards with a variety of horrible ways), and the teenage humour gives the game an edge amongst the glimmeringly-polished triple-A releases out there.

Why should you play it? It’s different to other action/stealth games on the market. You have to rely on your sneakiness, cunning and opportunities rather than high-powered weapons and night-vision goggles. It’s also got a serious dose of tongue-in-cheek attitude, and we love that.

How much does it cost? Find the best price on – Xbox One | PS4 | PC

Flatout 4: Total Insanity

Available on: Xbox One, PS4, PC

What we think: Flatout 4: Total Insanity is a refreshing throwback to the racing games of yesteryear, where bashing your way into pole position and pushing your opponents off the track while doing so is the order of the day. The handling of the vehicles is firm but loose enough to drift your way around the dirt and stone-covered tracks, while visuals add a bit of colour to the carnage that unfolds in each race. It doesn’t do anything monumentally different for the genre, but it delivers something fun and enjoyable – and that’s what counts. It’s a shame it doesn’t have split-screen local multiplayer, though.

Why should you play it? If you want a no-frills, no gimmicks racing experience, Flaout 4 delivers just that.

How much does it cost? Find the best price on – Xbox One | PS4 | PC

Halo Wars 2

Available on: Xbox One, PC

What we think: Halo Wars 2 suffers a little from its console limitations, but it’s a solid RTS with a strong campaign and a good overall feel for the Halo universe. After a slow start the mission design grows much more interesting and while there’s little here you won’t have seen in a StarCraft, it’s all handled with variety, pace and drama. There’s potential too in the multiplayer modes, particularly Blitz with its unique hybrid style. It might not be the Halo sequel that you asked for, but it’s a fine one to be getting on with.

Why should you play it? It’s arguably the best action-strategy game you can get on console, and if you’re a Halo fan, it’s a no-brainer.

How much does it cost? Find the best price on – Xbox One | PC

Nier: Automata

Available on: PS4, PC

What we think: While some gamers may have let the first Nier title slip by them, the sequel is one that you should not. Developed by the team behind Vanquish, Bayonetta and the under-appreciated Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, Nier: Automata is a beautiful juxtaposition of action and RPG elements with pinpoint accurate combat mechanics. Giving Automata time and patience is incredibly rewarding thanks to the challenging enemies and compelling story.

Why should you play it? Thanks to Platinum Games’ knack for riveting and gratifying combat, Automata is arguably the studio’s most exciting game to date. The combat mechanics click after hurdling a low learning curve, and the end result is a ballet of bullets and slashes that never ceases to tire. The fact that there’s multiple endings also gives Automata a great level of replay value.

How much does it cost? Find the best price on – PS4 | PC

Torment: Tides of Numenera

Available on: Xbox One, PS4, PC

What we think: The long-awaited RPG from inXile (Wasteland) and spiritual successor to Planescape: Torment was worth the patience. Taking place in Monte Cook’s Numenera setting, Tides of Numenera provides an immensely deep role-playing experience with hard choices, lots of reading, dialogue and mystery. with tons of hours of exploration and adventure. It’s an isometric RPG built in the spirit of classic games alike, so it’s ideal for PC. It does function suitably on consoles, but there’s a few menu-scrolling and nuances that don’t translate perfectly, but nothing to hamper the experience.

Why should you play it? The game was a huge Kickstarter success, and the team behind it worked on Planescape: Torment, one of the most critically acclaimed and beloved role-playing games of all time. It’s perfect for anyone looking for deep, reactive gameplay and a rich narrative experience.

How much does it cost? Find the best price on – Xbox One | PS4 | PC