5 Big Game Reviews in 5 Minutes: Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Sniper: Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 & More!

OK, we don’t want to lie from the outset. We’re not exactly sure if this article takes 5 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 5 of the biggest titles that have released within the last month in one convenient article, rounding up exactly what games have released, if they’re any good, and which one you should buy.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Available on: PS5

What is it? The long-awaited sequel to the 2016 reboot, which brought Ratchet & Clank into a new generation with some spectacular visuals, bizarre weapons, and classic 3D platforming… with a few twists the franchise has become known for, of course.

Is it any good? It’s safe to say that Insomniac don’t make bad games, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart doesn’t break that notion. It’s a fantastic return for Playstation’s beloved lombax and robot duo, who bring with them a new playable heroine in Rivet, a counterpart of Ratchet from a different dimension. The platforming is as snappy and enjoyable as ever, the levels are whacky and quirky, the humour is Pixar-esque, and the franchise-favourite weapons are zanier than ever. Furthermore, it’s a breathtakingly beautiful game, with some amazing effects and visuals to complement its colourful art style. While the game doesn’t play too fast and hard with new mechanics, it’s more of the Ratchet & Clank action you know and love, which is definitely a good thing. A must-buy for any PS5 owner.

Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2

Available on: Xbox Series X|S | PS5 | Xbox One | PS4 | PC

What is it? The fifth instalment in the Sniper Ghost Warrior series, and sequel to the well-received Contracts spin-off. It’s a sandbox sniping bonanza, where you have to take out targets and complete objectives in any order you deem fit.

Is it any good? While the Sniper: Ghost Warrior games have been good, they’ve lacked a little pazazz, but Contracts 2 finally gives the Ghost Warrior series a true unique identity. The levels and environments are massive and diverse, and the game gives you a lot of tricks to pull off some spectacular assassinations, including new climbing mechanics, sniping tools, and gadgets. It really is a playground of murder for the player, and the stealth and combat mechanics work excellently. There are also some fantastically-implemented scenarios to mix up the sniping sequences, including some curveballs such as deactivating satellites with timed-shots before going after your target, which is a breath of fresh air. It may not have the tip-top polish of other triple-A first-person shooters, but this is the best in the series and one of the most well-crafted sniping experiences to date.

Ghosts ‘n Goblins: Resurrection

Available on: Xbox One | PS4 | Switch | PC

What is it? A reinvigorated reimagining of the original arcade classic Ghosts n’ Goblins from 1985, but redone in a modern, more playable way with some new-age additions that modern fans will appreciate.

Is it any good? Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection is a side-scrolling nostalgia shot to the heart. It’s immediately recognisable and familiar, but the new gothic storybook aesthetic, animations, and more responsive controls make it feel entirely new too. The original was devilishly difficult, and Resurrection does throw a tough challenge at you, but it’s definitely a bit more forgiving thanks to a reasonable checkpoint system and better controls than that of a wobbly arcade stick. Players also have access to new spells such as a flame shield and screen-clearing lightning, along with new weapons to help you on your adventure. This picturesque game is exactly what remakes should be, and is a gorgeous love-letter to the original that old fans and newcomers can enjoy.

Capcom Arcade Stadium

Available on: Xbox One | PS4 | Switch | PC

What is it? Capcom Arcade Stadium is a collection of older arcade titles, including Bionic Commando, Strider, and the original Ghosts ‘n Goblins in one package, allowing you to indulge in some nostalgia on your home console or PC.

Is it any good? This retro 32-game collection is hard not to get giddy about. From the bloody fists of Street Fighter II to the bullet-hell skies of 1941 Counter Attack, there’s a lot of iconic releases available on Capcom Arcade Stadium. There are some notable games missing (where is X-Men: Children of the Atom!?), but what is there is a great collection of timeless releases that are a great break from the complexities of modern gaming. The delivery mechanism is a bit unusual (allowing you to download the emulator for free, but asking to purchase 3 different packs which split the games into different eras), but you can obviously purchase them all in one go too. The price is quite high for such old games, but having all of these classics in one easy-to-play spot rather than tinkering around with emulators on your PC is a great thing to behold. It may not be for everyone, and no notable improvements have been made to the original releases, but longtime gamers will find a lot to indulge in with Capcom Arcade Collection.

Guilty Gear Strive

Available on: PS5 | PS4 | PC

What is it? Guilty Gear Strive is a new entry into the beloved Guilty Gear 2D fighting series, which is developed by Arc System Works, which is a veteran fighting game studio that helmed the brilliant Dragon Ball FighterZ.

Is it any good? The Guilty Gear games have always been a bit overwhelming and foreign for mainstream gamers due to the complexity of the systems and deep on-going story, but Guilty Gear Strive is a bit of an open-door for new fans, being the most accessible and beginner-friendly release to date. With that said, you may not latch onto the story quickly, but the combat is where the meat of the experience is. A combination of stellar 2D visuals, excellently animated environments, and really vastly different characters make it an interesting game to play. Longtime fans will also note the new changes, including the ability to break through walls and shift the fights to new stages. There’s no doubt that Guilty Gear is still a tricky franchise to get into, but if you want to test your skills on a competent and complex fighter, this is the game in this particular franchise to start on.

Will you be playing any of the above games? Let us know by tweeting @MenStuffZA, posting on our Facebook page, or commenting below.