Good or Bad? We Review Mortal Kombat 1, Lies of P, The Crew: Motorfest & 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.

Mortal Kombat 1

Available on: PS5 | Xbox Series X | Switch | PC

What is it? The 12th primary entry into the long-running fight-to-the-death Mortal Kombat franchise, but adding in a twist this time around: reimagining the story, alliances, and characters. Think of it as a multi-verse entry into the MK series.

Is it any good? Who would’ve thought that the story of these Mortal Kombat games would become such a highlight? Well, MK 1 continues the interesting overarching MK universe narrative, but introduces some new spins on classic characters. There’s something hilarious and nostalgic about it all, and while the story actually does try and hit some high emotional beats, it doesn’t ever take itself too seriously, which is for the best.

Of course, the real meat of Mortal Kombat has always been in its vicious and accessible fighting mechanics, and MK 1 does more than any other game to provide tools for veterans to flair and newcomers to thrive quickly. In addition to the solid spine-ripping, head-tearing gameplay that has basically been perfected, it introduces a new mechanic: Kameos. Much like Tekken Tag Tournament, you can bring in the help of another AI fighter to pop into the fight and deliver some devastating blows or keep your combo going, which adds another layer of intricacy as you find out which characters work well together.

It seems like all the iconic fighting franchises are back with a flurry this generation, but it’s Mortal Kombat which always seems to raise the bar in terms of pure entertainment value and offering a deep yet accessible package for all types of fighting-fans to enjoy. Mortal Kombat 1 is a joy to play, even when you’re wincing at easily the most horrendous Fatalities to date.

The Crew: Motorfest

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

What is it? A sequel to Ubisoft’s The Crew 2, The Crew: Motorfest takes a more festival approach to the overland/oversea racing franchise, taking place on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaii, with a more festival approach to the action, giving you a ton of races, challenges, and, of course, vehicles to embrace. 

Is it any good? The Crew: Motorfest‘s gorgeous tropical setting is a highlight of the game and feels like its own character. Racing through Honolulu, across beautiful beaches, drifting down mountain paths and discovering the island is a joy. Throw in the bigger, more theatrical, and vibrant races, and you’ve got yourself a good time. The physics across the different gravel, tar, or grass regions really does make you feel like you’re tackling different biomes and areas, and the choice of over 600 (yeah, you read right) vehicles gives players a lot to tinker with.

It has to be said that the boats and planes do feel like a little bit of an afterthought this time around, but they’re still fun to race with. Of course, the focus is on the cars, and the new Playlist races, which are themed race types (vintage cars, electric supercars, and more) are awesome to do, often feeling like different games unto themselves.

While other racing games in the genre might bring a no-nonsense approach, The Crew: Motorfest is all about fun, excitement, and speed, and will undoubtedly appeal to those fans of Forza Horizon and Motorstorm.

Lies of P

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

What is it? Lies of P is essentially a dark reimagining of the story of Pinocchio, if he was a mechanical creation and hunted by deranged robots, of course. The South Korean-developed game is a third-person action RPG inspired by the likes of Bloodborne and Dark Souls, and sees the player looking for Pinocchio’s maker, Geppetto, as he fights his way through the Paris-like city of Krat.

Is it any good? Lies of P has a lot going for it: a compelling story, a captivating world and design, and some challenging gameplay. While it’s trying to be a little faster and more ‘accessible’ than something like Dark Souls, it’s combat and timing is admittedly almost as hard, so unfamiliar players to the genre will need to be prepared. The gorgeous visuals, mysterious dialogue mechanics (allowing you to tell the truth or lie), and steam-punk aesthetic is stellar, though, giving you more than enough reason to slick and dodge your way through this hellish mechanical nightmare.

NBA 2K24

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

What is it? The latest entry in 2K’s NBA franchise, developed by Visual Concepts, who have been at the helm of the series for quite some time.

Is it any good? Has the b-ball king returned in the best form yet? Kind of. The basketball sim arena is pretty much dominated by the NBA 2K franchise, with no competition to give it a run for its money, which has caused some complacency in the past. However, NBA 2K24 is a big step in the direction of innovation, with the game receiving some refreshing gameplay updates and a pull-back on some of the microtransaction elements that plagued previous entries.

Of course, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it — so the tried-and-tested formula of the franchise is still there, with all the attacking and defensive mechanics and tricks in place. There are some enhancements, like a timing stability feature, which will boost or fatigue your player the more in or out of time he is, respectively, with regards to shooting, dribbling and defending. On top of that, the presentation is the slickest its ever been, and some newly captured animations really help those mid-game cut-scenes look as real as ever.

Admittedly, microtransactions are still full-on in NBA 2K24 and can be distracting for those who hate the pay-to-win carrot being dangled in every other menu screen. Thankfully, the on-court gameplay is incredibly fun, the game has a banging soundtrack, and the Mamba Moments mode where you delve into some of Kobe Bryant’s best games is incredibly enjoyable to relive.

Hitman: World of Assassinations

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

What is it? Despite the franchise’s name, the Hitman games have never been about killing per se. They’re puzzle games wrapped up in a blood-coated, leather glove, and the World of Assassinations bundle contains Hitman (2017), Hitman 2 (2018), and Hitman 3 (2021) in one slick package, giving you the best games of the franchise in one neat digital suitcase.

Is it any good? It’s fair to say that the fact these games are getting this bundled re-release is a sign of how good they are. All three entries are very similar in mechanics and design, but it’s the sheer mission variety that makes them so enjoyable. The playground of death that you’re given in each mission is extremely impressive, and the endless ways to dispatch your targets give Hitman 1, 2, and 3 a lot of replayability. Add in the timed ‘elusive targets’ and the Freelancer missions, which randomise and change for each scenario, and you get a lot of bang for your buck with these three games. If you never played them, this is a must-buy.

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