5 Games Reviewed in 5 Minutes

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 games releasing in 2016 so far, there’s a few big titles we didn’t get around to playing (for one reason or another), and in the notion of being as thorough as possible, we went back and have been playing some of the past month’s and brand-new releases and rounded up our opinions on them.

Here’s our 5 game reviews in 5 minutes:

Ratchet & Clank

Available on: PS4

Ratchet & Clank make their PS4 debut with a rebooted iteration of the beloved galactic adventurers, and while it also ties into the recent animated feature film, it avoids the trope of becoming a terrible licensed adaptation. The platforming is fun and fresh, the weapons are as bizarre and satisfying as you would expect from an Insomniac game, and it’s one of the best-looking games on the PS4. Ratchet & Clank is a triumphant return for the duo and a must-play for anyone familiar with the franchise or looking for something with a little colour, humour, and some impeccably tight gameplay mechanics.

Should you play it: Definitely.

Overwatch

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Blizzard, the famed developer behind the Diablo and Warcraft franchises, have finally released a new game that diverges from the usual formula, kind of. Overwatch is a brilliant FPS based on heroes. It’s competitive arena-based matches that are as fast and frantic as they are vividly gorgeous. The speed and abilities of the different heroes makes it one of the most enjoyable experiences of the year. Super precise controls, completely different playable characters, outstanding level design and a great work on art direction, are just some of the standout elements in Overwatch.

Should you play it: Multiplayer fans should give it a go.

Valentino Rossi: The Game

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Xbox 360, PS3

The official MotoGP game gets a bit of a makeover this year with a rebranding which pays tribute to racing ace Valentino Rossi, but does having the acclaimed rider’s name make any difference? It’s one of the (if not the) best motorcycle racing games out there thanks to a change-up of the usual “new-season, new-game” formula. The different disciplines added, such as flat track, rally, and drift, as a tribute to Valentino Rossi are enough to fill the content of a video game that as MotoGP 16 would have been more of the same.

Should you play it: Petrol-heads and split-screen lovers will have a blast.

Total War: Warhammer

Available on: PC

Whether you are a fan of Total War or a fan of Warhammer you will find something to love in this game. A great blend of Total War‘s RTS heritage and Warhammer‘s vast lore of characters and creatures. There’s a fun campaign included in the game, but of course, the real meat of the meal lies in the multiplayer. Each of the four playable races offers a completely different experience in battles and on the strategic map. Innovation in the form of magic, heroes and giant monsters surprisingly fits well into the series style and refreshes it.

Should you play it: A must for real-time strategy fans.

Valkyria Chronicles: Remastered Europa Edition

Available on: PS4

Eight years after it’s initial release on PS3, Valkyria Chronicles Remastered comes back in a new improved version that offers graphics in 1080p and 60fps, and for a very low price. Parts of the remastered package do feel a little worn by today’s standards, but its mix of real-time movement and tactical, turn-based decision making still feels unique.

Should you play it: A must have for tactical RPG enthusiasts.

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