7 Big Game Reviews in 7 Minutes

OK, we don’t want to lie from the outset. We’re not exactly sure if this article takes 7 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 7 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’s our 7 game reviews in 7 minutes:

Sniper Elite 4

Available on: Xbox One, PS4, PC

What we think: Sniper Elite 4 delivers the most well-rounded and ambitious Sniper Elite experience to date. The sharpshooting franchise has taken a major step forward by expanding the size of the levels (which, along the Italian peninsula, are gorgeous), giving players the biggest playground of long-range death-dealing they could ask for. It’s a tightly coordinated game, but one which gives you the feeling of freedom to how you approach the open-ended missions. Despite the odd graphical clipping, it’s also an extremely pretty title and showcases the attention to details that Rebellion pay, and the X-Ray death cams are as brutal and satisfying as ever. The best Sniper Elite game to date and a must-play for any WWII fan.

Should you play it? If you find yourself always picking up the sniper-rifle in other games, and miss the pleasure of taking out some virtual Nazis, it’s a must,

How much does it cost? R755 on Xbox One | R790 on PS4 | R589 on PC

For Honor

Available on: Xbox One, PS4, PC

What we think: For Honor has a lot going for it. Ubisoft’s latest big release strips the guns and bullets that litter other games these days and takes players to a time of ancient wars. Whether you pick vikings, samurai or knights, For Honor does enough to make them all feel different, enjoyable, and a unique melee combat experience you won’t find elsewhere. We found that the multiplayer servers can be tricky to connect at times, but there’s enough meat in the single-player to keep players busy for 8-10 hours. It’s hugely innovative and aspiring enough for those with just a little interest to have a swing at it.

Why should you play it? It’s something different, and a the meticulous detail that Ubisoft has paid to the combat system is worth dabbling in.

How much does it cost?  – Buy: R1,049 on Xbox One | R999 on PS4  | R799 on PC

The Last Guardian

Available on: PS4

What we think: After 10 years in development, to say that expectations for The Last Guardian were high is an understatement. The team that delivered Shadow of the Colossus, one of the best games ever made, has a lot at stake, but thankfully The Last Guardian delivers after the agonisingly long wait. It’s a beautiful, compelling, and unique title full of clever puzzles and touching moments that have more character and identity than ten games put together. And while it does struggles to reach its full potential due to some AI issues and bugs, it’s a memorable action adventure game that anyone who loved ICO or Shadow of the Colossus should play.

Should you play it? If you want a change of rhythm from shooting people in the face to something with a lot of heart and lateral thinking, give The Last Guardian a go.

How much does it cost? R999 on PS4

Nioh

Available on: PS4

What we think: After years of games becoming more and more forgiving, Nioh, the action RPG game about a cursed samurai, takes the Dark Souls approach and throws us right into the frying pan. It’s incredibly difficult with a steep learning curve, but its an incredibly rewarding experience when the right temperament, respect and patience is given to it. It’s got that Dark Souls, dungeon-crawling feel to it, but is quicker, faster, and has an edge of hacking-‘n-slashing to it.

Should you play it? A great alternative to fans of the genre and those looking for something along the lines of last year’s brilliant Bloodborne.

How much does it cost? R789 on PS4

Yakuza 0

Available on: PS4

What we think: The Yakuza games have always been as bizarre as they have been tightly-polished, and the prequel entry, Yakuza 0, is no different. It’s got an incredible amount of things to do, collect, explore, mini-games to play, and characters to engage with, but beneath all it’s tongue-in-cheek humour is a solid beat-’em-up title that makes you feel like a true badass. It’s fighting mechanics aren’t up to scratch with something such as the Batman: Arkham series, but it’s got enough brutal takedowns and crazy moves to keep it fresh during it’s relatively long playthrough.

Should you play it? If you want a bit of nostalgia and some GTA-esque exploring in a crime-ridden 80s Japan, you’ll love it.

How much does it cost? R799 on PS4

Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue

Available on: PS4

What we think: While the wait for Kingdom Hearts III continues for some fans, they’ll at the very least get some love from the Disney/Final Fantasy crossover action-RPG series with Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue. The compilation offers up a remastered edition of the classic 3DS title Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, along with the Kingdom Hearts X Back Cover cinematic and Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth By Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage. In short, it’s a pretty full package that gives players a bridge of what’s to come and allows those who missed out on past games. They’ve aged excellently too, still offering the fun, action-RPG gameplay and colourful visuals that made the franchise a hit.

Should you play it? If you’ve ever been curious or interested in a fun action-RPG but too daunted to take on something to serious, Kingdom Hearts is a good place to start.

How much does it cost? R683 on PS4

Digimon World: Next Order

Available on: PS4, PS Vita

What we think: Digimon World: Next Order is a colourful, slow-paced game that intermixes a open-world RPG with monster raising to great success. Admittedly, there are some AI problems and technical issues with the real-time combat mechanics, but they’re not game-breaking enough to detract from the franchise’s charm and appeal. Fans of Digimon should pick this one up.

Should you play it? There are better games in the genre, but if you can ignore Digimon World: Next Order’s flaws, you’ll get a lot out of the material on offer.

How much does it cost? R799 on PS4

Are you looking to pick up any of the above games? Let us know by tweeting@MenStuffZA and commenting below.

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