Developer/Publisher: Level-5 Capcom/Nintendo Released: March 2014

Played on: 3DS

Crossovers in comics, movies and games, much like supergroups in music, always engender the same feeling – excitement that two beloved products you love will coexist in the same package, and an expectation that the outcome will inevitably be a bit rubbish. With expectations so low, the reaction to the finished package is often “That was not as bad as I expected!” I had this same reaction to Professor Layton vs Phoenix Wright. Beyond that, I genuinely think the game is quite good! Surprises all around. Continue reading →

Developer/Publisher: Pixelopus/Sony Released: June 2014

Played on: PS4 (coming soon to PS3, Vita)

Announced at Sony’s E3 press conference this year, and released on the same day, Entwined is another example of Sony investing in new studios and encouraging them to create experimental gaming experiences. While it is a pretty debut for studio Pixelopus, it doesn’t feel as inventive as The Unfinished Swan, nor does it take us on the emotional journey of Journey.

Nevertheless, Entwined is unique in both story and form. Continue reading →

Impressions of the DLC for Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Desinities 

Hey, Elias, want to play a Phoenix Wright case where the defendant is a killer whale?

SHIT YES! Continue reading →

Developer/Publisher: Compulsion Games/Focus Home Interactive Released: November 2013 Played on: PS4 (also available on PC, PS3, 360, Xbone)

I really love the PS4 Dualshock 4 controller. Perfectly weighted body, satisfyingly resistant triggers and dreamily balanced analog sticks. Ah. I just love holding it. Even playing middling quality games like Contrast is a pleasure. Oh, right, I’m meant to be talking about the game! Continue reading →

Developer/Distributor: Ubisoft Released: August 2013

Played on: Wii U (also available on PC, PS3, Vita, 360, PS4, Xbone)

Rayman likes stealing all the 2D platforming titles. While Sonic the Hedgehog has spent 23 years trying to be the King of Speed but forgetting to make that fun – Rayman has delivered on that potential. As Mario’s 2D outings become increasingly homogeneous – Rayman levels remain fresh and inventive. As Donkey Kong becomes renowned for his extremely pretty games – Rayman drops some hand-painted beauty that glows on-screen. Rayman Legends is the most accomplished in the series yet with dozens of fast paced and tightly constructed levels in a gorgeous looking package that is full of surprises. Continue reading →

Developer/Publisher: Ubisoft Released: October 2012

Played on: Vita (also available in HD on 360, PS3, PC)

The Aveline DLC mission in Assassin’s Creed IV piqued my interest in the African-French assassin, the series’ only female protagonist, so I nabbed a cheap copy of ACIII: Liberation for the Playstation Vita. This was a huge mistake. Continue reading →

Developer/Publisher: Nintendo Released: November 2013

Played on: 3DS, baby!

Within the first 5 minutes of A Link Between Worlds, you are battling your way through a dungeon. The game is immediately familiar but the rapidly smooth animations and complete lack of filler-content is a total shock to the system. There is an immediacy here, an unbridled freedom, a celebration of traversal – a game that in every digital bit of its makeup is a warm embrace of imagination and fun. I spent a whole weekend playing this game with a stupid grin on my face. If you haven’t bought this game already, do so NOW! Continue reading →

Developer: Lucas Pope Released: August 2013

Played on: Mac (also available on PC, Linux)

This is a game about checking documents.

You are an Arstotzkan immigration officer checking passports, work permits and vaccination certificates of potential visitors, emigrants, skilled workers, drug dealers and terrorists all seeking entry to your glorious state. You let a man through, his documents check out, but just as he leaves your booth he says “You must let my wife through, she is next.” Sure enough, the wife follows, explaining that if she returns to her country she will be killed. Her documents don’t check out. You pause. You’ve stuffed up a few times already today, and you are bound to be fined if you let her through. At the last minute you relent, approving the woman’s entry. Moments later the abrasive sound of the citation printer kicks into gear, and you’re fined for your third infraction of the day. You return home to find your mother-in-law has moved in, you can’t afford to pay for heating or food, and that last fine was the exact amount you needed to buy medicine for your critically ill son. You vow to process efficiently and accurately tomorrow, and to show no further compassion.

This is a game about checking documents. Continue reading →

Developer: KING art Released: October 2013

Played on: PC (also available on 360 & PS3)

An Agatha Christie inspired point-and-click adventure game sounds like a reasonable idea. The adventure game format suits the detective mystery genre nicely and the opening chapter of The Raven: Legacy of a Master Thief shows that potential.

You are Constable Anton Zellner, a Swiss policeman with a penchant for detective fiction, who finds himself on the Orient Express guarding a valuable Ancient Egyptian artefact from the infamous Raven, a master-thief seemingly resurrected from the dead. Zellner seeks to be more involved in the investigation than he is, and is kept down by French Inspector Legrand who has a personal vendetta against The Raven. A cast of supporting characters (of varying levels of quality) are gradually introduced, including one who is quite clearly based on Agatha Christie herself, which is a respectful nod to the author who would no doubt be rolling in her grave if she was forced to endure the grave descent this game becomes. Continue reading →

“Every button that he presses is a reminder of the inconsequential nature of his existence.” – The Stanley Parable Narrator

Developer: Davey Wreden Released: October 2013

Played on: PC (also available on Mac)

I wish The Stanley Parable had existed back when I was at University and needed to provide examples of deconstructionism, postmodernism and poststructuralism. The game’s sole premise is to subvert the player’s expectations of how a game should be played by investigating the notion of “choice” in modern games. The Stanley Parable balances out its intense self awareness of form and context with genuinely laugh-out-loud humour provided by an omnipresent narrator.

Continue reading →