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Review Round-Up 11/19/2013
From the new Madden to A Link Between Worlds, we’ve brought you all our reviews and impressions to one convenient place. You could say we have a Knack for good review coverage.
Since last week, we’ve reviewed games for both the PlayStation 4, which launched over the weekend, and the Xbox One, but it was a 3DS title that left a spectacular impression.
Knack – Sony Computer Entertainment – Sony Japan Studio
“While I doubt Knack will ever be the public mascot for PlayStation 4, it's a well-crafted game and a quality title in the system's launch lineup.” – Matt Helgeson
Contrast – Focus Home Interactive – Compulsion Games
“Walking on the shadows projected onto walls as the real world ebbs and flows makes for an appealing premise. Unfortunately, the end product isn’t as appetizing as the pretty picture Contrast paints.” – Kimberley Wallace
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds – Nintendo
“This isn’t just a tribute; as amazing as A Link to the Past is, I can’t think of a single thing A Link Between Worlds doesn’t do better.” – Dan Ryckert
Resogun – Sony – Housemarque
“It’s great for showing off your new system and acclimating to a new controller, but a dearth of content prevents Resogun from earning much praise beyond being a solid, fun launch title.” – Kyle Hilliard
[Continue to page 2 to see zombies and a sentient motorcycle.]
Powerstar Golf – Microsoft Studios – Zoe Mode
“Most of the golf courses are grounded in reality and look like places the PGA might frequent, yet an element of fantasy hangs over their beautifully manicured greens and dangerous waters.” – Andrew Reiner
Dead Rising 3 – Microsoft Studios – Capcom Vancouver
“Dead Rising 3 marks the most fun I’ve had with the franchise, but the impressive technical accomplishment comes with its share of problems.” – Tim Turi
Crimson Dragon – Microsoft Studios – Grounding, Inc.
“Though Crimson Dragon has a slight next gen aesthetic, the controls are unintuitive and sluggish – proving that you can’t change the recipe after you’ve started cooking.” – Ben Reeves
LocoCycle – Microsoft Studios – Twisted Pixel
“Welcome to Lococycle, the best game about a sentient motorcycle dragging a guy around that has ever been made.” – Jeff Cork
FIFA 14 (PS4) – EA Sports – EA Canada
“Even with the ability to only pay $10 to upgrade an existing copy of them game, I don't think there's enough here to do that. .” – Matthew Kato
FIFA 14 (Xbox One) – EA Sports – EA Canada
"Ultimate Team players will want to grab the Xbox One version of the game due to its exclusive Legend cards." – Matthew Kato
…and in case you missed it, here's the current-gen review from last week.
[Continue to the next page for impressive chases and a 3D plumber mustaches.]
Madden NFL 25 (PS4) – EA Sports – EA Tiburon
“This [PS4 touchpad] doesn’t do much. On offense you can swipe your players in motion, but if you think this is cool, you’re too easily impressed.” – Matthew Kato
Madden NFL 25 (Xbox One) – EA Sports – EA Tiburon
“EA Tiburon did the right thing and didn't make this version's second screen functionality about play calling.” – Matthew Kato
…and in case you missed it, here’s the current-gen review from last week.
Need for Speed Rivals – Electronic Arts – Ghost Games
“Ghost Games has crafted an exceptional experience that captures the classic battle of racers and police in a new light for next-generation machines.” – Andrew Reiner
Super Mario 3D World – Nintendo
“While 3D World shines in single-player, the fun multiplies with others. This merges clever and flexible 3D maps with New Super Mario Bros.’ wild four-player gameplay.” – Bryan Vore
Path of Exile – Grinding Gear Games
“At a glance, Path of Exile looks just like Blizzard’s click-and-collect action series, with a similar formula involving combat, co-op, and loot. However, a few innovations separate Path of Exile from its clear inspiration.” – Kyle Hilliard
NBA 2K14 – 2K Sports – Visual Concepts
“Rather than simply port the current generation version of NBA 2K14, Visual Concepts deserves praise for drastically renovating its two most popular modes for its next-generation console debut.” – Matt Bertz
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