Virginia (Xbox One) review

505 Games / Variable State
Xbox One, PS4, Steam (Xbox One version reviewed)

I’m currently in full-on Twin Peaks hype mode.

David Lynch’s iconic TV series is making its long-awaited comeback next month, and fans – including me – are waiting with bated breath to see if it lives up to the classic ‘90s original.

If you’re in the same boat, Virginia may be worth a look if you want to scratch that Twin Peaks itch a little while you wait.

Set in the summer of 1992, it puts you in the oddly angular shoes of Anne Tarver, a junior FBI agent who’s been given a bit of a tricky task.

She’s been asked to investigate one of her colleagues, who’s been accused of… um, something or other.

Meanwhile, there’s an ongoing missing persons case involving a young lad who… to be honest, I have no fucking clue. Continue reading “Virginia (Xbox One) review”

Lego Dimensions complete character guide – every Year One character reviewed

LEGO Dimensions Xbox OneThis week marks the beginning of ‘Year Two’ of Lego Dimensions, the fantastic toys-to-life game by long-time Lego game studio Traveller’s Tales.

Because Year Two introduces a whole bunch of new franchises to the mix, a lot of players will be getting into Lego Dimensions for the first time.

With that in mind, I’ve put together this enormous guide to all 46 characters released during the game’s first year: that’s the 44 main ones and the two limited edition characters Green Arrow and Supergirl. Continue reading “Lego Dimensions complete character guide – every Year One character reviewed”

Xbox One S review

Disclaimer: unlike certain prolific YouTubers and the like, this review is not based on a free review sample of the Xbox One S hardware. I preordered and purchased this console at launch myself, and this review is an honest assessment of whether I feel my hard-earned money was well spent.

After enjoying obscene levels of success with the Xbox 360 last generation, Microsoft hasn’t quite dominated the industry this time around.

Xbox One S boxIts Xbox One trails behind the PlayStation 4 in terms of sales, and while Nintendo’s own problems with the Wii U have ensured Microsoft’s system isn’t going to finish third any time soon, it’s clear the One needs a rocket up its arse if it’s going to catch up with the PS4.

Enter the Xbox One S, the first of this generation’s obligatory system redesigns. Boasting a smaller frame, a new controller and support for 4K and HDR video, could the S be the console to overtake the PS4?

No. It couldn’t. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t still a nifty wee piece of kit. I should know, I just traded in my original day one Xbox One to buy an S and have been messing around with it since. The console that is, you filthy bastard.

The crucial questions are obvious – is it worth upgrading to the Xbox One S if you already have an Xbox One? And what if you don’t – is now finally the time to ‘jump in’, to coin a Microsoft slogan?

Read on as I try to answer these questions and many more. Well, a couple more. Continue reading “Xbox One S review”

E3 2016 conference breakdown podcast

E3 2016 is upon us and since I’m still resting my RSI-riddled hand I’ve decided to put together a one-off podcast instead.

Listen on for 85 minutes of gaming goodness as I break down EA, Bethesda, Ubisoft, Microsoft and Sony’s conferences, as well as why I won’t be covering Nintendo’s and why we should all stop a-fussin’ and a-feudin’. Continue reading “E3 2016 conference breakdown podcast”

Hard Reset Redux review

This review is presented in both video and written form. The video is at the top of the article, while the written transcript can be found underneath. While I’d prefer you watch the video (since it lets you see the game and hear my dulcet tones too), I appreciate some prefer to read reviews. This way you have both options. Continue reading “Hard Reset Redux review”

Grand Prix Rock ‘N Racing review

ENJOYUP GAMES / ENJOYUP GAMES
XBOX ONE

Grand Prix Rock N Racing pic 9In case you haven’t gathered already, I’m an unashamed fan of all things retro gaming.

I have fond memories of simpler times, when it was obvious where you stood with a game: beat this level, unlock that, get the ending, piss off happy.

A time when there was no need to worry about microtransactions, expansion packs, title updates or working servers.

Basically, what I’m getting at in a roundabout way is that I fondly remember gaming back in the days when Super Sprint was considered the dog’s balls. Continue reading “Grand Prix Rock ‘N Racing review”

The week in games – cancelled titles, starter Pokemon

‘The week in games’ is my new weekly series covering the week’s gaming news in a (hopefully) humorous way. If it seems familiar it’s because I tested it out with a couple of articles last year, but now it’s here to stay in a weekly form.


Losing its Spark

project sparkMicrosoft has finally properly cancelled Project Spark. The free-to-play game is no longer available for download, and if you already have it online services will be cancelled from August.

Anyone who bought the retail version of the game will be getting the price refunded into their Microsoft account. The company will be holding emergency talks to discuss how to recoup the £79.98 they’ll lose as a result of this. Continue reading “The week in games – cancelled titles, starter Pokemon”

Coffin Dodgers review

MILKY TEA / WALES INTERACTIVE
XBOX ONE / PS4 / STEAM (XBOX ONE VERSION TESTED)

Typical. A couple of months ago in my Beach Buggy Racing review I complained about the lack of kart racing games on current-gen systems. And now here’s a second one.

What I should have moaned about was the lack of great kart racers, because it’s safe to say Coffin Dodgers doesn’t exactly scratch that itch. Continue reading “Coffin Dodgers review”