A Plague Tale: Innocence

A Plague Tale: Innocence

A Plague Tale: Innocence is not only a great looking game with a unique setting, but the strong narrative focus makes it very engrossing too. The combination of stealth and puzzle-solving could easily have been very annoying, but barring a few frustrating sections the game is actually quite entertaining. It is also unrelentingly grim, which might deter some players, but between all the horror there’s also some heartwarming moments. Single-player narrative focussed games such as A Plague Tale: Innocence is becoming rarer, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to play this one.

Gameplay: A nice mixture of stealth and puzzles that never really veers too far in either direction.

Graphics: The visuals are extremely detailed and the environments surprisingly varied.

Sound: Good voice acting and some soaring tunes

Strange Brigade

Strange Brigade

Strange Brigade is an action-packed third-person shooter that is at its best when played in co-op with some friends. It features a nice assortment of characters, each with unique traits and a large variety of undead enemies to eradicate. The inclusion of traps makes for a fun addition to the experience, and the action also slows down occasionally for some puzzle-solving. While Strange Brigade doesn’t excel in any particular area, it’s still a lot of fun and comes highly recommended.

Gameplay: Strange Brigade features lots of action but is best enjoyed with friends in co-op.

Graphics: The visuals look great, but some more variety would have been even better.

Sound: The narrator steals the show, but the music and sound effects are good too

Darksiders™

Darksiders™

More than just the sum of its parts Darksiders is a very entertaining game that nicely fills the gap in a genre that has very slim pickings on PC. It’s not going to be one of those games that people will be talking about years from now, but it’s a solid title that will keep you hooked through its 20+ hour campaign.

Gameplay: A pleasant mix of many different action/adventure games.

Graphics: Some very nice new effects bring the zone to life.

Sound: Good ambiance and decent voice overs

BloodRayne

BloodRayne

If all you want is some mindless action along with plenty of blood, then BloodRayne has got you covered. The B-movie plot isn’t exactly gripping, but provides a good excuse to tear apart plenty of foes. The game is quite dated at this point, but action junkies might still have fun with it.

Gameplay: Action packed but very repetitive.

Graphics: Not bad, but rather dated.

Sound: Average at best

Batman: Arkham City

Batman: Arkham City

Improving on a game that is rated so highly as Batman: Arkham Asylum could not have been easy, but Rocksteady Studios pulls it off with aplomb. If you are looking for the definitive Batman experience, then look no further than Arkham City. While not quite perfect, it comes close and sets a new standard for all licensed titles.

Gameplay: Improves on almost every aspect of the already great original.

Graphics: Shows that the Unreal Engine 3 can still deliver stunning visuals.

Sound: Excellent voice acting and a moody soundtrack

Deadpool

Deadpool

Fans of Deadpool will have a blast with this game but the humour should appeal to newcomers as well. High Moon Studios have captured the character perfectly although the gameplay can feel a bit clunky at times. While not without its flaws I had a blast playing this game and can recommend it to all fans of the merc with a mouth.

Gameplay: Packed with action and humour.

Graphics: Not the best I’ve seen but it does the license justice.

Sound: Superb voice acting by Nolan North coupled with a rocking soundtrack

Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition

Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition

Batman: Arkham Asylum is as close to perfection as I have ever seen a game based upon a comic license come. Rocksteady Studios have come out of nowhere and released the definitive Batman game. Fans of the caped crusader will love this game but even if you only have a passing interest in the character you will find a lot to enjoy here. This game of the year edition adds a few extras to an already great game.

Gameplay: Polished and engaging, this is the best Batman game yet.

Graphics: Excellent visual style that retains the gritty look of the comic books.

Sound: Excellent voice overs all round and great music