Contrast (Review)

Developer: Compulsion Games
Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
Available On: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One
Xbox One version reviewed on Xbox Series S

To say I’ve had a long and complicated history with Contrast is a bit of an understatement. It was an early PlayStation Plus offering during the launch of the PlayStation 4 in 2013, but since I wasn’t able to secure that shiny new next-gen hardware when it first came out, I ended up not being able to claim the game. It wasn’t until a month or so later that I found out I could have just gone on the PlayStation website and claimed it that way, which left me feeling annoyed with myself. While I could have bought it at any point thereafter (it ended up on sale frequently) it slowly became this weird mythical game for me. This was “the game that got away” and for some reason I let it keep that status instead of just dropping the $10-15 for it. Now, a decade later, I noticed it was on Xbox Game Pass and decided to finally sit down and put this self-imposed legend to the test.

Inscryption (Review)

Developer: Daniel Mullins Games
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Available On: PC, PS4, and PS5
Reviewed on PS5

Inscryption is the type of video game that almost defies having a review written about it. Typically, with any other type of game, I would talk about the merits of its story, gameplay, art design, and any other aspect that stands out, but to speak of nearly anything in Inscryption would rob any potential players from experiencing one of the most twisted, innovative, and clever games in recent memory. It’s designed to be a constant surprise, throwing out twists to the gameplay and plot in such a satisfying and rewarding manner that it feels like a game you can only truly discuss with others who have played it. That being said, I’m going to be intentionally vague and withhold certain pieces of information in this review. I know that kind of defeats the whole purpose of writing a review, but I truly feel that this is a game that’s best experienced with as little knowledge as possible.

My Friend Peppa Pig (Review)

Developer: Petoons Studios
Publisher: Outright Games Ltd.
Available On: PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S
Reviewed on Xbox Series S

There’s been a long-running joke in my family about my 18-year-old brother being a huge fan of the animated show Peppa Pig. He doesn’t actually like the show (as far as I’m aware), but he’s always the first one to start up the jokes and is willing to play into them for a good laugh. I can’t remember exactly when it started, but it’s been going on for a few years now and has even gotten to the point where we try to find little Peppa Pig goodies to stuff in his stocking each Christmas. I was going to get him this video game last year, but at the time it was $40, which is just a bit too much for a gag gift. So, when it landed on Game Pass a few weeks ago, I dared him to borrow my Xbox and get every Achievement in the game. Well, he did it, and since I didn’t want him to suffer alone, I did a playthrough of it myself after him. I guess what I’m trying to say is that now I have the extreme honor of reviewing My Friend Peppa Pig.

Horizon: Forbidden West (Review)

Developer: Guerilla Games
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Available On: PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5
Reviewed on PlayStation 5

After spending just shy of 120 hours with Horizon: Forbidden West, I’m finally ready to sit down, type out my thoughts, and discuss why I think it’s one of the greatest open-world video games ever made. While the first game, Zero Dawn, was a truly remarkable experience, Forbidden West refines and improves on nearly every aspect, resulting in a game that’s nothing less than a masterclass of world design, narrative, and player freedom.

The Gardens Between (Review)

Developer: The Voxel Agents
Publisher: The Voxel Agents
Available On: iOS, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Stadia, and Xbox One
Xbox One version reviewed on Xbox Series S

The Gardens Between is a bite-sized puzzle game about two young friends faced with a sudden change in their lives. It can be finished in only an hour or two, so I imagine this is going to be a much shorter review than normal. That being said, while the runtime allows you to finish the game in a single sitting, it doesn’t have the staying power to last with you much longer than that.

Xbox/Bethesda Games Showcase 2021 (Recap)

The Xbox/Bethesda Games Showcase was, without a doubt one, of the most highly anticipated events of E3. Microsoft has spent the last few years buying up an impressive amount of studios (Bethesda being the most notable), increasing the value of Xbox Game Pass, and rebuilding their reputation after the rocky launch of the Xbox One, leaving everyone curious to see what the future had in store. Well, it turns out Microsoft has been listening, adapting, and innovating in every way and have delivered one of the most stunning E3 showcases of all time. With a showcase that serves as a payoff for their studio acquisitions and reinforces the fact that Xbox Game Pass is the greatest value in gaming, the future of Xbox is looking brighter than ever before.

Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue (Review)

Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Release Date: January 24, 2017
Reviewed On: PlayStation 4
Copy obtained via GameFly

Despite the mouthful of a name, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue is the most easily digestible of the Kingdom Hearts HD collections.

Hello Darkness, My Old Friend…

It’s an odd feeling to return to the PlayStation 3.

I almost exclusively use my PlayStation 4 nowadays, but I decided to jump back into the previous system to play one of the games I downloaded through PlayStation Plus. Sure, I’ve occasionally turned this old dinosaur back on, but I’ve been spending more time with it than usual during this past weekend.

The first thing that struck me as odd was the controller.
The DualShock 3 always felt like an inferior controller, but after experiencing the wonder that is the PS4’s DualShock 4, I forgot just how bad it was. The controller feels cheap and hollow and I’m constantly left wondering when it’s going to just crumble in my hand. There’s also the issue of the triggers, that feel more like oddly shaped wedges. As for the actual buttons, maybe my memory is just failing me, but they feel more flat and less tactile than the ones on the DualShock 4.

The other thing that caught me off guard is just how bad the home screen was.
After becoming so familiar with the PS4 and its interface, returning to the PS3 feels alien. It’s ugly and messy, unlike the more streamlined and customizable home screen of the PS4. However, the biggest change was in actually playing a game on the system.

I started up Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands, and I instantly felt a slight sense of revulsion. I have totally taken for granted the visuals we have in modern games. While the game itself has turned out to actually be fun so far, the visuals are a complete eye sore. Everything is jaggy, textures seem to be non-existent, and the game just doesn’t look good. Sure, it might just be this one game that looks this poor, but I honestly don’t remember the games on this system looking this jarringly bad.

I’m actually enjoying the plot and gameplay of The Forgotten Sands, but the visuals are going to honestly test me on whether or not I see this game through to completion. In the meantime? I think I’m going to go pop Uncharted 4 in on the bigger, better console and rejoice in the glory of modern gaming.

– Zack Burrows

PlayStation Plus: September 2016 Lineup

A new month, a new lineup of games!
It would appear that the increased price of PlayStation Plus might be playing a hand in acquiring some heavy hitters for the lineup. Without further ado, let’s jump in to what September has to offer!

PlayStation Exclusives Are Coming To PC

Sony made quite the announcement on PlayStation Blog this morning.
The PlayStation streaming service “PlayStation Now” will be making its PC debut! This service allows customers to stream hit PlayStation games directly to their smart TV, PlayStation console, or (in this case) to their home computer.