What’s On
Insert Coin(s) has floated in and out of the Sydney scene for a while now, but the fan-favourite event has just announced it’s going monthly, and the good news is that the next one is slated for Thursday October 22. Taking place at the supremely versatile Oxford Art Factory, Insert Coin(s) combines the wonders of retro gaming, art and themed cocktails for one hell of a good night. This month celebrates the addictive Daytona USA by bringing in six networked machines for instant multiplayer madness.
If you’re big into games, comics or all things pop culture, then the biggest event of the month is a total no-brainer. There’s only one caveat – it’s in Melbourne. That’s right, PAX Australia 2015 runs from Friday October 30 – Sunday November 1 and will feature the chance to get your hands on the likes of Star Wars Battlefront, marvel at a cavalcade of cosplayers and even sit in on a panel or two, like Storytime With Warren Spector – the legendary man behind Deus Ex and Thief.
POKÉMON – SYMPHONIC EVOLUTIONS
For the first time in Australia, Pokémon – Symphonic Evolutions allows long-time fans of the historic franchise something they could have only ever dreamed of – hearing the greatest Pokémon tunes brought to life in all new arrangements from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. It all takes place at the Sydney Opera House on Friday November 20 and Saturday November 21, so jump onto sydneyoperahouse.com to grab tickets before somebody else catches them all!
Review: Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection PS4
Above all the rest, there’s one developer and one hero who truly influenced the video game industry throughout the last generation. With the Uncharted series, Naughty Dog managed to create a charming, lovable and quip-happy protagonist in Nathan Drake. More importantly, however, the studio concocted a magical blend of exploration, action and cinematic flair that was unrivalled, quickly redefining the entire third-person action genre in the process.
The thing is, as great as the series was, not everybody had a chance to experience the tour de force, which brings us to Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection – an incredible value proposition that takes the original Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and its sequels (Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception), then somehow squishes them onto a single disc. Not only that, but each has been given a healthy dose of TLC thanks to a new coat of 1080p paint and a frame rate boost to a buttery smooth 60fps. Full credit must go to Bluepoint Games for managing to pump out three ports of such immense quality – an achievement that can (and often does) go so easily awry.
That said, don’t expect the sins of the past to disappear entirely without a trace. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, for example, holds up the least successfully out of the trio, but understandably so. Naughty Dog was yet to find its feet with the debut effort, so expect the narrative’s pacing and game’s shooting to be a tad more unrefined than what you’re used to; especially if you’ve already made your way through the series.
Uncharted 2, on the other hand, somehow manages to remain as jaw-dropping as it was eight years ago. In fact, the exhilarating opening, manic train sequence and emotional story still put some new releases to shame.
By the time you reach what is arguably the best game in the trilogy, Drake’s Deception, you’ll be embracing Naughty Dog’s stylings as the team reaches the height of its craft. Sure, Uncharted has always tried to ape the classic Indiana Jones feel, but this was the sequel that, for many, managed to best it. Nate’s tale was at its most fascinating as the spectacle hit fever pitch. No matter your favourite, though, The Nathan Drake Collection is incredible value for money and an even more incredible bundle of games. Buy it.
★★★★★
Adam Guetti
Review Round-Up
With game releases heating up in time for the holiday season, here are some of the biggest titles you should be keeping an eye on…
PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2016
PS4, XBO, PS3, 360, PC
Pro Evolution Soccer has had an incredibly tumultuous past, but after a few last-gen missteps, the series has found its footing once more with PES 2016 – a game that, in many ways, is superior to its EA competitor, FIFA 16. Team movement is exceptional, controls are increasingly responsive and moment-to-moment gameplay feels more unpredictable than ever before. It may lack FIFA’s sheen, but PES 2016 nails what counts.
★★★★☆
METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN
PS4, XBO, PC
There’s been a lot of controversy surrounding The Phantom Pain, but the best advice is to ignore it and focus on what’s in front of you: an open-world stealth masterpiece. Hardcore fans will be disappointed at the lack of story, but in its place are an addictive slew of missions that offer immense flexibility. Even if you’ve been out of the loop, sneak on over and give this a shot.
★★★★★
FIFA 16
PS4, XBO, PS3, 360, PC
The biggest knock against FIFA 16 is also its most consistent – a lack of proper evolution. The introduction of female teams is fantastic, the Ultimate Team Draft mode can be a lot of fun, and the presentation is as impressive as ever, but where PES is striving to better itself each year, the team behind FIFA seems too concerned with rocking the boat. You can’t argue with the logic, it just means this year’s iteration isn’t as solid as it could have been.
★★★½
