Gaming news and reviews with Adam Guetti
New Releases: Novermber 2015
Hopefully you’ve saved up quite a few pretty pennies, because save for a handful of titles in December, November is the last month for massive triple-A releases. Getting things off to a speedy start is EA’s latest reboot in its beloved racing series, Need For Speed. It boosts its way onto store shelves from Thursday November 5.
Alternatively, hold out one more day until Friday November 6 and you can get your hands on Call Of Duty: Black Ops III. This blockbuster shooter means big business, and with a friendlier co-op campaign and zombies, it’s a guaranteed smash hit.
Should you prefer your action with a little more adventure sprinkled in, then direct your eyes to Rise Of The Tomb Raider. Out Tuesday November 10, the Xbox One timed exclusive continues the tale of a hardened Lara Croft during her next expedition while still trying to recover from her first. Also out November 10 is one of the most anticipated games of the year – Fallout 4. Pick up this gigantic RPG and prepare to lose weeks of your life.
The big attraction, however, lands on Thursday November 19 – Star Wars Battlefront. It’ll all go pear-shaped if the servers can’t handle the load, so hopefully the force is with this one.
Finally, wrapping things up on Saturday November 21 is some fun for the whole family via Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash. The Wii U title ditches realism for ridiculousness, but that just means you’re in for a hell of a good time.
News
DOWN DOWN, PRICES ARE DOWN
Good news if you’re looking to buy a PS4 in time for Christmas. Sony has just announced that the 500GB iteration of its high-selling system has dropped from an original RRP of $549.95 to $479.95. “We are delighted to deliver the PS4 system at its best-ever value just in time for the holiday season,” said Jim Ryan, SCEE president and CEO.
A SAD FAREWELL?
Reports are circulating that Hideo Kojima, the creative powerhouse behind the Metal Gear Solid franchise, has left Konami for good – the video game company where he has worked since 1986. So far, Konami denies the allegations and claims the industry celebrity is merely “on vacation”, although the two have had a publicly tumultuous relationship for some time now.
Review Round-Up
Review: Disney Infinity 3.0: Rise Against The Empire (PS4, XBO, Wii U, PS3, 360)
After a month on store shelves, the Star Wars faithful can finally boot up the Disney Infinity 3.0 Play Set they’ve been waiting for, and the good news is that it’s even better than the first.
Based on the original film trilogy, Rise Against The Empire isn’t better merely because it ignores the series’ controversial origin, but because the tale of Luke, Leia and co. is a much more varied experience that jumps between Tatooine, Hoth and Endor.
Fundamental gripes with Infinity aren’t going to disappear, but if you’re after a nostalgic romp, then Rise Against will surely satisfy until the inevitable Force Awakens set.
★★★★☆
Review: Rock Band 4 (PS4, XBOX)
Seven years ago, the sight of plastic Rock Band instruments strewn across the living room wasn’t so much surprising as it was an all-too-common occurrence. After all, this was right in the middle of the incredibly encompassing music rhythm game craze, but in the blink of an eye the bubble had burst and the whole genre vanished. Now Harmonix, the mastermind behind the series, wants to get the band back together with Rock Band 4.
Jumping into Rock Band 4 instantly feels strangely familiar, because… well, it is. In fact, Harmonix seems content set on picking up where it left off five years ago with Rock Band 3 rather than try to innovate the genre – embracing the classic ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ mantra. The thing is, that’s not entirely a bad thing, as the very essence of Rock Band remains as enjoyable as it ever has – capable of luring even the most casual of gamers back into the fold.
Rounding up a few friends for a late-night jam will always prove to be a good time, thanks largely to an impressively varied soundtrack that includes the likes of The Killers, Paramore, Van Morrison and even Elvis Presley. Plus, even if you’re rocking out solo, the new campaign should keep you thoroughly entertained.
The game is not without its faults, however. Some of the drum pads do have a bit of difficulty registering hits from the sticks (an issue which should be fixed through a downloadable patch), and the learning curve once you step up from medium to hard remains a stiff challenge, but neither are deal-breakers that mar the overall experience.
At the end of the day, Rock Band 4 is still very much of the same game you remember, yet after a much-needed hiatus, its return is almost reinvigorating. What’s worth pointing out, however, is the price tag. Pick up the Band In A Box bundle (including the drums, a guitar, a microphone and a copy of the game) and it’ll put a substantial $500 dent in your wallet.
Considering you can buy an entire new-gen console for a lesser amount, to call the investment steep is an understatement. So if you’re keen on retaining all your old songs but need to upgrade your gear, be warned that it’s going to come at a price.
★★★½
