Our verdict on whether Mario Party Superstars is worth your time and money, as well as hands-on with the Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED headset.
With the year rapidly coming to a close, there are plenty more video games vying for your attention and your wallet. Here’s what is worth keeping an eye on.
Mario Party Superstars (Switch)
While Super Mario Party helped steer the beloved Nintendo franchise back onto stable ground after a few misfires, Super Mario Party Superstars provides fans with exactly what they’ve been asking for. This, friends, is a nostalgia trip taking us right back to the N64 where things first began – blending 5 classic boards from the ‘90s console and 100 mini-games that have been cherry picked from all sorts of entries.
We’d be lying if we didn’t admit we got a little warm and fuzzy inside after seeing classic menu screens or hearing the beloved tunes fire up, so it’s to Nintendo’s credit that they didn’t mess around too much with the magic. Thankfully that means things won’t be easy as they were in Super Mario Party, with more expensive stars and a more threatening Bowser. Add in the randomness of Chance Times and bonus stars, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for organised chaos at its finest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDTTZisOtX0
Then there are the mini-games, and while it’s downright impossible to please everyone, we were pretty chuffed with the Mario Party Superstars’ list. Smacking foes in Bumper Balls feels as smooth as it always has, and indulging in the odd game of Tug o’ War still brings back memories of blistered palms.
Sure the game could use more boards and online play will suffer the odd bit of lag, but that shouldn’t detract you from playing what is arguably the definitive Mario Party experience.
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Forza Horizon 5 (Xbox Series X/S, XBO, PC)
The Xbox Series X/S has had somewhat of a quiet year thus far, but boy does that all change with this stellar racer. The Horizon series has always been a smart blend of arcade and simulation sensibilities and Forza Horizon 5 continues to nail that formula.
Exploring the surrounds of Mexico is never a chore thanks to sublime driving mechanics that pack just the right amount of challeng, while the sheer number of events to take part in is astounding. One minute you’ll be speeding down an active volcano, the next barrelling through brutal sandstorms. You’ll almost certainly never be bored, and consistently blown away by how damn good everything looks.
It’s a real testament to the grunt of the Xbox Series X/S and is without question one of the prettiest games of the year. Our only minor gripe is that you can’t seem to skip some of the game’s forced cutscenes/dialogue, but it’s a small price to pay for what is one of the best racing games ever made.
Well-worth checking out, and if you have Xbox Game Pass it’s a no-brainer.
The Jackbox Party Pack 8 (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, XBO, Switch, PC)
When it comes to party-based video games, Jackbox Party Packs have become something of a staple – bolstered by their variety in games and pure simplicity to get up and running. Just one person needs the game, leaving the rest to join in via their phones. This eighth entry is no exception, and will likely go down a treat at whatever shindig you host next.
Five games make up this eigth pack and while they’re not all winners, some will lead to the delightful chaos the series has become known for.
‘Job Job’, for example is a new favourite – throwing you in an office environment as you attempt to answer interview questions with ridiculous prompts – while ‘Drawful Animate’ allows you to get creative with whatever quirky designs your brain can conjure. Both are easy to jump into and will elicit great banter no matter the makeup of your group. Other games like the trivia-focused ‘The Wheel of Enormous Proportions’ are sadly less engaging, while ‘Weapons Drawn’ is bound to require a lengthy explanation before your team of game-players feel properly comfortable with what’s happening.
Like previous Jackbox Party Pack collections, which game appeals most will almost certainly vary wildy from player to player, and that’s totally okay. But as a package that comes in at under 50 bucks it’s still a solid deal and a great way to spend an evening with friends.
Rider’s Republic (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, XBO, PC)
When we first previewed Riders Republic a little while back, we spoke about how Ubisoft were trying to offer gamers pure thrill. Well we’re pleased to report that the final game delivers that in spades.
The game’s biggest strength lies in its flexibility. By providing five extreme sports, the game prevents itself from ever becoming too repetitive. Bored with a bike track you’ve been peddling away at? Don’t sweat it – just throw on your rocket wingsuit and you can instantly blast off from your position and go exploring the beautiful environments at a blistering pace. Few games are able to adapt as quickly as Riders Republic, and we were impressed with how effortless it is to switch between activities.
Then there’s the Mass Races which are equal parts messy and chaotic but always an absolute laugh. By smartly placing them on the hour, it keeps their appeal active – meaning we always wanted to take part.
If you’re a fan of extreme sports Riders Republic contains hours upon hours of enjoyment. Worth a look for everybody else, as well.
You can try and win a copy for yourself right here.
Hands-on with the Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset
Logitech are no stranger to the headset game, and after already releasing their Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless line-up, we now have the G435.
Coming in at about $100 cheaper than it’s older sibling (with a retail price of $199), the G435 borrows much of the same visual flair. Depending on your preference there’s black and neon yellow, blue and raspberry, and off-white and lilac. All three are quite pleasing to the eye but we do prefer the subtle touches of the black and yellow – especially if you plan on using them in an office environment as well.
What’s most surprising about the G435s though is their size. Their reduced bulk might make them look like more of a children’s device, but they actually cupped our ears rather well and because they are so lightweight, meant our head never grew tired of them. Just be gentle – we were never concerned about the plastic frame of the G435, but could imagine they’d be some breakage if you were a little too haphazard with them.
When it comes to actual audio, the headset performs well, but don’t expect it to blow your mind. There’s a decent thump to bass and in-game you get a good sense of clarity, but the whole soundscape won’t be as rich as pricier competitors, or indeed the G733.
Ditching the boom microphone meanwhile does mean you can expect to a bit more background noise, but does pick up your voice quite well during multiplayer sessions for the small amount of real estate it takes up.
All in all, if you’re after a wireless headset that won’t completely blow the bank and can be used for PC and PS5, the Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset is a solid, aesthetically pleasing option.
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