While some momentum-killing levels and technical issues hold Penny's Big Breakaway back from perfection, the killer aesthetics and buttery smooth gameplay loop make the game an undeniable breakout hit.
Telling Lies on Xbox One is not going to be for everyone. It is very much a cinematic, interactive story first and a game second. However, the brilliant performances and top-notch writing that stands among some of Hollywood's best easily makes this a must-play for fans of FMV games or cinema in general.
Ninja Theory's first game as part of Xbox Game Studios - Bleeding Edge - was unleashed onto the world, and needless to say it was not for everyone. While I was personally a big fan of the game overall, many critics and gamers were not. All of this made it abundantly clear that the game wasn't everything players were hoping for from a studio with a reputation as solid as Ninja Theory's, particularly in the single-player community. Honestly, that's totally okay.
SiNKR on Xbox One is a thoroughly satisfying experience, and one definitely worth the play. It may frustrate at times, but the satisfaction that comes from completing a difficult level is rather euphoric. Also, given the easy 1000 Gamerscore on offer, and the low asking price, it's not hard to recommend you spend time with the game. If sinking pucks sounds up your alley, or you just love puzzle games, SiNKR is definitely for you.
Bleeding Edge on Xbox One is just pure fun. It's a tight, fast thrill-ride that keeps me playing which, as someone who predominantly plays single-player, is not easy to do. While it certainly isn't what some fans of Ninja Theory may be expecting, it is still a great first collaboration from what will likely be one of Xbox Game Studios' finest teams.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps on Xbox One is an amazing work of art that happens to double as a truly fantastic game. Moon Studios have outdone themselves here with an emotional, engaging, difficult but above all enjoyable game that should delight gamers everywhere.
Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection on Xbox One is a rock(man)-solid compilation of some classic GBA and DS titles. The presentation is great, the games are incredibly polished and fun, and the value is undeniable.
There are some great ideas, and an admirable aesthetic, but when you can pick up better fighters such as SoulCalibur 6, Mortal Kombat X, Tekken 7 and even Marvel Vs. Capcom Infinite for far less, it's hard to really justify the price.
Foxyland 2 on Xbox One is not a good challenge, as the majority of the difficult moments are due to off controls, poor hit detection and the 1-hit deaths. The aesthetics are great, but the core gameplay is incredibly frustrating
Far-Out on Xbox One is difficult to recommend at the price tag. However, I still had a decent amount of fun with the game. The puzzles themselves are clever, the music is great, the old-school challenge is refreshing and the world-building entertaining. It's just tied up in a package that doesn't work particularly well on the Xbox One.
Darwin Project is a delightfully charming battle royale genre mashup with a distinct Canadian flavor (or should I say flavour). The director adds a level of engagement not found in any other game in the genre, and the tone is whimsically sadistic.
Head of Xbox Game Studios Matt Booty recently dropped a bombshell in a recent interview: The Xbox Series X will not have exclusive games for the first one to two years. The games will, instead, be cross-gen across Series X, One and PC. The response was immediate, swift and unsurprisingly divisive. I’d like, if I may, try to address some of the concerns raised. In order to do this, I must first outline four of the most common talking points among this group and try to bring to light what may be the rationale behind the internal decision at Xbox Game Studios and Microsoft.
The final week of the Horizon Race Off dawns in Forza Horizon 5, yet as we prepare to bid farewell, there is a last hoorah in the shape of the Festival Playlist Weekly Challenges for Series 32 Spring.
