Hardcore Gamer

• XONE
• 5 / 5
• États-Unis

The best game on the Xbox One is not a heavily mo-capped Roman battle simulator; it's not car porn, nor is it a parkour-filled first-person shooter. No, the flagship title on Microsoft's shiny new console is a pixelated, 2D bullet hell game, combining shades of Contra and Braid to make something incredibly special. There is a reason why "fun and games" is a phrase, as the two often go hand-in-hand. Not only is Super Time Force an incredibly deep, challenging game, but it has arguably the greatest "fun-factor" of any 2014 title. This quirky, spastic shooter has rightfully earned its seat at the Indie Game Round Table.

• VITA
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

• VITA
• 4.5 / 5
• États-Unis

Outside of the annoying Minotaur glitch, there’s no major issues to be found in the Vita version of the God of War Collection. As a whole, it is an outstanding way to experience an iconic series on the go. If you have never experienced the first two games of the God of War series, this is a must-have collection for your Vita. These two ports prove that HD re-releases still have the potential to feel like more than cheap money-grabs; the seamless God of War Collection seems like it was meant for a handheld all along. It is absolutely God of War, which is perhaps the greatest compliment of all.

• PS4
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

MLB 14: The Show was a great game a month ago when it came out on PlayStation 3, and it remains so on PlayStation 4. MLB 14 on PS4 is a rare year one sports game on a new console that is both significantly better looking and feature complete with the last generation version. Given that the online play is slightly smoother and the visuals far better, the PlayStation 4 version is the one to get. MLB 14: The Show is still a great game that doesn't do a whole lot new compared to last year's game, but the addition of vastly improved visuals on PlayStation 4 presents a slightly better case to jump in than the PS3 versions does.

• PS4
• 4.5 / 5
• États-Unis

It’s amazing that Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn managed to turn a generally detested game into a great one, but this is proof it's possible. Playing on PS4 is quite the experience as well. Not only does it perform similarly to the PC version, but the developers made sure to create an inviting control scheme for the console audience. This is a game that will take some time to understand, but is definitely worth the investment. Those who already have friends playing have even less reason not to jump in. As far as MMORPGs go, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is at the top of its class.

• PS3
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

The 360 reigned supreme last generation when it came to SHMUPs, leaving PlayStation enthusiasts out in the cold. Over the last 18 months, though, things have gotten better, what with the release of Under Defeat HD, Ketsui and the forthcoming Caladrius Blaze. Hence, UFO and developer MOSS bringing Raiden IV to the PlayStation 3 should be acknowledged with great excitement by fans, as this is one hell of a shooter, even if it is not lighting the world on fire with innovation. The upgradable weapons, tight gameplay, accessible (but challenging) level of difficulty, silkly smooth controls and insidiously addictive OverKill mode all come together to form a game that can’t be missed for genre fans — especially for its steal of a price-tag. Sure, it’s an old game at this point and certainly shows that age in its aesthetic, but its gameplay conventions are rock-solid and time-tested all the same. Simply put, this is the definitive version of Raiden IV. If you’re a fan, there’s a lot to love here.

• PS4
• 3.5 / 5
• États-Unis

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is not only a well above average movie licensed game, but a solid superhero game in its own right. The combat, while entirely unoriginal, is quite enjoyable and features a good sense of variety between its group encounters, stealth sequences, and boss fights. Web-slinging through the city is a blast and the inclusion of out-of-costume moments expands the game's focus to explore more of the character than crime fighting. The story is more often than not a disorganized mess and the presentation is very last gen, but the other aspects of the game mostly make up for these shortcomings. It's by no means a top tier open world game and can be completed in a very short amount of time, but great gameplay makes The Amazing Spider-Man 2 a solid package that's worth playing.

• 3DS
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

• 3DS
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

• PS4
• 3 / 5
• États-Unis

For an HD remake that no one asked for of a game that few people played, Cel Damage HD is actually pretty charming and entertaining. It’s a classic party multiplayer game at its heart and doesn’t do too much to cater to anyone else. No online play and a very short single-player mode might scare away the lone wolves, but it’s a very solid example of the perseverance of local multiplayer. The wacky animations are complemented by the HD polish, oozing character and charm. The physics are loose and forgiving, even under the confinements of the small arenas, offering lots of mobility across multiple kinds of maps. The weapons suffer a lot from balancing issues and the three kinds of modes aren’t all fun, but Cel Damage HD still has a warped, goofy appeal. It’s by no means the best HD remake or car combat game, but for what it is, Cel Damage HD can keep your attention for a while, especially if you’re throwing a party. Like a Saturday morning cartoon, Cel Damage HD isn’t meant to teach or advance anything, but when it comes to dumb, senseless fun, it’s easy to think of many worse options.

• PC
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

The Blackwell series has spanned eight years and as such has developed a devoted following. Blackwell Epiphany had a lot to live up to and could have easily faltered. Thankfully, the game stands strong as one of the best of the series. Rosa and Joey’s tangle with new mysteries and dangers are enormously exciting. It’s sad to see the series go but the satisfying revelations and conclusion makes Blackwell Epiphany a must play.

• VITA
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

Players who want to work their way through dungeons on the go will find Demon Gaze scratches that itch. There are tons of quests to complete, secret areas to uncover, and demons to bring to your team. Cobbling up the best team possible and a good set of weapons and armor is an equally in depth process sure to please genre fans. The biggest hurdle to enjoying the game is simply your tastes for (or tolerance of) copious displays of fanservice. As long as you can handle that then you’re in for a very mechanically sound dungeon crawler with Demon Gaze.

• PS4
• 3.5 / 5
• États-Unis

Trials Fusion is basically what we’ve come to expect from the series, just with a shinier new coat of paint. It’s still the incredibly addictive racer that we’ve come to love, but unfortunately it has a few screws loose. With an editor that lacks the essentials of instructions, a gripping multiplayer experience that’s limited to offline play, a campaign that only gets good in the later second half, and discouraging load times, Trials Fusion is far from perfect. Fortunately for fans, there’s a lot of meat on this bone and should subside your hunger for another Trials game.

• PS4
• 3.5 / 5
• États-Unis

LEGO The Hobbit is a fun little game that serves its purpose well. It’s a good game for kids to play and fans of Peter Jackson’s film trilogy will get a kick out of it. It would have been nice if Traveller’s Tales strived to innovate its LEGO formula and included content from The Hobbit: There and Back Again. It’s a fun game, yes, but never escapes the shadow of better LEGO games.

• PC
• 4.5 / 5
• États-Unis

Ether One might well represent the apex of its particular subgenre. It engages the player at every level they might want to engage it, and rewards them handsomely for plunging into its depths. The art and sound direction are inspired, while the puzzles are complex and stimulating. In the balance of things, it’s easy to forgive a handful of technical mistakes. Ether One explores dementia in a sensitive and affecting manner, and shows the value in a life well-lived (if not well-remembered). Toward the end, I had to fight back a few tears, and it feels refreshing to say that about a game that doesn't compromise on depth.

• XONE
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

• PS3
• 2.5 / 5
• États-Unis

Batman Arkham Origins: Blackgate tries to take what made the main Arkham series exciting and fit it for a 2D Metroidvania game, but the game ends up cutting a ton of corners to compensate for the new design and perspective. The navigation suffers considerably from a disorienting use of varied perspective that never finds a good, settled spot. It certainly makes the game cinematic and multi-layered, but getting around in the game is a struggle because of it. The gameplay mechanics are also very predictable; gadgets are reused from past Arkham games, puzzles are rarely challenging, and the free-flowing combat feels sluggish and awkward without a full 3D view. With its erratic camera, boring puzzles, and bland visual design, Blackgate is an unimpressive Metroidvania that uses the Batman universe well, but doesn’t do much to accommodate the Arkham series’ most iconic gameplay innovations work. It’s certainly passable, but you can find many Metroidvania games that fulfill their gaming ambitions much better.

• PS4
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

At the end of the day, folks who enjoyed the original Strike Suit Zero may want to pick up Director’s Cut, especially because upgrading on Steam is only a few bucks. Those who never got around to playing but have a particular affinity for space combat, missile-spewing mechs and loads of ship customization might also want to be pick up the game. The enhancements here have been extremely well done, with a more coherent and complete campaign, slicker graphics, more content and a fantastically remixed soundtrack. All of this ultimately makes Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut one hell of a game. Sure, it has some flaws, namely its reliance on the same mechanics that never really change over the course of its 10 hour campaign. But even so, Strike Suit Zero: Director’s Cut still manages to pull off a fun experience that blends action-arcade and simulation just enough to please both crowds.