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Tom Orry, Editorial Director – Wolfenstein: The New Order and Axiom Verge, PS4
I’m not sure Wolfenstein will ever end. I just fought a massive mechanical monster, assuming it would wrap things up, but no. On the game goes. This was after coming back from a Moon base. It’s still fun, but I’ll be glad when I can tackle something else in my free time.
I’ve spent most my time this week playing Axiom Verge, a game that I now rank as one of the best on the PS4. I’m not quite sure how this managed to get its hooks into me where other retro-inspired games have failed, but the excellent world design plays a big part. The sense of discovery made me want to keep questing, keen to see what else I’d find. Shame I’m not very good at fighting the bosses.
Brett Phipps, Guides Editor – Axiom Verge bosses, PS4
Resident Editorial top man (not that Topman) Tom Orry recently reviewed Axiom Verge, and as noted, had trouble with some of the bosses.
I’ve been looking forward to Axiom Verge quite a bit, but thanks to an awful lot of games coming out over the past couple of weeks, thought I’d hold off before getting addicted to it. While working on my Dark Souls 2 review, Tom popped in to ask for assistance on one particular boss. After 45 minutes of screaming obscenities in a tiny room (where I could clearly be heard by the entire office), I beat the giant wasp, and was thus hooked on Axiom Verge.
I now find myself in a situation where I “need” to play BloodBorne, Dark Souls 2 and Axiom Verge all at the same time. Oh and now Mario 64, and Destiny, and The Handsome Collection, and Mortal Kombat X is out soon innit? Right… back in September.
Simon Miller, Head Of Video Production – Dragon Age: Inquisition, PS4
Dragon Age: Inquisition is a disappointing video game. It’s certainly not bad, and I completely understand why it’s got the love it has from so many different people, but, once again, it’s just not what I wanted, or was hoping for.
It’s borderline silly to go back to the whole ‘I just wanted Origins 2’ argument which happens almost everytime Dragon Age is brought up, but that’s still the feeling I have when I attempt to allow Inquisition’s world to win me over. Whereas the first in the series felt very focused with a cast of characters, and narrative, that you could easily care about, its two sequels since seem to be obsessed with convoluting the experience.
The fact Inquisition takes so long to get going is proof of just this. Does it need such a big build, when all you’re really doing is running errands? Does there need to be such emphasis on traits that you’re more likely to find in an MMO? Does it need to introduce so many new characters without really fleshing them out properly when there’s plenty of familiar faces who could have filled the role? All three Dragon Age games have felt so different from each other I now find myself in a position where the only aspect that really connects them is the fact they share the same name.
Using its spiritual sibling Mass Effect as an example, that trilogy had a very distinct arc that tied them all together. There was a constant sense that you were heading towards a specific destination one way or the other. It’s just not the same with Dragon Age. The idea that it’s ‘the world’ evolving just isn’t as interesting.
So although it pains me to say it, this is where my Dragon Age journey ends. From the perfection of Origins, to the lacklustre Inquisition. Ah well…
Dave Scammell, News Editor – Bloodborne, PS4
Well, this is awkward. As you’re probably aware, I’ve never been all that taken by the Souls games. But Bloodborne is terrific. It’s amazing. It’s so good, in fact, that I’d say it’s probably worth buying a PS4 for. Maybe. Kind of. Just about.
It’s certainly one of the best experiences I’ve had on a new-gen console, at least, and with 9 bosses down I’m worried it could start to draw to a close fairly soon. Even if you’ve never been a Souls fan I’d implore you to give it a go. Don’t just watch a video on YouTube. Borrow a friend’s copy, give it a rent… Just try it. The combat is far more accessible than Dark Souls, with the extra agility and emphasis on attacking making a huge difference to the way the game feels. The world-building and level design is impeccable, too, with the haunting gothic architecture bringing Miyazaki’s chilling Victorian fantasy to life.
It’s ultimately what Castlevania should be today, and sure, it’s punishing, but it’s also incredibly rewarding, and a game I can’t wait to waste my entire Easter break to this weekend.
