November 18 Review Round-up

November 18 Review Round-up
Tom Orry Updated on by

Posted in News

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November 18 is no ordinary release day. It may well be the busiest Friday (and Tuesday) we’ve seen in quite some time. If you’ve struggled to keep up with all the games out today, here’s our handy round-up of the biggest titles along with our reviews.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

What we said:

“Skyward Sword is Nintendo’s most time- and workforce-intensive project yet, and it shows in every hour you spend with it. It’s a masterful blend of taut design and boldly non-traditional controls, an adventure liberally studded with memorable moments it would be remiss to spoil. Your favourite Zelda is usually your first. For many, come November 18, that won’t be the case any longer.”

Score: 10/10 – Read full review

Super Mario 3D Land

What we said:

“It is, then, a step back and a leap forward. As a gateway drug for those reluctant to embrace Mario in three dimensions, Super Mario 3D Land should be a huge success. And if Nintendo does manage to convince that audience, that’s something for us all to be excited about. After all, next time, he won’t have to wait around for anyone to catch up.”

Score: 9/10 – Read full review

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations

What we said:

“So, for the first time, a new Assassin’s Creed game is worse than its predecessor, the first time the short development period has had a noticeable impact on the game’s quality. It’s a game of nearlies and might-have-beens: summed up by the hookblade, a supposedly key new feature which in practice merely extends Ezio’s reach slightly, and allows him to glide down the occasional zipline. Its setting, while evocatively realised, is less interesting than before, and its systems and feedback loops just aren’t as satisfying as they used to be. As much as I’ve enjoyed spending three games with one of gaming’s most charismatic leads, perhaps it is time he – and Ubisoft – moved on.”

Score: 7/10 – Read full review

Halo Combat Evolved – Anniversary

What we said:

“Bungie’s iconic title was clearly an ambitious project, and this modern remastering sufficiently highlights what it was that made the original Halo: Combat Evolved such a landmark gaming moment to begin with. With Halo 4 perched on the horizon, now is a perfect time to look back before the series heads forwards.”

Score: 8/10 – Read full review

Saints Row: The Third

What we said:

“Ceaselessly crass and juvenile it may be, but then Saints Row: The Third has no higher purpose than to entertain you in the most ridiculous way possible – though that in itself is a lofty ambition. Its surprisingly clever and thoughtful design ensures that it succeeds – and then some. It is, as I said before, very smart at being stupid.”

Score: 8/10 – Read full review

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7

What we said:

“LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 may strike players familiar with the LEGO series as a bit samey to begin with – especially anyone who played Years 1-4. But thanks to the strength of its stories, its fat pack of content and its irresistible charm, even those initially resistant to the prospect of another three terms at Hogwarts are likely to be won over. TT has produced yet another fantastic movie tie-in video game and I am a little stumped about which film or literary license the developer could turn its talents to next. I have to confess, though, I’m looking forward to seeing the result.”

Score: 8/10 – Read full review

Need for Speed: The Run

What we said:

“Need for Speed: The Run certainly isn’t terrible, and a big improvement on Black Box’s previous effort, Undercover, but it needed more moments like the avalanche and less monotonous freeways. With the campaign over in an afternoon and the rest of the package failing to offer anything to keep you playing, The Run is some decent throwaway fun that will be forgotten as soon as you move on to something else.”

Score: 6/10 – Read full review

Big games out November 18: