PlayStation 5 – Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection review by Harrison
Available on PlayStation 5 28/1/22 (PEGI 16) 5 Stars
Youth #Gottit View:
Some classic games need to be updated for a modern gaming audience and this is one of them. Looks absolutely stunning and a must play. Highly Recommended!!!
It’s time for yet another instalment of one of the greatest video game series of all time. And by that of course I am talking about Call of Duty Vanguard.
Call of Duty is globally enjoyed by millions and is pretty much the father of all first-person shooter games. Vanguard comes with two versions, the ultimate edition which though may be more expensive is very good as you get a loads of weapon cosmetics as well as a night raid PPSH skin to use in Warzone and Cold War. This newest game is based around the Second World War and includes historical events of heroic efforts made to show the lesser known stories of diversity in that war.
The main character for this latest release is Arthur Kingsley and like every Call of Duty iteration there are brand new weapons, notably the assault rifle STG44, the KAR98K is back and the MP40. These weapons also come with updated features such as the addition of being able to hold up to ten attachments per weapon which really changes the gameplay and adds a lot more customisation and uniqueness when gaming. Along with this comes many new maps, notably as of November 2021 there is Berlin, Decoy, Castle (which looks absolutely stunning with the next gen graphics) and Desert Siege; though there are many more coming plus the returning community favoured map ( Arriving on November 17th which is a good sign for what’s to come).
However, the maps aren’t the only exciting part of the new game. There are also three very important additions to the gameplay. Console gamers can now utilize the newly added FOV Slider, meaning console players can now see more of their surrounding and are in a better place to go toe to toe with the PC players.
Also, the new mechanic added to mounting allows players to strafe whilst mounting allowing them to dodge being hit easier. Finally, the new Blind Firing mechanic is very beneficial and really good fun to use as it works very well and is an incredibly feature while in combat with other players.
Within the Multiplayer mode there are also new addition to Zombies game. As a big Call of Duty Zombies fan, I found the changes to this mode very interesting. To start with, some positives are that the new map (Der Anteing) is very entertaining and is one of the better Zombies maps. The new Perk System is very useful of which (for those who are unaware) you now get the first level of the Perk for free and can level it up with points at a later point. This is an excellent idea as it means you can gain the effects of your favourite perks early on, instead of waiting until a leter point.
I do have a few problems with the latest incarnation of Zombies. Firstly, the new map feels a little small and after a bit they become very repetitive, especially since there are no round based maps. Although this will probably be updated soon as Activation are pretty good at addressing problems, especially seeing as the previous game Cold War had my favourite version of Zombies. Also, it feels like all of the new weapons are very multiplayer based and none of them seem particularly effective in Zombies. Although overall I do enjoy the new Zombies and itching to see future updates for the game mode.
I’m in a very early stage for the new Call of Duty story mode, but from what I’ve played so far it’s very good. The story is set towards the end of the Second World War, with the Nazis discovering that things are no longer in their favour and they are very likely to lose the war.
The British Intelligence send in Lieutenant Arthur Kingsley, (Based loosely on a highly respected historical black serviceman named Sergeant Sidney Cornell) to work alongside Polina Petrova (Also based loosely on a highly respected female Ukrainian sharpshooter called Lyudmila Pavlichenko). These characters are integral to the new story mode, which has been really refreshing to see as it’s one of the first times diversity has been so well represented in a mainstream video game franchise. The gameplay feels very smooth, especially so with the added movement on mounting which really helps players to get through and beat many elements of the game.
Overall, I really enjoy Call of Duty Vanguard and know I will have lots of fun unlocking Camos like the new Atomic Weapon Camo, which looks very clean. Future updates will massivly add to the overall gameplay of Vanguard, but as of release I would rate it 4 stars with my favourite part being the new Blind Fire mechanic which has really assisted with winning many online games already. Although the new FOV slider is very useful too.
This game will not disappointed in the slightest.
Available on PlayStation 5 5/11/21 (PEGI 18) 4 Stars
Youth #Gottit View:
If you’re a Call of Duty fan you wont be disappointed. It’s action packed, has some great new characters/ weapons and upgrades like the FOV slider really add to the gameplay. There are some elements like the Zombie’s section that could do with some enhancements, but I dare say that will be looked at by Activision with future updates. Overall this is a great edition to the Call of Duty Franchise!!!
PlayStation 5 review by Harrison and Con CLICK HERE!!!
PlayStation 5 – Death Stranding Directors Cut review
Have you ever wondered how a postman could save the world by delivering parcels from place A to B, amidst constant attacks from invisible, blind ghosts and a cult of mask-wearing bandits? I’m almost certainly sure that exact question had never crossed your mind until now, yet if it had then you are in luck as that is exactly the premise of Hideo Kojima’s, visual spectacle, Death Stranding.
Being first released in November of 2019, Death Stranding proved to be the marmite of that year’s games as many gamers rushed to praise the creation and many others not being able to contain their disappointment at the first game produced from Kojima productions after their split from Konami. With the brand new Directors Cut where are the ‘supposed issues’ are fixed? And is there enough to warrant the upgrade for returning players?
Well, to answer the first question, yes… and no. The Directors Cut provides players with brand new weapons, abilities, and means of transport allowing players to diversify their experience taking away some of the monotony of travelling, yet the introduction of new abilities only adds to the ease of taking down the BT bosses and the introduction these vehicles have no impact on the opening 10 hours which arguably needed the most restructuring out of any section of the game.
I really enjoyed the addition of the buddy bot, a small Robo-companion whom carries cargo for Sam on his travels. I also really noticed the smoothing out of the combat with stealth takedowns being introduced and the overall game mechanics just feeling cleaner, yet this felt once again like an issue that wasn’t in desperate need of fixing.
I would have loved to see a revamp of the inventory system, even if only slightly; being one of the least enjoyable aspects of the game.
The firing range also provided some fun gameplay, allowing players to test out weapons to their heart’s content while also competing against other players with another great integration to Death Stranding’s multiplayer system.
To answer the second question I would say the Directors Cut will certainly attract returning players to the new upgraded version. If you enjoyed and completed the first edition, the Directors Cut will be a near-perfect game for you; only bettering aspects and not definitely not worsening any of the gameplay.
New vehicles gift players more to have fun with, giving them close to a sandbox experience within the beautiful landscapes if they so wish. The new missions are also exciting and fresh being especially fun to tackle with the previously mentioned new abilities. The fact the upgrade is only £5 at the time of writing this review makes it ever more worthwhile – being a genuine bargain for returning players.
Overall the Directors Cut introduces improvements, yet I feel it could have maybe focused on other aspects which were more widely criticized by some of the early gaming audience. All of that said, the new edition is clearly far superior to its predecessor.
Available on PlayStation 5 24/9/21 (PEGI 18) 3.5 Stars
Youth #Gottit View:
This game is likely to be Marmite within the gaming community – but there’s no denying the brilliance of its unique gameplay/Story/Soundtrack and the PlayStation 5 graphics are absolutely stunning. If you love this game, you’ll really love it!!!
PlayStation 5 review by Harrison and Con CLICK HERE!!!
Available from all good retailers (16 Years +) 3.5 Stars/4 Stars
Youth #Gottit View:
Targeted at gamers – these drinks and the drinking cup are very cool. Always read all of the guidance on drinks like these very carefully and make sure not to exceed one drink maximum per day. New flavours include Cherry Twist and Lemon Sherbet. Cherry Twist was our favourite!!!
Set during the Hundred Year war, Amicia de Rune (A young noble girl) must protect her brother Hugo from the French Acquisition and scared Villagers. They believe his sickness is to blame for the outbreak of a widespread Plague that’s killing the locals as Amicia is forced to run from their home and guide him to safety.
The game is a Third person adventure game in a similar style to the Assassins Creed franchise with lots of running, chasing, puzzle solving and tense moments within the storytelling.
The graphics follow the trend of its other PS5 predecessors, with settings being stunning, finding myself lost in their majesty more than a few times throughout my playthrough. My only criticism is the fluidity and inconsistencies within the facial department, as the game struggles to properly convey expressions, taking away from the amount of emotions the characters can display.
Overall this game is great for fans of adventure games and reminds me especially of the Ezio trilogy in its gameplay and style.
A must play for anyone interested in the middle age era of Europe and all of the superstitions and mystic tales surrounding it.
Available on PlayStation 5 (PEGI 18) 3.5 Stars
Youth #Gottit View:
This is a tense chase game that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Its an upgrade from PS4 to PS5 – but looks really good and plays well!!!
PlayStation 5 review by Harrison and Con CLICK HERE!!!
Available from all good retailers (8 Years +) 4.5 Stars
Youth #Gottit View:
Whether you were there in the 80s for these classic movies/shows or you’re a new fan, only just discovering these iconic titles – the Retro Games are really good fun. A great gifting idea!!!
Being my first entry into the resident Evil franchise, ‘Village’ was both a treat and a mystery to me. I had previously perceived the resident evil games as mass shoot ’em ups but was presently surprised when I was greeted to a much more puzzle/adventure game as Ethan Winters (protagonist of the previous game, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard) is once again thrust into the supernatural world in search of his infant daughter, Rose.
The game begins some 3 years after the events of RE 7, with Ethan desperately attempting to live a normal life with his wife Mia and their newborn daughter, however, as you could probably expect with the Resident Evil games, all does not stay normal for long as Ethan finds himself waking up in the middle of a Romanian forest with no understanding of why he is there. After traversing through many a dead, strung-up crow and several decapitated goat heads, he finds himself faced with a middle ages-esque castle and a seemingly abandoned town to match. After some minor exploration and an attack from what seemed like hundreds of Lycans (werewolves for those who aren’t horror buffs), Ethan uncovers the villager’s weird cult-like obsession with the mysterious ‘Mother Miranda’ as it becomes clear his daughter’s kidnapping is part of a much deeper ploy.
Right off the bat, the game’s settings are beautiful and engaging, taking place in predominantly the castle and village with a couple of other areas sprinkled in for good measure. The beginning is relatively quick, throwing you into the action almost instantly. Many eery characters are introduced, being explored individually later in the game.
The characters are memorable and creepy, with interactions with the 4 lords, especially, being a highlight of the play through. These Lords make up the bosses of the game, with fights feeling unique, keeping me jumping out of my seat constantly. Lady Dimitrescu , the first boss of the game, is by far the best of the 4 Lords, with all 9 foot 6 of her Vampirical maliciousness shining through as Ethan tries to escape her castle. Unfortunately, the game’s highest point is this section with its start being one of the best I have ever played yet proceeds being of slightly less quality. This is a minor criticism, however, with its highs (of which there are many) being incredibly high and its lows being only ‘very good’.
Ethan is an engaging MC and Mother Miranda’s aura alone provides ample reason to fear her. The game is filled with twists and turns with major shocks throughout. There is an abundance of jumpscares, and just enough gunplay to satisfy anything a Resident Evil fan could want. With a playing time of 8 to 10 hours and a new addition of side quests which aren’t usually present within RE games, there is ample content to justify its £50 price tag.
Overall, this may be the best horror game I have ever played!!!
Available on PlayStation 5 7/5/21 (PEGI 18) 5 Stars
Youth #Gottit View:
It’s classic Resident Evil for the modern gamer. Full of Jumpy moments, Big Scares, Weird Creatures and Lots and Lots of Gore. Highly Recommended!!!
PlayStation 5 review by Harrison and Con CLICK HERE!!!