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issue 123 june 2016 £5.99 gamesradar.com/opm

world exclusive hands-on! 4 mirror’S reviewed! Has Nathan Drake Massive Catalyst struck gold again? playtest, because you gotta have Faith…

All-slime classic gets reinvented on PS4

exTended plaY! III: It’s GtA IN NEW ORLEANs! 2 breaks cover aT lasT Final FanTasY xv AND AbLE: EuRO 2016 pREDICtED New screens, new secrets, new movie

ISSUe 123 / JUne 2016 welcome Future Publishing Ltd, Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA, tel +44 (0) 1225 442244 fax: +44 (0) 1225 732275 es, you are staring at the ghost of email [email protected] @OPM_UK web www.gamesradar.com/opm oPM past. yes, my doughy frame does eDItoRIaL bear an uncanny resemblance to the acting editor Ben Wilson @Benjiwilson Y Managing art editor Milford Coppock @milfcoppock production editor Andrew Westbrook @andy_westbrook 1984 manifestation of Gozer. Don’t, however, staff writer Jen Simpkins @itsJensim staff writer Ben Tyrer @bentyrer go calling 555-2368. I’m merely filling in ContRIBUtoRS while editor Matt takes a spring break, words Jenny Baker, Ben Borthwick, Matthew Clapham, Edwin Evans-Thirlwell, Matt Elliott, Jordan Farley, David Houghton, Leon Hurley, Daniella Lucas, Ben Maxwell, and in doing so helping the team source Dave Meikleham, James Nouch, Louis Pattison, Matthew Pellett, Rhiannon Rees, Sam Roberts, Matt Sakuraoka-Gilman, spook-tacular exclusives such as the first Chris Schilling, Tom Sykes, Robin Valentine, Iain Wilson design Rob Speed hands-on with Ghostbusters on PS4. aDVeRtISIng Making an official tie-in is one of the commercial sales director Clare Dove advertising director Andrew Church toughest challenges in all of gaming, and our account manager Steve Pyatt advertising manager Michael Pyatt tale of new studio Fireforge’s efforts with for ad enquiries contact [email protected] maRKetIng this one begins on p52. Additionally, we look Group marketing manager Laura Driffield game of the month Marketing manager Kristianne Stanton Ghostbusters PS3 back at 36 years of PkE-tracing, Egon- PRoDUCtIon & DIStRIBUtIon ghoStBUSteRS faVe production controller Vivienne Calvert Stay Puft Marshmallow Man worshipping goodness in the complete production manager Mark Constance printed in the uK by Ghostbusters chronology, from p58. All William Gibbons & Sons Ltd on behalf of Future distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd, 2 East Poultry Avenue, without a “who you gonna…” joke in sight. EC1A 9PT, Tel: 0207 429 4000 overseas distribution by Seymour International (Don’t say it. Don’t even think it.) CIRCULatIon trade marketing manager Juliette Winyard – 07551 150 984 From uncharted territory to Uncharted SUBSCRIPtIonS territory: we also have the first review of uK reader order line & enquiries 0844 848 2852 overseas reader order line & enquiries +44 (0)1604 251045 Drake’s latest. Is it also his greatest? Flick online enquiries www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk email [email protected] to p74 to see. Plus playtests of Mafia III, LICenSIng 003 senior licensing & syndication manager Matt Ellis Mirror’s Edge Catalyst, Final Fantasy XV and [email protected] +44 (0)1225 442244 Fax +44 (0)1225 732275 “wE’VE PLAyED more. It’s a privilege to be haunting these management managing director Joe McEvoy GHoSTBUSTERS pages once more. Enjoy the mag. editorial director Matt Pierce group art director Rodney Dive Deputy group art director Mark Wynne oN PS4 – AND secure The ABC combined print, digital and digital publication your copy of circulation for Jan-Dec 2015 is Look BACk oN 29,855 (Print 26,659 Digital 3,196) opM #124 + 20 A member of the Audited Bureau of Circulations 36 yEARS IN light bar decals Ben Wilson Subscribe on p66 THE CoMPLETE actinG editor by 18 May [email protected] Future is an award-winning international media group and leading digital business. We reach CHRoNoLoGy.” @Benjiwilson more than 49 million international consumers a month and create world-class content and advertising solutions for passionate consumers online, on tablet & smartphone and in print.

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All contents copyright © 2015 Future Publishing Limited or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored, transmitted or used in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath, BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price and other details of products or services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any changes or updates to them. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Future a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine, including licensed editions worldwide and in any physical or digital format throughout the world. Any material you submit is sent at your risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future nor its employees, agents or Jen Simpkins Ben tyrer andy Westbrook milford Coppock subcontractors shall be liable for loss or damage. staff writer staff writer production editor ManaGinG art editor Spent month “hella salty” Barely slept for a full week Favourite birthday present Finally graced us all with We are committed to over being “bodied” on “the while playing Ghostbusters from the team? Not his his karaoke rendition of only using magazine paper which is derived new hotness.” In English: PS4 and reviewing TMNT Funko Pop. Nor his Back In The USSR. Team from well managed, lost a couple of Street Uncharted 4. The ultimate bottle of pricey plonk. His verdict: 7/10. Hey, it’s certified forestry and chlorine-free Fighter V matches online. first world problem. Euro 2016 sticker album. still a good score. manufacture. Future Publishing and its paper suppliers have game of the month game of the month game of the month game of the month been independently certified in accordance Dark III Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End Stikbold Tom Clancy’s The Division with the rules of the FSC (Forest ghoStBUSteRS faVe ghoStBUSteRS faVe ghoStBUSteRS faVe ghoStBUSteRS faVe Stewardship Council). Gozer Egon Spengler Librarian Ghost Peter Venkman highlights The big 10 006 MAFIA III It’s GTA in New Orleans! Hop in the passenger seat as we cruise through the Deep South. preview 032 FInAl FAntAsy XV Digging up demo secrets ahead of the main game’s release in September. preview 040 MIrror’s EdgE CAtAlyst Pain in the glass or miraculous return to form? Find out as we playtest Faith’s latest. feature 052 ghostbustErs One of the ‘80s most iconic film franchises takes its PS4 bow – and we’ve gone hands-on. review 074 unChArtEd 4: A thIEF’s End scouring our way through nate’s greatest adventure yet, as he braces himself for one final treasure hunt. review 080 III Thought Ghostbusters’ library ghost was terrifying? Now try the hellscape of Lothric. review 088 rAtChEt & The luscious Lombax and his robot chum return in glorious HD-o-vision. sUBsCRiBE NOW! Want something not-so-strange delivered directly to your gamesradar.com/opm neighbourhood on a monthly twitter.com/OPM_UK basis – and two free pop! .com/OfficialPlayStationMagazine Vinyls to boot? turn to p66…

044 043 080 THE Games index 087 AdAM’s VEnturEs: orIgIns 064 bAtMAn 099 broForCE 080 dArk souls III 106 dEMon’s souls 098 dIrt rAlly 099 EA sports uFC 2 040 086 EntEr thE gungEon 100 FAllout 4 032 FInAl FAntAsy XV 042 FurI 052 ghostbustErs 045 god EAtEr: rEsurrECtIon 045 god EAtEr 2: rAgE burst 114 guItAr hEro 2 032 074 104 hItMAn 044 hyp Er lIght drIFtEr 036 l : AWAkEns 046 loVEly plAnEt 109 MAd MAX

006 MAFIA III 005 046 MEkAzoo 092 MI nECrAFt story ModE: 084 EpIsodE 5 040 MIrror’s EdgE CAtAlyst 095 Mlb: thE shoW 16 087 MXgp 2 087 nItro+ blAstErz 088 rAtChEt & ClAnk 094 rÉpublIquE 046 sErAph 068 088 036 093 sEVErEd 043 sh ErloCk holMEs: thE dEVIl’s dAughtEr 038 4 064 south pArk: thE FrACturEd but WholE 094 stIkbold 068 strEEt FIghtEr V 085 046 s Word Art onlInE: holloW rEAlIzAtIon 046 tAlEs oF bErsErIA 018 tItAnFAll 2 064 tMnt: MutAnts In MAnhAttAn 105 toM ClAnCy’s thE dIVIsIon 085 trACkMAnIA turbo 074 unChArtEd 4: A thIEF’s End sEcTions aT a GlancE 084 uEFA Euro 2016 THE prEviEws fEaTurEs rEviEws nETwork rETro 094 unEpIC biG 10 Latest info, screens To-the-point, In-depth verdicts on Max out your PS4, sTaTion 064 t hE WAlkIng dEAd: All the hottest news and playtests detailed analysis every big new game online and off Classics revisited sEAson 3 010 WWE 2k17 006 031 048 074 097 106 012 zEro tIME dIlEMMA This is what it’s all about – taking down goons in the hazy southern sun. Though cover-shooting is the simplest of many approaches.

006

the late ’60s setting brings a lot of heavy themes, and isn’t shying away from any of them. 10 Taking cover which star gets the 2K17 glory? 14 Tick, Tick, boom! guile joins the street fighter v roster. 16 french connecTion The BigoPm plays through 10 the euros on Pes. STorieS everyone’S Talking aBouT organised crime goes in 007 new bordeaux hands-on confirms that when it comes to story, you’re the boss

this could be as a microcosm for america’s the year that late ’60s troubles, Clay brings a mafia finally clip-full of heavy themes with him, makes it big. and hangar 13 isn’t shying away with a solid from any of them. foundation also unmistakable is mafia’s 01 in 2004’s trademark sense of a time and Ps2 original, place, this time brought to life last-gen’s blended sublime, through the city of new bordeaux. snappy combat with silky smooth it’s okay, you can say new orleans driving, while its fantastic period – to all intents and purposes, that’s soundtrack made its tremendously basically what it is. the locale teems evocative ‘50s world one in which to with startling atmosphere and truly wallow. it never quite nailed the period detail, the iconic melodies of full open-world experience, however, the flower power era permeating playing like a linear action game its every corner, flooding the action- (albeit a great one) with brilliant set adventure with discordant tones of dressing. but that’s all changing for joy and upheaval. this third instalment. series fans need not worry. new Southern diScomfort developer hangar 13 – taking over what has changed is the way you from original creator Czech, navigate mafia’s dense, historical while absorbing a fair few of that storytelling. no longer does that studio’s staff – isn’t losing sight of world speed by as background what has made these mob tales so detail while you race through a rigid beloved. the thoughtful, grown-up campaign structure. in mafia iii, narrative remains, this time carried freedom, choice and possibility are into 1968 by new protagonist at the core of everything. lincoln Clay, a vietnam vet and ex- and don’t go thinking that hangar member of the black mafia. acting 13 has muddied new bordeaux Sim city for all its arcadey handling, the tech underpinning mafia iii’s smooth driving is running a seriously powerful The Big 10 simulation. it can even detect tyre temperature and the weight of the STorieS everyone’S Talking aBouT remaining gas in the tank.

with unrelated side-missions and route to your quarry; or enjoy threat of imminent violence from goofy, diversionary escapades. a freeform blend of the two. it a furious irishman implies there everything you do is part of the doesn’t matter, so long as they go might be major, game-changing main story, and every action pushes down. hell, you could even remotely consequences down the road. you forwards along lincoln’s path plant C4 in just the right spot, or of revenge against the italian mob recon the block for a convenient Self-made man who betrayed his crew. it’s just sniping spot and then walk away as while waiting to discover what that every objective now has many if a ghost. hangar 13’s motto for those consequences might be, angles of attack, taking in a raft of mafia iii is “no failure but death,” and however, there’s plenty to keep disparate, eclectic possibilities, wide the game’s robust, accommodating lincoln busy, such as robbing italian open to be tackled by any means combat systems live up to that businesses for big financial scores; you can dream up. imagine hectic, through every cover-based or creeping past gangsters as they guerrilla-style street combat with a shootout, explosive booby trap and beat up protesting hippies and lay dash of hitman’s strategic forward silent underworld takedown. concrete foundations enhanced planning, and you’re getting close. those three lieutenants of with dead bodies; or tapping the yours add an extra layer of phone lines of mafia strongholds Street fighter possibility by way of the perks they to get information that might help to bring down the presiding power, furnish in return for your favour. persuade opposing bosses to join lincoln, aided by three lieutenants handing out stolen territory to your burgeoning empire rather – the gangland bosses of the your trusted heavies earns you than take a bullet to the skull. city’s smaller irish, haitian and everything from noise-making lures even mafia iii’s more scripted, italian crews – has to steadily and and on-demand delivery trucks full set-piece-driven missions – which progressively snatch control of its of guns and ammo, to dial-a-goon cap off the take-down of each key various rackets that are dotted hit squads for heavy assaults, racket – offer plenty of scope for 008 about the city. this means reducing plus plenty of health and armour authorship. do you infiltrate that to zero the income that each support. Just make sure you treat hotel penthouse by driving straight sideline brings in, via a rich array them fairly. if any one of them ever into the underground car park of different methods. each target feels betrayed by favouritism, in a known mobster’s (recently hit cuts the mob’s profits by a set events can turn very ugly. how stolen) ride, and then nonchalantly amount, and you’re free to strike ugly, we haven’t yet seen, but a take the elevator up? or do you any that take your fancy, as long make a statement in the lobby with as you get the job done. a machine gun and a handful of supply trucks can be destroyed every objecTive has grenades? there are many stories in madcap road battles. italian to be told in mafia iii, but every enforcers can be hunted down at many angles, open To be one of them will be your own. their hideouts, and assassinated Tackled by any means in any way you wish. blaze through sold on mafia’s mature sandbox action their goons first; find a stealthier you can dream up. or prefer it crazier? Tweet @opm_uk.

■ cars, lights, signposts: environmental details deliver a brilliantly lived-in world.

The series has always had a classy, period feel. They’re like sumptuous holiday destinations. ■ The nights are as moody as the days are bright. just look at that lighting. mafia iii’s combat is always satisfying, but the death animations really make it sing.

009

■ We’re not sure exactly who this guy is, but anyone hanging around in an underground car park, smoking, wearing a hat, has to be a tad dodgy. right?

mafia iii might well have the shiniest cars on ps4. Well, until the bullets start flying, at least. wwe 2k16’s Community Creations options give a good sense of who’ll be on 2k17’s roster.

010 Superstars fight for WWE 2K17 glory Cover campaigns begin as new roster additions emerge

In the world of one of many self-nominations in a list working his ass off all year, through WWE, the end of that includes The Miz, the Dudley all the boos and the cheers”). WrestleMania Boyz, The New Day and The biggest surprise? WWE’s top season is regarded (whose partner Emma suggested heel with a selfless 02 as the beginning of that they appear together as the response: “The New Day. Those guys a new year of “newest power couple of WWE”). took themselves from being an act storylines. Here in the videogame “NXT Champion Finn Balor,” smiles that could hardly get on the Kick-Off world, it means something else, too: Balor, following suit. What if he no wwe talk show at one point, and now they’re “ and the countdown to the next WWE longer holds the NXT title at 2K17’s deserve one of the biggest things in WWE game has begun. launch? Balor to be on the cover of and one of the most entertaining Though official barely pauses. the next videogame acts we have.” , meanwhile, announcement of roman “Maybe WWE because there’s no wants a Hall Of Famer to grace the WWE 2K17 is still reigns has World Heavyweight bigger box office front: “I would love to see Eddie yet to arrive, the Champion Finn attraction in the Guerrero; a great talent and legend.” been working wwe. as the saying debate over who Balor?” he says. goes: ‘Then, now and should be the next his ass off. Not everybody’s forever.’ brock Lesnar the new fray cover star has interested in self- is the conquerer of Regardless of the superstar who already started in the locker room. glory, however. Presenter Renee ’s gets the cover glory (we expect At WrestleMania, we met with more Young tips Dean Ambrose, Jake ‘The undefeated streak. Brock Lesnar), the game itself why would you deprive than 20 superstars to find out who’s Snake’ Roberts fancies the gaming audience should feature many new roster the most deserving of the glory. because he’s “unique,” of the privilege?” additions thanks to waves of popular “I’ll say point blank that I’m the picks , for his “bang-up NXT signings and call-ups to Raw. Paul heyman hardest working man in the WWE,” job” as champ, and both Usos are advocate for brock Lesnar A near-total overhaul of the boasts Ryback, justifying himself – hoping for (“he’s been women’s division is place to Being drawn in as well as the Cgi movie, ffXV is getting a five-part series called brotherhood, which acts as a prequel to the game. You can The Big 10 watch episode one right now for free on YouTube. STorieS everyone’S Talking aBouT

These guys look like they don’t dilly-dally shilly-shally about.

Final Fantasy film’s Stark surprise 011 Sean Bean and Aaron Paul front Kingsglaive cast

Ever heard the friends the good guys have are also one about Jesse under occupation from the empire, from Breaking Bad including the Oracle Lunafreya Nox walking into a bar Fleuret (Lena Headey) – who is also 03 with Ned Stark and Noctis’ betrothed, and can speak Cersei Lannister to the giant god-like Archaens. from Game Of Thrones? It ends with It sounds even more complicated start: Charlotte, the punchline, “and then they filmed than the plot of Thrones, and those and emerged from a new Final Fantasy movie.” Except who’ve seen previous (mildly WrestleMania as three of WWE’s here’s the curious thing: we’re not bonkers) films Spirits Within and biggest stars as they fought for the joking. They’re all Advent Children new WWE Women’s Championship. due to star in can’t be blamed Their inclusion is a must, as is that Kingsglaive – a CGI The PLoT for approaching of NXT favourites and Asuka. movie set to run soUnds more this with an air Then consider the hiring of AJ alongside the of even deeper Styles and Apollo Crews, the return events of FFXV. ComPLiCaTed cynicism. But with of the Dudley Boyz and Alberto Del While the game Than game such star power Rio, plus NXT talent such as Shinsuke follows Noctis and attached, it Nakamura, Austin Aries and his band of merry of Thrones. should at least American Alpha – all sure to feature. men after they prove watchable. And since WWE 2K16’s DLC featured leave the crown city of Lucis, the film Kingsglaive hits Japanese cinemas the preceding Hall Of Fame class, will concentrate on King Regis (Sean in July, but there’s no word on a UK don’t bet against new inductees Big Bean), who remains in the city as it release yet and sadly the actors Boss Man, The Godfather, The comes under attack by the invading won’t be reprising their roles for Fabulous Freebirds, Jacqueline and Niflheim empire. As with most things the game. Expect some mismatched Stan Hansen being added too. Last Final Fantasy, it’s all about gaining voices, then, but any additional year’s record-breaking roster could the power of magical crystals. Nyx slices of that delicious FFXV world soon look positively tiny… Ulric (Aaron Paul) is the leader of the can only be a good thing. Kingsglaive, which are basically fancy we’ll bring you the first look at wwe knights, and is tasked with trying to for our extended playtest of the new 2k17 and its new cover star this summer. slow the empire’s advances. The only final fantasy XV demo, flick to page 32. You need six passwords to escape. to unlock one, somebodY has to die… (Coin) Flipping out “There really is a 50-50 chance,” says director Kotaro Uchikoshi of random outcomes for those keen to 100% ZTD. “If you’re The Big 10 really unlucky, you might have to continuously replay some scenes.” STorieS everyone’S Talking aBouT

■ Every scene is fully voiced, so you ■ Junpei, Akane, Phi and Sigma all return can “play without reading” if you want. from previous Zero Escape games. meet ps Vita’s next best game 013 Zero time dilemma is a sight for saw eyes

phi is locked three live rounds and three blanks, inside an and you don’t know which one you’ll incinerator, get. the outcome is completely sigma is random, meaning that the series strapped to famed for its split-path stories a chair with (it took more than 30 hours to see 04 a revolver them all in Virtue’s last reward), to his head, now has more branches than ever. and you’re told that pulling the the addition of luck isn’t the only trigger will release phi before she’s major change to the formula. the flame-roasted. what do you do? nine stars are assigned to one of that’s just one conundrum you’ll face three teams, each trapped in a in new ps Vita narrative adventure different ward. to escape, they’ll Zero time dilemma, the sequel to need to uncover six passwords – to the excellent Virtue’s last reward. get one, someone must drop dead. like the previous games in the series, Zero time dilemma locks nine time to die people inside a facility and asks you a memory-wiping serum injected to solve puzzles and make choices into the protagonists on a regular to help them escape. and continuing basis means you won’t get to follow the trend established in Vlr and its these teams’ fates chronologically. (sadly non-) prequel nine instead, you pick story fragments hours, nine persons, nine doors, from a floating menu, unravelling the those choices you make are going tale non-linearly and piecing together to mean certain characters will die. the plot as you go – think memento meets saw. it’s set to challenge the chance chance revolution very top of our ps Vita hall of Fame. Yet there’s a major twist in the above scenario: chance. the is bringing Zero Time chamber of that revolver contains Dilemma to UK PS Vitas on 28 June. the big shot eagle-eyed analysis

Guile can walk forwards while retaining his charged specials (but he resembles an arse-dragging dog).

014 SFV Guile comes with sunglasses already on. Bad news for fans of the game’s best taunt.

Not pictured is his V-Skill: a floaty yellow landmine, perfect for controlling space and wake-up. Guile be back in Street Fighter V Gaming’s baddest flat-top returns At last, the US’s inflatable castle. Jump in on Guile? most super You’re getting pwned. soldier (don’t Other contenders are inbound, argue) is back in too. Balrog, Urien, Ibuki and Juri 05 Street Fighter V. are planned for 2016, with six Guile was one of more characters coming in 2017. the original eight characters in If we don’t get Oro, we’ll be Street Fighter II, and he’s as flipping tables with our free arm. American as bald eagles, pepper Also – finally! – a proper rage spray and putting mac and quit system will be implemented, cheese on everything. If you’re punishing players with high not familiar with him, Guile’s disconnect rates. (You’re right to famous for his unshakeable love look red-faced, World Combo…) of justice, immaculate hair and defensive capabilities that make Guile formed (the best) part of Fort Knox look like a child’s April’s update for Street Fighter V. number game we do the maths $330m Amount The Division generated on release – fastest-selling new IP ever.

5-5Aggregate FIFA Interactive World Cup result, won by Denmark (away goals). 100+ Countries expected to be represented at this year’s E3 trade show.

015

38.3The beefy file size, in gigabytes, of baseball sim MLB The Show. 10,000,000 Number of copies of Final Fantasy XV that expect to sell. 30/09 The flash kick’s still deadly, The aforementioned, much-desired while Guile’s V-Trigger Final Fantasy XV releases on this date. chucks out a flurry of Sonic Booms.

335New max Light in Destiny after the spring update.

Best buddy Nash sacrificed himself to save Guile, so we can’t wait for them to be reunited. $8.00 How much a Rocket League stressball costs from the official store. If ps4 Croatia can win it, surely real life england can triumph this summer, right?

016 Croatia conquer Euro 2016 Cacic’s lads crowned champs as we recreate the Euros in PES

What a year Slaven Upon firing up the recently added precious points. Chin up, Roy – Bilic is having. First tournament, we immediately select there’s a Battle of Britain to play! he guides West Roy’s boys, mostly to make the poor Yes, ’s most eye-catching Ham to their best Scotsman writing this piece cry salty tie is up next, with England nabbing 06 Premier League tartan tears [not that former OPM bragging rights over Wales in the finish in more than news ed Meiks is the bitter type home nations derby, thanks to a a decade. And then his virtual *cough*]. As PES 2016 automatically thrilling 4-3 win courtesy of braces countrymen only go and lift the sorts all 24 sides into their officially team talk by Kane and Vardy. Get benched, “england’s default silverware at the Euros in France… drawn groups, setup is a breeze, lineup might be Wayne. Indeed, Rooney continues well, in PES 2016’s and it’s not long outdated – Gibbs to pluck splinters from his ample free DLC update, Ireland before this young at left-back?! – but derrière in a 0-0 snore draw with at least. England outfit the strikers did the Slovakia, as England finish third Some make the spIrIt are fit and firing business. roy’s boys in the group. Fortunately, thanks bookmakers may into action. were sent packing to that oh-so-forgiving 24-team of roy keane’s from the last 16, have them pegged Well, that’s as but the lads up top format, Roy’s boys manage to as a 25/1 shot hobo beard soon as we get a weren’t to blame. scrape through regardless. Phew. for this summer’s very proud. pesky 2-1 loss to between them, vardy Gallic soccer Russia out of the and kane scored Brit your teeth extravaganza, but such trivial way. Despite Jamie Vardy wasting no seven in three starts. With France, Germany, Spain, Italy sorry, sturridge. also, numbers mean little to Mario time cashing in his goal tokens with I totally started Jonjo and Portugal all topping the other Mandžukic and his buddies, who a deftly placed header, the Leicester shelvey. blame me.” groups, the last 16 is a more positively shine as we recreate Euro hitman’s efforts are in vain after daunting prospect than asking Luis dave meikleham 2016 in ’s kickabout. God, second half goals from Dzagoev former news editor, opm Suarez to rub suntan lotion on your it seems, is a Croatia fan. and Dzyuba give the Ruskies three neck… with his teeth. zlat traCk BullY last time opm recreated the euros, in 2012, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the Golden boot winner. he did it again The Big 10 this time, outshooting everyone with six goals. STorieS everyone’S Talking aBouT

info patches update your brain

■ pes’ euro licensing is patchy, but at least it gets the pot right.

despite the latter only having 39% possession during their 3-1 win. The current World Cup holders Can Yuz Believe it? aren’t the only goliath to crumble in you’ll be wallowing in the filth of ’s the quarters. The Swiss sink Spain underground come 2017, with prequel yakuza 2-1, with that man Shaqiri netting 0 hitting european consoles. While you’ll still the winner. All these upsets lead to a be able to take control of main protagonist kazuma, for the first time in the main series, distinctly fresh looking set of semis, you’ll also slip into the luxurious, unhinged as Sweden meet Switzerland and shoes of ‘mad dog’ Goro majima. Croatia battle Ireland. That not-so- fab four is then quickly cut to two, the Swiss sending the Swedes 017 packing 3-0 before Croatia crumple Irish hearts by beating Martin O’Neill’s side 4-1 on pens.

Final Fever Ladies and germs, we give you the Euro 2016 final: Switzerland versus Croatia. Hooray for the least glamorous decider ever (we’ve blotted 2004 from our brains). Despite the Swiss leading twice Move over, Mozart and the Shaq attack laying on a While Classic fm isn’t our usual go-to station, cracking assist, two late goals by we’re happy to see that some of our favourite gaming themes have made it into its hall of Still, the big boys don’t have it Marcelo Brozovic ultimately win it for fame. the delightful everybody’s Gone to entirely their own way, with an the Croats. While those parties rage the rapture soundtrack by Jessica Curry unbeaten, Shaqiri-inspired on in the streets of Zagreb, why not ascends to #268, while is the Switzerland impressing in Group A slap all of your savings on the real highest new entry at #144. – bask in that reflected glory Stoke. Croatia winning this summer’s Elsewhere, Ireland have made the Euros? C’mon, Uncle OPM would spirit of Roy Keane’s hobo beard never steer you wrong… proud in Group E, edging over the line in their final fixture with a for our definitive verdict on pes’ take resounding 3-0 win over the Italians on euro 2016, nutmeg your way to p84. thanks to a Jonathan Walters hat-trick. Truly, this tourney belongs to Potters fans everywhere. Despite the seemingly strong knock-out lineup, however, the last 16 springs some juicy shocks. Italy fall to Croatia, Ireland end the host’s dream in a ludicrously dominant 2-0 Hoops, Here it is We have carball, but now it’s time for rocket display over France, while England league to add basketball into the mix. hoops are soundly beaten 3-1 by Germany. adds a new arena and mode to the multiplayer That last one’s a total surprise, classic, in which the goal is a giant hoop right? Kindly old Roy can at least rather than a net. We suspect it’ll be worth take comfort when the Germans ■ despite being hacked to bits, putting in the hours practising flying to get crash out to Croatia in the quarters, old ‘arry kane had a fine tourney. some slam (on the brakes) dunks. Mech it a double: Titanfall is back Slaughterbots respawn for PS4 debut

PS4 has utterly The presence of such a prominent, rocked this pointy object suggests robot generation. So combat now focuses more on much so that melee attacks than the gun-based 07 we’ve barely ever scuffles of the original. looked over the fence to enviously glance at what don’t be a hero might be growing in the garden Rumours also point to Titanfall of green. A rare exception 2 featuring a beefier, more came in 2014, with Respawn narrative-led single-player Entertainment’s Titanfall, a frenetic component, something the trailer multiplayer blaster backs up. “The that focused on problem with being velvety smooth ThE muRdER a hero is you have parkour. That, boTS ARE bAck, to be willing to and giant sodding die for what you mechs. The And noW ThEY’RE believe in,” growls sequel’s been PAckIng gIAnT a miffed South confirmed as African narrator. PS4-bound for a SWoRdS. “If I were you… while, but a new I wouldn’t try so teaser trailer means we now have hard.” Yup, it certainly sounds a vague idea of what to expect. like there will be more plot (and Shock horror – Titanfall 2 a clearer bad guy) to sink your focuses on great big murder bots. chompers into between all the This time, though, they’re packing mech-on-mech destruction. With swords. The ever-so-brief an official unveiling set for the EA shows an exotic jungle crawling Play event during next month’s with mysterious alien beasties – E3, these robots won’t be in a big departure from the war-torn disguise much longer. drop pods look like cities of the first game – before they’re back to deliver cutting to a crashed drop pod and A mcFarlane Toys tie-in press release suggests Titanfall 2 is out this winter. AI and human fighters a mech wielding one hell of a blade. to the battlefield.

Is Skyrim PS4-bound? the rumour machine A supposedly leaked our sources understand… photo shows it in the PS Now store. Norwegian midfielder PS4 A Polish gaming Mirror’s Edge Andrine Stolsmo hints abound, website suggests Remastered? Hegerberg’s “#fifa17” as one The Witcher Hopefully that Instagram post suggests insider 3’s Blood And now-removed Norway’s national women’s teases Wine DLC screenshot of side is getting the call-up a Nordic may release an Amazon UK from EA next season. theme. on 7 June. listing was legit. One MOre encOre Are traditional peripherals dead? Ranyard says no: “One thing that VR lacks is tactile feedback – you PlayStation do get that with peripherals.” Don’t smash those placcy Guitar voices axes just yet, then. the month in mouthing off

“ Former SingStar boss Raynard is a was like my big convert to PS teens. Didn’t VR’s hymn sheet. realise you could have sex with the other characters.” Sick self- burn, Hello Games’ Sean Murray.

“I’m the hand behind all of Brian’s writing. I have the scrawl 019 of a 13-year-old How Wonderbook child.” Firewatch designer Olly inspired PS VR Moss reveals a Ex- director talks tech’s surprising origins scribbly secret.

Excited about Ranyard, former Sony London PlayStation VR? director and Wonderbook’s Course you are. executive producer. “We used Move Yet you may be for dancing games, too. Put all 08 surprised to learn those things together – cameras, that its origins, microphones, Move controllers at least in part, stem from an and tracking – that’s VR.” interactive PS3 tome brought to life And it’s not just Book Of Spells. with flicks of the Move controller. Ranyard explains how older phases “In terms of stepping stones, the of tech all play their part in the tracking required for Wonderbook VR future: “One of the things I “Guile looks is not that different from tracking often get asked about is whether a VR headset,” reveals Dr Dave ‘VR is going to be another thing like he’d get that’ll fizzle out, like 3D TV’. I think his ass beat by we’ll look back and see all these technologies as stepping stones, Nash. LMAO.” because I think VR is a fundamental Street Fightin’ promise that’s really exciting.” pro ricki Having left Sony after 17 years in January, Ranyard has plans for Ortiz what he wants to do next, but none doesn’t of our spells could loosen his lips on exactly what. “If I told you, I’d have fear the to kill you!” Sonic Boom. ■ Who’da thunk this would be the inspiration What VR game are you desperate to behind PS VR? Dr Dave, that’s who. Genius. immerse yourself in? Tweet @OPM_UK. Check out the Lara and Drake cake figurines. Hang on, we’re getting instant an idea for a game… opinion strong vs wrong

Evolving Door A happy end for the team at Evolution, who are being taken on by . The Dirt Rally and Driveclub devs together? Get revvy for some top racing. can you fEar it? Fear Effect is such a cult game that the FBI is probably monitoring it. Fortunately, it’s Kickstarting a revival, so you’ll be able to drink its Kool-Aid once more. Crash (Bandicoot) HEllbounD Doom’s open Beta the wedding had us rushing 020 through levels Game on! PlayStation fans tie the knot, Sony-style while sucking super shotgun bullets. Bring on 13 May. Other than Vanilla the Rocket Minions community. (Our Coke and dreams own Iain ‘Mr Trophy’ Wilson was also Zan-griEf of helping to shave a member.) While Alex’s arrival is great Nathan Drake’s 3 and Online were faves, 09 perfect jawline Laura says they bonded over Resi 5 news, but Street – overshare? – co-op. “We loved that game and kept Fighter V’s April update nothing makes Team OPM happier playing until we earned the platinum still stings. There’s than its readers. We’re therefore – together!” From there, the nothing wrong delighted to report that longtime relationship levelled-up, and Alex PlayStation fans Alex Duhig and proposed. “I honestly thought he with Challenge Laura Varley – who met through our was just being odd,” says Laura. mode, but it’s still Facebook group – have tied the knot. “Then I saw he was on one knee!” no substitute for Best of all, they did so via a They knew there could only be an arcade mode. PlayStation-themed wedding. one theme for the big day in West The happy Sussex. “We wanted Donut Pass go couple’s story something that Uncharted 4 has its began eight years iT wAS A screamed ‘us’, first confirmed casualty ago, when they TribuTe TO wHAT and to pay tribute started gaming to all gaming has in Donut Drake. While together after gAMing HAS done for us. It was we understand the meeting through DOne fOr uS. nice to show our reasons behind his families that untimely passing – videogames can be so much more probably heart disease than just entertainment.” Better yet, when Sony heard – we’ll still miss him. about the festivities, it kindly supplied the ultimate wedding present: two out of PrimE PS4 consoles, two extra controllers Far Cry Primal Survivor and six games. As Laura says, they mode sounds great, can now go back to their early days. making the game more “We get to play online-only games like a prehistoric sim together, which is awesome!” than simply a Far Cry ■ As wedding presents go, you’re Huge congratulations to Alex and re-skin. So why is it Laura from everyone at OPM Towers.

unlikely to top this PlayStation haul. © Laura Brown Photography coming out so late? Gimme Shelter Doom pub Bethesda is hosting its own E3 press conference again this year. Considering 2015’s bombshells of Fallout 4 and The Big 10 Dishonored 2, we’re buzzing to see what’s up its power armour. STorieS everyone’S Talking aBouT

just one more question… 10 the team debate this month’s burning issue What would be your dream reveal at this June’s e3 mega-show?

021 Ben Tyrer andrew wesTBrook Ben wilson Jen simpkins Staff Writer production editor acting editor Staff Writer

ps4.5 is on my i dream of KoJ i really hope all i Want is for Christmas roCKing the stage Cliff bleszinsKi’s taKe-tWo to bring Wishlist. all i need With a little taste right about the ‘shoCK faCtor. noW is for it to of What’s to Come. 2. beCome a reality. a new ? as a We’ve had the messy in november, the gears superfan, the thought no, we still don’t know divorce. and we’ve had of War creator (don’t leaves me as torn as a if ps4.5 (or ps4K?) is the dastardly ex making boo, he’s doing other wormhole in time and definitely happening. petty public digs while stuff now) claimed a space. on the one hand, but i really, really want doing a runner with the bunch of the shooter’s the trilogy is perfection, it to. sony has a habit kids (well, somebody’s got devs bought the as is. infinite tied the of releasing slimline to feed the snake). but abandoned ip and “are narratives of all three versions of its fun boxes now it’s time for a new working on a sequel.” i’ve games together in one throughout the console beginning. yep, the e3 of since spent every evening big, mind-blowing bow. on cycle and, with both my dreams has the one praying this rumour is the other hand… bioshock playstation Vr and and only real, despite being as 4. if publisher take-two 4K heading for the rocking the la stage, religious as nesquik. announced a return to mainstream, the idea of perhaps with a hot new bulletstorm was ps3’s the plasmid-slinging, a slightly more powerful partner on his arm – punchiest shooter, with story-driven shooting, console, catering to those a hot new partner kaleidoscopic levels that i’d be on the convention taking the leap, makes a answering to the name blended laugh-out-loud centre floor in an whole lot of sense. With it guillermo del toro, obvs. kills with an old-school insta-puddle of energy being easier than ever to by e3 time, the mgs points-per-death dynamic drinks, grateful tears… transfer saves between creator would’ve had (rear entry? 50 big and maybe some excited machines, upgrading over half a year with his ones!). it would translate widdle. it’s a pipe-dream, should also be hassle- newly independent studio. beautifully to ps4. plus its perhaps, but more info free. okay, i also like and it’ll be almost as long decent story was left on on bioshock creator Ken getting new consoles since news broke that a massive cliffhanger. levine’s new small-scale, from santa – this would he’s working on a sony rhyming memo to open-world fps might scratch that entitlement console exclusive. time Cliffyb’s pals: please make otherwise satiate the itch oh-so-well. n for a taster? hells yeah. n it be, at this year’s e3. n splicer in me. n

rePlies F facebook.com/OfficialPlayStationMagazine t @OPM_UK W gamesradar.com/opm e [email protected]

that’s a serious question worthy of #122 Uncharted can I get a Rt? special, Ps Vr, Hitman, a serious response, Tweet gold (and one troll) from The Division, Dirt rally. Roger, so we forwarded this month’s @OPM_UK timeline it to the man best qualified to provide a @jennifelizabart proper answer – tyler Literally anything I see Sigman, co-president on mirrors edge catalyst of Darkest Dungeon makes me cry. I’ve waited developer Red Hook for SO LONG. Studios. Here’s what he had to say… @AdamSessler I cannot overstate the tS: In Darkest Dungeon, pleasure of waking up and having a new Ratchet and we’ve tried hard to Clank game ready to play. emphasise that it is not a game about mental @SirLarr illness. Instead, it’s pre-orders are now Just Super’d some guy Whole Lara love a game about human in Street Fighter V so Why is there such a delay available – expect plenty response to stress. hard that it blew the to the release of Rise Of of coverage in OPM as the afflictions are PS4 offline. The on PS4? that time draws nearer. temporary conditions I feel it gets a bit of a raw that reflect how that @C3NTAURI0N deal from you guys. I love Dark fears character responds to Thanks for the code 024 in the last issue. I’m OPM and agree mostly Am I the only one worried a condition of extremely now addicted to world with your reviews and about the depiction of high stress brought on of tanks. opinions, but you are pre- mental illness as part by environmental stimuli. occupied with your love of Darkest Dungeon? Often these are negative @GreatWallofChin affair with Uncharted. And It would be easy for the responses (Irrationality, #Firewatch was fantastic! whilst they are all damn depictions of the various Selfishness) but The type of storytelling I fine games, I think the forms of illness to fall sometimes they are love. And how about that last Tomb Raider release into parody, re-enforcing quite positive (e.g. voice talent? Perfect. was just as good, if not tropes about Powerful, courageous better, and doesn’t get the mentally ill. etc.). the activities in @coolderik via email FFXV demo question: is anywhere near the credit Roger Morris turn are themed around magic consumable? We it deserves. know how swimmingly John allen via email that turned out in FFVIII.

yOU’RE PRE-OCCUPIED WITh troll of the month Rise isn’t expected UNChARTED. ThE LAST TOMB to hit PS4 until about @chalm3rs_305 november due to an RAIDER RELEASE WAS JUST Disappointed to find issue exclusivity deal, though AS GOOD, IF NOT BETTER. 122 being an Uncharted mag instead of Playstation. ways to reduce stress, Getting Repetitive. Star letter Block star and thereby return the hero to their respective I’d just like to share a little life story. It was 1993 when @JamesEarnshaw my six-year-old life became complete – my dad took base-line. We have Day was made easier by me to see Jurassic Park. Twenty-three years later sought to avoid tackling TWO @OPM_UK podcasts! (wow!), I relived that excitement as I loaded up Lego actual mental illness, It’s the new hotness with Jurassic World. My VHS may have worn out years ago, which we interpret lots of banter. but I still know every word and beamed as little Lego as more permanent actors re-enacted my favourite film. Now, at 1am on conditions that are not @Wario64 a Sunday, having dedicated 33 hours to gathering 18 related to conditions Now that Shenmue 3 BILLION virtual Lego studs, I’ve scooped the platinum. of high stress. a good actually exists, I need a example is that the new game to joke about I’m not usually a trophy hunter, but it was for the being at E3. legacy of John Hammond. Keep up the good work OPM. “Hopeless” affliction is not at all supposed to be hegx (grown-up name Helen culver) via email @SusanArendt interpreted as clinical And that’s my PS VR pre- an impressive achievement, Helen, and we’re sure depression, but rather ordered. I wasn’t going the Doc would approve. to reward your dino levels a temporary onslaught to, but...I mean...Rez. of dedication, have a year’s free OPM subscription. of despair brought on by dire circumstances. best comments from facebook.com/officialplaystationmagazine “Hell Yessss! But please don’t concentrate “i’ve been in love with on online play or DlC. Just make an epic this game since it and amazing game like the first one.” first came up on Ps2.” Aaran Metcalfe hopes 2 rumours are true. Alvin Flores on ratchet & clank.

ReaDeRS’ MOSt WanteD Which games are bleeping loudest on your radar?

1n o Man’s Sky In your first Most Wanted poll in the post-Uncharted 4 world, it’s Detroit: perhaps unsurprising that hello 5 Games’ procedurally generated Become Human space behemoth won the vote by hands up who’s missing a landslide. It’s now less than two David Cage? Some of you months until the interplanetary certainly are, judging by explorer lands, so let’s just the shock debut entry hope it really is the giant of Quantic Dream’s Kara leap for gaming that demo-inspired android we’re all expecting. saga. There have been FORMat Ps4 no new details since last eta 24 JUN October’s Paris Games Week trailer reveal… but yes, it does look cool. FORMat Ps4 eta 2017 2H orizon vOte Zero Dawn 025 Creeping up the table nOW! to its highest position yet, details on the lush- Tell us the five games looking PlayStation- you can’t wait to play at exclusive remain frustratingly scant. [email protected] Fingers crossed E3 will deliver an update on Guerrilla’s futuristic open-world adventure. FORMat Ps4 eta 2016 Mass effect 4 andromeda News of its release being delayed no doubt 3Final Fantasy xv helped knock Bioware’s Back in your Most Wanted after a four-month spacefaring adventure break, something tells us the RPG adventures down two places in your of Noctis could become a regular podium fixture chart, but there’s still no in the months ahead. head to p32 to read about shortage of fans intrigued our extended playtest of the latest demo. about what a post-Shep FORMat Ps4 universe could deliver. eta 30 seP FORMat Ps4 eta Q1 2017

exIt 12% Have a leap 8% Want the back in history sun on their backs next POll within their sights, with some iraqi Our Facebook ideally to the shooty action. Where or when American Civil War. MOntH fans answer a 40% 8% Hope to show Gaming’s biggest final question would you like Wish the series Jong-un that would hit rewind he’s a wrong ‘un, show storms into 24% Crave in North Korea. los Angeles in the next Call Of a more drastic and return to its switch, such as WW2 roots. 8% Think the June, so we want Duty to be set? to Trump Tower, is a to know: what are a monster’s belly, conflict ripe for the Nostromo or a the current-gen you most excited white Transit van. treatment. to see at e3? OpiniOn

Jen Simpkins Get lost, mini-maps. well-desiGned videoGame environments should lead the way, and let us keep the fizz of discovery.

Talk to the hand, HUD. Immersive gaming is off-

et me level with you: I’m environments, to feel that addictive a bit . I have no sense fizz of discovery in videogames, of direction, and could get we’ve got to go cold turkey. No HUD. lost in a neon-lit, braille- No mini-maps. Nothing. encrusted, circular corridor. Up for it? Then the rarest, frostiest You’d think I’d be grateful bird you’ll find right now is Jonathan 026 Lfor mini-maps, right? Wrong. I’m Blow’s maze-based mind-boggler, sick of the things. They’re either The Witness. It’s ironic – and utterly a bewildering muddle of markers brilliant – that in a game about (looking at you, Final Fantasy XIV) labyrinths, I’ve not felt lost once. or bland, utilitarian tools that It’s the lack of anything resembling distract from my experience. a HUD that makes unpicking the Star Wars Battlefront’s mini-map island so absorbing. I know exactly is as functional and sterile as a Cillit where to go and what to do, if I just Banged Stormtrooper. It does its job WRITER bIo pay attention to my surroundings. admirably, but keeping a constant eye Jen Simpkins opted out of GCSE Geography, on those ominous, uninspired red and thought London was smack-dab in the JENNIFER SAUNTERS centre of the UK until she was 14. She still sectors dilutes the magic of really feels a terrifying stab of panic when she From the get-go, I learn that following feeling like you’re actually in Star loses sight of her mum in Tesco. Who’s her the island’s many wires leads to panels Wars. Destiny, despite excellent map fave band? One Direction, obvs. to solve. Once I complete enough, design, is the same (though Ghosts are lasers indicate a far-off goal, in both a decent way of integrating accessing solution. Some direction in massive, a geographical and -related objectives into the world). And it’s not interconnected worlds is essential. sense. And when I’m wandering just shooters dragging us Enter Saints Row: The Third (through through the island looking for more, around by the hand. the wall with an octopus cannon, clearly colour-delineated regions help Nothing shatters the probably). Dotted paths be damned: me navigate easily without shoving a RPG illusion like following markers were integrated into the floating “YOU ARE HERE” prompt in mini-map paths to environment. The city felt my face. I can focus. objectives like a good recognisable; certain gang vehicles A mini-map would cause me to be little puppy, stepping over indicated different turf; arrows lit hasty, linear and overlook secrets. chances to organically up the roads of Steelport as you That’s why I was bricking it about discover things. Seeing a drove. The open-world title let upcoming indie space exploration sim, breathtaking landmark you take in and navigate the No Man’s Sky: it was set to include a for the first time via neon madness instead of mini-map. Fortunately, a recent trip to a marker on that keeping you surgically Hello Games’ studio revealed it had odious little circle? attached to the mini-map. been replaced by more subtle cues and Devastating. But there was still a markers laid over the environment, Yes, you can mini-map, wasn’t there? toggled by pressing r. Having the often turn And it’s too easy to fall navigation skills of a mentally mini-maps off: back on the coquettish, deficient Roomba, I’ll still need those a welcome option miniature mission icons little prods in the right direction. in exploration-rich giving you that “Come But if future games don’t similarly games such as The hither” wink. If we recalibrate their approach to mini- Witcher 3, but it’s no real want well-designed maps, I’ll direct them to the bin. OpiniOn

Ben Tyrer Tom Sykes

taminG a sabre- there’s a vast swathe toothed tiGer with a wavy of Games for which hand is ridiculous, so why ‘finished’ has become not have fun with it? a meaninGless term.

Far Cry Primal has all the ingredients for Epic’s Paragon is a good start, but PS4 a comedy, but gets the recipe wrong sorely needs an system

alfway through Far in. The cast and story is here’s a certain type the world evolving into Cry Primal, you meet dull – it’s certainly making of game that’s something greater before your Urki The Thinker, no attempt to mix up the curiously absent from eyes. Not all games benefit Ha caveman with one narrative structure, with every TPlayStation. No, not from being in Early Access, purpose – to push Homo major plot beat taken from an truck simulators – though but there’s a real Wild West sapiens into the future, older Far Cry. But this lack of that’s a sore point, too – but feeling about survival titles, through methods such as surprise could still work if it survival games such as DayZ crafting games and . 027 mastering the power of pointed out the flaws in its and The Long Dark. These Playing them is like stepping human flight. His first structure, like a much hairier games can be brilliant. out into uncharted territory, experiment sees him taking Deadpool. Sacrificing the Broken and unbalanced, yes. territory that may be very two feathers, jumping off a seriousness certainly wouldn’t But brilliant with it. Every different – less interesting cliff and… plummeting into have any impact on the other week there’s some and more nailed down – a stack of hay. Still, he’s the gameplay – every addition amazing new YouTube video once the unwashed masses only character who seems and tweak that Primal makes of Rust – the PC’s premier get their hands on version 1.0. to know that Primal should would work just as well if naked caveman theft and be a comedy. it played itself for laughs. murder sim – and, frankly, AlphA pApA Let’s look at the evidence. Taming a sabre-toothed tiger I want in on the action. There’s something to be You’re a beastmaster with with nothing but a bit of meat Something like the said, of course, for waiting a tame honey badger that and a wavy hand is ridiculous, One Game Preview for games to be labelled as attacks on command; another so why not have fun with it? programme would do just fine, finished before throwing cash Ubi game – yes, the one After all, the series has thanks – a tailored selection at them. They’re more likely with the stabbin’ and jumpin’ form. Blood Dragon takes a of in-development titles, the to work, for a start – nobody – is overtly and repeatedly gloriously silly premise, rams wheat having already been likes shelling out for a game referenced; plus Urki’s accent it full of even sillier jokes and thoroughly separated from the that runs like a bag of rotting is… well, not of its time. gets a spirited Michael Biehn chaff by folks buying these offal. But there’s a vast swathe Yet Primal takes itself far too to add some clout to the unfinished games on . of games for which ‘finished’ seriously, mixing intentional one-liners. It knows it’s They can find the gems among has become a meaningless laughs with a straight story stupid, but it gives (what’s the muck – games such as term. Minecraft may never about fighting a cannibalistic become) the standard Far Cry Subnautica, Slime Rancher, be finished, in the traditional tribe. It’s hard to know what formula a different tone. and Secrets Of Grindea – and sense, and I fear we’ve already to feel when you find a The endless recycling we can enjoy them just that missed out on DayZ’s heyday, mangled, half-eaten body of missions, outposts and little bit later, though not late which kicked off the whole next to the cavemen you’ve takedowns is made bearable enough for them to become survival thing years ago. murdered with an owl. by the punchlines. Primal is dated, irrelevant and tame. The PC can keep the dodgy much closer to this level of There’s something magical DayZ and Minecraft clones, DISTANT FARCE parody than it wants to about playing an unfinished but if we could just get Ark: It really doesn’t need its admit, but it never commits game, one that hasn’t yet Survival Evolved, Rust, GRIP po-face. There’s nothing to to seeing the funny side, settled into its final form. You and Scrap Mechanic before get emotionally invested leaving us with a stony face. can see the walls taking shape, too long, I’ll be a happy man.

WRITER bIo WRITER bIo Far Cry 3 remains one of Ben Tyrer’s favourite games, believing the definition Tom Sykes has been gaming since the Amstrad, and he’s still waiting for that of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting a gritty reboot of Animal, Vegetable, Mineral. A big RPG fan, he’s already bagsied different result. He only has himself to blame for sticking with the series. the Vagrant Story 2 review… Square Enix just has to make it now. Hint hint. 1 cancellation

Cancellation The binned games that died in teasing, tantalising, sometimes super-sad style

1 WWE BraWl 4 harKEr 7 star Wars 1313 Street Fighter meets Super Bloody vampires. They come God, this one still hurts more 2 Smash Bros… if Ryu and here, they take our jobs, than watching a night of Jar Mario had both been AA’ed suck our arteries dry, then Jar-funded amateur theatre. through tables. That was don’t even have the decency Influenced by Uncharted and the basic premise for this to nail down a release date. running on 3, bicep-heavy grappler. A Harker was a vamp-hunter 1313 looked like it could be platformer/beat-‘em-up dreamt up by The Collective, the Star Wars game. Then 028 hybrid, it centred around a studio that cut its fangs on LucasArts got bought by Cena and co. trying to stop PS2’s Buffy titles. Luckily for Disney and the latter decided Vince McMahon’s schemes. Drac, Harker was cancelled it would rather focus on Despite its quirky art style, after The Collective merged making mobile games. Brawl was canned in 2012, with Shiny Entertainment. Sith truly does happen. not long before publisher THQ went under. 5 100 BullEts 8 thE gEtaWay 3 Screw ammo. Want to deal a Are you mugging me off, 2 Killing Day game a real deathblow? Just sunshine? After wowing Or ‘The One With The Really have its publisher go belly the world with its Piccadilly Sexy Marble Textures’. up. PS2’s take on Brian Circus demo at 2005’s Another failed child of Azzarello’s comic may have E3 – a showing meant to (whisper it) E3 ‘05, this sported an inventive highlight PS3’s potential 3 Ubi shooter rocked sultry shooting system built around power – The Getaway 3 went destructible scenery. Very a rage meter and using into hiding. SCE London later little was ever mentioned of hostages as shields, but it confirmed it had shelved K-Day after this and, in the couldn’t survive the financial the game to work on EyePet, fullness of time, it looks like woes that saw Acclaim die and the Cockney caper it was merely a briefly back in 2004. was ditched for good when impressive slice of target took over footage to hype folk for PS3. 6 this is VEgas at worldwide studios. This debauched PS3 open 3 Faith anD a .45 world was set to let you 9 Eight Days A Bonnie And Clyde-inspired build an empire… not through Poor SCE London. First The co-op shooter, set during the gambling, but by fighting Getaway 3 died, then Eight Great Depression, starring and partying, naturally. Once Days went the same way. outlaw lovers Luke and Ruby. owned by Midway, it was sold Another darling of E3 2005, It was slated for PS3, but to Warner Bros in ‘09, then this actioner impressed when dev Deadline Games’ canned due to spiralling with a tech demo set at episodic Watchmen series losses that saw both a gorgeous petrol station, tanked, the duo were taken publishers lose a combined and promises of a map that out back. And here we were $50m. Whatever happened spanned eight states. It was thinking Bonnie And Clyde in this Sin City sandbox, pulled in 2008, with Yoshida had a happy ending. it’ll have to stay there. citing its lack of online play.

Honourable mentions turok 2 agent star Wars Battlefront 3 This follow-up to Disney’s It was never officially cancelled, Before DICE became at-one 2008 dino reboot was but Rockstar’s ‘70s spy thriller with the Force, LucasArts quickly ditched, despite looks doomed after spending developed a sequel that some alluring T-rex footage. nine years deep undercover. very nearly got finished.

Did we miss your favourite canned game? Got an In The Mood For idea? Show and tell at twitter.com/opm_uk. 4 7

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9 “surely you should be sending Me a Prize for coMPleTing ThaT challenge.” “More words Than i can handle.” “You’ve been cheating on Your vita with an older model.” “ThaT’s a real healTh and safeTy siTuaTion.” “i’M noT saT here in oPM Towers in a croP ToP. for once.” “the uncharted Forecast is a great pun.” “everyThing was off for The hoff.”

the opm podcast get it from iTunes or at opmpodcast.wordpress.com today 40 mirror’s edge catalyst faith’s back on the run, and she’s got a new open world to explore…

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contents final fantasy XV 32 | : the force awakens 36 | 38 furi 42 | sherlock holmes: the deVil’s daughter 43 | hyper light drifter 44 god eater 2: rage Burst / resurrection 45 | loVely planet 46 | mekazoo 46 Preview

That rain sure looks realistic, but we look forward to the day when videogame hair looks as soggy as ours.

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“craShing into the huge iron giant iS a SPecial kind of joy.”

Format PS4 / eta 30 SePtember pub Square enix / deV Square enix Final Fantasy XV 033 After the hype, the hands-on… and it’s everything you ever dreamed

Break out the victory fanfare. It’s finally, definitely, happening. Final Fantasy XV is coming out this year and we’ve been hands- on with the longed-for demo to glean every scrap of info possible. It’s short, at roughly 15-20 minutes long, but there are loads of hints at what to expect from the upcoming game – if you only know where to look.

Unlike the Duscae demo – which came free with Final Fantasy: Type-0 last year, and follows a full party of four as well as one large area to run around in – this Platinum demo strings together several smaller sections. It also follows a young version of hero Noctis as he’s led by cuddly fox-god-thing Carbuncle through a surreal dreamscape that gives an incredible flavour of what to expect from XV, even though it won’t appear in the finished adventure. sword prey If you’ve never played a Final Fantasy title before, or are a lapsed fan, the collectible crystals and squeaky hammer found within might be offputting. But once you’ve got your head around the Alice In Wonderland vibe, you’re treated to a sneak peek at the menacing face of a 100-foot muscled titan, some hands-on time with the new fighting system, and glimpses of just how huge this open-world take on Final Fantasy will be. Preview

left Lunafreya might be FFXv’s heroine, but she won’t be joining the party. it’s just you and the boys.

right it’s all about brotherhood – your squad are also your best friends. They’ve got your back.

Summon ifrit hasn’t been seen yet, but these burnt trees and fiery crystals suggest he’s nearby.

world tour It’s not all monsters and backstabbing, there’s also some sightseeing to do

Okay, so it’s not exactly good Smelly Chocobos aren’t You get to roam around a To get that real city news to see enemy airships always befitting of a prince. small area of Altissia in the experience, you need to speak 1cruising overhead, but 2Thankfully, there are plenty 3demo. As well as waterways 4to the locals. who knows, Niflheim tech is as worthy of awe of luxury yachts around to help inspired by venice, it’s also home maybe you’ll even squeeze a few as it is of fear. you take in that view. to the gigantic Leviathan. quests out of them. Preview

The most notable change since the Duscae demo is the combat. It’s far simpler now, with individual weapons and spells mapped to the D-pad rather than tangled together and tied to each blade. It’s now incredibly easy to string together combos – open up with a few swings of a light sword before switching to a two-handed beast to finish the job. All of your attacks are tied to e, which makes it quick to learn, but it does take an oddly long time to master. It feels like a weird mix of Kingdom Hearts and Assassin’s Creed when you switch your tools up, but it works. warp speed As well as conjuring his fighting utensils from thin air, Noctis can also phase into nothingness to dodge attacks – something bound to become a key part of your strategy. After a bit of practice, you find there’s natural rhythm as you weave dodges between strikes. above Just like us Brits, Noctis and friends love little more than chatting The combat opens up further when you learn the about the weather. “So, that was summer, eh? How about this rain?” powerful warp ability, which sees you teleporting to safe recovery areas, or careening straight into whatever nasty-type is bothering you. Crashing into the huge Iron Giant by warping from the other side “you Shrink to the of the arena at the end of the demo is a special kind of joy. As tactical and involving as the turn-based Size of a mouSe and combat of previous FF games can be, nothing quite compares to getting all personal and smashing stuff up yourself. have to navigate a With the series usually having a huge Factrick range of weapons and spells, however, 1. changing Faces a mere four D-pad slots seems limiting. huge Stately room Several of the plates placed As ever, you can swap things out to better throughout the demo let 035 you turn into monsters, suit certain areas, but who wants to be – it’S Surreal.” or even a toy car. constantly diving into menus? And while 2. prize Fighter selecting a spell to use is easy, aiming is there’s a secret weapon a faff – by the time you’ve targeted onto hiding at the top of the something, it’s often moved out of range. stately building during the iron giant boss fight. Fine-tuning, to keep combat fun for the full 40 to 50-hour story, is clearly still 3. take a right needed before September. in the first zone, there’s a hidden path that lets What we’ve seen of the world so far, you see just how huge though, looks absolutely gorgeous. In one leviathan is going to be. area, you shrink to the size of a mouse and have to navigate a huge stately room. It’s surreal, but it lets you get close enough to inspect magazine covers and biscuit tins. So much attention has been lavished on even the smallest of details – the world has a realistic, human touch. princely pleasures FFXV is taking a lot of cues from the likes of The Witcher 3 with its open-world approach. The demo may stop you wandering off too far, but we keep above Pinball effort Justice Monsters Five is the mini-game glimpsing snippets of vast plains, lush forests and of choice for this Final Fantasy outing. Screw Blitzball. huge cities cut into floating cliffsides just waiting to be explored. If several 100ft-tall gods can happily stroll around with plenty of space, then there should be loads of room for our gang to go on day trips. One slight fear is that, right now, those huge fields look pretty empty. There are monsters to hunt, but we haven’t yet heard anything about any side-quests – the backbone of any good open-worlder. All that space is nice and all, but there’s a risk of it feeling soulless if they’re just empty zones in which to ferry yourself between plot points. After ten years in development, a changing of hands and a switching of title, there’s a lot of expectation on Final Fantasy XV’s shoulders. There’s above Your car, the regalia, can turn into an airship to make still a lot we don’t know, but if it lives up to its lofty exploration easier, but only near the end of FFXv. goals, it could be the highlight of this generation. Preview

Flight sections come in both linear and open arena varieties – the latter is a surprisingly competent attempt at proper Star Wars dogfighting action.

“We’ll get to hunt rathtars With han and CheWie before the film.” 036

Remember Rey sliding down the dune in the film? It’s inspired an SSX-style sandboarding section.

Above BB-8’s even cuter in Lego form than he is in the movie. And yes, during an early , he does indeed give Finn a flamethrower ‘thumbs up’. PRevIeW

formAt Ps4/Ps3/Ps Vita / etA 28 June / Pub Warner bros / dev tt games lego stAr WArs: the force AWAkens The tie-in that’s a Force to be reckoned with

Whatever you do, don’t call it objects with the same pile of bricks. ‘just another Lego game’. Sure, By holding the left stick in certain over the last 11 years, you’ve directions, we’re able to choose what become accustomed to that story items to build. So begins a door puzzle playing out across tie-ins to the in which we unlock three mechanisms Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Harry by making specific items and ports, Potter, The Lord Of The Rings and Pirates Of The then dismantle them to create others. Caribbean sagas. The most recent release, Lego TT Games was given license to do Marvel’s Avengers, suggests it’s a pattern that’s far more than just tweak some scenes offering diminishing returns, too. But if this game from the film – it’s added its own Star 037 is ‘another’ anything, it’s another reminder of why Wars stories to fill in blanks between you fell in love with TT Games’ unique take on Episodes VI and VII. Long before the legendary universe in the first place. setting foot on the Eravana smuggling freighter, we’ll get to go hunt rathtars As we pick our way through a trio of levels, it with Han and Chewie. “I got to name becomes clear that the next Lego outing is delivering a character in the Star Wars universe,” something very special. On a surface level, it offers laughs Gorin, pinching himself. familiar mechanics with a couple of new features thrown in. Yet the combination AttAck the blocks fActrick of the setting, the puzzles, the visual gags Upgraded combat shines (maxing out 1. clAss Act and John Williams’ peerless score combines a combo meter lets Rey unleash one- some of the film’s stars, to elevate The Force Awakens’ plastic hit KOs); robust platforming elements such as daisy ridley, recorded extra dialogue incarnation far above the tie-in crowd. stand out (‘moments of jeapordy’ lines for the game. have us rapidly tapping r to regain 2. ePisode 6.5 the fArce unleAshed our grip if a handhold works its way there are 18 levels in all – Rey and BB-8 have just met on Jakku. loose); Blaster Battles impress (the 11 taken from the film, and After a brief sandboarding session that, at camera snaps in close as we pop in seven brand new tales set a glance, could be mistaken for a rebooted and out of cover, taking pot shots at between episodes Vi and Vii. SSX, the duo is confronted with a massive, crowds of Stormtroopers); and sandbox 3. the brick of it hollowed-out Star Destroyer. Don’t flying sections are fully formed expect five different hub remember things happening this way round slices of filmic dogfights (who needs levels, too: Jakku, takodana, starkiller base, d’Qar and in the film? That’s because they didn’t. Battlefront?). But above all else, it’s the the millennium falcon. “We wanted to make something of Rey little touches that make a difference. meeting BB-8 and forging that relationship,” It’s the sight of minifigs sliding says lead story designer Graham Goring. “We down dunes in the background of thought it was important to do that in a level scenes, and the way BB-8 scuffs games rather than a cutscene, but obviously if it’s just in a of tic-tac-toe into the sand. It’s the featureless desert and she tells one Teedo to go away, slapstick and the ability to that doth not a level make! Luckily, we were given play Holochess. It’s the sight of Kylo the freedom to build that up into something else.” Ren having a teenage tantrum in a With the license to create a custom adventure, TT bedroom plastered with posters. And Games decided to take us back to that ship carcass it’s the sensation that this has been where we first meet Rey in the film. Inside, we find made with the kind of love not seen puzzles galore, and an opportunity to test out new since the first Lego games. Much like mechanics – most notably the Multi-Build ability. the film itself, this perfectly recaptures Like the 3-in-1 Lego Creator sets lining shelves the original’s mood, and it’s destined of toy shops, it’s a way to piece together different to thrive because of it. Preview “The SeRieS’ kill- cam now ShowS kniveS RiPPing ThRough muScle and oRganS.”

A flythrough of the Regilino Viaduct level reveals hundreds of enemies and miles of pathways.

Format PS4 / eta 2016 / pub Rebellion / Dev Rebellion Sniper elite 4 The World War II shooter goes full Metal Gear

Italy, 1943. Or could it be Afghanistan, can see the blade rip through muscle 1984? There’s good reason for the and organs as you slide it home) and confusion – Sniper Elite 4 bears more can booby trap bodies in order to take than a passing resemblance to Metal out others. With AI that aggressively Gear Solid V. Rebellion’s PS4 blaster might not investigates your last known position, technically be set in an open world, but when its the tools are there to really monkey smallest level is three times bigger than Sniper with enemies and gleefully lead them Elite III’s largest, and its chapters can take hours into ambushes. You monster. to finish, the word ‘sandbox’ really begins to apply. carry on camping Having shot his way through northern Africa in Again, just like in Metal Gear Solid, Sniper Elite III, American marksman Karl Fairburne missions are packed with optional is now creeping through the coastal fishing villages, secondary objectives and collectibles. shadowy forests and holey monasteries (geddit?) of Identifying and executing key Nazis Italy. Plugging enemies from range still forms a big and Italian fascists can prevent back- part of the action, but with Nazis able to triangulate up from being called if you’re spotted, your location from just two or three shots, and the and if you do mess up, it’s not all over sprawling levels home to hundreds of foes, you need – you get the same, pulse-pounding to do much more than find a solitary sniper’s nest thrill in trying to escape a meltdown and unload your bullets in order to progress. situation. It’s far closer to Kojima’s As a result, close-quarters stealthing has been epic than it has any right to be. brought to the fore. Whistling at enemies to distract Keen to make amends for the above The X-ray them before jumping out of windows and shimmying disappointment of Sniper Elite III, cam will also trigger if you across ledges, Big Boss-style, is commonplace. Karl’s Rebellion has really upped its game. In shoot barrels. Seeing a body also a dab hand with a knife (the series’ gory X-ray the war against Sniper Ghost Warrior ravaged by an explosion in Kill Cam now triggers for melee kills, too, so you 3, this has the early advantage. slo-mo is rather horrible.

Preview

ForMat PS4 / eta 9 JUN / Pub EA / dev DICE Mirror’s edge Catalyst Speedrunning towards Game Of The Year contention

No guns. Yes, they’ve gone. scenes to sort out the best and most Catalyst, it seems, is a Mirror’s popular ones. You can set your own Edge follow-up that’s well aware runs by placing the checkpoints of its predecessor’s problems, and where you want. getting rid of the maligned gunplay You can share these publicly, or is just one of the ways that DICE just with friends if you don’t want has revised its free-running first-person cult hit. speedrunners coming along and While Faith’s story has been rebooted, though, beating you at your own race. Topping and the action has moved to an open world, you the leaderboard for someone else’s can breathe easy – this is faithful (look, allow us time trial is like discovering a new the one pun) to the original in all the right ways. way to hurt somebody’s feelings. 040 Considering you can place these The team, for example, knew the platforming didn’t anywhere in the open world, they’ll be need fixing. Instead of making the wonderfully fundamental to the extended lifespan complex wall-running, leaping and sliding any of Catalyst – with the right set of simpler, they’re instead reintroducing some of those friends either tremendous fun, or ideas through an upgrade tree, meaning it’s all a little detrimental to a happy existence. easier to learn. In the first game, Faith started with the ability to instantly spin 180 degrees on the spot, high rise using u, and avoid a painful landing, by Another user-generated element is rolling with p at the last second. These the BE Emitter – you can climb to FaCtriCk are now moves you have to unlock, the a particularly high part of the world, 1. Fighting ForCe idea being that throwing less at the player drop this noise-emitting device, then Faith’s combat has been right at the start will make these things challenge another player to reach it revamped. You can knock foes out on the move, or kick easier to incorporate as you go. Once via a companion app. This gives you a them into each other. you’ve got these upgrades within an hour’s better incentive to explore the world, 2. hard reset play, running around feels as intricate and find secret areas and max out the The story here is pretty thrilling as it ever did. possibilities of Faith’s skillset. It also much rebooted, but while it means that Catalyst isn’t just about looks nicer, it still feels like running around at high speed. a generic dystopian tale. on the run “The platforming in particular, and This ensures there’s a puzzle 3. soCial CliMber that fluid first-person movement, was element to getting around, which You can set your own time something that was so right that we had offers a change in pace, similar to trials around the open world then list them publicly on to look at it, preserve it, but also see some of the slower, trickier levels in PSN, or just with friends. where we could improve it,” says producer the original. The map throws in plenty Amo Mostofi. We can play Catalyst on of DICE’s own fetch quests and trial muscle memory alone, but there are tweaks to the runs to ensure you’re never short of free-running that players might miss. “There were things to do in this gorgeous city. certain elements in terms of the movement that It feels like DICE looked at the first we could improve. Perhaps they might not even be game and retained everything that recognisable to the player, you may not even notice players liked about it, then layered it, but we’ve had game designers look at that, we’ve a bunch of more modern, online- had our engineers building into that. They’re very focused touches on top. Everything proud of it.” that needed fixing seems to have Perfecting the platforming makes sense when you been addressed in some capacity with consider that one of the biggest additions to Catalyst Catalyst, while, with the new social is user-generated time trial challenges. These can be challenges and a whole open world found dotted around the open world, and each has in tow, it’s determined to keep you its own leaderboard, with an algorithm behind the playing a lot longer this time. Preview

Sections of the city glow red like an integrated route planner to show you where to go, but you can turn it off with the right stick if you’d rather just explore.

“RUNNINg ARoUND FEElS AS INTRICATE AND ThRIllINg AS IT EvER DID.” 041

Faith’s story is presented in fancy cutscenes, but this dystopian rebellion yarn has yet to grab us.

above Faith’s hand-to-hand combat abilities have been expanded this time around – she can even shove her enemies off the top of buildings. Preview on “Think Frank the From Donnie box judged only by Darko, buT sTyleD their covers by ‘90s ravers.”

DeaD islanD DeFinitive eDition Co-op is key in this survival Afro Samurai creator horror with a difference. Takashi Okazaki’s Inspired by Spice Girls hit 2 talented fingerprints Become 1, you are half of a are all over your foes. sliced-up zombie. Find the other half, while feeding on killer humans who want to Format Ps4 / eta summer / Pub The Game bakers / Dev The Game bakers make you more dead. Format Ps4 eta 31 may Furi 042 Going down the rabbit hole with this boss fight slasher

The reward for hacking through crowds – but those who live by the ‘attack of fodder in most action games is the is the best form of defence’ mantra juicy boss fight that’s waiting to test quickly end up swallowing their own your abilities at the end of a level. teeth. Instead, there’s an emphasis on The Game Baker’s ingenious twist on the age- waiting for an enemy to strike first old formula, however, is that the boss fight is the before timing your parry with e, one Piece level, with your enigmatic swordsman going toe- providing a window in which to secure burning blooD to-toe with just the one challenging foe per stage. a few hits. Not that this villain is a Calling all older siblings, Should be a cake walk, right? Nope. Prepare for one-trick pony, mind. If you notice wind-up merchants and low- meticulous punishment. the area you’re standing in is glowing level bullies! This rhythm- red, it’s time to get out of Dodge. action teaser is for you. Context is brief before we dive into the fight. Our Otherwise, you can expect a sword Titter, poke and prance until your enraged opponent’s nameless futuristic samurai is being held prisoner, in your sternum. blood literally boils. his guard mocking him as “a bringer of death” This brief introduction to Furi’s Format Ps4 eta 3 jun and gleefully promising to kill him over and over unusual world has a ferocious pace, again. There’s bad news for that fool, however, as a but its stop/start nature transforms fluorescent bunny – think Frank from Donnie Darko, fights into cerebral chess matches that but styled by ’90s ravers – frees us. It’s time to reward brains over braggadocio. Don’t make him eat his words, with Hotline Miami-esque worry though, there’s still a pleasing synth music pounding in the background. arcade rush to pulling off combos. As long as it keeps you on your toes anger management throughout every scrap, this should be Furi’s opening fight is split between two distinct a memorably stylish odyssey. phases. To begin with, it’s pretty much a bullet hell, as our hero squares off against his jailer in a large, perfectly circular arena. Using classic twin-stick controls, we frantically chip away at his health while carmageDDon: dashing with q to dodge the bullets he’s sending max Damage our way. Once he’s down, we whisk in and go into You’re Dave, a typical, the second phase. happy-go-lucky kinda guy. Until you find the skull Close up and confined to a much smaller area of earring, that is. Now you’re the map, this is a tense, calculated duel rather than a Demonic Dave, with the sloppy button-hammering slog fest. You can tap r above This guy frees us from jail. Considering power to control all cars to slash, or hold it to deliver a more devastating blow the beating we get, we kinda wish he hadn’t. to satisfy your every whim. Format Ps4 eta summer Preview “it’S claSSic HolMeS, But witH a daSH oF downey and a SPrinkle oF cuMBerBatcH.”

There’s an immediate sense of familiarity if you played Crimes And Punishments. Didn’t enjoy that? This likely isn’t for you.

FormaT PS4 / eTa 27 May / PuB BigBen interactive / Dev FrogwareS Sherlock holmeS: The Devil’S DaughTer True to Sir Arthur, but with a touch more laughter

This eighth outing of Frogwares’ “For me, the humour is a way [for crime-solving series contains many Devil’s Daughter] to be more modern,” parts one might consider elementary: says producer Aurelie Ludot. “The Batman-style detective mode, character Victorian era is quite stiff, and humour exposition via QTE, and an over-arching storyline enables us to distort these serious in which your deductions and conclusions situations.” It’s extended to Sherlock’s ultimately shape the 20-hour tale’s climax. pet mutt, too – playable here as he Happily, it also adds something lacking from was in Crimes And Punishments. “You earlier instalments: humour. can play as Toby again – it’s the same, except the trail you follow is a bit Previous game Crimes And Punishment’s Sherlock more interesting,” says Ludot. “We play was staid and stuffy. Devil’s Daughter Sherlock it for comedy with the music and the might look the same – at least until you get to work fact that he’s intelligent but looks like reshaping his facial hair into something thoroughly a very old guy with big ears.” Brick Lane 2016 – but he’s been given a more The laughs don’t always work. contemporary voice, literally and figuratively. Returning American character Orson Wilde is a one-man band of cringe, Baker TreaT spitting out gags about having tea at New actor Alex Jordan’s delivery weds exuberance five to prove his Englishness, and not with experience, this revised interpretation of the wanting to hang for a crime because Baker Street detective still resolutely his own man, “the gallows will mess up my hair.” yet imbuing a sprinkle of Cumberbatch and a dash Even so, it’s refreshing to see a series above Sensibly, there are of Downey Jr. Take a scene in which he performs an with such a starchy collar finally undo no mini-maps in Devil’s exorcism with Shakespearian theatrics: marching to a its top shirt-button. If the puzzles Daughter – after all, sat mantlepiece and exclaiming, “Fire and flames! Better match the laughs, this may yet elicit navs didn’t exist at the turn for crumpets than foul-toothed demons!” cries of “excellent.” of the twentieth century. Preview “aS Dark SoulS You’re followed around by a little door opening doo-dad, veteranS know, much like your Ghost in Destiny, minus the . intenSe Difficulty leaDS to a wave of SatiSfaction.”

format PS4 / eta Summer / pub machine heart GameS / Dev machine heart GameS Hyper LigHt Drifter Futuristic Lassie proves completely barking

There’s a thin line between being This is a difficult game, and while abstract and utterly unfathomable and death will only ever put you back this indie hopeful doesn’t so much outside the room you were just in, walk this line as mainline off it. Hyper it can be incredibly frustrating. As Light Drifter is bonkers. But it’s mad in a weirdly Dark Souls veterans know all too earnest way, rather than a fun way – depending well, however, such intense difficulty on your threshold for pretension, it might just leads to an eventual wave of all turn you away. That would be a huge shame, as encompassing satisfaction. behind the square-headed dog leading you across a bubblegum-coloured pixel-verse (we think rainbow bite that’s what the story is about) lies a devious and For all its difficulty, it’s easy to feel maddeningly satisfying top-down action RPG. cool while playing it, dodging slo- Yes, we really did say square-headed dog. mo bullets and darting about like a rainbow dervish, all in the sultry The titular Drifter is a cape-wearing type with shade of your new favourite gaming an initially easy-to-grasp moveset. You’ve got a soundtrack (by Disasterpeace, the burst dodge, a laser sword triple-swipe combo and chap responsible for Fez’s music). rudimentary healing skills. On top of this, you also We curse the lack of invincibility have a laser pistol (and, later, other ranged options), frames, with a slight drop in rate which recharges as you deal out melee damage. rearing up every so often. Plus the fact It’s a neat trick that incentivises mixing up attacks, we can’t quite figure out what it’s all forcing you to actively move around each arena. about. But we still reel away from each above You can choose your Combat can get very intense as a result. As more enemy encounter on a luxuriant high. route through the levels varieties of enemies get introduced, from shuriken- For those missing a new DmC thrill from the start, though some tossing frogs to ground-pounding crystal ice golems, ride, or burnt out by the Souls series, will be easier than others. you find that death is only ever one mistake away. this could be your next big thing. (Hint: definitely go east.) Preview Resurrection sequel Rage Burst adds three new weapon modes and normal- attack-buffing Blood Arts.

“a gaPing tentacle maw exPlodeS from our gun to Suckle the loot. yummy.”

Format PS4/PS Vita / Eta 30 aug PuB Bandai namco / dEv Bandai namco God EatEr 2: raGE Burst/ rEsurrEction Become the Aragami killer

Who eats to forget their problems? A cookie here, seven cheeseburgers there… How about the corpses of giant 045 monsters? You’re in luck. Action-JRPG series God Eater is coming west with double helpings of deific deliciousness. Buy God Eater 2: Rage Burst, and you’ll get God Eater Resurrection (the remaster of the first game) for free.

Dashing around a winged Aragami beast under Resurrection’s burnt-orange sky, we deal deft sword slices – until a charge flattens us. Luckily, our God Arc weapon can shapeshift from Sword to Gun to Shield Mode. One tap of u and our blade folds back into a meaty minigun. Now that’s more like it. Once we’ve pumped some lethal lead into the scaly scary, we hungrily hold w over its carcass – and a gaping tentacle maw explodes from our gun to suckle weapon-crafting materials. Yummy. Thank God Eater there’s loot to go around: working with friends in four-player full story co-op and online multiplayer is essential. Producer Yusuke Tomizawa warns us: “Other games make things easier. God Eater is challenging. You’ll be surprised how difficult it is to defeat the first boss.”

above Freebie Resurrection lays the groundwork for the series’ saga of plagues and conspiracy. Also, bearded dragon! Preview preview round-up It’s JRPG o’clock, Mekazoo as we discover how ForMat PS4 eta Summer Tales Of Berseria is pub Good mood CreatorS reinventing itself and dev Good mood CreatorS watch Sword Art this 2.5d platformer wastes no time in hitting all of our Online continuing to favourite nostalgia buttons, put the murder into with music that apes SNeS- taleS oF berSeria era donkey Kong and an art ForMat PS4 / eta 2017 / pub BaNdaI NamCo MMO. If anime isn’t style that would fit in with dev BaNdaI NamCo your jam, why not the golden era of Crash and rayman. unfortunately, We’ve now had 20 years of gorgeous, sample the retro our playthrough on co-op character-driven JrPGs from the stylings of Mekazoo… leaves us with a minor tales series – so how do you keep headache. each player things fresh? try a series first: hot-headed controls a specific animal, each of which is better Velvet is tales’ first ever solo female suited to certain situations. protagonist, and she’s pretty angry about only one player, however, the whole betrayal/dead parents/infected is allowed on screen, with daemon-fist thing. Vengeance it is, then. the other one stabbing enemy-squishing’s been overhauled and a w when they want to sub new Soul Gauge system has you stun foes themselves in. It’s just too to steal their souls. But it’s not all doom and convoluted for the type daemons. With charming new characters 046 of speedrunning itch that as well, we can’t wait to see more of tales. mekazoo tries to scratch.

Sword art SerapH lovely ForMat PS4 / eta tBa online: pub dreadBIt GameS planet dev dreadBIt GameS ForMat PS4 / eta SPrING Hollow pub tINY BuIld dev tINY BuIld realization aiming is for schmucks. ForMat PS4/PS VIta eta autumN Why worry about lining up You know what PS4 needs? pub BaNdaI NamCo those dual pistols when you more trippy first-person dev aqurIa could be concentrating on shooter gun ballets. tiny cartwheeling around ancient Build’s take on gunplay of the many possibilities ruins and destroying your rocks one of the most for PS Vr, we’re hoping sci-fi shins with a badass unique visual aesthetics ‘death games’ aren’t one of knee-slide? that certainly we’ve seen in ages, and that them. Based on an anime seems to be dreadbit’s imaginative flare extends about a Vr mmo, in which attitude in this interesting, well beyond combat. You snuffing it in-game also platform-heavy shooter shoot enemies who take means real-world bye- that adopts an always on the form of cubes with byes, this JrPG series puts auto-aim to ensure players unbearably sad faces… you in a mercifully less focus on evasion and flashy with a gun that looks like mortal situation. tactical movement. You may not a snooker cue. It’s kinda approaches to protagonist have to worry about being a like Katamari damacy Kirito’s sword-swinging crackshot, but that doesn’t descended on the Crucible. pay dividends – direct your mean Seraph is a cakewalk. With more than 100 bite- clan of three aI mates to a dynamically scaling sized levels, the action make efficient mincemeat of difficulty level means you focuses on conquering mobs. at least you’re safe have to keep on your toes online leaderboards through in the knowledge you won’t to help the title character speedruns. this could be die for real. Probably. evade all types of beastie. adorably addictive.

the OPM INtervIew Q A Forging a new reality OPM sits down with Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan to get the skinny on PS VR and PS4’s future

048 rom the moment we again donned the headset and dove into the kaleidoscopic magic of PlayStation VR, at this year’s GDC event in San Francisco, we knew it would set the games industry aflame. Unparalleled wonder unfolds – high-octane shootouts, mind-bending puzzle chambers, rhythm-violence beetle-riding F– all with us at the heart of the experience. But despite enjoying that instant immersion, we still have plenty of questions about the new tech. How in the name of will Sony manage to sell it at the low price of just £349? Can we expect PlayStation VR to branch out beyond games? And are we going to fling that fancy headset straight off our bonces when heading virtual footballs in The Headmaster? Fortunately, we found ourselves in a small room with a man able to answer all of those questions and more – the one and only Jim Ryan, European boss of Sony Computer Entertainment. In our exclusive interview, he reveals how the company learnt from the “mistakes” of the PS3 era; how vital it is to correctly market PS VR for the masses; oh, and we may just have pressed him on a certain lovable scamp called Crash… the PlayStation europe boss has his noggin firmly in place, having mastered upcoming PS vr footy sim the headmaster.

049 the OPM INtervIew

sony’s expertise and heritage allows us to put playstation Vr together to sell at £349 and still make money.

OPM: First of all, congratulations on 36 experiencing vr is key to million PS4s being sold – that’s quite the understanding its potential, achievement. Did you ever imagine you’d so Sony could be taking be hitting that big a number so soon? trial events on the road. Jim Ryan: Um… (Laughs). That’s an interesting question to start! I think probably the honest 050 answer is no. I think we were confident in the proposition that we had; we obviously made a number of – I shouldn’t hesitate to use the word “mistake” – mistakes with PS3, and we were very single-minded and very determined to try and address each of those mistakes. We engaged in a lot of soul-searching – I think we got most of the boxes that had a cross against them in the PS3 era ending up with a tick against them this time around. So we were confident, but I don’t think… I doubt that anybody expected us to be this successful. OPM: We’re obviously keen to talk about PlayStation VR. Since the big announcements at March’s GDC event in San Francisco, the reaction from our readers has been extremely encouraging, very positive. How have you been able to come in at such an amazing price, relative to what the competition is doing? JR: I think the answer to that lies in Sony’s heritage. Obviously, and increasingly, Sony is an entertainment company. It is also a very proud consumer electronics business with a very long and illustrious career of making great Middle exclusives like Uncharted probably helped shift a few of those 36 million PS4s. consumer electronics hardware. Left , another PS4 exclusive. Right Cross-Play with PC is already a thing. Whether it’s designing in an elegant or effective manner; whether it’s sourcing but it’s actually something that allows us to bring all that knowledge and componentry from all around the world in expertise and heritage to bear. It has allowed us to put this thing together a cost-effective manner; or whether it’s in a manner that enables us to sell it at £349 and still make money. putting the thing together, this is what Sony does. OPM: It’s great to see it’s not being rushed to market. October This is a big part of Sony’s seems to give you a good amount of breathing space to make DNA. It’s sometimes easy to sure you’ve got the software support in place. Was that a take this for granted in this big factor when deciding the release date? wonderful, networked world JR: It was a combination of that and also having what we that we live in these days, considered to be the right amount of hardware to put into the OPM INtervIew Q & A

need to know the market as well, so it was a combination device. That will definitely continue – we of software support and the timelines on the have a roadmap. Much of this stuff is still hardware side of things. under wraps but we’re definitely, certainly not standing still with PS4. There’s more to come! OPM: Your job must be to convert as many PS4 owners to PS VR as possible. How OPM: This might infringe on some of those do you do that, considering it’s such a things under wraps, but Early Access transformative experience that only really programmes are something we’ve seen quite JIM RYAn comes across when you test it? a lot of on PC – is that an area that you think the eUrO laUNCheS JR: Yeah, it’s a very good question, and PlayStation can explore or wants to explore? leadINg tO PS vr essentially that’s the job of marketing. And JR: I think it’s certainly something that we’re it’s quite a challenge. We certainly have great open to. It’s really a balance between offering 2010 knowledge about how to market traditional a proper experience and making all sorts PLAYSTATIOn MOVE gaming consoles – we’ve done it for over 20 of things available. There’s a certain quality n The motion-sensing years now. I think we’re quite good at it and threshold that we have to be sure to meet, or controller, or wand, is introduced to support PS3 we know what to do. at the very least to position the thing properly. (and later PS4). Receiving But this is different. As you say, it’s really But we’re open to that. widespread critical and only when you try [PlayStation VR] that you popular acclaim, it shifts actually understand. So the marketing mix of OPM: We chuckled when Microsoft made more than 15 million units its announcement about cross-platform play, within two years, before PS activities that we engage in to evangelise virtual VR creates a fresh surge. reality will be very different from the marketing as we thought, “Well, we’ve been doing that mix that we use when we took, for example, for a long time on PlayStation.” But the 2012 PS4 to market. There’s going to be a much suggestion of possible cross-platform play PS VITA greater emphasis on experiential, on trial, with other consoles is interesting. From n Sony launches its to try and achieve exactly what you spoke of. Sony’s point of view, is PlayStation open powerful new handheld as to that possibility? the successor to 2004’s OPM: We were impressed by the scope of JR: Well, you know, I couldn’t really work out PlayStation Portable. With its name being taken from demos available at GDC. Is there a big chance what all the fuss was about in that Microsoft the Latin for “life,” PS Vita to branch out and make PS4 more than just announcement because it’s something – as you hits the market with day a predominantly gaming platform? say – we’ve been doing. We’ve done it with one games such as JR: I think your use of the verb “branch out” PC, we’ve done it with Xbox consoles. We’re 051 Uncharted: Golden Abyss. is absolutely correct because it is, after all, a completely open to any developer or publisher PlayStation product, and PlayStation stands for who wants to have the conversation; we always 2013 gaming – that’s what we do, that’s what we’re have been and we remain so. PS4 about and that will be the principal area of n Current-gen arrives and PS4 never looks back. Being focus at the beginning. OPM: Last year’s E3 was incredible. Looking the most powerful, socially But I think, as you yourself experienced – ahead to the next E3 show, in June, how connected console to have looking at some of these other things – they’re do you begin to piece together something ever existed, and with an interesting and they’re fun and some of this mindful of what you did last year, while not abundance of boundary- smashing games, it’s little stuff is very relevant and very appealing to staying in its shadow? surprise that it’s a huge gamers, so why wouldn’t you offer those JR: Uh… (Laughs) You know, one of the great global success. sorts of experiences, and we will. But we’re things about working in the entertainment pretty clear-minded that gaming will be the business is that things evolve and new principle area of focus. things start to get worked on. As one game comes out, the development team OPM: With the exception of multiplayer mini-games collection The starts work on the next thing, and it’s Playroom VR, what’s your personal PlayStation VR highlight so far? a kind of endless cycle. JR: [Football heading sim] The Headmaster. You’re right, matching last year’s E3 will be quite some challenge, but I’m OPM: For what reason? pretty relaxed and quite confident that JR: Because I’m good at it! (Laughs) we will rise to that challenge. OPM: Fair enough! When we saw the pitch for that game, OPM: One last question. This one’s from we were worried the headset might keep flying off? one of our readers... JR: Yeah, well I was a bit worried my head would fall off! JR: They’re usually the most dangerous! But no – those balls were bulleting into the top right- (Laughs) hand corner of the goal every time. It was great! OPM: At last December’s PlayStation OPM: Moving onto the wider spectrum of PlayStation, Experience, SCE America CEO Shawn PS4 was very much a console designed to evolve. How Layden walked out on stage wearing has that gone so far? Where do you see the current PS4 in a T-shirt. Is Sony the grand scheme of things? Is there still a long way to go? aware of how much fans want Crash JR: Yeah, obviously when you have a connected device like Bandicoot? Is there anything that can PlayStation 4, the possibilities to significantly enhance the be done to get him back on PlayStation? capabilities of the device through firmware upgrades are considerable JR: Um… we’re certainly aware of the – we’ve already seen that over the life of PS4 with features such considerable affection – even reverence – in as Share Play and a raft of other individually less significant, but which the mighty Crash is held. But nothing cumulatively actually very meaningful, functional enhancements to the to update at this stage in that area. Ghostbusters

052

spiritual successor New studio Fireforge ain’t afraid of no tie-in. as part of a secret first Ghostbusters

053 spiritual successosuccessorr play, Ben tyrer meets the team behind Ghostbusters’ ps4 rebirth Ghostbusters

oes any genre In fact, when the studio came to inspire more designing Ghostbusters, they went undeserved apathy to the father of the franchise, Ivan than the licensed Reitman, as well as the makers of tie-in? There’s this year’s movie reboot. “Just from a a towering validation point, it was important for scrapheap of the team to be able to get our concept D games only out in front of Ivan and hear his feedback to capitalise on and hear what he had to say. stratospheric opening “Along with him, we also worked weekend numbers, sure, but there with [the new film’s director] Paul are also those that soar past that Feig a little bit and with Amy Pascal, low benchmark. They don’t merely who’s the producer of the film. We capture what makes their universe didn’t get to work with the original special, but – like a hug from the cast, but Ivan seemed to be the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man spokesperson from that group. The – engulf you in everything you hold interactions we’ve had with him have dear about the IP. It’s a special skill, been really good – it’s been all the one that can elude even the very way from the look of the game to the best of developers. So inheriting music to the voiceovers, the locations, one of the most beloved series of the ghosts… those sorts of things.” all time for your studio’s debut? New York is also a huge part of That sounds harder than crossing Ghostbusters’ charm – seeing the the streams without ending the more glamorous areas of the city, not world. Step forward, Fireforge. just the grimier parts, covered in all sorts of spectral slosh – and Tremmel 054 CapturinG the Spirit(S) didn’t want to lose any of that appeal, Chris Tremmel is project director with the levels staying true to the and, with a CV encompassing names original aesthetic. “We have locations such as Insomniac, EA and Crystal that are pretty standard to the Dynamics, aware of the monumental Ghostbusters world, like mausoleums task his team faces. “Licensed and haunted hotels and a sanatorium, games come with their own set of but we tried to take different spins to it. Our hotel this time is actually aboard a historic cruise ship, while “the team worked with our cemetery deals with a lot more above-ground crypts and original ghostbusters mausoleums. So while we took some standard approaches to locations, we hang on a sec, shouldn’t bodies director ivan reitman.” also tried to add a slightly new twist to some of them.” challenges,” explains Tremmel. “The big thing I learned on the Lord Of Slime of the Century The Rings games was to stay true The debut developer has been to the franchise as best as possible, working on this latest ‘bustin’ entry while trying to figure out what fans for over a year and Tremmel tells of the property were going to enjoy.” us that, from the start, couchplay The first thing that jumps out multiplayer has been the bedrock for about Fireforge’s debut is the striking this tie-in. “There are a lot of online art style. Moving away from the films’ games out and a lot of PvP-style realism means it’s easy to dismiss games out, but we always thought this as being for kids, but the dev that the Ghostbusters franchise lent insists this is a game for every itself really well to allowing a group ’busters fan. “The industry has gone of friends to play together.” back to this style of game. Just Surprisingly, this means there because it looks like that no longer will be no online multiplayer for means it’s a kiddie game. I mean, that Fireforge’s Ghostbusters. Producer kind of used to be the thing, right? If Dino Verano, from publisher a game looked a certain way, it was , explains: “We want people assumed it was made for kids, but as to be able to be playing together and the industry has matured, we’re at a interacting with each other and we place where that art style doesn’t want it to be friendlier, [to suit] a dictate the target audience anymore.” wide variety of audiences.” the cad on the right, holding the PKe meter, is described by Activision as “bill Murray- ish.” them’s big shoes to fill. 055

in the morgue be lying down? Gulp. All of Fireforge’s levels have been designed with the original Ghostbusters aesthetic in mind, only with a little added twist.

Getting good at playing with your proton-packing buddies is vital – it’s the fastest way to level-up. Ghostbusters

Before we get onto the streets, it’s worry – all four are equipped with time to meet the new guys and gals. the classic proton wand, PKE meter You and up to three mates take on and ghost trap. Combining the a wet-behind-the-ears crew of NY’s distinct advantages of each class gives finest paranormal protectors, whose the game depth and adds bonus names are blank at the start, meaning points via the synergy system. it’s left to you to decide what they One character, for example, is answer to. Do you go for the classic referred to by Tremmel as ‘The Venkman, Stantz, Spengler and Heavy’, courtesy of the minigun he Zeddemore lineup? Or take the Xcom lugs around. If he chucks his slime approach and achieve some goals with grenade, it slows down any ghoul that your real-life squad? gets hit by its gunk, giving the rest of Fireforge gives them distinct the team a chance to earn a little extra Like in any good panto, personalities, but the idea is that XP. The dev explains, “They receive a there comes a time when you’re a member of the team. “You synergy bonus or co-op bonus for our heroes should have a can relate to these characters just co-operating and you get a score look at what lurks behind. through their different personalities, multiplier based on that. It increases but it’s not about these new the scores for eliminating different characters and where they come from,” ghosts and allows the characters to says Tremmel. “It’s really about you level-up a little bit quicker.” The top-down view and twin-stick controls imply arcadey thrills, but “we have 16 upgrades Tremmel insists that all upgrades help build the ultimate wraith warrior. for each character, “Sixteen different upgrades for each character can be purchased. Each of 056 each with five stages.” those has five stages to it. You can make a weapon stronger, make an area putting yourself into the position of effect larger, increase your movement being a Ghostbuster and choosing the speed, increase a point bonus on the character you feel you relate to most.” trap mini-game, make the weapon overheat last longer. It’s a whole range total BrotoniC reverSal of things that you can really upgrade.” Taking place after the events of the new film, we jump into The Aldridge GhoSt of the paSt Mansion. Using a Diablo-esque Despite multiplayer co-op being top-down view to keep the whole on the other end of the spectrum team on-screen, we sneak through the to 2009’s PS3 Ghostbusters effort, deserted house, scanning the room Tremmel is open about how much it with our PKE meters until we stumble influenced Fireforge’s project. “We’re upon floating skulls. big fans of the third-person Atari Proton pistols at the ready, we blast game. It nailed the feel of using the them away using the right stick to proton wand and proton beam to aim, and i to shoot. As we attempt capture and wrangle ghosts, and get to keep the bookshelves ectoplasm- them into the traps. We thought that free, we need to retire this level’s type of mechanic would be really boss by firing up the proton pack, fun if brought into a team-based frantically wrestling and slamming environment where four people her into the ground, then finishing could do that at the same time.” her off by dumping her into the ghost This might not have the huge Don’t cross the streams! trap. This boss battle does a great job spectacle and original cast likenesses of forcing you to experiment with of PS3’s Ghostbusters, but instead weapons and combinations, as you of lazily adopting the look of the and your partners probe the ghost’s films, Fireforge is mixing distinctive weaknesses with grenades and proton style with admirably old school wands. Seeing the co-op award come ambitions. There’s nothing you’d up for taking down ghosts together call revolutionary, but if PS4 ’busters always results in a mini high-five. achieves its aim of gearing us up with Like any strong team, each the latest protonic weaponry and Ghostbuster brings a little something making us feel like the new recruits at different to the party, such as having a 110 N Moore Street, we’ll be as happy unique grenade and individual weapon as Ray Stantz sliding down a fireman’s that only they can use. But don’t pole come 15 July. Ghostbusters

hey, GooD SpooKinG project director Chris tremmel on ‘forging firsts

opm: how will the single-player campaign work? Ct: You always have four Ghostbusters on-screen at the same time. If I’m playing by myself then three characters are AI-controlled, with two people, two of them are AI-controlled, and so on. the difference in the game is we dynamically adjust the encounters dependent upon the number of human players. If you’ve got four players together, the encounters are going to be a little bit tougher.

opm: Does the multiplayer have a drop in, drop out option? Ct: For us, that was one of the very first requirements. Making this kind of game, there are a few anchor points you have to hit, and that was one. It has to be drop in and drop out, because the levels are about 30 minutes each. It was really important to make sure that if somebody wanted to drop in while halfway through, they could. or if somebody needed to take a break and jump out, they could. that comes from us being fans of this kind of genre, and running into games that didn’t have that type of thing. We felt we had to provide 057 that ability.

opm: how specifically will the multiplayer mechanics tie into the levelling-up system? Ct: throughout a level, every character maintains their own score. At the end of each there’s a little scoring segment Fireforge’s art style does that adds up how many ghosts you’ve a great job of combining eliminated, how many co-op assists you both cartoon and classic got, how many hidden items you may visual effects. have found, etc. Characters then level up through that process, and every time a character levels up they’re given a number of skill points that they can then use to spend on the skill tree to enhance their character. there’s a whole range of things you can upgrade, and if you’re playing with multiple people, each character will level up independently at the end of each level.

opm: What’s it been like working on a debut game after spending your career with established studios? Ct: It’s inspiring to see people get really the devs consulted both the original and reboot movie directors when designing the top-down style. excited, every day, about, say, a new ghost that’s in the game, or a new game mechanic that’s working. or even – Decisions, decisions. when we’re at the stage we’re at right Do you switch out your now, where we’re doing a lot of tuning pack for the dual-pistols, and final tweaks on the game – still assault rifle or minigun? seeing people really excited about playing it. that’s the thing that always gets me towards the end.

opm: finally, who is your favourite Ghostbuster of all time? Ct: I actually really love the new holtzman character from the new film. People will be pleasantly surprised – she’s an awesome character. Ghostbusters

058 Ghostbusters chronoloGy Films! Games! Toys! Ben Wilson charts 36 incredible years of an all-slime classic

1980 Good friends Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi co- star in musical crime caper The Blues Brothers, the second of the pair’s three movies together (the others being 1941 and Neighbors). After its success, Aykroyd begins mapping a concept called Ghost Smashers, in which the duo cross time and space battling spirits with wands. Ghostbusters 1983 1981 1982 In January, Aykroyd Aykroyd begins work on the script for On 5 March, John Belushi passes away, submits a revised Ghost Smashers, many excerpts from after being injected with a deadly mix 180-page script for which will leak over the years. In this of cocaine and heroin. “I was, in fact, version, The Stay Puft Marshmallow writing one of his lines when he died,” Ghostbusters, which Man is one of multiple Gozer reveals Aykroyd years later. Following Reitman this time manifestations, Winston is instead Belushi’s death, Aykroyd sends a likes, after making called Ramsey and a “gluttonous half-finished script to Bill Murray. He, yellow mist” known in turn, recommends the project to some tweaks – such as Onionhead Animal House producer Ivan Reitman, as setting the film in a haunts the who has also already directed Murray Greenville in comedies Stripes and Meatballs. modern American city, Guest Reitman likes the comic elements, and bringing aboard House. That but criticises the characterisation and character budget required to bring it to life. Harold Ramis. Columbia will go on to Pictures chairman Frank become Slimer. Price agrees to finance the film, as long as it doesn’t cost more than $25m. By October, as 1984 1985 preliminary second unit After 15 weeks of The film is photography begins in filming in New released on New York, its budget is York and LA, Betamax and already nearing the $30 the movie wraps VHS with a 059 in February. curious error: million mark. Oops. It’s released in the States on 8 June, the stereo soundtrack for the latter grossing $13.6 million in its opening version is accidentally reversed weekend, and staying at number one from right to left during transfer. for five weeks. (Thirty years later, its It’s corrected in future releases. gross is estimated at an astonishing Don Shay’s ‘Making Ghostbusters’ $290 million.) In addition to the film, book, featuring Bernie Wrightson the first Ghostbusters game is released illustrations of monsters that didn’t on . It’s coded within six make the film, is an instant hit and weeks and sees you driving around goes on to be considered the film’s New York in Ecto-1. bible. (In 2016, acquiring a copy will © Philip Ritz/Wikipedia set you back around £80.) the ‘busters hQ remains in use as a real-life firehouse in NYC’s tribeca neighbourhood. 1986 1987 Season one of cartoon The Real Ghostbusters emerges. The characters New videogame alert: share the names of their film Burgertime developer Data East counterparts, but aren’t based on releases top-down shooter The the actors – although Ernie Hudson Real Ghostbusters in arcades. auditions to reprise his role of (It’s later ported to and Winston, Arsenio Hall gets the part. Atari ST.) On the ’toon front In the ’toon, – and in an incredibly bold Slimer lives with move for a kids’ TV show – a the ’busters as season two episode of The Real a mascot-style Ghostbusters takes horror king ally. It spawns HP Lovecraft as inspiration. an official toy The ’busters have to defeat the line that grows Elder Gods after a cult uses more bizarre with Necronomicon to unleash a each passing year. nefarious spirit. The ep’s title: As well as the two official the real Ghostbusters games, Granny Gross The Collect Call Of Cathulhu. there was also the unlicensed Meikyuu hunter G in Japan. Ghost, anyone? Ghostbusters 1988 1990 1989 A big-ish year on Filming of a movie sequel begins. “We’ll burn in hell if we call it Ghostbusters II,” Ghostbusters the videogame front. insists Bill Murray. The first Ghostbusters II – sorry, Bill Ghostbusters II emerges comic series emerges, published by Marvel – is released on UK on these shores and NOW in the US. 16 June. It plays at on various formats, On the cartoon front, writer J Michael 2,410 cinemas, taking more than $29 with the DOS version Straczynski walks away ahead of season million in its first three days. It’s the standing out – at one three. “They proposed really offensive biggest opening weekend in cinema things,” he later tells history… for one week, until Batman point, you get to stomp SFX. “They wanted to takes $40 million. Cast members around New York as the make Janine a mommy include Bill Murray’s brother, Brian character, instead of the Doyle Murray, as a psychiatric doctor, Statue Of Liberty. Side- strong female character Dan Aykroyd’s niece, Karen Humber, scrolling platformer she’d been. They wanted as a school child, and Ivan Reitman’s to make Winston, the son Jason (now an Oscar-nominated Ghostbusters is also only black character, just director himself), who insults the released on Mega Drive. a driver, which I thought Ghostbusters at a birthday party. was profoundly racist.” Many fans consider it non-canon as it doesn’t acknowledge events of the sequel, 1991 and only features three On 5 October, after seven seasons, the playable Ghostbusters – curtain falls on The Real Ghostbusters Winston finds himself cartoon. Pandering later series are completely excluded. 060 unrecognisable from its earlier tales – such as that Lovecraft episode – with Slimer (now the focus of the show) imagining himself in Jack & The Beanstalk and entering a dog show. Kenner’s toy line also comes to an end – its final five figures are glow-in-the-dark versions of the Ghostbusters and Louis Tully, known as Ecto-Glow Heroes. It’s been a tough three decades for ‘busters games, but 1990 delivered ghostly treats. 1992 1993 1994 In a TV interview, Aykroyd Another farewell, this time to The Aykroyd dismisses rumours of suggests Ghostbusters III could Real Ghostbusters comic books. In Ghostbusters III in an interview with well be a possibility after all. the UK, it’s Playboy. “The one [film] I don’t think “Ah, it might amassed 193 we’ll necessarily further exploit is happen,” he issues in Ghostbusters. It looks like that’s about tells WWOR four years, had its run. It opened and Batman Channel plus four opened the next weekend and wiped 9 News. annuals and us out that summer. Although we “I’ve got ten specials. made a good movie, it just wasn't as a story The NOW- commercially successful as everybody in mind published US thought it would be.” that I’m comics also thinking call time, after about. So 32 issues, two we’ll see. It’s annuals and certainly something I always wanted one special. to do. It’s just getting the other players together.” Ghostbusters

1995 1996 1997 Animated hauntings return via More Ghostbusters Spooktacular – a special Extreme Ghostbusters, a spiritual Ghostbusters effects show opened at Universal sequel to The Real Ghostbusters. III talk. It’s Studios Florida in 1990 – is closed. While his three contemporaries have rumoured that neither Reitman nor Its original guise featured an actress moved on, Egon Spengler remains Murray are interested, while Aykroyd in the role of Gozer performing in the firehouse to look after Slimer tells AOL: “Have script, will travel, but acrobatics, while being fired at by a and train four successors: goth Kylie, not with all of the original players.” cast of ’busters. Relaunched in 1993, slacker Eduardo, paraplegic Garrett, Singer Huey Lewis, meanwhile, its second incarnation saw ‘Louis and brainiac Roland. Action figures reaches a settlement with Ray Parker Tully’ (not played by Rick Moranis) of all them – except Garrett – are Jr over a dispute concerning the select three volunteers to help set inevitably released, as well as Time Ghostbusters theme. Lewis had sued up equipment, before a lights-and- Crisis-aping PS1 shooter Extreme for copyright infringement, claiming sound experience leading to the Ghostbusters: The the now-legendary riff was borrowed Marshmallow Man’s on-stage demise. Ultimate Invasion. from his 1983 hit I Want A New Drug. Twister… Ride It Out took its place. Unimpressed? So (Listening today, both rhythm and are audiences, and melody are near-identical.) it lasts just one 40-episode season. 1998 Lots more chatter 1999 2000 surrounding a third The films debut on “It’s dead,” says Aykroyd of film. “The concept is DVD as Aykroyd Ghostbusters III, in a press conference still strong and I think completes the for new movie Stardom. Why? first draft of “A combination of not getting the 061 that Harold and I can Ghostbusters III: right story, and the business side pull it off,” Aykroyd Hellbent. It would see the devil of things.” Specifically, Bill Murray’s sending spirits back to the real world reluctance to be involved, and Sony tells Hollywood Online. to roam Manhattan. Ray and Egon Pictures’ lack of interest in financing “We're going to do a are still ’busters at the head of a huge the project, for which Aykroyd is franchise, but Winston is a doctor and seeking $120 million. “They’re trying Hades version of New Peter has moved on to a new life with to get bargains, they're trying to get York. You look down Dana and Oscar. There’s a new car, the next Blair Witch. But, you know, too: a 1989 converted Cadillac, Ecto- sometimes you have to seed for the at the river and there's 12. “If we were to go ahead with the big harvest to come in.” a ferry of Wall Street project, I would probably produce the commuters, except film, not direct it,” admits Reitman. they're being shoved off with pitchforks into the river which is now boiling blood.” Hudson 2001 2002 (Winston) says he’d Remember the Parker Jr versus Huey IGN acquires the 1999 draft of the like to be involved. Lewis rumble? It’s on again after Hellbent script, and drops swathes Lewis is accused of breaching the of further detail. Fresh ’bustin meat “Assuming there's gonna confidentiality agreement pertaining includes New Jersey punk Franky, be a third one, and to the 1995 settlement, on VH1’s the dreadlocked assuming I'll be asked, Behind The Music. "I suppose it Lovell, child was for sale, genius Nat, I'd like to be a part of because, science graduate it – if the script is good, basically, they Moira and Latino bought it,” says beauty Carla. as it should be.” Lewis. Parker Aykroyd declares, sues and, however, the according to a film “will never recent Reddit happen” with AMA: “Got a Murray still lot of money.” dead against it. 2003 Same old story, regarding film three. “Never. That will never happen. Unless Bill Murray agrees. Everyone else would love to do it, Columbia, Harold Ramis, myself, director Ivan Reitman,” says Aykroyd. “It’s a five-way rights situation and Bill is locking up his piece of the rights because he feels that was work that he just wants preserved and he doesn’t want it diluted. And as an artist, I can respect that.” 2004 2005 2006 Ghostbusters: Presuming it A Ghostbusters mobile game emerges, Legion, from a non-starter, and elicits universal mirth for its utter Canadian Ramis divulges hopelessness. The story sees you 062 publishing even more details on ridding a millionaire’s home of ghosts, house 88MPH the canned third film – but is absurdly long (with more than Studios, sees the including the actors he and Aykroyd 100 rooms), features cookie-cutter original characters return in comic had in mind for a new crew. “We were puzzles, and references none of the form – albeit with events of the film thinking Chris Rock, Chris Farley and original characters or movies. It’s the retconned so that everything takes Ben Stiller taking over. That would laziest of half-arsed cash-ins. place in 2004. As such, references have worked,” he tells Ain’t It Cool to mobile phones, Starbucks and News. Perhaps surprisingly, he shows Diaz all feature. Licensing no regrets about the idea being killed and financial issues plague the series, off. “I can’t say my heart was really in and it’s curtailed after just four issues. it, you know... making the third one.”

2007 Slovenian developer Zootfly 2008 sends fans into a frenzy “Well, I think the wounds from when it drops Youtube Ghostbusters II of a new, ace- have healed,” says Murray regarding looking Ghostbusters PS3 the possibility of game. They’re taken down for a third film, adding – in a somewhat copyright reasons, but it’s clear prescient manner, as it turns out – “there's some funny girls I'd love to that the audience who grew up with see be Ghostbusters.” A pencil-based the films is desperate for a fully fledged, comeback occurs as IDW secures comic book rights. Its first edition quality videogame starring the old crew. Elsewhere, sees the ’busters trying to resolve a Aykroyd announces “it lives!” regarding Ghostbusters III ghost war between Japanese Yakuza and a US crime syndicate, and is – as a CGI animated project, which will feature Murray widely praised. on vocal duties after all. Ghostbusters

2010 2011 In a trade show programme, ‘Extreme Ghostbuster’ Kylie resurfaces it becomes clear that a third in the popular IDW comics, while film is coming, with a planned ’busters toys are officially in fashion release date two years later. “Sony again, too. The new Mattel range, Pictures Entertainment (SPE) has a 2009 launched the year before, even licensing programme targeting the includes EPA Ghostbusters core fan base for the Developer Terminal Reality delivers blowhard – and relaunch of the movie franchise in the ’bustin videogame so hoped for ’buster hater – 2013,” it reads. in the wake of those Zootfly vids. Walter Peck. In “Yes, we will be “This is essentially the third movie,” much sadder news, doing the movie, says Dan Aykroyd of the blaster, set Ramis contracts hopefully with Mr two years after Ghostbusters II and autoimmune Murray,” confirms casting you as an unnamed fifth crew inflammatory Aykroyd. Also, member. All of the original actors lend vasculitis, taking Ghostbusters: their voices to the game, and it scores away his ability Sanctum Of 8/10 in issue #33 of OPM. to walk. Slime hits PS3. It’s terrible. 2012 Still no Bill. “He will 2013 2014 not do the movie,” says In December, Sony announces a raft A colossal blow. Aykroyd. “He’s got six of big licensees who’ve signed on to On 24 February, help celebrate the original film’s 30th aged 69, Harold kids, houses all over anniversary throughout the following Ramis passes away, 063 America. He golfs in year. Among the most exciting are surrounded by his family. Funko, the super-revered creators of The news is a devastating blow to his these tournaments where the POP! collectible figure range. They contemporaries, and leads Reitman they pay him to turn up don’t disappoint, either,: the to step away from the purported and have a laugh. He’s four main ’busters, Slimer, threequel for good. “With Harold Marshmallow Man and no longer with us, I couldn’t see it,” into this life and living Ecto-1 are all he says. In October – after so many it… but I can’t be mad at immortalised false starts – a new flick is finally in vinyl confirmed, with Paul ‘Bridesmaids’ him. He’s a friend first, over the Feig taking on Reitman’s . a colleague second.” following months. 2015 2016 A 15 July release date is locked in Kristen Wiig, Melissa for the new Ghostbusters movie, McCarthy, Kate McKinnon with Murray, Aykroyd, Hudson and Leslie Jones are confirmed and Sigourney Weaver among as the main, all-female cast those confirmed for cameos. for the new Ghostbusters, Cryptozoic launches another board while the Funko range grows game – this time for again to include Domo Ghostbusters II – while a very well- versions of Slimer and Stay known UK Puft. In February, US company publication Cryptozoic launches a named Official Kickstarter for a Ghostbusters PlayStation board game – and with more Magazine than $1.5 million pledged, it’s unveils the first available worldwide less than a Ghostbusters year later. Ghostbusters Lego, the all-new Ghostbusters crew. Left to right: Leslie Jones, videogame amazingly, is also now a thing. Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig and Kate McKinnon. for PS4. 01 tie-ins

the year of the tie-in More licensed treats set to brighten up 2016

01 TMNT: MuTaNTs iN MaNhaTTaN 02 baTMaN All shell breaks loose in Platinum’s new brawler Bats the Wayne to do it

Pub Activision dev PlatinumGames eTa Summer Pub Warner dev Telltale Games eTa 2016 It feels like we’ve been waiting since the days of Telltale’s games are all about choice, so Batman isn’t gloomy seaside arcades for a not-terrible Turtles the most obvious fit. His decisions rarely get more title, but Mutants In Manhattan glows with mutagenic complex than ‘how shall I break this criminal’s knees?’ promise. It’s being developed by Platinum, a studio so or ‘which gargoyle should I brood on tonight?’ talented at making action games that even its Thankfully, this promises something more cerebral. Transformers one didn’t stink. A Turtles game plays to The focus is on the complex mind of Bruce Wayne its strengths even more – expect crisp third-person himself, rather than the Bat – a subject that’s never action and immaculate hack ‘n’ slash combat. been explored to any level of satisfaction in movies or When your squad is looking Just like the source material, each turtle has their games. We often get images of ol’ Brucie staring at fierce and ready to head own ‘thing’ – Raph can enter stealth mode, Leo the pale moonlight – and the flashbacks in the Arkham to the club, but you gotta focuses to slow down time, Mikey can refresh his games were superb – but Telltale promises to take us take out shredder first. teammates’ abilities and Donnie can get wedgied in deeper. It’ll apparently look at the duality of his identity the school toilets for being a nerdlinger (okay, that one – ooh, deep – and the struggle of saving a Gotham City might be a lie). You can also shift between Turtles in overrun with corruption and violence. the single-player game, though we don’t know why You can expect the usual Telltale blend of decision 02 you’d want to play as anyone except Raphael. and consequence – a fascinating prospect for the The other bit of good news is this is based on the often-authoritarian world of Batman. Best of all, you’ll excellent IDW comic run – the story is by the same have to switch between Bruce and Bats, depending on 064 author, Tom Waltz – rather than the goofy, Michael the situation. Going to a gala ball? Your armour is a Bay-produced cinematic dog’s egg. Our only minor tuxedo. This could be the ultimate examination of grumble is the lack of local co-op, but at least you can Wayne’s complex psyche. Our only request? Please, play with four half-shelled heroes online. Yes, it’s okay please don’t call it Bruce Wayne: Beneath The Kevlar to allow yourselves a cheeky, “Cowabunga!” Go wild. Cowl, or something equally guff.

03 souTh Park: The 04 The WalkiNg dead 05 lego sTar Wars: it’s a double delight from FracTured buT Whole seasoN 3 The Force aWakeNs everybody, if you can do new game is only a matter BB-8 brick rolls onto Ps4 05 the Cartman of corpse Pub Warner Bros Pub dev Ubisoft San Pub Telltale Games dev Telltale dev Traveller's Tales eTa 28 June Francisco eTa 2016 Games eTa 2016 Star Wars remembered its sense The Stick Of Truth is one of the Telltale dabbles in everything from of humour for The Force Awakens, best tie-in games. Ever. We’d be Minecraft to Game Of Thrones, but so it’s the perfect fit for the happy with more of the same The Walking Dead remains its big inevitable Lego spinoff. The brilliant – assuming there were any fantasy series. Season Two gave us trailer, complete with a ‘BB-8 on tropes left to mock – yet The closure on many story elements, board’ joke, was evidence enough. Fractured But Whole is giving us but there’s more to be said in The game expands on the something different. Instead of Telltale’s more-about-the-people- established Lego formula, including a Tolkien-esque trawl through than-the-zombies narrative. tweaked building options that let sphincters, the next South Park Season Three promises the you construct different creations title riffs off the undying popularity same branching stories, tough with the same bricks, just like you of superhero movies. choices and staggering selection would in real life. Combat has also You’ll still be in control of the of endings, but Telltale CEO Kevin been rejigged to include specific no-longer-really-new New Kid, Bruner promises it won’t feel too blaster sections, which feature this time teaming up with a cast familiar – fans can expect things cover shooting for the first time in of wonderfully crap superheroes. they’ve never seen before. In fact, a Lego game. As ever, you can Cartman is The Coon – half man, it’s being refreshed to bring it to a expect the usual, whopping great half raccoon – and Stan is wider audience. This is partly to cast of Star Wars favourites, Toolshed, a hero with the power to tease in viewers of the TV show including so-nice-we-wish-he-was- control, well, tools. The last game who are unfamiliar with the game’s real Poe Dameron and angsty worked because it was an belligerent mix of tough choices chinchilla Kylo Ren. unapologetic turn-based RPG, and tougher consequences. Best of all, the game covers the and the formula remains the Apart from that, details are still period between same here. The one area of scarce. We’re hoping Season and The Force Awakens, allowing concern is the removal of Three can return The Walking Dead us to explore each character’s RPG-specialist Obsidian from to the gruelling heights it reached backstory and, more importantly, development, with Ubisoft San before the disappointing Michonne finally discover what haircare Francisco stepping into the gap. spin-off. Rotting fingers crossed. products Chewie’s been using. tie-ins

TeaM Picks The tie-ins we’d love to see on Ps4 Ben Wilson We’ve had transformers. We’re getting turtles. now it’s time for Platinum to complete the ‘80s ‘toon hat-trick, and deliver us a thundercats actioner. imagine the sword-swinging, nunchaku-cracking four-way battles against Hammerhand, Mumm-Ra and – greatest episode ever – the inflamer. or, if Platinum doesn’t see gold, enter telltale; there’s loads of storylines to tap into. the lion-o/Cheetara/tygra love triangle. Jaga and Grune’s on-off bromance. Ma-Mutt’s daddy issues. like Monkian, it’s a no-brainer.

Jen siMPkins As oPM’s resident Japanophile, i’m hankering after an obscure anime tie-in. Here are five words to get my engine revving for a racer based on 2009 animated movie Redline – nsFW Wacky Races in space. All the elements are there for a no-holds- 03 04 barred Ps4 wheel-spinner. the zany tale of the Redline drag race; the neon pulse of the art style; a soundtrack making sexy jelly of your eardrums. And 065 imagine the power-ups. Racers turning into robo-cars, firing boob-projectiles? Move the hell over, Rocket league.

Ben tyReR telltale, which has highly anticipated tie-ins of Batman and the Walking Dead season 3 hitting Ps4s in 2016. yes, the Wire videogame would probably fly against oh this? Just the Millennium everything the series is Falcon in lego, screeching over about. it’s tricky to Jakku’s deserts in lego star condense the systemic failings of the Wars: the Force Awakens. war on drugs into something to literally blast through in a weekend. But take telltale’s narrative skills and let me fill the shoes of Mcnulty and Bunk – solving crimes, trading thoughts and having a dialogue wheel with only one word on it. We’ll let you guess what it is. the two po-lice are the most natural entry point to avoid coming across as crass, or duller than the Baltimore docks.

AnDReW WestBRook Ratchet? not for me. the true furry platformer king should be ‘80s cartoon superhero Danger Mouse. He’s the world’s greatest spy, a consummate englishman and he wears an eyepatch. He also packs a hilarious sidekick, an inventive extended cast and brilliantly diverse settings. His last proper tie-in was on spectrum – surely now, with the recent tV reboot, it’s his time again? in the words of the gushing singer on the sublime soundtrack: “He’s the greatest, he’s fantastic, he’s the best.” ‘nuff said. Special offer Subscribe to

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ou may, if you’ve been playing Street Fighter V, have met the Wall of Bronze. Don’t worry Yif you’ve never heard of it – it’s the name we’ve just made up for the point at which specials and solid combos no longer work online. The basics can only take you so far. Eventually, you’ll face an imperious, scrub-killing M Bison or a contemptible Vega who’ll use the very framework of the game against you. That’s when these tips come in handy. Some of them are straightforward, 068 others will require practice and research. All of them, however, will make you become a more competitive player. Learn well, young padawan, and tell M Bison we sent you.

EXPERT bio Matt Elliott fell in love with Street Fighter II in a sticky Cromer arcade. He’s since resolved all conflicts in his life by asking ‘what would Guile do?’ (The answer is almost always ‘flash kick’.)

Key c. – Crouching LP – Light punch s. – Standing MP – Medium punch f. – Forward HP – Heavy punch b. – Back LK – Light kick (e.g. f.MP = MK – Medium kick forward medium HK – Heavy kick punch)

Harnessing Alex New boy Alex is a spritely, energetic pretty useless – it’s unsafe on block, defensively using your pokes, then grappler – part , part and it doesn’t cross-up. His stun gun nip in for your damaging command Macho Man . He’s got headbutt, however, is wonderful. You throw. Finally, his Critical Art is great pokes – his s.MK especially can jump across the entire screen, it amazing – it has a tidy, five-frame so – and his s.HK is a rangy Crush can’t be blocked and it does massive start-up, and surprisingly good range. Counter. His specials are a mixed amounts of stun. Alex has also got Use it to counter-attack scrubby bag. His slash is a decent combo the best dash of any Street Fighter V Ryus who spam fireballs, and bury 1finisher, but his jumping stomp is grappler. Force your opponent to play their heads in the concrete. Lovely. StrEEt FigHtEr V tipS

Mastering mix-ups Okay, this is the bit in the training montage when the music swells and it all starts making sense. Mix-ups are about making your opponent think you’re going to do one thing, then doing something different. It forces your enemy to guess how you’ll attack, and lets you play all sorts of devious mind games. Let’s use the meaty as an example. Hit it once or twice, and a smart 3opponent will learn that they have to block on wake-up, not jab. Move in after you knock them down and they’ll be expecting the same again. But you throw them. Knock them down again and they’ll be expecting another throw. So go back to the meaty. It’s a fundamental element of Street Fighter that can be applied across your entire game. Fake your foe into guessing your next move, and punish them. Congratulations: you’re a cerebral assassin.

We’ve got you recovered Now for some fundamentals. Street Fighter V has three recovery options when you’re knocked down, and you need to know how and when to use all of them. Hit down when you land to perform a quick recovery, which will have you quickly return to your feet, or press back to hop backwards and put some 2space between you and your opponent. The third option is doing nothing, which will perform a standard, slow recovery. Use them all, and try to understand how your opponent will pressure you.

Avoid stun using V-Reversal

If you’re taking heavy damage and your stun gauge is filling up, use your V-Reversal. It sounds obvious, but few players use it effectively. Many V-Reversals 5have lengthy animations that give you time to completely recover. It’s the perfect opportunity to get back in, but more importantly, it doesn’t leave you stunned and open to a combo that could remove a third of your health. Serve up some meaties Meaties are what will change your game the quickest. We explain in tip #10 exactly how frame data works, but what’s important for now is knowing that with meaties, all that matters are the final active frames. The plan is to attack your enemy as they get up – shhh, it’s not dishonourable – timing the active frames so they connect as late as possible. It’s best to use a medium attack that opens a combo, or even better, a Crush Counter. If they try to throw a jab on wake- up, your attack will connect at the same time and beat it. Timing is crucial. StrEEt FigHtEr V tipS

Hone your reactions All of this stuff can be practised in Training mode. You can set the dummy to attack with a jab on wake-up, allowing you to nail the timing for your Crush Counters. You can also set guard recovery actions. Set up the dummy so that it throws out a jab after blocking, then hit it with a move that leaves you at an advantage on block, before striking with a medium attack. This is an excellent way of learning how your frame traps work. Best of all, you can mix your options, and practise reacting to different scenarios. If you see a human opponent repeatedly spamming the same move effectively, use Training mode to learn how to punish it.

Crush candy Again, this might seem like an obvious one, but landing Crush Counters should be oh-so- high on your list of offensive priorities. Every character has at least two moves that act as Crush Counters. Make sure that you learn ’em. Yep, all of ’em. Most importantly, also practise how to follow them up to really take full advantage. Mika, for example, has to dash 7 in after landing her dropkick. It’s unintuitive, but the massive rewards make it well worth practising. Also, learn to land Crush Counters with your meaty attacks – remember what we said in point #4? – and punish whiffed moves such as Dragon Punches.

Learn attack priorities Owning wake-up People often talk about Street Fighter being the rock-paper-scissors of fists A word of caution about the meaties – a lazy way of describing it, perhaps, mentioned earlier: these are risky against but fundamentally correct. If two attacks characters with invincible attacks such connect at the same time, Street Fighter V as Dragon Punches. Yet you can spin this has a system for deciding which one ‘wins’. knowledge to your advantage. Use mix-ups Generally, the more powerful the attack, and pressure to bait out Dragon Punches on the better. So, if you’re hit with a light wake-up, block instead of attacking, then punch and you connect with a medium punish. If your opponent doesn’t have any 8kick, only the kick will cause damage. Likewise, heavy attacks decent wake-up specials, even better news: beat medium ones. The tradeoff is that weaker attacks are R Mika, Karin, M Bison, Laura, Zangief and usually quicker, and will connect before stronger ones. The Nash are super-easy to punish on wake-up. system only works when you’re trading blows, so it’s all about Keep on them, forcing them to waste meter gaming that system, something we’ll come back to in tip #10. on EX versions of their specials. 071

Study the frame data… no, really

Having established how Street Fighter V’s roshambo-fu works (#8), you need to start using it. Frame data is essentially what happens when maths meets martial arts… wait, no, come back! It’s less terrible than it sounds. Every move has a number of start-up frames. This is how long it takes you to chuck out an attack. There’s also specific data for what happens when a move is blocked, and when it connects. So, if a move has a seven-frame advantage on hit, you can link it to any other move that has a start-up of seven frames or less. Make sense? That info alone won’t change your game, but frame traps will. Find out which attacks leave you at an advantage on block, then follow them with moves that beat your rival’s counter-attack. For example, Chunners’ s.MP leaves her at a +3 frame advantage on block. Follow it up with her five-frame b.HP and you’ll frame trap (and Crush Counter) anyone who tries to counter-attack with a three-frame jab. You can get all the frame data in the excellent (and free) V-Frames app for Android and iPhone. “When we said ‘no guns’, we knew that we wanted to make Faith a projectile. She needed to be the weapon.”

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You will receive two free issues (the current issue and the next issue) when you start a no-obligation trial subscription to Edge’s iPad edition. Available to new subscribers only. iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc, registered in the US and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. OPM scOres

Gold award

gOld award awarded to a game that’s brilliantly executed on every level, combining significant innovation, near-flawless gameplay, great graphics and lasting appeal.

editor’s award

editOr’s award not at the very highest echelon, but this is a game that deserves recognition and special praise based on its ambition, innovation or other notable achievement.

10 incredible 073 the kind of phenomenal experience rarely seen in a console generation. 9 Outstanding unreservedly brilliant – this should be in every collection. 8 Very gOOd a truly excellent game, marred by just a few minor issues. 7 gOOd a great concept unfulfilled or the familiar done well, but still well worth playing. 6 decent fun in parts, flawed in others, but more right than wrong. 5 aVerage what you expect and little 80 dark more, this is for devotees only. sOuls iii it’s series finale time for from’s 4 belOw aVerage patience-sapping rpg, but is it any bright ideas are drowning any good? we show no mercy… in a sea of bugs or mediocrity. 3 POOr a seriously flawed game with little merit on any level. 2 awful disgraceful: the disc would be more beneficial as a coaster. 1 HOrrific own this and you’ll be swiftly, justifiably, exiled from society. contents uncharted 4: a thief’s end 74 | uefa euro 2016 84 | trackmania turbo 85 enter the gungeon 86 | ratchet & clank 88 | minecraft story mode 92 severed 93 | rÉpublique 94 | stikbold 94 | unepic 94 | mlb: the show 16 95 review

Gold award

glory huNtEr @bentyrer uNchartED 4: a thiEF’s END PS4’s new gold standard

ou’ve worked this out already by glancing at that score, but 074 here’s written confirmation. The wait has been more than worth it. Nathan Drake’s final journey is the one that Sony’s greatest action hero deserves. info Uncharted 4 has sections, Format PS4 and set-pieces, that need to be played to be Eta Out NOw believed. ItY looks phenomenal. It delivers you PuB SONy DEv back into a world, and storyline, that you never want to leave. It is, without question, the best game in the series – and PlayStation 4’s finest hour so far.

Drake rocking it cosmetically in his bonafide current-gen debut is hardly a surprise, but it merits praise, regardless. Screen-grabbers will mash the Share button relentlessly, as a feast of incredible vistas and obscenely well-crafted details makes Uncharted 4 the best-looking game on any console. Character models and facial animations are pretty much flawless, sailing over the uncanny valley as a whole host of smirks, eyebrow raises and furrowed brows translate to the most natural looking of performances. NEvEr too NatE I’ll try not to drop spoilers, but the story requires discussion at least. With Nate happy(ish) in his new – very legal – job of hauling marine wreckage, he gets a visit from the ghost of older brother past. Sam Drake, who shares the same “a feaSt Of iNcreDible viStaS makeS uNcharteD 4 the beSt- lOOkiNg game ON aNy cONSOle.” 075

Don’t look so confused Drake, that’s definitely a 10 we’re slapping on your series finale. review

above Henry Avery’s a pirate king, is it any surprise he’s left behind some wreckage?

Drake’s new job as a clock repairman doesn’t 076 seem to be going to plan.

above left Remember the E3 car chase demo? It’s astonishing.

above right Good news: your AI buddies are handy with a piece.

left There’s still nothing as satisfying as a one-punch finish.

right Sam Drake is charmingly headstrong and just as likeable as his l’il brother. review roguish glint in the eye, but is sporting some glib moodiness for the sake of Thankfully, Nate hasn’t intriguing tats and appears a little more wizened it. There’s an uncomfortable become a pacifist between from wasted years, comes back to ask his little familiarity to some of his entries, and Naughty Dog brother for help. From there, the Brothers Drake interactions later on that doesn’t tinker with the bullet- resume their lifelong race for the vast reams speak to Naughty Dog’s ever- play too significantly. Aiming of treasure that belonged to Pirate King Henry maturing writing style. In is a tad quicker than in past Avery against the smarmy Rafe Adler. short, he’s occasionally an outings – you can always mess arsehole – and all the more around with the sensitivity as raFE to thE FiNish human (and therefore richer well – and guns pack more of That’s purposefully as vague as possible. Not as a character) because of it. a visual punch, with enemies only due to my spoilers caveat, but also because That evolving style can also staggering and cover crumbling A Thief’s End adds enough elements to its story be seen in a different way with much more frequently. formula to bubble in a different way. Gone is the expansive approach to level Fisticuffs remain similar, the rat-a-tat-tat pacing of Among Thieves and design. As you progress, the but deliver more contextual Drake’s Deception, in which the story scarcely game seems to get bigger and actions with your gang or the lets you breathe. This entry is more self-assured bigger, each level branching environment – our favourite in the ebb and flow of quiet exploration, allowing off in different paths that being when Drake grabs an its leads to make their impression before building always guide you to the same ally and swings them into a to those standout set-pieces. Following The Last place. This time you really feel Shoreline fool. It amounts to Of Us, Naughty Dog is clearly high on confidence, like an explorer, probing the a sweet blend of the familiar and does a superb job of Madagascan and the fresh with regards to enhancing Uncharted’s charm. savannah, slinging your knuckles about. Not that you’re chucked “bOth NOlaN NOrth frosty caves While shooting and in at the deep end. There’s a or tropical scrapping is similar, the deft touch to the opening few aND islands, each architecture of fights has chapters that keeps the action level boasting undergone a quietly radical light, the scope tight, and turN iN career-beSt a sense rehaul between Drake’s uses its linearity to build to of scale Deception and A Thief’s End. what’s coming later. One such PerfOrmaNceS.” that never Each conflict starts with Drake chapter merely explores where overwhelms in stealth mode, from where he Drake and Elena are in their lives – it’s not only but feels grander than what’s can tag enemies to keep track vital to A Thief’s End, but joyously mundane in come before. As a result, little of them wandering around a way that previous entries didn’t dare try to be. secrets feel that much more using alert phases. White The opening hour eases you through the small rewarding – most come by means they’re looking at you, beginnings until you meet that long lost brother. Below Sexy, tearing yourself off the beaten yellow that they’re investigating 077 Sam is certainly cut from the same cloth as his swoon-worthy track, rather than stumbling and orange is, er, not good, Nate is back sibling – when they’re together, there’s an easy in full force. across them. as they’re going to start firing. rapport between the two as they trade quips and In another life, Exploring and clambering While stealth is a constant chuckle their way through scrapes and scraps he would be a has never been more enjoyable, in the series, this refocusing that perfectly demonstrate why Nate is so willing perfume model. either. While the driving enables more freedom than to join him for one final adventure. sections are essentially a way past entries’ cover-based antics. Too often in games, a previously unheard-of to make the larger levels easier family member is introduced to a story, with an to get across and provide the shorE thiNgs expectation that you’ll automatically care about basis for one of Uncharted An early firefight in the ruins them. That’s not the case with Sam, who is just 4’s standout moments, they of a graveyard quickly shows as important to this adventure as Nate, without are also decent in their own how this approach improves being a carbon copy. This adds a fascinating right, with a strong amount of the combat. After using more dynamic to the family unit Nate’s made in skidding potential from tapping dynamite than is advisable, the years he thought his older brother had the handbrake, and a welcome a squad of Shoreline mercs shuffled off the mortal coil. It also shouldn’t inability to wreck vehicles. decides to check out the come as any great shock, but Nolan explosion. As Drake crouches North and Troy Baker turn in career-best graPPlE hookED in the long grass, you can/ performances, riffing off each other as if Most fun of all in terms of should tag enemies to follow real-life siblings. traversal mechanics is the their movements, but are left to Similarly, Uncharted 4 also boasts the grappling hook. As vital to this tackle them however you like. series’ most fascinating villains. While Rafe’s Uncharted as crafting is to The Cracking a few necks quietly rich-boy-gone-wrong hits all the moustache- Last Of Us, the metal claw of is always the best option, twirling beats, it’s partner Nadine who impresses awesome adds an extra layer with going loud usually being the most, with her love of smacking both Drakes of butt-clenching terror as you a last resort, as enemies are around, and cold disdain for anything that isn’t line up jumps, then prepare to quite happy to suck up more money or ageing heartthrob Victor Sullivan. smash o to chuck it out. ammo this time if you miss Even the Shoreline cannon fodder she It mixes up the climbing their faces. I take one out who commands are fun company, sporting the best by affording you more control wanders near my crouching South African accents since Lethal Weapon 2’s of Drake, and injects an extra position, before moving over “diplomatic immunity.” You never tire of ’em. touch of pace into scaling to some ruins to get a height The reason, however, that this is the best cliff faces. Even in the action- advantage and tagging the Uncharted story is that while the franchise’s heavier sequences, there’s a remaining suckers. charm and light touch remains, it also veers special joy in using it as ‘get Hang on, maybe I shouldn’t into what makes Nate tick in a way previous out of jail free’ card, allowing be peeking out so much, as a entries didn’t. For the first time, this is a Drake you to stay one step ahead of guard is now investigating. Not with real, ugly flaws, and A Thief’s End doesn’t the messes you create while to fret. I inch along the wall let him off with a shrug and wink. This isn’t firing off your gun. Drake is clinging to, and drop right There’s left Hope a return to the you’ve got some lush greens Daz back at the of Drake’s hotel, Drake. Fortune, but Those stains 078 it’s even more are as stubborn gorgeous now. as your brother.

on him, Drake’s flying punch my new favourite with a squeeze of the trigger pay homage to the past in finisher. With only a handful of mercs left, I – just wait until you discover subtle (and not so subtle) ways. unholster the Para. 45 and get ready to dish out the thunderous ARX-120. But But Naughty Dog remains some delicious lead suppers. It’s by no means it can all become unwieldy a the master of ensuring you the most sophisticated stealth system, but a little too quickly, and getting have enough control to feel satisfyingly meaty upgrade on the smaller-scale caught in a maelstrom of pain like you’re not just a passive shootouts of its past. Plus it makes sense for frustrates. Mercifully, it’s not spectator. You’re guiding his Drake’s scrappier style as a fighter, its simplicity a regular occurence. tumble back to the ground, combining well with the multi-level arenas to clawing and gripping on create more natural shootouts. sEt-PiEcE oF DrakE anything that comes to hand, Unfortunately, this openness sometimes works Where you’re all too happy to or improvising a way to against you. Plan A can disappear out of the be caught in the eye of a body- stupidly swing back into the window pretty quickly, at which point going back shattering storm is within fray. That amazing disbelief you into stealth requires you to climb up or down a the game-defining, and now had when hanging off the plane structure, while avoiding the gang of goons who series-defining, moments – in Drake’s Deception or fleeing are pumping death at you. It’s not uncommon to set-pieces in which the camera a helicopter in Uncharted 2 is get caught out by a flanking enemy – fair play swirls around Drake as he finds here. It’s just that now, those to the AI this time, as it’s much more intelligent, himself falling into and/or scenes are surrounded by an quickly trying to surround you – creating an sprinting away from engulfing adventure that’s just as strong. unmanageable, chaotic mess. These sections danger. While Uncharted 2 and While A Thief’s End gets sing when you control the fights, swinging 3 defined themselves on these so much right, it’s also not and sneaking through waves, or engineering a spectacular scenes, A Thief’s without nitpicks. The optional situation where you rain death and destruction End doesn’t rely on them as conversation prompts are liberally, instead utilising them bizarrely rare and hardly where absolutely necessary – crop up later in the story. “thOSe SPecial Set-PieceS and, therefore, to astonishing They’re inoffensive and effect. Such scarcity makes add a little personality to are NOw SurrOuNDeD by them all the more special. some interactions, but just There are elements of these have minimal impact on the aN aDveNture aS StrONg.” grandiose game-stoppers that experience overall – kinda review

the opm breakdown

what you do in… uncharted 4

24% checking 14% Staring amazon for slavishly at the real-life grapple clouds of smoke hook prices. that plume away 36% from explosions. 9% flicking Pausing the through the game to catch journal to find your breath after 16% bellowing all the jokes. as much as Nate another when you miss 1% Okay, you’ll set-piece. the pesky merc know what is who flanks and when you see it, ends you. but i won’t spoil above Here’s an the surprise. aerial takedown in its full glory. multiplayer Even the punch-ee looks impressed. we’ll have a full review once we’re on the servers, but recent beta play offers hope. fantastic level design right Seriously, and pacey action keeps Uncharted 4 is deathmatches fresh, a screenshot while goofy power-ups treasure trove. are surprisingly well-balanced. lots to look forward to, then.

stat pack 13 23 36 48 079 Number of hours Chapters that Fancy a natter? Total number you can expect you’ll need to You’ll find this of journal notes to be spending shoot and many optional and journal above The Brothers Drake, who love their bikes almost as much as each other. with Nate before stealth through conversations entries that discovering to see how this throughout are waiting his final fate. thief ends. the story. to be found. like speed dating. Similarly be an epilogue in comparison is it better than? the Piton, the climbing to the PS3 trilogy, but it will that allows Drake to make his be remembered as the series’ own hand-holds on some cliff definitive game. Everything faces, arrives late in the day the series does well, A Thief’s and doesn’t change the feel End improves on. Everything of climbing in the way the it introduces, it does so grappling hook does. comfortably and confidently. Also, as the final chapter While it’s the adventure’s of the overall series – and quietest and most surprising yes yes yes again, I’m writing this while moments that you’ll rush to PS4’s last visual Sure, you get three Super close, but it’s a trying to give away as little as talk about once the screen champion is blown uncharteds in the touch more enjoyable away by Drake’s collection, but none spending time with possible – it’s a slight shame fades, it shouldn’t detract stubbled chops of them reach the cast of a thief’s that it ends fairly unevenly. The from the peerless set-pieces, and curled grin. these heights. end than Joel and . last in-game chapter rushes fantastic writing and propulsive itself, leaving a slight deflation action that it conjures up. trophy cabinet to what is otherwise a near “Alright, I’m not going to lie, flawless story. It pulls itself this is pretty awesome,” Drake ow BlE NcE N Pa a EP P N back, however, with a coda grins to himself, early on in A E o o l s t s s i that sums up what makes this Thief’s End. He’s not wrong. s N D h

u

h E v

series so special. Ultimately, it’s s

i

verdict t

possibly my favourite ending to a r

r

Naughty Dog’s victory lap a any Naughty Dog game. N

o

D

u is a celebration of its past, l present and future, with clever PErFEct trEasurE bronze silver Gold The niggles and frustrations pacing and thrilling set-pieces you’re a regular Solid forget the treasure everyone’s favourite matter little when Nate’s surpassing expectations in its Snate, stealth taking hunting, you’re also a uncharted criticism down at least 30 killing machine, taking gets its own shout fourth outing has you rocking most exhilarating uncharted to enemies. Don’t out 100 enemies in a out, if you manage on the sofa without even date. No PS4 should be without forget to tag ‘em. row without dying. to off 1,000 foes. realising it. Uncharted 4 may this. buy. it. Now. Ben tyrer Combat demands careful attention to attack patterns and your character’s limitations.

080

“EvEn a low-lEvEl foE can bE your doom, thanks to a hugE array of tricks and tactics.” review

DIe harDer @dirigiblebill Dark SoulS III Merciless climax to gaming’s greatest action-RPG series

fter the filth of Irithyll jail, the radiance and space of Archdragon Peak can be overwhelming, like being shown an aeroplane window after having your head 081 info shoved down the cabin Format Ps4 toilet. The prison is a place eta out now of stealth and terror. It’s patrolled by cowled PuB bandai namco women Aclutching red-hot brands, twisted Dev from softwarE exiles from the Profaned Capital who can sear away your health bar with a stare.

But Archdragon Peak? It’s all hazy blue skies and serene marble cliffs. What could possibly go wrong here? Stepping away from a bonfire checkpoint, we take a moment to drink in the beauty of a tumbledown fortress wall. Then, a dinosaur in a dressing gown drops off a platform and flattens us with an enormous axe. knIght watch The Souls games are built around such hilarious, maddening reversals, and few things are as satisfying as clocking an ambush and working out how to thwart it. But after four instalments, the old bait-and-switch routine is becoming a little too predictable. Spotted a knight facing the other way? Check the rafters for archers before moving in. Glowing trinket down the hall? Keep an eye peeled for corpses gripping weapons. The air of over-familiarity applies to more than just enemy distribution. Dark Souls III is, as expected, a brilliant and sophisticated epic, combining the best melee combat in the business with decadent, tortuous environments and expertly crafted bosses. But it’s a work of consolidation rather than change, marshalling systems and lore from across the series into what is, at times, the definitive Dark Souls, while adding little that feels genuinely fresh. The setting is another kingdom whose rulers have been corrupted by power and forbidden Fast travel between bonfire checkpoints is now available from the off. But you still have to activate them first…

right Top left Even the tip for tough books want a sword-wielding piece of you. bosses: roll Take care not towards them. to get cursed. 082

knowledge. Your task, as a resurrected but cursed You can also, as in the first Combat is faster and angrier, warrior, is to bring them to heel by straight-up game, see most major locations a mixture of Bloodborne’s murdering everybody and offering their remnants clearly from a distance – a cat-footed manoeuvring and at this game’s Firelink Shrine. The latter is more forest lurking beneath a ruined classic Souls defensive play. of a distinct customisation hub than in the bridge, or a frosty citadel It revolves, as ever, around original Dark Souls. It’s home to a Firekeeper rearing against the Moon – a stamina bar that’s drained who boosts your stats in return for harvested which creates a sense of global by attacking, blocking and souls, a blacksmith who takes care of weapon coherence even Bethesda could dodging. Exhaust it and the upgrades, and a selection of oddball personalities learn from. Individual areas next hit sends you reeling. who must first be rescued from the world. All can be quite linear, but there’s Weapons – which range from these characters are on personal journeys, and always plenty to discover thundering greatswords and you need to pay close attention to the dialogue – illusory walls, smashable poisoned spears to whips and if you want to explore their stories to the end. objects that mask shortcuts or barbed gauntlets – now have discreetly jutting beams that category-specific skills such as ShaDow Play offer hidden routes to items. fiery groundpounds or guard- Structurally, Dark Souls III falls between the Covering ground is tough, breakers that can turn a losing entwined geography of Dark Souls – essentially so stumbling upon, say, an fight in your favour. a colossal tower with routes woven around and elevator that links a building’s through it – and the looser, less engaging layout threshold to its highest tower tough love of Dark Souls II. Having fast-travel between is often as elating as beating a The skills system isn’t a bonfire checkpoints available straight away boss. Just don’t get too carried dramatic alteration, but it’s threatens to make progress feel choppy, but you away. Even a low-level foe can another welcome layer of still have to reach those bonfires to activate them. be your doom, thanks to a huge complexity, particularly when array of tricks and tactics per it comes to competitive enemy type, and death bites multiplayer, which once again “wEaPons rangE from harder than in most games, sees you invading another with all your accumulated souls player’s session using certain thundEring grEatswords dropped in a puddle by your items. You can also form corpse. Fail to reclaim them, “covenants” with NPCs. These to barbEd gauntlEts.” and they’re gone forever. shape the multiplayer options review

the opm breakdown

what you do in… dark SoulS iii

10% creeping 16% deciding around corners which weapon to or through doors, reinforce, which shield firmly up. stat to raise or spell to buy. 16% failing 25% to roll under Sadly contemplating an enormous something ghastly blade or blast of that is about 19% scraping malignant sorcery. to absolutely through destroy you. encounters 14% clapping by way of your hands as you surgical blocks discover a secret and dodges. above There or shortcut. are dozens of weapons and spells, some Second opinion SoulS Survivor familiar from the original. Utterly magnetic, the series finale fuses the first Souls’ labyrinthine environments and defensive play with the melee savagery of right The landscapes Bloodborne to all-consuming effect. I’m playing other and backdrops games in a daze, visions of boss fights dancing in my are stupefying. So, at times, is head. Innovation is lacking, but does it matter? I’d trade the framerate. actual souls for just one... more... try... Jen Simpkins

the firSt five hourS…

1 2 3 4 5

083

1 cobble together a vaguely human-looking Pyromancer. from’s face above Pure magic users may struggle, but adding a sword works wonders. editor would make a wrestling game feel ill. 2 Pull a sword out of a dude who immediately murders us. samaritans die hardest. 3 we’re in lothric castle. here be dragons. handily, you can trick them into blasting other enemies. 4 time for another boss. this one likes to available – followers of Farron, something worse. All represent vomit glaciers. 5 below the castle, an undead village festers. for example, are automatically a formidable challenge, though summoned to assail players none are a match for the best compel-o-graph who enter his domain, while bosses of the original game. Blue Sentinels are conjured Still, coming second to the Hey, halberds Oh no, archers. to help those under attack by first Dark Souls is nothing hurt. pesky Red Phantoms. Where to be ashamed of, and Dark Wow, previous games required you Souls III hardly puts a foot secret area? to recover your character’s wrong otherwise. The only To me, white Endgame Humanity, the online here is significant scratch in the phantom! jitters. governed by access to Embers polish is the performance, with – rare items you can crush for framerates sagging noticeably a health boost and in order to during crowded skirmishes, match-make, but which also and texture pop-in a factor 0 TimE 60 hours expose you to invasion. It’s a throughout. But the lure of streamlining of the Humanity those dizzying encounters iS it better than? system that asks the same and vistas amply exceeds any overall question – is having annoyance about the engine. a friend to hand worth the This isn’t quite a stunning hostility you might attract? rebirth for the series on Bosses are where you need PS4, but it’s undoubtedly your friends most. Dark Souls a magnificent end. III musters some incredible specimens – a collective of verdict undead hunters who are as rarely innovates, no yeS no happy to kill each other as the but it experiments within the the world of lothric dsiii restores that from’s first Ps4 player; a forlorn demon king souls parameters to grotesque isn’t as cunningly sense of organically game offers more woven or enigmatic as unfolding geography glamour, more balletic waiting on the shores of a and glorious effect. another lordran and feels that was lost in combat and some volcanic lake; a possessed tree game of the year contender, slightly over-familiar. dsii’s drangleic. series-best locations. in the process of giving birth to then. edwin evans-thirlwell review

Squads feel outdated. The Ox as a starter? Really, PES? Really?!

Woy zoNE @mcmeiks

084 uEFa Euro 2016 Fab footy outscores lamentable licensing… just

eath. Taxes. England screwing up player faces, fresh transfers, Though nine teams must put any chance of international glory new boots (woo!) and Euros up with generic clobber, at least via penalty spot misery. These are final venue the Stade de France. they all get real player names, Dthe unequivocal certainties of our The business model may be with the majority sporting existence on this spinning rock. Oh, and commendable, but Euro 2016 the series’ always spot-on while we’re sharing an existential moment is sadly every inch the quickly likenesses. Yet with only one together, you better pop ‘PES Productions trotted out expansion. I hope licensed stadium, dreary menus info making great football games with dreadfully you’re hungry, because it’s time and low quality FMV intros, Format PS4 drab presentation’ onto that list. No matter to open wide for some no-frills the tournament can come aLSo oN PS3 Eta Out NOw how good the on-field action, the developer football. EA’s full price Euro and across as an afterthought. Pub KONami can never quite cook up that special sauce to World Cup games may have There is a saving grace, DEv PES PrOductiONS slather onto its juicy soccer steak. been cynical, but at least they and it’s a big one – this is a always felt like a celebration fundamentally brilliant football And that’s the case here. Euro 2016’s take on the of their tournaments. Here, game. Add the Euros to PES rapidly approaching French footy spectacle lacks competing for the Delaunay 2016’s already title-winning va-va-voom, while its patchy licensing makes Cup is accompanied by all the squad and the overall package is it feel like FIFA’s unloved twin. That’s a damn fanfare of dropping a Bovril a bonafide winner. Its passing shame, because when PES and its new tourney into your lap. matches FIFA blow for blow, step onto the field, they’re a lethal front two. while sharper slide tackles and First, let’s clear up some details. Konami has Kit haPPENS crisper shooting mean games released both digital and PlayStation-exclusive Forget about licensed managers are punchier than EA’s soccer boxed editions of Euro 2016, with each version prowling their technical areas; juggernaut. A sublime on-pitch also containing full-fat PES 2016. So far, so Euro 2016 doesn’t even include effort then, but next time, generous. Even better, existing PES owners get all 24 of the finals’ licensed Konami really needs to learn it added free through March’s Data Pack 3.00 sides. Only 15 teams are treated how to season that steak. update. Said gratis DLC also sprinkles in 199 new to their proper kits, meaning nine nations – including verdict Ireland, Belgium, Sweden the quality of the footy secures “Patchy licENSiNg mEaNS and Switzerland – all draw Euro 2016 a big score, but that unlucky chamber in PES’ presentation and licensing ONly 15 Of thE 24 SidES arE continued game of Russian issues see Konami very nearly roulette. Oh, and the Ruskies make a hash of an open goal. trEatEd tO PrOPEr KitS.” don’t get their strip either. Dave meikleham review

Par times are represented as ghost drivers, which offer a glimpse of the quickest racing lines. manic strEEt scrEEchErs @jamesnouch trackmania turbo 085 Highway to the danger zone

eed For Speed’s plenty fast, ’s unimaginative dullards like booby prize for a race hard pretty nippy and Driveclub moves us to whip up some swivel- run. But a gold, meanwhile, is at a fair old clip, but Nadeo’s latest eyed nuttiness, thanks to an a precious testament to your nleaves these motoring celebs looking interface that emphasises racing panache, and the sense positively pedestrian. Here, you might start a user-friendly automation of accomplishment evoked is level suspended from a crane, freefalling 200m over esoteric tinkering. only heightened by the stiff info for a running start, before drifting into a tight challenge on offer in some of Format PS4 hairpin bend. You’ve barely straightened up racE against timE Trackmania’s trickiest tracks. Eta Out nOw before you hit a boost, sending you careening But there’s also a serious There’s a fine line between a Pub ubiSOft off a ramp at 500km per hour… side, a side that’s all precision stiff challenge and a punishing DEv nadeO stopwatches and strict slog, however, and Trackmania’s Trackmania is essentially a crazed, colourful and accounting – the goal of each courses do, at times, present terrifically quick rollercoaster – a celebration single-player stage is to beat one cruel twist too many. of unbridled speed that’s festooned with barmy the dev’s punishing par times, At its worst, it can feel as loop-the-loops and stupefying stunt jumps. often while avoiding any though Nadeo’s designers are To that end, its single-player campaign boasts number of trackside obstacles personally trolling you, placing an impressive assortment of impossible track that could torpedo your mean-spirited hurdles in the designs, charting insane corkscrews and long- promising run. This exacting perfect place to scupper your distance leaps in a Trials-style time-attack edge creates moments of hold- efforts. But even the odd against a variety of spectacular backdrops. your-breath tension as bracing spiteful stage can’t dull the The main campaign mode hosts a generous as any horror scare. When boisterous appeal, and for every 200 stages, but that’s not all. It’s accompanied you’re pushing your vehicle to frustrated ragequit it inspires, by a host of multiplayer modes, playable in a the edge in pursuit of a lickety- there’s an hour or more of big variety of online, split-screen and pass-the-pad split lap-time, you exist in the dumb grins in this flamboyant configurations. And then there’s the powerful exhilaratingly narrow space bundle of unabashed fun. course creation toolkit, which even empowers between triumph and disaster. Successfully thread your way verdict through all of these perilous a princely suite of tracks, “crazed and cOlOurful, impediments and you’re modes and features all wrapped awarded with a shiny medal. A up in a colourfully boisterous it’S feStOOned with bronze, naturally, is the digital package. it’s fast, frenetic and equivalent of a humiliating occasionally just a bit bloody StuPefying Stunt jumPS.” slap in the face – a bitter frustrating. James nouch review

There’s lots of delightful detail in the art, adding to the pleasure of making a big old mess.

ShotS FirED @schillingc 086 EntEr thE GunGEon Another arsenal that doesn’t quite stay the distance

here’s been quite a bit of hand since whichever dungeoneer For a while, you discover wringing about the games industry’s you pick, your starter gun is something new on every preoccupation with ordnance lately, a piffling pea-shooter. With descent. A shopkeeper doubles tto the point where many games often death taking you back to the his prices if you refuse to invite us to question our fondness for digital entrance and heart pieces stop shooting inside his store. destruction. So it makes a refreshing change proving scarce, health is an Release two prisoners and, to see a developer unashamedly embracing the even more precious resource for a small fee, they leave a info way of the gun. Dodge Roll’s sparky twin-stick than ammo. You need to find wider range of weaponry in the Format PS4 Eta Out nOw dungeon crawler is the kind of game in which cover wherever possible, which dungeon’s unlockable chests Pub DevOlver even the bullets shoot bullets. can involve upending tables on subsequent runs. But minor Digital DEv DODge rOll for short-lived protection. A irritations start to rack up. Just about everything you face is either gun collectible that leaves enemies While it’s fun to move or ammo-shaped. If not, it’s usually holding stunned by your furniture from derringers and magnums an unfeasibly large weapon or spitting out flipping prowess is a godsend. to guns that fire bouncing projectiles. With the randomly generated floors sawblades, tentacles and throwing out narrow walkways, disappearing bullEt ballEt homing skulls, there’s not platforms, spike pits and more, staying out of You expect a challenge from a enough meaningful variety. harm’s way is no easy task. Happily, you’ve game like this, and Enter The The randomness can grate, got two secret weapons to call upon: there’s an Gungeon doesn’t disappoint. leaving you facing a boss with evasive roll that gives you a brief window of From a musclebound bird your starter weapon, or having invincibility, and blank rounds that act as smart toting a minigun, to a Gorgon an enemy at the entrance of bombs, destroying every projectile on screen. wielding twin-SMGs, the a room taking your last sliver The controls can feel lethargic, though you bosses are a real highlight, of health. That’s the risk with quickly realise they suit the tempo of the combat. falling just on the right side guns, we guess – eventually, As busy and frantic as it looks, it’s unwise to of the fun/frustrating divide. you shoot yourself in the foot. charge into the fray all guns blazing, not least You might face them a few times before weaving through verdict their bullet patterns without if not quite the diamond “the gunS fire bOuncing taking a hit, but patient play bullet through the forehead it is rewarded. The arenas also threatens to be, this enjoyably SawblaDeS, tentacleS give you more room, with challenging shooter regular enemies killing me is a reminder that run and gun anD hOming SkullS.” more frequently than bosses. equals fun. Chris Schilling review

Format PS4 Eta Out nOw Format PS4 Eta Out nOw Format PS4 Eta Out nOw info Pub PQube DEv MileStOne info Pub MARvelOuS GAMeS DEv eXAMu info Pub SOeDeSCO DEv veRtiGO GAMeS

mXGP2 Nitro+ blaStErz aDam’S vENturE: this motocrosses the line Hope you’ve got breakdown cover oriGiNS You won’t Adam and eve it etting a chase cam right is a fine art. n first glance at this 2D anime every dev should look to Driveclub fanservice fighter, you’d be forgiven here’s nothing quite like the sensation Gas an example: an implementation ofor seeing nothing but niche – there’s of solving a satisfyingly tricky puzzle so good we even occasionally abandon the a particularly cavernous one between the t– the feeling of working through all a in-car view to enjoy it. but if evolution’s take prominent breasts of box-art bombshell conundrum’s possible answers to reach that is a high-water mark, Milestone’s is the Super Sonico. if you’re into a little titillation one, incontrovertible solution. Alternatively, cracked riverbed below. Rigidly locked to the with your brawlers, it’s cute. if you’ve got if you prefer to bash out a couple of guesses back of the bike, it emphasises both MXGP’s niggles about jiggles, it’s offputting.1 but before fluking your way onto the right jittery handling and shaky framerate. Any beyond all the heaving cleavage is accessible answer, here’s a bargain bin adventure nuance afforded by an admirably detailed arse-kicking – and hidden depth, too. that’ll allow you to do just that, such is the control scheme is lost in a mess of juddering Sonico is a zoning character, calling upon simplicity of its all-too-basic brainteasers. camera shifts and misjudged corners. her J-pop bandmates to beat up opponents Adam’s venture isn’t merely puzzles, there’s a first-person option, too, but while her anti-socially extensive collection and its globetrotting narrative follows a that comes at the cost of placing you closer of cats cavorts about her person. Grapple- cocksure indiana Jones-type as he traverses to the ugly brown textures that carpet happy Muramasa’s more technical and, er, crumbling temples, evades nefarious MXGP2’s rather lifeless looking world.1 technically a spider-demon. And Saya? well, corporate goons, and even confronts an there are some impressive draw distances she’s just a regular girl in a pretty nightie. ancient evil. Yet while that might make for 087 to take in across the 18 officially licensed Just kidding – flesh tentacles! a compelling back-of-the-box summary, tracks, admittedly, but this remains an Obstacles between you and smacking in practice, it’s an excuse for unresponsive astonishingly ugly game considering it has your friends across the jaw with your big platforming, instant-fail stealth sections, no PS3 albatross version to blame things on. meaty appendage are few.2 everything is and a bit of gentle Christian sermonising.1 exactly what is on the screen to justify its designed to accommodate: quarter-circle- what’s more, the lead character just agonisingly long loading times is beyond us. heavy inputs, quickly refilling Super bars; the isn’t likeable. Adam tosses out one-liners the custom career and free-ride options ability to call in support characters to attack. with gleeful abandon, but his witticisms on offer are flanked by a variety of official there’s even a button to dodge trouble, and simply never land. Sometimes they’re events, not to mention a full 2015 rider a triggerable variable Rush state that lets marred by ropey voice acting. Occasionally roster and broad selection of 250cc and you auto-combo by mashing buttons. why they’re faintly sexist.2 Above all, they’re 450cc bikes,2 but despite the confusingly hello there, breakdown. (i’m fine. it’s what just consistently unfunny, like playing as a busy list of options, there’s little to blasterz calls KOs.) concussed nathan Drake. distinguish the various events other than Yet there’s zero explanation of these On a technical level, the game is simply a their titles. the same is true of the three mechanics. You get a barebones Story mode, shambles, with amateurish animation and physics models on offer, which all inspire a Score Attack, versus and Online, but no obtrusive texture pop-in accompanying your similar level of indifference as bikes fail to do tutorial or even Challenge mode for combo every step. Couple those troubles with some what you expect or communicate anything of drills. Fighting enthusiasts will uncover truly dated visuals, and the overall effect their heft or the different track surfaces. competitive complexity for themselves in is to completely rob Adam’s venture of any Given the obvious effort that has gone into blasterz’ lightning-fast aerial footsies and sense of spectacle. Yet while there’s little to providing a generous package intricate parrying options. At recommend this Christian caper, for fans of the sport, it’s a least superficial scraps rule, too: it’s too breezily straightforward minor tragedy that there are in all seriousness, this booby to be truly hateful either. Just so many false starts within. fighter’s got a great personality. don’t go in expecting a religious ben maxwell Jen Simpkins experience. James Nouch

FootNotES 1 this introduces realistic starts, with lights replaced FootNotES 1 You’ll adore or abhor the bikini costume DlC. FootNotES 1 One crummy conundrum has you rearranging bible by a badly rendered woman holding a sign. 2 the selection of bikes Personally, i remain unconvinced of the bullet-resistant properties verses. 2 Adam’s attempts at flirtation are especially bizarre, and and riders on offer is vast, with myriad customisation options. of swimwear. 2 that sounded less wrong in my head. include unprompted compliments on a woman’s smell. 088

“SerieS callbackS are beautifully crafted – grinding along railS never felt So Slick.” This fuzzy dude is the galaxy’s main star – but plenty of smart-mouthed NPCs dazzle, too. review

editor’s award

ShEEP ShootEr @itsJenSim ratChEt & CLaNK Riveting reboot proves retro’s got a brand new Blarg

ou never forget your first KISS – and Insomniac’s PS2 action- platformer lived and breathed that ‘keep it simple, stupid’ principle. It was pure Lombax- hopping, glitterball-blasting, 089 info crate-smashing joy. And the Format PS4 reboot? Well, pucker up, as the Eta out now essential brilliance of Ratchet & Clank is back, PuB Sony andY here’s the tutorial for newcomers: jump, DEv shoot, smile until you can’t feel your face.

Or at least it would be that simple, were the expanded Solana Galaxy not freshly stuffed with distractingly delicious detail. Flinging Day-Glo space ferret Ratchet (plus metal backpack buddy Clank) across bustling Metropolis and through tropical Pokitaru, you admire a glistening, unfortunate-looking alien here, a spaceship- studded vista there… aaand oops. Er, you didn’t need that health bar, did you? It’s easy to forget about small things like not getting shot to fuzzy ribbons when the world’s been polished to a cinematic gloss. This is a movie tie-in, but movement feels so fluid it’s like playing the flick itself. The controls are hyper- precise: each nostalgia-powered bounce around Captain Qwark’s revamped fitness course an elegant operetta starring your thumbs singing the praises of 3D platforming. Light, instantaneous, effortless – how it was always meant to be. CLaNK GooDNESS The screws have also been tightened on Ratchet’s unique arsenal. Each weapon fires its bonkers load with individual authority – the Combuster peppers foes with flaming quickfire; the Pixelizer’s scattershot acid-green ray deploys with a -esque bloop; the Sheepinator requires a steady hand with the rangey beam to get Ratchet up to his elbows in enemy DNA. Combat is perfectly pitched, with limited ammo forcing you to switch it up – w pauses Yep, planet Pokitaru looks this incredible. Go ahead and pop your eyeballs back in.

right New Left Levels blaster the are bigger than Pixelizer even ever, and sliding works on about Batalia on humungous rails is certainly 090 mobs – and that no grind (sorry). includes bosses.

the chaos as you nonchalantly, hilariously Completely new additions Qwark-narrated perspective… consider your weaponry options as if deciding are some of the most creative it’s all too much. Movie between types of marmalade at your local Tesco. content in the series, with two characters such as sassy lady- Select one, time unfreezes, and a giant tank boss battles being highlights – ranger Cora and cyborg baddie bobbing its head to ’70s disco is treated to a one’s a round of jetpack-aided Victor Von Ion are jammed in turret-full of flamethrower. aerial chicken with a returning with little explanation. And And there are myriad ways to turn up the heat star; the other sees a foe using the formerly complex central you’re packing. Bolts – that soar out of smashed Ratchet’s arsenal against him. friendship? Robbed of screen crates in a jingling, sparkling flurry – can be used That Groovitron’s not such a time, it falls flat – and in the to purchase weapons, while hidden Raritanium giggle now, is it? Inevitably, critical final hours, questionable shards buy you upgrades. And what’s better than though, there are downsides to detours, padded-out sections one homicidal robo-bodyguard? Two homicidal such extensive tinkering. Is it and a movie-mandated Lombax robo-bodyguards, obviously. Liberal use of your a quality tune-up of a classic? strop scramble the pacing. weapons automatically levels them up – Mr Undoubtedly. Does it bolt Zurkon births a Zurkon Jr sidekick at level five on some cracking new parts? CoLLECt-QuIBBLES while the Warmonger rocket launcher cheekily Absolutely. But have the devs The sheer amount of tacked-on rebrands itself Peacemaker. been overly eager with the stuff extends to the collectibles. And it’s not just the pea-shooters reinventing OmniWrench? Perhaps. PS4’s Holocards, excluding the themselves. Series callbacks are beautifully Ratchet & Clank is so sleek well-hidden set that earns crafted rejuvenations – grinding along rails has that its weaker components you the legendary RYNO, feel never felt so slick, and Clank’s reprogrammable almost audibly rattle. unnecessary – a set might get Gadgebot puzzle sections offer more to get your A once-simple story you a 5% extra bolts buff or head around than ever. – plucky Galactic Ranger upped damage on your already wannabe and diddy defect well-upgraded weapons. Warbot fight planet- It doesn’t help that the “one cheat letS you give obliterating Chairman Drek – raspberry-blue floozies is now a muddled pastiche. Is practically throw themselves ratchet a t-rex head it following the original game’s at you if you so much as plot? Or the new movie’s? And look at an enemy funny. (but Sadly not tiny armS).” then there’s the new game’s The cards contain series trivia, review

the opm breakdown

what you do in… ratchet & clank

3% getting briefly 7% Scampering distracted from around puzzle quality gaming by sections and annoying bugs. away from Son of a glitch! 45% danger as the Planet and adorable clank. 10% chuckling platform-hopping at the many retro through the 15% bashing references and mr every crate, Zurkon’s patter. enormous, toolbox and gorgeous galaxy. piece of public 20% would you property for like your enemies those sweet, toasted, pixelised sweet bolts. above Time to or sheepified? play as Clank in a game of jump- rope – only with stat pack more lasers and more death. right New ‘02 11 3 28 dogfighting The year the Planets that Trick-filled Cheat-unlocking sections are a frachise was you can bounce, hoverboard Gold Bolts to born with the blast and boogie races to master find. Getting rush. And yes, PS2 release of your way through – Bronze, Silver them all will there’s a Star the original. in 2016’s and Gold bag you Fox reference. Ah, memories. PS4 reboot. cups await. invulnerability.

friends & enemies

a K or rE ouS C D rI N a a F m E 091 r N I

r

a

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h C above You’ll replay just to see every enemy’s unique Groovitron boogie. the new ranger seems has a penchant for the up your arsenal foe lovely. Shame we don’t tailored suits. oh, and pops up. where’s your really get to know her. blowing up planets. medical degree, eh? and make weapons available in the final boss fight. Combat the unlockable Challenge Mode and platforming certainly don’t second opinion clank commander – it’s a case of little challenge, offer endless complex depths little reward. Little point, then. to explore, either. Remakes are just that – the same old game The new functionality for But it’s hard to argue the updated. But Ratchet & Clank is the first one the series’ coveted Gold Bolts, nitty-gritty with a game that’s I’ve played to actually feel like an entirely new however, more than makes the best-looking thing on PS4 experience. It’s completely at home in 2016 thanks to up for that wasted potential. right now, handles as smoothly wonderfully expressive visuals and a boredom-staving They encapsulate the retro, as a buttered dream, and lets yet utterly revivified, feel- you turn giant flying brain- pace that transitions between hoverboard races, aerial good spirit of the reboot. squids into 8-bit sprites and/ dogfights and jetpacking explorations with the graceful In an inspired twist, the or sheep and/or disco divas. timing of a ballroom dancer. Albeit one with a gun that items are now spent not on It’s also difficult to scrutinise turns foes into pixels. Ben Griffin superweapons, but on cheats. flaws when you’ve a smile Hunt down the shinies and so wide it’s obstructing your you can transform bolts into vision. Despite some over- trophy cabinet Sonic’s rings or Legend Of complications with narrative mP ar Er Zelda rupees. There’s also a and mechanical components, La W aD E F r hipstermatic in-game filter and a couple of loose technical t o t a r h r E E to unlock (I’ve dubbed it screws, Ratchet & Clank’s I P t u

S

S Clankstagram). One cheat even return is – quite simply – a lets you give Ratchet a T-rex glorious fun. m head (comically tiny arms are sadly not included). verdict hold onto your puny human I do, unfortunately, bronze silver gold experience a handful of eyeballs. despite stumbles, it’s become the evil lombax upgrade every weapon holocard trading technical issues – crates pop a gleeful party with old friends twin of anchorman’s to maximum level. might be a bit boring, brick tamland by the drunk-on-power but you’ll have to in and out of existence, there’s and otherworldly levels of breaking every lamp cackling is an complete every set if missing dialogue audio, and I gorgeous, all at a piffling price in aleero city. optional step. you want this trophy. even glitch into an enemy on point. Jen Simpkins review

The finale ends on a cliffhanger as second season episodes 6, 7 and 8 come later this year.

DiG it @itsjensim Episode Series

092 minEcraFt Story moDE: EPiSoDE 5 Sift through the dirt for a hint of unexpected gold

ome of you cannier ’crafters may have But with the discovery of is cleverly making kid-friendly noticed that, after the first episode, an enchanted set of flint and quips about the importance my reviews of Telltale’s interactive steel, sparks fly. It’s off through of gender neutrality, I’m as Sadventure Minecraft Story Mode a portal to Sky City to reach impressed as I am baffled. This, disappeared. Full disclosure: I buried ’em. the mystical Eversource before from the series that just one Along with the memories of clunky combat, rivals the Blaze Rods. Along the episode ago has your character info offensively lazy dialogue and the last of any way, we’re treated to – and you study prismarine shards and, Format PS4 hoots I gave about the tedious plot. But at the might want to sit down for this after much contemplation, Eta Out NOw conclusion of my grind through second-rate one, Story Mode war vets – announce, “Prismarine is a cool Pub telltale GameS storytelling, I unearthed a gem. genuinely funny dialogue. word. Priiiismarine.” DEv telltale GameS Sadly, the reality is that Not that there wasn’t a crunchy layer of the SKy D’ivor Episode 5 isn’t reason enough series’ typical faults to scrape off first. Pickaxe- Fortress enthusiast Ivor is to shovel through this utterly deep in a jungle temple, with puzzles that either a riot, fangirling over the middling series. Plus the finale merrily defy all logic or are insultingly simple, Eversource like a Japanese is still hampered by fudgey protagonist Jesse and his/her band of block- schoolgirl and insisting his combat, limp pseudo-puzzles busting buddies reminisce. Remember when we “weight is proportionate to his and the odd audio bug. Lacking defeated that giant boss? A couple of critically height!” after he’s hauled from Telltale’s signature flair for important characters snuffed it? And everything a cliff edge. engaging storytelling, the first felt generally finale-ish? Ah, mediocre times. The quality continues, an season of Story Mode remains Wait, why does this episode exist again? intriguing tale of friendship, a potential diamond stuck To have Jesse and friends join the civil jealousy and even politics firmly in the rough. service, presumably. Our heroes, now covered weaves through storm-lashed, in glory and the body odour of adoring fans, monster-beseiged, skydiving verdict inexplicably become town planners. This involves QTE set-pieces somehow as a familiarly average start, but telling series baddie-turned-lovable slimeball cinematic as they are cuboid. with sharp writing and dramatic Ivor, through classic Telltale dialogue options And the true nature of the set-pieces, the finale builds to of varying sensitivity, that his massive, Eversource? A stroke of comic, excellence. Promise in spades, lava-spewing skull fortress should have had distinctly Minecraftian genius. but I’m glad Season One’s kicked planning permission. Thrilling. By the time the final episode the bucket. Jen Simpkins review

We’re sure an island full of crazed crows makes for a wonderful summer getaway.

armlESS FuN @bentyrer

SEvErED 093 Slicing through all expectations

rinkbox’s follow-up to Guacamelee be fighting. Putting PS Vita’s best, there’s a lovely flow to takes about seven seconds to destroy features to the fore, combat is taking down beasts, but any expectations you may have. If exclusively flicks of the finger at its worst, it’s console- Dyou’re awaiting another playful trip on the touchscreen. flinging worthy. through the underworld, think again. Instead, On top of that, the this is a brutal journey, one that replaces SwiPE right adventuring can lean a little too the pithiness of Guacamelee with sincerity To begin with, it almost feels a much on backtracking. While info and melancholy. Don’t let that put you off, little Fruit Ninja-y. But Severed there’s nothing wrong with Format PS Vita though, as this mature journey is a fascinating quickly develops a considered the abilities that Eta Out NOw experiment that fits PS Vita superbly. take on duelling. You fight one open up secrets in previously Pub DriNkbOx StuDiOS monster at a time, but must ticked-off areas – and make DEv DriNkbOx StuDiOS Dropping into the boots of the one-armed Sasha, swiftly flick between the group for some effective puzzles who awakes in a world in which she doesn’t that surrounds you. Strikes can later on – there are so many belong, you receive a sword and must find her be parried by dragging in the secrets buried within each area family across three sprawling areas. Surprisingly, direction of their attack and, that it sometimes feels less this is a first-person crawler – like ancient maze with plenty of different enemy empowering and more of a slog. games in which you can look around on the spot, types, distinct strategies are But these niggles are but only move forwards one room or step at a required to take on each group. brief and barely matter by time. Initially disorientating, the deliberate speed Plus, in a gorily satisfying twist, the credits. Severed is an suits the contemplative story, as you shuffle and you upgrade your character unusual game that remains ponder through Severed’s labyrinths. by chopping off bits from the compulsively fascinating, Once you adjust to the slower pace, Severed creatures you defeat. Nothing making full use of PS Vita’s puts the sumptuous art design front and centre. says job well done like stealing strengths – feeling like it It feels like you’re wandering through your own an eyeball or five. couldn’t exist anywhere else – graphic novel, especially when you first come Unfortunately, it’s not the to craft a quietly moving tale. face to dripping maw with the monsters you’ll most comfortable way to play. Holding your PS Vita in one verdict hand and slashing with your beguiling and unique, “NOthiNg SayS jOb well other leads to inaccuracy – Severed’s flaws don’t distract certain encounters trip into from an engrossing adventure DONe like StealiNg aN frustration as you need to that mixes old-school and manage groups of monsters as contemporary game design. eyeball Or fiVe.” well as a ticking clock. At its ben tyrer review

Format PS4 Eta Out NOw Format PS4 Eta Out NOw Format PS4 alSo oN PS vita Eta Out NOw info Pub GuNGHO ONliNe DEv CamOuflaj info Pub DEv Game SwiNG info Pub & DEv a CROwD Of mONSteRS

réPubliquE StikbolD uNEPic the art of keeping Hope alive Don’t dodge this couchplay classic it’s an accurate name

his dystopian saga was originally a n instant way to tell whether a here’s almost a decent little dungeon- mobile game – but always seemed couchplay game is any cop is by the crawling RPG lurking somewhere tdestined for something greater, ainability to control your volume while twithin unepic. almost. But not quite. hence the leap to PS4. it challenges – both playing. Stikbold – a reimagining of dodgeball the basic exploration through boxy caverns emotionally, and in gaming terms – from with a heavy dose of ‘70s style – is a corker is certainly entertaining, as is the gradual early on: staring into the panicked face of in this regard. Get a group of people playing empowerment of your character as you a girl named Hope, you learn she’s going and, within minutes, there’s screaming, drop points into various weapon disciplines to be ‘erased’ for having a book that air punching and a whirlwind of chortles. and skills. it’s also simple but functional. supposedly infects young minds. it’s ingeniously simple, with up to six for the price, there are definitely plenty of Hope is whisked away for a rough players (four human, two bots) taking part worse ways to spend some time walloping inquisition, observed from the lens of a in either a free-for-all or team match, the worms and orcs with an axe.1 nearby security camera. that leaves you winner being the last one standing. Games mechanically, however, it’s nowhere near with numerous questions, and République’s take place across five wildly different ambitious enough. Hit monsters to get XP measured pacing throughout five episodes arenas, all with various environmental and get better things to hit them with. then – as well as subtle narrative clues in the hazards to navigate,1 as well as the ball do it again. and again. it also suffers from form of posters, voicemails and newspaper you’re dodging. utilising twin-stick controls, poor art and terrible writing. visually, it’s as 094 cuttings – makes for some excellent story- with p for diving and catching, and i for appealing of one of those pop-up ads that telling throughout.1 throwing, it’s supremely easy to pick up and asks you to shoot the target. there’s an the main idea is to bust Hope out of play from the off, while little touches add almost childlike level of drawing that looks the building, eluding Prizrak patrols. But a ton of depth, meaning there’s plenty to terrible when zoomed in, and tiny when not – there’s no real sense of urgency when you master if you want to get ultra-competitive. reading text is a real squint-fest too.2 realise that getting caught simply means there are even ways for knocked-out it’s also poorly written: various references being tossed in a holding cell you can easily players to keep enjoying the action.2 are made to Star wars, metal Gear, the escape.2 the fun, however, clearly lies in then there’s the fleshed-out campaign matrix and so on, but with little skill or not getting caught at all. as well, which you can tackle on your own charm. there’s a version of Yoda called what’s more, sneaking around is made or with a mate. the charmingly silly story is Yoghurt, for example. it’s pretty base, too. interesting by switching between Hope funny, but it’s the boss fights that are the the first time you meet a woman, the only and the cameras lining the corridors. highlight. they keep the game’s goofiness conversation is an excruciating series this creates an unlikely synergy between – such as using washed-up jellyfish to beat of euphemisms for “i want to sex you.” man and machine in a ‘big brother’ state, back waves of lifeguards – while providing there’s also a mission in which you have especially when you can seal off doors and a challenge you don’t get in multiplayer. to rescue ‘females’ that have been override locks to aid our escapee. the fixed Short and sharp, it’s well worth exploring. imprisoned next to beds. camera angles also present a surprising Stikbold isn’t without its flaws. it can be it’s a real shame. with some slightly sense of realism, though the sudden change a little too chaotic, with some stages having higher production values, this could have of perspective when entering a new location too many distractions, while the campaign been easier to recommend. However, that can be jarring. can be unbearably tough, especially if you’re schoolboy level of… everything – whether Despite its awkwardness relying on an inconsistent it’s visuals, tone or humour – and repetitive scenarios, ai partner. But don’t let that drags the whole project down to République has heart and a rich, distract from what this is – a point where it just feels like it slow burn plot that keeps you the best couchplay game was made by children. and not guessing. rhiannon rees since towerfall. ben tyrer in a cute way. leon Hurley

FootNotES 1 Quirky collectibles alert! Hope can pick up indie FootNotES 1 a windy oil rig allows you to push opponents off the FootNotES 1 Combat involves mashing r. Stats rule so high game cartridges, echoing République’s origins. 2 Seriously, you’d edge or get squashed by a giant whale. 2 Get revenge by taking out attack values are more important than skill. 2 the on-screen HuD think the guards would know what’s up after the fifth breakout. the remaining players with traps and attacks from outside the ring. is functional but not pretty – info comes at the expense of legibility. review

format PS4 also on PS3 eta Out nOw info puB SOnY Dev SOnY San DiegO this month on ps plus @itsJenSim

There must’ve been something in the PlayStation water this month – the April Instant Game Collection looked distinctly peaky. Giddy space shooting, zombie-tainted survival horror, cyber- diseases and mutated goldfish all brought their own infectious strains of fun. We were more than happy to get down with the sickness – freebies are freebies. Even contagious ones.

we all knew DeaD Base playa @BenjiWilson star was winging its way to PS Plus after mlB: the shoW 16 someone tried to Bat slams vs super hands throw money at it too soon and Sony’s polite refusal revealed all. But we hadn’t here was a time when over the fence. Things naturally expected the competitive brilliance of Sony’s big bopper get way, way more strategic scored a run of OPM and complex than that as you the PS4 space MOBa-like. ten-player t10/10s that looked to play, but the excellently honed team skirmishes were as much about be seemingly endless – but dynamic difficulty mechanic capturing outposts and defensive play the switch to PS4 last season offers just the right amount in procedurally generated zones as saw it come to an end. It’s of patronisation-free hand- 095 not that MLB 15 was in any holding for new players. Within they were about firing your ship’s lasers way poor, but the removal mere weeks, you’ll be the into anyone who looked at you funny. of features such as Sounds virtual answer to 2016 real-life antagonising the Of The Show (in which you super-rook Trevor Story. undead in survival could assign individual walk- up or home run music to life’s a pitch horror ZomBi (PS4) any team or player) made the Presentation-wise, MLB steals fared less well. a generational leap feel more back the ‘just like on TV!’ cricket bat was key to fiendish fights, like playground hopscotch. crown worn by NBA 2K over but wonky controls and bugs meant it the last two years. The Show No such issue this year. looks and sounds like an ESPN was occasionally a swing and a miss. Sounds Of The Show is back, broadcast, but feels like one, no post-post-apocalypse from action- and PS4’s biggest sports too. That’s thanks to the tiny adventure i am alive on PS3 – the exclusive finally rekindles the details you rarely see in other suffering continued in a decaying city form that made it so essential sports games – fans grinning for the first half of this inanely after catching home with murky morality. when sacrificing decade. Its on-field brilliance runs, commentator discussions lives got heavy, PS3 space strategy comes down to nailing the on the umpires’ strengths and savaGe moon swooped in. Ore-mining fundamentals of baseball in weaknesses, late-game replays and bug-blasting earned credits for a way that’s accessible yet of critical events from earlier unfathomably deep. in the same match, and so upgrades, prompting tactical decisions. So, in essence, pitching on. Throw in three massive Should we buy canny traps, or invest comes down to three button long-term modes – Diamond everything in big nasty machine guns? presses on a golf-game-style Dynasty, Road To The Show and the PS Vita lot was especially swing-o-meter, yet there are and the always-outstanding endless nuances once you’ve Franchise – and the scope for virulent this month. a virus nameD nailed the basics: different bat-swinging, curveball-slinging tom had us inhabit the vengeful digi- pitches assigned to different happiness here is as vast as disease bent on… er, puzzling its way face buttons, strategies in terms it ever was. through more than 50 levels. if the of aiming at a batter’s hot and cold zones, and so forth. verdict frustrating difficulty didn’t leave you Similarly, batting can be You need to know the sport to queasy, ten-second-level randomised done on timing alone, but the master it – hence no 10/10 shoot-’em-up shutshimi had you real skill – and achievement this year – but PS3’s greatest covered with a scatterbrained goldfish – comes from using those hot sports series is on zones to wait for the batter’s of once more dominating all with disconcertingly muscular, humanoid ideal pitch, before steering it contemporaries. Ben Wilson arms. Oof. Pass the bucket. PRESENTS

VOLUME 10 Blockbuster! Your 148-page guide to the world of Minecraft

On sale now! In print. On iPad. On iPhone.

Find it on the GamesMaster Magazine App Or visit myfavouritemagazines.co.uk this month online dlc movies music how to trophies

on the store 100 Fallout 4 – Far Harbor It’s back to the Wasteland, as the first story-based DLC has landed. Steady your sea legs as there are plenty of feral nasties awaiting you.

097

on your xmb 102 Star Wars: The Force Awakens Rip out your ’sabers and Force-dim the lights, BB-8’s made it to Blu-ray.

music 103 This month’s hottest tunes online tests how to… 98 Dirt Rally 104 Master Hitman’s Paris How does the punishingly superb new rallying platinum champion fare on the hazardous online track? club 105 Tom Clancy’s The Division multiplayer modes put through their paces online tests by our team of experts

what we’re playing now review rocket league andrew Westbrook learns that playing for rank simply ain’t fun My four-wheeled footy prowess has come on in jumps and slides. My poaching days are behind me (well, almost) and I’ve actually crafted goals. But that all means nothing when I foolishly agree to join a mate in some ranked co-op play. This buddy lives for Rocket League. He’s immensely proud of his hard-earned rank. The barking of positional orders and the expletive- rich questioning of my defensive “skills” sure make that clear. But it teaches me just one thing – playing for points turns you into a right ranker.

tom clancy’s 098 the Division it’s a good day for Ben tyrer to get shot info in the Dark Zone Format PS4 Finally joining a mate in PuB CODEMaSTERS Ubi’s post-Black Friday Dev CODEMaSTERS hellscape means it’s time revieW ISSuE #122, 9/10 to take a first wander into the lawless Dark Zone. What a dumb idea. Within seconds of trying to loot some sweet beanies, a group of Level 22 NPCs Dirt Rally descend. My chum is a Level 12, I’m a seven. Slaughter is too mild a description for what happens and The cars aren’t the only things playing dirty we’re both immediately tasting pavement. The Division, sensing we’re ne of the finest racing games decide we know best and multi-stage seasons not ready, boots us back outside. Codemasters has ever add some impromptu that can be geared produced, Dirt Rally is wood effect trim to towards the particularly certainly the dev’s best rally what’s left of the bonnet. competitive, the Destiny: the game to date. But while Leagues are custom just-for-fun contingent taken king Orallying is a motorsport that favours series that can be set up and any blend of the two. Jen simpkins’ one-shot isolated concentration and split times online (an option exists In both Leagues and bird-face does not fly over bumper-to-bumper action, the to do so in-game, but regular events, you have in the crucible British studio has included a suite of using PS4’s browser to make repairs along I just can’t quit this online multiplayer options to help take the for this can be more the way, ensuring you shooter. There’s so much left for me to see and do. off that mud-caked loneliness. challenging than some of still benefit from time I triple-hop into Crucible’s The first of these comprises Daily, the rally stages, so we spent managing your PvP carnage for the first Weekly, Monthly and Special challenges, recommend doing this crew in the single-player time, proudly rocking in which you can earn chunky wads via a laptop instead) and championships. my Celestial Nighthawk helmet. Eat of in-game currency (assuming you tweaked according to The final piece of the sextuple the damage, suckers! Except perform well). You only get one shot your particular taste. multiplayer puzzle is they don’t. My fiery load misses its mark, and I’m left impotent. Er, at posting your time, which serves to Events take the form of , which drops this never usually happens, I swear. heighten the sense of pressure as Switching out my headgear helps my you aim to balance pushing as hard as Golden Gun’s premature problem. possible through every bump and turn WE’RE RaMMED MID- Some loadout-tinkering here, some with not stacking your car into the CoRNER By CoWaRDLy heavy ammo there, and I’m thundering robust stack of logs lurking on the through Venus on a five-kill streak CoMPETIToRS aFRaID with a resurrected ego. inside of that upcoming corner. “Don’t cut,” our co-driver warns, before we To TakE US oN FaIRLy. track recorD Head-to-head racing is kept simple by sticking to three classes of car: Classic, 1600 and Super. There are three tracks (Hell, Höljes and Lydden Hill), with eight variations.

ood news, big spenders. uFC 2 takes the ultimate GTeam template and makes it work. The main difference is you chase moves – say, the Superman punch – rather than players. The slow burn, gradual improvement addiction remains the same and, once you’re invested, it’s hard not to want to power through packs. Elsewhere, Ranked Championships mode has you moving up divisions, FIFa Seasons-style. While a few time-outs looking for games occur, once you’re in, they run Ea SPoRTS with minimal fuss, though you’re left screaming after getting laid UFC 2 out by a lucky punch. again. There Wallets ready: ultimate are also unranked matches for Team hits the octagon knockabouts. Sadly, the game’s best mode – Knockout – doesn’t info feature online. a glaring omission Format PS4 in an otherwise sturdy offering. PuB Ea Dev Ea CanaDa revieW ISSuE #122, 7/10 verdict While the small amount of online modes reward commitment 099 rather than casual play, the fights are just as chin- With just one shot at posting times, nailing shatteringly intense. Ben tyrer a corner’s sweet spot becomes all-important. e’re desperate to brodown timed runs in favour of simultaneous with four randos in this four-player clashes. On track, the result Wspectacular shrine to is fantastic, making us hanker for a muscles ‘n’ guns. Making it happen, TOCa (or at least Grid) reboot, but don’t however, is harder than the expect to find too many honourable love child of Snake Plissken and drivers – we’re regularly rammed John Rambo. For every game we mid-corner by cowardly competitors manage to actually play with online too afraid to take us on fairly. strangers, there are at least three When you do find yourself with in which our character just doesn’t the right group, however, it’s a huge spawn in, leaving us ruefully amount of fun, even if the events are watching other people having fun. too short-lived to truly compensate for Or worse, a static character doing the amount of time you spend waiting nothing. If that wasn’t enough, in the lobby. Compounding the issue is there’s a game-breaking bug that the absence of a spectator mode while Broforce freezes the entire game when you’re waiting to join a game (though an online wasteland of you enter the lobby, forcing you to you can do so while already in an event). bugs and broliness close and re-open the application. These are small niggles in an There’s just too much hassle. If you otherwise solid package, however, and info must have the company of others, while new Dirt’s multiplayer options are Format PS4 you can host games for people PuB slimmer than those found within its Dev FREE LIvES to join – but the reality is you’re excellent single-player, it’s – ahem – revieW ISSuE #122, 7/10 better off broing it alone. rally anything less than thrilling. verdict verdict What should have been an a solid offering that ties in well with explosion of testosterone-filled the main game. Penalties for poor joy is in fact a crumbling mess. sportsmanship would improve things, It’s basically Hans Gruber’s plan but what’s here will keep you Scandi at the end of Die Hard. Ben tyrer flicking for a while yet. Ben maxwell empty your wallets now with the latest on the store downloadable diversions

expansion dlc

£11.59

Call Of Duty: BlaCk Ops 3 – EClipsE The second round of Blops 3 DLC contains fresh zombies in feudal Japan and four new maps. There’s a remake of Bonsai from World At War, a space airport, a volcanic military complex and a Shaolin £19.99 temple on an island. Fallout 4 – Far Harbor FrEE 100 Bye-bye, Boston. We’re off to solve mysteries in Maine ored of using the Automatron creatures? That’s right, What wouldn’t we DLC to bolt sexy gams onto politics. In your search sacrifice for more tOm ClanCy’s loyal robo-butler Codsworth? for a missing woman, time with dishy synth thE DivisiOn – We know you aren’t, you you’re caught up in the gumshoe Nick Valentine? inCursiOns brilliant maniac. But just in conflict between the Fortunately, you’re The first of two free Bcase you fancied something a little locals – the Children of working the case under updates includes four more substantial from your Fallout 4 Atom – and the synths. Valentine’s Detective extra-tough multiplayer expansions, story-based Far Harbor Hope you’re feeling Agency. And as for Incursions, four new sets of gear, Dark Zone has sailed onto PS4, with plenty of Charismatic, as you must investigative tools, well, supply drops and Loot whodunnit intrigue and higher-level kit. try to restore peace to there’s nothing better trading. The first, Located off Maine’s coast, the titular the town, whatever that for subtle sleuthing than Falcon Lost, is set in an irradiated island is even bigger than might cost you. We’re brand new high-level underground water- Oblivion’s Shivering Isles DLC, Bethesda betting limbs or sons. armour and weapons. treatment facility. Don’t calling it the “largest landmass for an expect any checkpoints. add-on we’ve ever created.” But don’t £5.79 expect sun-soaked jollies. Higher levels DOn’T ExpECT Sun- of radiation mean Far Harbor is SOAkED JOLLIES. FAr overrun with new, feral nasties. What’s even more horrifying than HArBOr IS OvErrun WITH a ravenous new species of lethal nEW, FErAL nASTIES.

far Cry primal – also on Psn WEnja paCk Grab the trio of Legend Of The Mammoth missions – Hunt The Hunters, The Trapped Elder and Duel Of Beasts. You play as a £1.69 FrEE £3.99 £7.99 £3.99 mammoth trying to defend your herd. Or Uncharted dynamic ant-man Pack SPongebob gaara’S tale eSPortS Wrc Pack 2 square off against a theme Exclusive to PS3 and SqUarePantS kit Scenario Pack PS1 Rally round, race fans, Remember that gorgeous PS4, the Lego Marvel’s The LBP3 level kit Sneak back into Naruto the WRC 5 DLC adds glowing rhino, wielding Drake’s Fortune scene Avengers add-on has you features 117 stickers, 54 Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja six new special stages your fancy new Blood where Nate finds a U-boat play shrinking superhero decorations and Storm 4 with adventure in which to compete. Shasti Club and enjoying atop a waterfall? Well, Scott Lang (and ten other using SpongeBob’s story scenario “Bonds Of What else do you win? extra skins and perks. now you can plonk it on characters) in a Pym excavated body as one of The Sandy Sea” and three A new car – the exclusive your PS4 menu screen. Technologies level. 200 premium costumes. new secret techniques. Concept Car E2. THE UK’S NO. 1 MULTIFORMAT GAMES MAG Featuring: We’ve played Platinum Games’ tantalising TMNT title! + Interviews! Previews of huge console exclusives: Uncharted 4 and 4 Shenmue III, Mass Effect, Final Fantasy XV – all the big games! Join Cloud, Squall and the gang for a Final Fantasy retro road trip! ... and much more!

On sale now! In print. On iOS. On Android Find it in the GamesMaster magazine app coming soon

on your XMB room 16 May Brie Larson scooped the best actress Oscar for her performance in this drama about a blu-rays mother and son imprisoned in a squalid room.

i Am wrAth 16 May John Travolta does his best Liam Neeson impression in this geriaction movie about a man out for revenge following the murder of his wife.

childhood’S 16 May end Mini-series adaptation of Arthur C Clarke’s sci-fi classic about a seemingly peaceful alien invasion by a mysterious race.

hired to kill 16 May Daft, high concept ’90s action movie about a soldier of fortune who infiltrates a South American fortress by posing as a fashion photographer.

Scott of the 16 May AntArctic Ealing Studios’ classic 102 chronicles the true story of British explorer Robert Falcon Scott and his ill-fated expedition to the South Pole.

orAnge iS 16 May the new BlAck: SeASon 3 The third season of the top Star Wars: The Netflix comedy about female inmates makes its way to shiny disc this month. Force Awakens the Big Short 23 May Star-studded black comedy directed by Striking back on Blu-Rey Anchorman’s Adam McKay that wittily exposes the amoral chaos in the run-up orget navigating an asteroid as jaded Stormtrooper to 2007’s financial crisis. field with Darth Vader on your Finn and Daisy Ridley the tail: if you want impossible hidden strength at the Spotlight 23 May odds, try making a follow-up heart of the heroics as Powerful true-life to the most beloved film trilogy scavenger Rey. Scene- tale about the Boston Globe Fof all time. Miraculously, The Force stealing ball droid BB-8, journalists who exposed widespread child abuse Awakens obliterates any lingering ill-will meanwhile, has more by the Catholic Church. A after the prequel trilogy left everyone character than the entire worthy Best Picture winner. with a nasty case of the Jar Jars. cast of the prequels. Picking up 30 years after the There are niggles: the complete 23 May destruction of the Empire, at a time John Williams’ score is AndromedA Star Trek wannabe based when the evil First Order has risen more a grower than an on a Gene Roddenberry idea to fill the power vacuum and the Jedi insta-classic, while the that inexplicably made it to are considered myths, it’s difficult plot’s mirroring of A New five seasons. Stars former to imagine anyone crafting a more Hope can leave it feeling Hercules Kevin Sorbo. satisfying Episode VII than The Force derivative. But it feels Awakens. As a piece of storytelling, churlish to criticise given gooSeBumpS 30 May it’s superb – passing the torch from the magnitude of the Jack Black plays Goosebumps writer RL Stine the old guard to the new without doing achievement – Star Wars in this meta adaptation of Keep an eye out for Daniel a disservice to either. is back in the most the cherished children’s Craig, who cameos as a is wonderful as grizzled smuggler Han thrilling way imaginable. horror series that sees his Stormtrooper guarding Rey. Solo, John Boyega consistently hilarious Jordan Farley creations escape the page. The set was chilled to -1°C for parts of the shoot. music

Weezer WEEzER formAt ALBuM etA OuT NOW price £7.99 In true Weezer fashion, this – their fourth self-titled album – is known as “The White album.” It’s a goodie, too: a sun-kissed tribute to California that melds fuzz-happy guitars and Beach Boys-style vocals into something both wistful and hella rocking. weezer.com

Jessy lanza OH NO formAt ALBuM etA 13 MAY The Hateful Eight price £7.99 Like Katy B or alunaGeorge, Canada’s Quentin Tarantino gets cabin fever Jessy Lanza makes a modern R&B music that’s catchy, but smart with it. ew filmmakers build a sense of utterance is loaded with Oh No is more upbeat than her debut, the flicking event around their movies like meaning as wartime rhythms drawing on a Quentin Tarantino. That’s why rivalries, intrinsic racism modern club sound, while 103 his latest, a bum-numbing and the lingering threat being pop music to the three-hour Western set almost that someone may try core. jessylanza.com Fentirely in a claustrophobic cabin to snatch away Ruth’s shortly after the American Civil War, payday keep tensions comes not only with an overture, but on a hair-trigger. was shot on 70mm film – a format The performances scarcely used since the biblical epics are superb (particularly of the ’50s and ’60s. Lest you think this Jason Leigh’s cackling is grandstanding, Tarantino has also criminal), the snow- crafted a tale worthy of this swept cinematography extravagant cinematic vision. is gorgeous and Ennio Caught in a blizzard on the road to Morricone’s fabulously Red Rock, John “The Hangman” Ruth foreboding soundtrack (Kurt Russell) and his bounty Daisy powers the film like a Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh) are steam engine. forced to seek shelter in a creaky log The undisciplined eagulls uLLAGES cabin alongside a gaggle of gunslinging runtime, explosions formAt ALBuM etA 13 MAY price £7.99 guests. Naturally, “playing nice” isn’t of stomach-churning There was always a dark undercurrent running through the music of post-punks Eagulls, in anyone’s vocabulary. violence and deliberately but for second album Ullages they go full-on stadium Few people write dialogue like dislikeable characters goth. Echo-soaked drums and shrieking, strangulated Tarantino and it’s testament to his may prove too much for guitars are the order of the day. eagulls.co.uk abilities that, despite the unwieldy some, but otherwise, this runtime and theatrical structure, The is Tarantino’s best work Hateful Eight never fails to hold your since his ’90s heyday. zayn BEFOuR attention. Every breath, step and Jordan Farley formAt TRACK etA OuT NOW price £0.99 you’ve got to hand it to ex- One Directioner Zayn Malik, he’s managed to pull off the often-so-elusive “bloke leaves boy band, gets a bit good” manoeuvre with aplomb. It’s a firm goodbye to squeaky-clean harmony pop, and a hello to moody The Weeknd-style R&B with lots of smouldering looks and snogging in the videos. www.facebook.com/zayn how to…

doctor playstation Our console medic Master Hitman’s Paris fixes your tech woes with actual science Killing two birds with one stone cold killer

STEp 1 STEp 2 STEp 3 Let them room with Let gravity eat Lead a pew, do the work 1 2 pew, pew 3

the problem You’ve killed and killed and killed some more, but still can’t secure a 104 master rank. You Medical school taught me Option two is to shepherd They say man’s greatest can get there quick to do no harm. But it also your targets into their panic enemy is man, but then by hitting your two taught me to never say no to room, setting up easy kills. Start they also say you shouldn’t targets at the same freelance games writing. And the level undercover in the operate blindfolded, so what time, if only they to look very, very closely at Kitchen, then run east to the do they know? In this case, were together… contracts. As such, I know that security centre and read the man is used as a weapon. sniping your way through Paris’ evacuation plans. Now head to the For option three, repeat the gruesome twosome is all about upstairs kitchen, where you pick fireworks detonator-swiping trick getting the setup just right. up rat poison and put it on the from step one. You now need to You’ll need a mastery level of sushi (look for the tray with an transport it to the balcony behind five to hide the Jaeger 7 rifle in interaction symbol). The Doc can the auction – the Doc suggests the ‘Shed’. You’ll also want to vouch for this working a treat on subduing the bodyguard behind equip a lockpick and spawn those patients who seem to think the garden shed by the north- undercover in the AV Centre. they don’t really need medicine. west barge and stealing his outfit. Steal the fireworks detonator Sure enough, Victor’s Now, shimmy up the nearby where you first appear and follow bodyguard scoffs it. Follow him to drainpipe to the third floor. the rifle icon to the shed in the the bathroom, subdue him and Activate the detonator on the north-west garden. Pick the lock steal his outfit. Use his phone to auction balcony and Dahlia down the nearby stairs to reach call in a fake threat that sends eventually appears to gawp at the barge. Activate the fireworks your hosts to the south-east the show. When she steps to the from the top of the ladder and room on level two. Now, either central balcony, it means Victor Victor and Dahlia emerge to wait in the room and use the is directly beneath her – press observe, on the patio and balcony, winch to drop a chandelier on q to push her onto his head. respectively. Aim for clean them, or plant a remote mine – City of love? City of shove, more headshots, as torsos take two find one in the attic by the like. (And they say Patch Adams bullets. I know, I’m a doctor. security consoles – and detonate. is the only funny doctor.)

the verdict next month Six bodies in 30 minutes, The Doc gets to grips an efficiency rate that would with some impress any government new science inspector. Some might call – playing for an inquest, but I’d call your PS4 room service for a bottle on a PC of bubbly. Très bien! or Mac. Mr trophy When taking on Level 30 Iain Wilson’s PSN ID is enemies, stick to cover Wilbossman, and his and use blindfire to trophy cabinet is minimise your exposure. bigger than yours.

Platinum x 69 Gold x 399 Silver x 1,461 Bronze x 6,097 Platinum Club Mr Trophy activates his Agent in Tom Clancy’s The Division

s you head out into and complete enough related you’ve cleared out by purchasing join the 105 what remains of Encounters to purchase the big the Canine Unit upgrade in the club Hey! What’s Manhattan, focus on upgrade. Signature Skills have a Security Wing. Some of these the hardest getting your Agent cooldown of around 15 minutes have been known to glitch, so if trophy you’ve snagged? Tell On the Level by per use, which is why you want to a piece of Intel fails to register, us at opm@ completing story and start racking up uses of them as you should join the game of futurenet.com side-missionsA to build them up to soon as possible. someone who hasn’t collected it Level 30. However, there are a Once you’ve hit that Level 30 and pick it up again from there. number of trophies you can work cap, you get the chance to show The final pieces of silverware towards on this journey, you Know No Fear by… completing can be tracked down in the Dark to reduce the amount Zone, including of grinding required completing a Mass once at the endgame. SIGNATURE SkILLS HAvE A Extraction, once For Skill Kill, you 15-MINUTE COOLDOWN, SO START you’ve successfully need to finish off 50 helicoptered an item enemies using Skills, RACkING UP THEIR USES AS away from all eight so equip an offensive SOON AS POSSIBLE. Extraction Zones. item, such as the You must also kill turret, and use it regularly in all of the missions again on Hard 20 Rogue Agents in order to claim combat. Whenever you fight difficulty. Great. It’s potentially I am the LAW!. Thankfully, there’s alongside others, heal or buff easier to do this solo, as the an easy, sneaky way to boost this your teammates 100 times and number and level of enemies scale with a friend – simply team up they’ll be able to Lean On Me – the up when with a group, though it’s and enter the Dark Zone together, Support Station unlocked in the still quite a slog. then split your group and take Medical Wing is the easiest Skill Conversely, you’ll need at least turns blasting each other until to use for this. one partner to earn United We you’ve dished out justice the In order to show off Those Stand by starting and completing required number of times. Signature Moves, you a Level 30 co-op mission without If you’ve managed to complete must activate any of the anyone being downed or dying, all of these steps, then you’ve Signature Skills 100 and setting the difficulty to Easy earned your status as a Platinum times, but these are can help with this one. Agent – congratulations on only unlocked by There are six different keeping those streets safe! purchasing at least awards relating to the 293 one of the 1,000 Intel collectibles, which you can NExT ISSUE Our man Trophy faces the supplies in the Base of either find using a guide (bit.ly/ fight of his life as he goes in search of Operations, so pick one Divisionguide) or reveal in areas Dark Souls III’s shiny pots. ClassiC Game

The game isn’t tough just for the hell of it, retrostation but because Miyazaki wanted you to feel accomplishment.

info pub namCo BanDai Dev From soFtware releaseD 2009, Ps3 get it now amazon, £14.98

neeD to know miyazaki admits it was partly 1 inspired by ico. the Us deluxe edition contained 2 a 150-page guide. Ps Home got Ds armour sets, 3 but only in Japan.

106 retrostation

From’s hell

Each month we celebrate the most important, ClassiC Game innovative or just plain great games from PlayStation’s past. This time, we get ready to suffer like never before, as we take a loving look back at the devilishly difficult delights of a modern classic

this hyper-focused approach to fights is further bolstered by a terrific risk-versus-reward system. when your mute slayer of Demons perishes, they leave behind a bloodstain with all Demon’s Souls of their previously amassed souls (the game’s currency for levelling-up). on your next go, return to where your ost modern games while miyazaki and his team were corpse dropped and you can greedily must make Hidetaka building one of Ps3’s most finely suck those precious resources back up. miyazaki sick. crafted combat models, the director Fall again before you make it back, and ample checkpoints. decided something was needed to those souls are gone forever. rarely Patronising tutorials. pierce the game’s persistent sense of has the price of failure been balanced regenerating health. loneliness; a way for players to link up on such a precarious knife edge. it’s almost like without relying too heavily on traditional they’rem not designed to make you communication. the end product was publishing purgatory suffer. thankfully, as long as we all a system in which you could briefly see Unlike Bloodborne’s Yharnam or reside on the same watery planet as other players’ ghosts by touching their Dark souls’ lordran, Boletaria feels 107 From software’s acclaimed director, bloodstains, while also letting you leave cloyingly claustrophobic. this is not an Playstation will always be home to a messages to warn of impending danger. open world, but a series of battered special breed of savage challenge. it’s a graceful, elegant way of letting caverns, castle ramparts and dungeons enter Demon’s souls. Back in 2009, players guide each other without the disparately knitted together by the gamers had yet to truly taste real need for words; a silent handshake for nexus – a dank, boxy hub that acts pain. sure, the likes of 3 souls’ adventurers to impart advice. as the player’s temporary safe haven. could kick you squarely in the ass, but and really, that’s the point of Demon’s while it may lack the cohesive scale of rarely had the Playstation nation seen souls – learning through failure and its spiritual successors, Demon’s souls anything quite so barbarically tough as repetition. the game’s exquisitely still creates a world where intrigue and From’s wonderfully designed, hugely chunky swordplay is demanding, but it’s danger lurk around every deadly corner. disciplined and gloriously rewarding never unfair. Get that shield up, plan Considering From’s masterpiece fantasy adventure. your attacks with surgical precision remains one of Ps3’s most cherished set in the lonely, often perversely and never let your guard down. it’s exclusives, it’s amazing to think it beautiful kingdom of Boletaria, Demon’s an intoxicating blend that keeps you almost never got a european release. souls took many of its cues from King’s constantly vigilant and never anything sony helped launch the game in Japan, Field, another From series that revelled less than resolutely engrossed. but elected not to publish it elsewhere. in dark dungeons and granite-hard mercifully, a spate of glowing reviews beasties. Despite their quality, those and word-of-mouth praise eventually titles had minimal impact outside of IT’s A GlorIously saw namco Bandai publish a Pal Japan, and certainly can’t lay claim to version, some 18 months after its initial kickstarting the same calibre of dynasty rewArdING ANd release. the Playstation landscape as the souls series. of course, they bArbArIcAlly would look decidedly different (and didn’t have an ingenious online system nowhere near as deliciously punishing) in their corner… TouGh AdVeNTure. if namco hadn’t made that call.

■ If you get overwhelmed by a group, you’re done. ■ Ah, the Vanguard – conquerer of many lives. Git. ■ The Nexus is a soothing (if depressing) safe zone. time machine

Name opm timE machiNE that game Guess the four games, 5 yEars aGo and their scores, from Deus Ex marked the spot in OPM #58 these review quotes – though one review in particular proved to be anything but god-like… 1 Like a 60-yard- fieLd goaL into a hurricane headwind, it comes up just short of greatness.

2 yes, oLd aLbert’s shadow dash makes him Look Like an uroboros- 108 fueLLed road runner, but it’s a fun addition.

3 Above Deputy editor Leon spent ten hours playing Below left We Dare got blasted in an all-time classic Deus Ex: Human Revolution, excitedly switching OPM review. “Contraceptive, delivered by PS3.” for every from “ to cat burglar, assassin to hacker.” singLe thing you He was right to feel pumped – Eidos’ action stealther Below right Bioshock’s Ken Levine promised and can think of – went on to score a tidy 8/10 later in the year. delivered great things from Infinite. Big daddy indeed. hammers, fondue, teLetext – there’s someone out there who finds it wiLdLy arousing.

4 it’s exactLy Like the princess bride, except it’s Far left An Uncharted 3 about tennis. and preview saw us andre the giant tip it for Game Of The Year honours. is sadLy absent. Bold, we know. (for shame.)

Left We outlined

ennis, issue #48, 8/10 #48, issue ennis, t verybody’s e

4. 4. 20 essential PSN

are, issue #58, 2/10 #58, issue are, d e w

3. 3. downloads for

7/10 under £50. If , issue #120, #120, issue , hd ero h vil e esident r 2.

L 13, issue #76, 8/10 #76, issue 13, L nf adden m 1. 1. you’ve still not Answers played Stacking, just leave. Now. retrostation

don’t Make Me play! who? Arkham’s Batmobile failed to convince Matt Clapham that Mad Max what his beloved combat formula needs is more don’t like it. never tried it. every month we force Formula One. Can a game that borrows one of our team to play their most feared game its mechanics really change his mind?

ike anything else, games go through fashions. The one in vogue when I was a rookie journo was the canned drama of the tacked-on driving Lsection. I can’t even count the number of helter-skelter ‘narrow escapes’ that action-adventures have pretended I’ve had behind the wheel. So, when Mad Max takes the bolt-on driving bit and what? makes it the game, all I can see is a Critically divisive but sort of distorted genius. info disarmingly pretty pub WArnEr BrOS sandbox starring Even before I put pedal to metal, Dev AvAlAnchE the unhinged Aussie it’s worse than I feared. Some bright InTErAcTIvE petrolhead. Fisticuffs spark plug has decided to make Max releaseD 2015 are borrowed from control more like a car than a human. get it now rAKuTEn, Batman, while spot This works in that the right trigger £18.50 welded on top is car customisation and a makes both go a bit faster, and then tanker full of dusty falls apart lemon-quick. So Max acts like vehicle combat. a madman, slurring his way through 109 the opening as fingers attuned to the Dark Knight are dragged into the harsh sOMe BrIght spArk DeCIDeD tO MAke MAx COntrOL MOre LIke A CAr. wasteland glare. But that bleaches into insignificance when I accept the keys to the Magnum Opus. In mere minutes, I’m wrestling a junker that handles like an eel in a bath of KY Jelly through another faux-high-stakes escape. Thing is, I can see why others like it. But it’s the kind of game that slips on a polarising filter the second it boots. Where I experience an achingly slow grind to get a half-decent car, others see hard-won empowerment. Where I find busywork – icons to smash, scarecrows to topple, a whole lot of pressing q near things – a mirror self would see plenty to do. Both of us would agree that toppling camps is awesome, but I ate a lot of dust in the mid-noughties, and after hours of entertainment-parched q pressing, I slip out a long-loved copy of Burnout, and find all the best bits of Avalanche’s adventure condensed into four exhilarating minutes. Sorry, Max, ■ Dev Avalanche sure can wring magnificence out of decay. If scrap-rich locations weren’t just but I still prefer fast and furious to your another icon screaming for focus, I’d probably enjoy poking around the map’s pockets of beauty. wending fury road. HALL OF FAME

THE dEfiniTivE guidE To CuRREnT-gEn’s gREaTEsT gamEs ps4 Hall of famE

1 MeTal gear solid V: The PhanToM Pain Konami might try and scrub Hideo Kojima’s name from the ultimate in tactical espionage action, but it’ll never remove his fingerprints. While retaining that distinct storytelling and sense of wonder that defines an MGS title, MGS V offers a level of freedom and creativity unheard of in any sandbox. Grand, majestic and bittersweet, this is an instant classic.

2 V 9 The wiTness Laughing in the face of other cross-gen ports, GTA V The ultimate puzzle game? Thekla, Inc’s behemoth on PS4 is more than just a mere HD remaster. Upped boasts one of PS4’s most stylishly inviting, and to a glorious 1080p, it weaves everything that made resolve-testing, worlds to explore. It then crams it the PS3 original great, with new music, more dynamic so full of secrets that even the platinum isn’t the end weather and a game-changing FPS mode. of the adventure. It’s a true original.

3 bloodborne 10 driVeclub With the finest third-person melee combat in gaming, The premier current-gen racer leaves its rivals drool-worthy art design and the most twisted for dust due to gorgeous graphics, strong social monsters imaginable, this is a gorgeously Gothic features and great handling. Major add-on Driveclub must-have. The Old Hunters expansion adds enough 110 Bikes is also the greatest bike on PS4, nightmare fuel to make a Yharnam return essential. thanks to making driving on two wheels fun again.

4 sTreeT fighTer V 11 alien: isolaTion Mechanically, this is as close to perfection as any Explore Ridley Scott’s original vision of a horror- fighter on console – everyone from hardcore fans tinged future in startling fidelity with an attention to first timers can grab a pad/fightstick and have to detail that borders on the obsessive. It’s time to serious fun. The launch game’s lean, but with free remember what made the xenomorph so scary in add-ons coming all the time, it keeps getting better. the first place… and then get killed by it.

5 desTiny: The Taken king 12 Towerfall ascension The Taken King expansion means there’s never been You haven’t lived until you’ve enjoyed a four-player a better time to be a Destiny player – for veterans free-for-all in this instant couchplay classic. The solo it’s a giant vat of new content that’ll keep you playing campaign is fine by itself, but almost nothing beats for months; for newcomers it offers the smoothest, the arrow-grabbing, death-defying last-second kills most complete shooter a PS4 owner could wish for. of local multiplayer’s mayhem.

6 The lasT of us reMasTered 13 baTMan: arkhaM knighT This modern masterpiece just gets stronger with age, Rocksteady sends the Bat out with a bang. A like a full-bodied stilton. A starkly brutal, emotionally compelling, cathartic story adds new layers to the honest take on the end of the world, Naughty Dog’s Dark Knight, while PS4 allows Gotham to blossom stealth shooter is quite simply one of the best games with a truly amazing engine. The stealth still sings, ever, even if this PS4 port doesn’t add much to it. the fisticuffs are fab and the Batmobile is brill.

7 fallouT 4 14 uncharTed: The naThan Hitting PS4 with the atomic force of a Fat Boy, drake collecTion Fallout’s excellent gunplay and crafting systems If you somehow missed the trilogy on PS3 then this can trigger a nasty case of RPG-itis. It’s not without excellent remaster should be your next purchase. its faults (or vaults), but the scale of Bethesda’s Nathan Drake is PlayStation’s biggest hero, and no wasteland will keep you bunkered down for weeks. PS4 owner should skip his collection.

8 The wiTcher 3: wild hunT 15 life is sTrange The White Wolf himself finally rides onto PS4 The sublime writing and pacing of this episodic and brings with him one of the most diverse and narrative will have you agonising over choices, challenging RPG worlds ever seen. Mesmerising to and then marvelling at their flawless integration. To look at and utterly engrossing to play, CD Projekt quote heroine Max’s BFF Chloe, it’s “hella” good. You’ll RED’s farewell to Geralt is a current-gen essential. wish you could play it all over again for the first time. retrostation

16 dirT rally Codies drifts its rallying masterclass onto PS4, NEW! offering the first real competition for Driveclub’s bubbling undER current-gen crown. This purist racer is less gaudy than previous Dirts, and can be brutal – making steel-nerved victories all the more exhilarating. alternative picks 17 MinecrafT Bigger, better and blockier than ever before on We dive into ps4’s library for gold. PlayStation, this iconic build-’em-up benefits massively from PS4’s additional power and gives you This month: Rpgs a creative playground 36 times the size of that on PS3 in which to build. Or lob TNT around, if you want. PICK #1 basTion 18 Jen simpkins thinks the watercolour blend Its handheld original is rightfully riding high in the of gun-toting and emoting is rPgenius PS Vita Hall Of Fame as its PS4 remake-of-sorts You might not expect elegance when a game’s swoops onto the current-gen roster on a raft of new snowy-haired hero faceplants into every level, features. makes the most of all that but this is a stained-glass masterpiece. Stepping extra power and strikes gold yet again. stones float up beneath your feet – much like the utterly moving mystery. The Narrator purrs caramel; The Kid sinks a plethora of weapons 19 resogun into tough enemies; gameplay-customising idols Capturing everything that made the shoot-’em ups of unlock for entirely new experiences. Exquisite. old so compelling and combining it with a sumptuous voxel-based visual presentation, Resogun should PICK #2 come with a health warning that reads: “This game will consume your every waking moment.” wasTeland 2: direcTor’s cuT 20 Journey ben Tyrer believes fallout could learn In a gaming landscape dominated by mindless a thing or two from its godfather violence and blabbering idiots, this wordless Wasteland 2 features zero easy choices. At no walkabout stands tall in red robes. It’s about joining point are you faced with an obvious solution, or an online stranger and going for a wander, exploring even an agreeable one. Just as it should be. The a beautiful sandy world together in quiet awe. turn-based combat is unflinchingly difficult, while 111 the journey across an irradiated America offers a fuller world than spiritual successor Fallout. 21 Plus, you can write your own bio. We approve. Once destined to live its life as a PS Move curio on PS3, ’ ode to the teen slasher iTS JourNEY oFFErS A movie has emerged on PS4 with a rusty, bloody axe in one hand and a rather nasty looking set of FullEr World ThAN SPiriTuAl consequence-based choices in the other. SuccESSor FAllouT.

PICK #3 22 gone hoMe A perfect port from PC, Gone Home is tension- building masterpiece that has you slowly peeling back diViniTy: original sin layers from the game’s central mystery. It’s short, rPg expert robin Valentine summons but there’s zero padding to the exploration, making up a storm of old-school strategy every key discovery feel like a powerful gut punch. Electrified blood, flaming oil, explosive toxic gas, wanton teleportation – this isometric gem’s turn- based combats are an exercise in ordered chaos, and like nothing else on PS4. Bring a co-op buddy 23 sTar wars baTTlefronT along for the ride and engage in in-game verbal Perfectly capturing the spirit of Star Wars, this is sparring matches while the expansive and mind- a complete triumph in making you feel like you’re in bogglingly interactive world quite literally burns amongst the Empire’s assault on Hoth, or bringing down around you. Now that’s magic. about its demise on Endor. Accessible and immediate, you won’t want to put your DualShock 4(orce) down.

24 : inquisiTion Following closely on the action-RPG heels of Geralt of Rivia, Bioware’s third trip to Thedas conjures something truly special. Improved combat; an ace cast of characters; a semi-open world full of emergent gameplay; an epic story. The list goes on.

25 salT & sancTuary You’ll lose seasons to this 2D Hard-PG, which takes NEW! the Dark Souls template and twists it to create something equally addictive. With its peppering of grotesque monsters, broad skill tree and gothic ■ divinity: original Sin is as reverent of glorious rPGs past as art style, you’ll find no safe haven here. it is devoted to creating something completely new. HALL OF FAMe

The essenTial collecTion of lasT-gen classics ps3 hall of fame

1 tHe laSt Of uS PS3’s premier developer proves a misbehaving pooch can learn new tricks in this extraordinary adventure. In true Naughty Dog fashion, the Californian studio subverts everything from zombie and post- apocalyptic tropes to the gameplay beats of its own back catalogue. effortlessly blending stealth, horror and action with a script destined to break your heart, TLOU is interactive storytelling at its finest.

2 GranD tHeft autO v 9 pOrtal 2 The largest entry in the series is also one of the Only Valve could turn advanced physics, impossi- most ambitious games ever, but its fusion of thrilling puzzles and a voice cast comprised of a disembodied missions, entertaining characters and scathing satire AI and Stephen Merchant into such a unique and looks effortless. There can be no better way to bring a undeniable work of genius. Hands down the funniest generation to a close than this. first-person experience on console.

3 unCHarteD 2: 10 Metal Gear SOlID 4: aMOnG tHIeveS GunS Of tHe patrIOtS The game that sparked a million mancrushes, with The most gleefully playful and imaginative a perfectly pitched script, crunchy combat and set- on PS3. Whether you’re watching a 112 pieces like no other. In three words: unprecedented, monkey slurp soda or revisiting the site of the PS1 unequalled, Uncharted. original, no game honours its past so poignantly.

4 reDeMptIOn 11 BIOSHOCK InfInIte A near-perfect open-world fusion of engaging Perhaps the best narrative team of the entire storytelling, truly compelling characters and a living generation brings one of its finest series to a environment ripe for experimentation. No sandbox staggering climax. The original game would be since has got us quite so invested, and the bold well deserving of a place, but the mind-boggling ending still resonates to this day. revelations here run a whole lot deeper.

5 JOurney 12 BatMan: arKHaM CIty This charming two-hour voyage crafts an incredible, The most compelling bit of Bats action money can immersive narrative and a genuine emotional buy… that doesn’t involve Heath Ledger’s Joker. connection using little more than near-silent figures, Thanks to an acutely detailed open-world chunk marvellous sand physics and floating pieces of cloth. of Gotham, Rocksteady’s classic just pips Arkham A remarkable and unique experience. Asylum to this spot by the thinnest of bat-whiskers.

6 MaSS effeCt 2 13 tHe WalKInG DeaD: While Bioware’s trilogy-ender sends Shepard out in SeaSOn One fine style, it’s the middle slice of the delicious sci-fi Telltale has crafted some amazing stories, but the sandwich that remains its best. A brilliantly scripted first season of The Walking Dead stands among the action-RPG, the closing ‘suicide mission’ provides an best downloadable games ever with emotional ties incredible finale. and tangible consequences for your actions.

7 DarK SOulS 14 Heavy raIn Akin to nothing else you’ve ever played (unless From controversial purveyor of interactive cinema, you’ve already played Demon’s Souls). It may be as David Cage, comes this psychological thriller that impenetrable as a vault in Fort Knox, but persevere plays like no other game on the system (apart from and there’s a brutal and beautiful challenge within Beyond: Two Souls, natch). A real masterpiece of that you will never, ever forget. twists, turns, cinematography and, uh: “JASON!”

8 4: 15 lIttleBIGplanet 2 MODern Warfare Media Molecule’s second swing at the user- Simply the finest COD ever made. From that nuke generated puzzle-platformer is even more essential to Captain Price’s mesmerising ghillie suit stealth than its predecessor, offering a raft of options so mission, few games can match Modern Warfare’s deep and rewarding the only thing holding you back thrilling scripted spectacle. are the limits of your imagination. YOUr EVErY NEED FOr ON-thE-gO gOODNESS p S VItA hAll OF FAmE

1 teaRaway Peerless crafty platforming from Media Molecule, this time using PS Vita’s raft of touchscreen/ touchpad controls to surprise and delight you in new ways for hours on end. Full of whimsy, charm and enough personality to put most games to shame, Tearaway’s papercraft world remains Vita’s most vibrant title.

2 peRsona 4: GolDen 9 metal GeaR soliD This thoughtful and unique JRPG epic HD collection gives you another stab at high school Two of PlayStation’s finest adventures – only this time with intrigue and scale down beautifully, with enough superpowers instead of nerves, acne cutscenes to fill a transatlantic flight. and an unpredictable vocal register. Even less excuse not to play, then.

3 Rayman leGenDs 10 Rather than losing its lustre on the With more than a subtle nod of its fedora move to PS Vita, Ray’s second slice of to a certain whip-wielding Dr Jones, sumptuous side-scrolling is even better Spelunky’s procedurally generated on handheld. Touchscreen gestures make dungeons and platformer/roguelike this fine platformer all the sweeter. mashup shines brightest on PS Vita. 113

4 velocity 2X 11 steins;Gate A ludicrously enjoyable puzzle/platformer This mind-bending, tongue-in-cheek hybrid that should come with a health takes something as simple warning. So joyous is the side-scroller’s as a mobile phone and turns it into a time- twin-stick teleporting, there’s a danger travelling extravaganza that’s fit to you’ll smile your face clean off the bone. bursting with comedy and drama.

5 littlebiGplanet 12 Hotline miami Sackboy’s back, smaller but just as Part puzzler, part top-down lovable as ever. His platforming antics murder-‘em-up that’s as brutal as almost work perfectly on Vita, and the new anything else on PlayStation. It’s hard but control inputs complement the level never frustrating, with instant restarts creator brilliantly. Also: d’awwww. and lightning-fast gameplay.

6 supeR meat boy! 13 cRypt oF tHe The new music doesn’t match up to the necRoDanceR classic tunes, but Meat Boy’s long- Take Guitar Hero and Spelunky, then awaited PlayStation debut is the finest, whack them in a blender. You’ll get this fleshiest twitch platformer of all. An gem, with its addictive soundtrack and essential, thumb-destroying masterpiece. moreish rhythm-action monster-slaying.

7 /X-2 HD 14 uncHaRteD: RemasteR GolDen abyss Two examples of JRPG royalty, lovingly Drake proves he’s just as adept at restored to their former glory for your adventuring on the go. A prequel story portable pleasure. Their new touch plump with classic jungle action, and controls are – gasp! – a welcome addition. crammed full of typical Uncharted charm.

8 15 GRim Use a gravity-defying cat to break the An example of genuinely timeless laws of physics and zoom across the storytelling finally arrives on PlayStation. skies of a floating city. With Double Fine’s deft touch-up retains stylish comic-book looks and a sassy the old-school adventuring for a new heroine, this is a rush to remember. generation to savour and enjoy. Parting sh t Celebrating PlayStation’s finest moments LOOk AwAY! Spoiler alert

No.39 Grounding the Free Bird Guitar Hero 2 asks you to shred the unshreddable last Format PS2 / Pub REd OCTANE / Dev / releaseD 2006 / score 8/10 Next month month alien: metal Gear Isolation hey don’t really want you to for your fingers to reach speeds monitor with notes screaming past solid 3: Remembering play Free Bird. They’re just they’ll never come near again. at RSI-inducing speeds. As this snake eater how Ridley The best boss Scott’s heckling you.” So it goes in To begin with, the tune is frenzy escalates, you then have fight of all time. xenomorph the original Guitar Hero, in deceptively steady, a Calpol-sweet to contend with power chords Naked Snake became T takes on The scary which, as you wait to strum some mixture of long notes and simple zooming at you. Frayed fingers Father Of again. blistering riffs, the loading screen hammer-ons. You might even call dance across the guitar like a Sniping. jokes about this twangy classic it sedate, as the cover version’s spider throwing shapes to Skrillex, that remains conspicuously absent surprisingly adept singer builds up the song challenging you with from the playlist. However, we’re to the moment you learn to fear, every type of pattern, just in case all familiar with the sequel mantra when he croons, “Lord knows, you’re not getting tired. (You are.) by now – bigger means better. I cannot change.” All of a sudden, Thankfully, with one final power And rarely do guitar solos come a torrent of notes come flooding chord and wrists throbbing from mightier than the monster found down the screen. the most intense workout you’ll in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird. Red, yellow and blue gems might ever give them (stop it), the song You need to complete the career as well be one as your fingers reaches its final climax. *cough* mode on Normal, Hard or Expert to rapidly crash into buttons, the You’ve definitely proven those unlock it, but when you do, prepare track resembling a hospital heart (non-existent) hecklers wrong. ■ next month

o n Sale FRee! 7 Jun dualShock light bar Subscribe on page 66 decalS Yooka-LaYLee Behind-the-scenes look at Banjo-Kazooie’s sky-soaring, tongue-whipping, fart-bubbling (really) successor 9000 9012