Category: Previews

After twelve years, Creative Assembly is finally returning to the world of Alien: Isolation, bringing its particular brand of survival horror back for another encounter with the Xenomorph. The first game earned its reputation by making players feel almost completely powerless against its relentless predator, and Alien: Isolation 2 looks set to retain that fundamental idea while expanding the setting beyond the confines of a space station. After getting our hands on an early demo during Gamescom, it is clear that the sequel understands exactly what made its predecessor so effective, although its biggest changes could take some time to reveal their full potential. Continue reading “Alien: Isolation 2 preview (Gamescom)”

The idea of being a Hollywood stunt driver has always had a certain appeal. While the average racing game asks players to cross the finish line first, the Stuntman series has always been more interested in what happens between the starting line and the end credits. After almost two decades away, Saber Interactive is bringing the franchise back with Stuntman: Hollywood, putting players behind the wheel for a collection of spectacular movie sequences. After getting some hands-on time with the game at Gamescom, it already looks like the return could offer a very different kind of arcade driving experience. Continue reading “Stuntman: Hollywood preview (Gamescom)”

Tactical RPGs generally revolve around keeping valuable units alive. Every character represents an investment, and losing one can turn a carefully planned battle into a desperate struggle. DEMONS’ NIGHT FEVER takes that familiar formula and turns it upside down. Developed by Drecom Co., Ltd. and published by Arc System Works, the game makes sacrificing allied units one of the most important parts of its combat system. Created by Sōhei Niikawa, best known as the creator of the Disgaea series, it is clearly rooted in the tactical RPG tradition, but its central mechanics are designed to make players approach that genre very differently. Continue reading “DEMONS’ NIGHT FEVER preview (PS5)”

There are few video game characters as immediately recognisable as Lara Croft, and even fewer games that carry quite as much historical baggage as the original Tomb Raider. Reimagining that first adventure for a modern audience is therefore a considerable challenge, especially after the high bar set by the recent trilogy. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is taking a somewhat different approach, retaining the locations, premise and adventurous spirit of Lara’s debut while rebuilding almost everything around them. After seeing an early build during Gamescom, there is plenty to be excited about, although some questions remain about how well its modern additions will fit together. Continue reading “Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis preview (Gamescom)”

Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow is the kind of RPG that immediately makes it clear that it has no interest in following the safest route. Set in a ruined version of Tokyo where reality itself has begun to break apart, Arc System Works and UnitePlus combine a visual novel-style investigation with a highly unusual combat system built around timing, counters and a constantly moving battle timeline. The result is a game that can be genuinely exciting when its different ideas come together, although it occasionally feels as though the developers have tried to cram too many mechanics into an experience that could have benefited from a little more restraint. What makes it stand out, however, is that its most unusual idea is not merely a gimmick: once the combat starts to click, it provides a surprisingly satisfying reason to keep pushing forward. Continue reading “Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow review (PS5)”