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September 4, 2019

Publisher: Xbox Game Studios

Developer: The Coalition

Release: September 10, 2019

Rating: Mature

Reviewed on: Xbox One

Also on: PC

The Gears of War series has been uncompromising in its apocalyptic vision, holding the line with the same cover-based shooting, gruff armor-clad heroes, and wealth of multiplayer modes in all of its installments. You know exactly what you are getting from each game, and that’s a great thing. Gears 5 continues this tradition, and is every bit as fun as it is familiar. The gunplay feels somewhat antiquated, especially when the Lancer’s chainsaw roars to life again, but that doesn’t stop The Coalition from delivering some of the series’ biggest and most intense firefights. When the conflicts escalate, look out – Gears has never been better.

This is The Coalition’s second tour of duty with the Gears license, and the developer shows savviness with both the lore and gunplay, dazzling with the latter in bombastic ways – especially in the final act, which is relentless in its pacing and action. The Coalition also takes a few chances to expand Gears of War out of its comfort zone, and the results are mixed. Some ideas add strategic layers to combat, others bring the action to a screeching halt.

Gears 5 is a direct continuation of its predecessor; it doesn’t skip a beat in picking up the narrative thread that was teased at the end of Gears of War 4. Protagonist Kait Diaz’s dark secret was exposed, and now she and her teammates have to come to terms with what it means. Can Kait still be trusted? The Coalition toys with this question, and periodically shows flashes of conflict with Kait, but not enough. While we get definite answers as to what happens to her, this fascinating plot point is rarely entertained and ends up fizzling out.

That’s not to say the story is a complete loss. It delivers engaging moments in unexpected ways – mostly through robots. One of these characters (who I won't name here) is among the series’ most fascinating and well-spoken, taking the player on a tour through a mesmerizing Frankenstein-like lab filled with grotesque wonders. The relationship between Marcus Fenix, his son James, and the other returning faces is also handled well, and delivers a few legitimate laughs (and plenty of groan-inducing lines as well).

Gears 5's campaign can be played cooperatively by three players. Two are humans and one is JACK

One of this game's brightest spots is the return of one of Gears' unsung heroes, JACK, a hovering robot that is always there with a solution for the team, both for the narrative and gameplay. JACK is an absolute game-changer for combat (and can even be controlled manually in co-op play). With the press of a button, the player can order Jack to do a variety of things, such as flash-bang a group of enemies or provide a protective shield, just like a bastion. He can even grab ammo and guns for you. As you explore the world, you find upgrade items for JACK’s abilities, making it well worth your time to veer off of the beaten path.

The Coalition does a nice job of changing up the pace of combat, even though every arena is littered with waist-high cover. Along with a few great new enemies to fill with lead, wind is again used in clever ways to make players think twice about throwing grenades. I also love how ice can be shot out to send enemies into a frozen drink or to create a temporary safety zone (the latter technique is also used effectively on a Horde mode map).

The one area where Gears 5 stumbles is through the introduction of two open-world sections – one in the tundra, and another in a desert with red sand. To explore these massive spaces, the player pilots a skiff that is pulled along by a sail. This vehicle looks cool and the world it rips across is beautifully detailed, but all you do is drive from point A to point B. Even when undertaking side missions, you don’t engage in combat on the skiff. If you are playing co-op, the people who aren’t driving have nothing meaningful to do. They just sit there until the journey ends. This lifeless open-world exploration doesn’t work and drags the experience down.

When Gears 5 is in classic form, it pumps out excitement. Horde mode is as thrilling as ever, offering 12 maps, tough waves of enemies (especially those with leeches, a wild new foe that might have the best sound design in the series), and distinct hero traits to alter the flow from match to match. Horde is once again a satisfying marathon; my first 50-wave win took roughly two hours. Most waves take a serious effort by every player, once again making this mode one of the best examples of cooperative play out there.

Horde and the campaign are joined by a fun-yet-odd cooperative experience called Escape. The goal of this mode is for three players to work their way through an enemy complex as quickly as possible. If they engage in a firefight for too long, a slowly creeping gas eventually consumes them. The final seconds of Escape are great, as the three players unload everything they have left to stop enemies passing through slowly closing doors – but the excitement isn’t always at that peak, and the thrills are fleeting. Escape is a fun little diversion to hit up from time to time, but isn’t going to steal me away from Horde mode.

The Coalition is making it easier for new players to spend time in Versus mode, which has always been excellent, but maybe a little too competitive and stressful for new recruits to jump right into. Along with ranked matches, which is likely where the veterans will reside, The Coalition added something called “Arcade,” which is a battle to 50 kills. Every kill and assist rewards the player with skulls that can be exchanged at any time for better weapons. Players can also switch between characters (who have unique perks) at any time. Bigger guns, no limits – the idea works, and ends up being an absolute blast, even if it isn't quite as clever as Arms Race (which is still Gears' best mode).

Just don't expect to see a pure Gears multiplayer experience at launch. Having Sarah Connor, a Terminator, and Halo: Reach’s Emile-A239 and Kat-B320 available as DLC characters on day one is a strange decision. These licensed characters were in most of my matches, which is distracting if you’re trying to embrace all things Gears right out of the gates. On the plus side, player progression and rewards are handled much better this time around – just play the game, rank up, and watch the cards and supplies fly in.

Gears 5 is exactly what it needs to be. This old war vet still packs a punch. The open-world exploration has issues, but that isn’t enough to steal away the thunder The Coalition expertly deploys on the battlefield. The campaign is a fun ride that concludes with a shocker moment and a hell of a setup for a sequel. I’m already looking forward to that follow-up.

Score: 8.5

Summary: The Coalition's second tour of duty with Gears of War is a success, delivering some of the series' best firefights.

Concept: More of the Gears you know, but done up in big and dramatic ways. The open-world sequences don’t work, but making the robot helper more useful is a game-changer

Graphics: That larger-than-life body armor is the same, but the lighting and atmospheric conditions are eye-popping

Sound: Along with familiar character voices returning, the new characters are beautifully brought to life by their actors

Playability: The gunplay and cover mechanics remain exceptional, but the vehicular segments just don’t deliver much excitement

Entertainment: Gears 5 delivers plenty of excitement in its encounters and story, and offers nearly endless thrills in its excellently crafted multiplayer experiences

Replay: High

September 4, 2019

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September 3, 2019

Publisher: Double Fine Productions

Developer: Foam Sword

Release: August 27, 2019

Reviewed on: PlayStation 4

Also on: PC

Knights and Bikes sends players back to when life was more magical. In this world, treasure maps are real, local legends come to life, and your bike is an extension of yourself. Though the game is set in the ‘80s, nostalgia for a specific era isn’t the centerpiece; developer Foam Sword Games instead focuses on a more universal sense of turning back the clock. Knights and Bikes successfully captures child-like wonder and fun in an unabashedly wholesome adventure – with just the right amount of danger.

The tale follows Nessa and Demelza, two new acquaintances who build a friendship and search for treasure on the fictional island of Penfurzy. Though the setting seems quaint and sleepy on the surface, Nessa and Demelza learn about legendary knights, an ancient curse, and more during their travels. Even amid these fantastical developments, the emphasis remains on the two girls and their interactions, and that’s what makes the experience so charming. They play video games together, sleep in sleeping bags, race each other, laugh, and argue. These moments stack up, building a relationship that feels authentic and even heartwarming, whether they’re just biking through the woods or exploring an ancient quarry.

The journey progresses through a mixture of straightforward action and puzzle-solving. Each girl earns different abilities along the way, and if you’re playing alone, you can swap between them at any time. You often need to alternate between Nessa and Demelza’s powers to beat enemies or reach new areas. For example, Demelza’s plunger-mines are the only way to take out shielded foes, and Nessa’s blaring boombox clears cursed clouds from your path. This all works fine for solo players thanks to capable partner A.I., but to fully appreciate the sense of cooperation, you should recruit a friend or family member. That element of teamwork (and the occasional competitive minigame) is surprisingly helpful in reinforcing the budding friendship between the two heroes.

None of the situations are so demanding that they require skilled human assistance. On one hand, this simplicity suits the game’s tone well; Knights and Bikes is easy to pick up for players of all skill levels, and no scenario is complex enough to become a serious roadblock. On the other hand, the encounters and obstacles grow tedious over time because they ask so little of you. Battles against possessed golf balls and gauntlets are cute at first, but don’t involve enough skill or strategy to be interesting. And calling anything here a “puzzle” is a stretch, since minimal brainpower is needed to figure out how to clear the way forward. Standing on switches, turning on generators, and destroying blockades are recurring tasks.

Click image thumbnails to view larger version

Knights and Bikes could use more bite and variety to keep players engaged, but many other elements help make up for lost ground. The island of Penfurzy itself is a great setting, with gorgeous painted visuals that give the tourist town (and the surrounding areas) a storybook quality. The supporting cast is also amusing, like the friendly bike shop owner and old librarian. These characters all have their moments and then exit gracefully; with the exception of the funny pet goose who follows the girls around, no one else steals the spotlight. The customizable bikes are another highlight, and I enjoyed applying new paints, flags, and faceplates. It’s all just cosmetic, but also provides a personal connection to the game’s most persistent and important mode of transportation.

The gameplay may not always grab your attention, but the clever writing, fun character designs, and great sound effects, ensure that your exploits in Penfurzy are memorable. Drawing on source material like The Goonies and Stand By Me, Knights and Bikes strikes an endearing balance between normal and strange; the line between reality and imagination may be blurry throughout Nessa and Demelza’s quest, but at least you never have to sort it out alone.

Score: 8

Summary: Knights and Bikes successfully captures child-like wonder and fun in an unabashedly wholesome adventure – with just the right amount of danger.

Concept: Ride bikes and make a friend! Along the way, uncover the secret of an ancient treasure and save adults from certain doom

Graphics: Gorgeous art makes all of the characters and environments radiate a storybook vibe

Sound: From the background music to the little effects, excellent sound design helps build a believable world

Playability: Your available moves are easy to understand and execute, to the point that battles and puzzles feel routine before long

Entertainment: Even when the action gets predictable, the charming presentation and small touches keep the sense of adventure alive

Replay: Moderately Low

September 3, 2019

Read the full breakdown of the themed Voidwalker Event here. TL;DR and patch notes below:

WRAITH TOWN TAKE OVER

A mysterious research site has been unearthed in Kings Canyon that was used as part of Project: Wraith, including a functioning prototype portal.

EXCLUSIVE EVENT CHALLENGES

Complete a variety of challenges to earn exclusive skins and Wraith-themed content. All challenges and rewards will be limited to the 2 week event.

DIRECT PURCHASE SHOP

New Event Limited cosmetics including the Wraith Voidwalker Legendary skin for 1,800 Apex Coins. Additional themed cosmetics are included ranging from 500 to 1000 Apex Coins.

Double XP for Top 5 and Wins Weekend
- From 10:00 a.m. PT on September 6 to 10:00 a.m. PT on September 9, players will earn double XP for Top 5 finishes and wins. This bonus will affect both Account Level and Battle Pass progression.
Limited-Time Mode - Armed and Dangerous
- Shotguns and Snipers only
  - Enabled Guns: Mozambique, Peacekeeper, EVA-8, Longbow, G7, Triple Take
- Attachments not used by Snipers or Shotguns are disabled
- Gold variants of weapons spawn in High Tier loot zones and in airdrops
- Kraber and Mastiff loot values are tuned so they spawn in late-game airdrops and very rarely as ground loot (1-2 per game each)
- Reduced Armor
  - Disabled Loot: Armor (Blue/Purple/Gold), Helmets (Blue/Purple/Gold)
  - Spawn rate for Common Armor and Helmets is reduced.
- Ground Loot Drop Chances are reduced by 45% (Supply Bins are not affected by this)
- Bullet Counts and Stacks are modified
  - Light Rounds: 16 per drop, 32 per inventory slot
  - Energy Rounds: 16 per drop, 32 per inventory slot
  - Heavy Rounds: 7 per drop, 14 per inventory slot
  - Shotgun Rounds: 7 per drop, 28 per inventory slot
- Overall, loot density is reduced, but ammo/weapon spawn rates are increased and stack sizes are increased to offset the loot scarcity and allow players to have enough ammo to not discourage combat.
- Increased spawn rates for syringes to compensate for lower loot density.
- Reduced spawn rates for shield batteries to match rarity of armor.

Fixed a bug where sometimes a player’s reward would not display properly after completing a challenge that awards crafting metals.
Fixed a bug where sometimes players would see a different rare skin equipped to the Legend they are spectating when hanging from a ledge.
Fixed some issues related to script errors.
[Xbox] Fixed issue where sometimes players would have issues connecting to a match at the same time as their party forcing them to join Legend Select late with Legends already locked.
[PS4] code fixes to address crashes related to out of memory issues.
Fixed a bug where sometimes players would still be in an out of bounds state when they are not actually out of bounds.

New Promo Window - A new feature we’ve added to the Lobby that will display offers and info and allows for direct navigation to the website or store.
Added Auto Sprint feature to all platforms that can be turned on or off. This is disabled by default and can be changed in the Settings menu.
Players can now adjust Aim Down Sight look sensitivity per optic zoom level.
Visual improvements to Legends in the Lobby and Character Select screen
- Increased overall brightness.
- Softer/lighter shadows.
- Improved reflections on hard surfaces.
- Improved detail and contrast to textures.
Added UI to the Spectator View that lets players easily tell if they are spectating a squadmate or enemy.
Added setting to disable weapon auto switching when ammo runs out.

Increased projectile width for the TripleTake
SMG weapons are no longer compatible with the 3x HCOG and 2x-4x variable ACOG scopes.
- Note from design: Our goal with this change is to better define weapon archetypes and improve the looting experience so that players aren’t accidentally picking up a long range site for a close range weapon that they have to manually remove.

Wattson

Wattson will now have low profile attributes [takes %5 more damage to base health]
Reduced the maximum number of Interceptor Pylons that can be active to 1.

Bloodhound

Fixed an issue that allowed players to cancel the start up animation for their ultimate when activated while using a zipline.

Check out the Apex Dev Tracker to stay up to date with other things we’re working on.

September 3, 2019

Publisher: Nintendo

Release: September 20, 2019

Rating: Everyone

Platform: Switch

At PAX West 2019, I played through the third dungeon in Link's Awakening on Switch, the Key Cavern. While it's been nearly two decades since I last played the title on the Gameboy, it was surprisingly easy to get right back in the groove. From my opening moments using a pot to smash open the door in the first room to collecting keys, the compass, and the map, adherence to classic Zelda designs within the scope of a new and cutesy aesthetic conjures up the old magic all over again.

Slaying skeletons, bats, and other creatures leads me to a room with a mini-boss - two giant snakelike creatures that are immune to swordplay. Somehow, my brain remembered how to deal with these hungry chompers - feeding them bombs until they blow up! These snake creatures eat anything in front of them, including well-timed explosive drops. Besting them, I unlock a convenient warp point that shoots me back to the dungeon entrance, perfect for more efficient exploring.

Eventually, I pick up the dungeon's signature item, the Dash/Pegasus boots that allow me to charge. These boots are instrumental, letting me kill enemies that warp out of the way under normal circumstances and letting me "boost jump" with my feather, clearing massive distances and facilitating passage over big gaps. My dungeon exploration continues, taking me into a side-scrolling segment that features a Thwomp and a Piranha Plant. Using the dash boots, I collect the necessary keys to make my way to the boss room, an seemingly empty chamber with a large shadow looming overhead.

Using the Pegasus boots, I smash into the wall, bringing the dungeon boss down from the ceiling. Known as Slime Eye, some quick slashes allow you to pull the two big chunks of this boss apart - perfect for opening up a running charge through its weak point, cleaving it in half and creating two dangerous but vulnerable medium-sized slimes. Avoiding their jump attacks, I make short work of the boss and claim my instrument prize in the final room.

Link's Awakening releases on the Switch September 20, and I'm looking forward to experiencing the age old journey through one of the franchise's best games all over again.

September 3, 2019

September 3, 2019

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poacher2k joined on the 09/03/2019.

September 2, 2019

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September 2, 2019

A two-week long event focused on everyone’s favorite interdimensional skirmisher.

From September 3 to the 17 we’ll be running our next event for Apex Legends called Voidwalker. Centering around Wraith’s mysterious past, this themed event will be introducing lots of awesome content including a new town takeover, a limited-time mode, challenges, and more. We’ve got all the details below laying out how the event will work so let’s get to it:

Hey Everyone,

SaladGuy-RSPN here to walk you through the Voidwalker event details.

What’s in the Voidwalker Themed Event

Wraith town takeover
Limited-time mode – Armed and Dangerous
Exclusive event challenges
Direct Purchase Shop
Double XP for Top 5 and Wins Weekend

Wraith Town Takeover

Syndicate construction crews have unearthed part of a decayed Project: Wraith facility in Kings Canyon. Jump in to discover for yourself the mysterious remains of the research site, including a functional prototype portal that can be used to get an early jump on the base – or to escape and reinitiate skydive. And be sure to keep an eye out for other hidden lore details.

Limited-Time Mode: Armed and Dangerous

In the same spirit of Wraith’s escape, we’re introducing a brand new LTM, Armed and Dangerous, where weapons are limited to snipers and shotguns while overall loot is much harder to come by.

As with previous modes, keep on the lookout for in-game surveys and let us know your feedback. We’re planning to roll out more of these modes in the future, so your thoughts are much appreciated!

Event Challenges with Free Loot

Complete a variety of challenges to earn exclusive skins and Wraith-themed content. All challenges and rewards will be limited to the two-week event.

Direct Purchase Shop

As a tie in to the short, we’re adding a set of themed cosmetics such as the Voidwalker Wraith Legendary, which includes a custom character select animation.

New to this event we’re introducing lower price point items; outside of the legendary skin and frame, all themed cosmetics are $5. These items are Event Limited, so they will be eligible to return six months after the event ends on September 17. During the Voidwalker themed event they will rotate through the in-game store on the following schedule:

In addition to these cosmetics, we are adding six new legendary items to the core loot pool which can be crafted or obtained through packs. As a limited event promotion, each of these items will also receive a first look offer in the direct purchase store.

Double Top 5 and Wins XP Weekend

From 10:00 a.m. PT on September 6 to 10:00 a.m. PT on September 9, players will earn double XP for Top 5 finishes and wins. This bonus will affect both Account Level and Battle Pass progression.

– SaladGuy-RSPN

September 1, 2019

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August 31, 2019

Hello aware2008,

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August 31, 2019

Hello Bilbo,

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August 31, 2019

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August 30, 2019

Release: October 31, 2019

Platform: Switch

At PAX West 2019, I played through a level filled with plants, weeds, and other assorted decaying plantlife in Luigi's Mansion 3. With the assistance of a Nintendo staffer playing as Gooigi, we tackled a variety of puzzles and ghostly encounters as we moved through a floor stuffed with vines, snakes, rats, and secrets. And ghosts too of course! The enemy antagonist of this set of floors appears to be some kind of ghostly gardener, a taunting green visage that appeared several times throughout the level to try to impede our progress.

One of the coolest things I got to do was just play around with the vacuum-like Poltergust. There are lots of leaves to blow around in the level, but that's just the start of what you can get up to with it. One of the best rooms in the level features a buzzsaw that you can suck into your contraption, turning it into what's essentially a power mower with a giant blade, spinning around the room and destroying pretty much everything in sight, including a bed, desk, and ensnaring vines blocking progress. There's even a big secret chest full of coins you can find if you're destructively inclined. Sticking plungers on things like giant watermelons and then using the Poltergust to fling them around the room or smash into other objects steals the whole show, though battling ghosts is also a good time.

While I dusted plenty of standard issue blue ghosts, this floor featured one particular style of enemy that's more challenging than the standard scary enemies. A giant red ghost that reminded me of a Thwomp comes covered in leaves - so you have to blow the leaves off of him before you can stun and suck him in. These leaves function like a shield and offer some floor flavor that's in theme with the rest of the prickly plant obstacles.

Luigi's Mansion 3 releases on October 31 - Halloween - and I'm eager to check out the rest of the mysterious floors and spooky atmosphere within.

August 30, 2019

Publisher: CD Projekt Red

Developer: CD Projekt Red

Release: April 16, 2020

Rating: Rating Pending

Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

CD Projekt Red today released a lengthy new look at Cyberpunk 2077 that dives into the gameplay systems, RPG depth, and, well, the only thing people really want to see: more of Keanu Reeves' Johnny Silverhand. The video is narrated by CD Projekt Red, giving you a thorough breakdown of what you can expect from this RPG experience, as well as illustrating how player choice can change the flow of the story and play. Turns out Mr. Silverhand may not be an ally if you play your cards wrong. You don't want Keanu Reeves on your bad side, right?

Cyberpunk 2077 is slated to release on April 16, 2020 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

August 30, 2019

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August 30, 2019

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August 30, 2019

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August 30, 2019

Publisher: Modus

Developer: Frozenbyte

Release: October 8, 2019

Rating: Rating Pending

Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC

Amadeus the Wizard, Zoya the Thief, and Pontius the Knight are back in another adventure, and are this time tasked to track down an annoying prince. Launching on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC on October 8, Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince is a 2.5D action game that can be played cooperatively by four players either locally or online.

New footage released today by Frozenbyte and Modus Games at PAX Prime shows off some of the cooperative techniques used for puzzle solving and environment navigation. You'll also see a little of combat, and the video concludes with a cutscene that shows what happens when the trio reach the prince.

If you haven't played through any of the Trine games yet, Modus is also releasing a collection of all four games on October 8 called the Trine: Ultimate Collection.

August 30, 2019

Publisher: Focus Home Interactive

Developer: Deck 13

Release: September 24, 2019

Rating: Rating Pending

Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

In The Surge 2 you'll get the chance to clean up the sci-fi streets of Jericho City with a variety of weapons that appear to be designed with the art of the head lop in mind. The latest trailer for this September 24 release gives you a good idea of enemy and location variety, as well as how limb removal works. Detached body parts sometimes transform into valuable loot. If you see an enemy wearing something shiny on an arm and leg, chop it off to see if it is better than the gear you have now.

The Surge 2 is slated to release on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, and is the sequel to the 2017 game that I scored a 7 out of 10 and said "I didn't mind investing over 50 hours to the grind in The Surge. I felt powerful at times and exploring every little area rewarded me with a nice bounty. It just clings too tightly to a one-note approach to world building, enemy encounters, and level design." The trailer makes it look like this sequel addresses that one-note criticism.

August 30, 2019

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August 30, 2019

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August 30, 2019

Developer: Bloober Team

Release: August 30, 2019

Reviewed on: PC

Also on: Xbox One

The Blair Witch movie franchise started out strong, with the release of The Blair Witch Project. The pseudo-documentary became a cultural touchstone, with a companion website and TV special stoking the belief that the tale of three missing college students may have actually happened. A pair of follow-ups failed to capture the magic of that initial found-footage phenomena, because it’s tricky to pin down what exactly that magic is. Bloober Team takes a crack at it with its own Blair Witch game, telling an original story while tapping into the few common elements that the films share. The main character, Ellis, is a former soldier and police officer, but he’s just as susceptible as anyone when it comes to getting lost in the woods near Burkittsville.

Ellis and his dog, Bullet, are part of a search party looking for a missing boy, but it’s not long before the pair needs assistance of their own. The forest is dense and confusing, and it’s purposefully impossible to chart on a map. Walk away from an abandoned car in a clearing, for example, and you eventually loop back to it. Once that initial jolt of confusion wore off, I just wanted to be able to get to where I needed to go. Bullet can help navigate by sniffing out clues, but he’s hard to see in the dark forest and he tends to dart ahead.

Bullet is more useful during encounters with enemies. Unlike the films, which focused more on establishing a tone than overtly showing any supernatural beings, you’re going to see some weird things in the game. In the first type of encounter, Bullet barks at the enemies and you shine your flashlight at them to make them scurry away. Repeat it a few times, and they eventually leave. The other enemy encounters are less forgiving. In these stealth-oriented sections, you must avoid being detected by beings that you can only clearly see through your in-game camcorder screen. If you’re spotted, it’s game over. The balance between these two styles is inconsistent. The flashlight sections are trivially easy, and you’re allowed to mess up several times without penalty. On the other hand, the stealth parts are unforgiving. In one particular section, success and failure seem to be based on random chance; the visuals are so dark and murky that it seems impossible to know if you’re in the monster’s line of sight.

Thankfully, these encounters are relatively scarce. Ellis and Bullet usually navigate the woods alone, save for a few radio conversations with the rest of the search party. It’s an isolating experience, and the atmosphere works well overall. Reality is fairly warped in the woods, as evidenced by that camcorder. During several key junctures, you get new videotapes. Some are just there to advance the plot of what’s going on with the missing child, while others show things like collapsing trees or slamming doors. By rewinding the footage, you can affect what happens in reality, like pulling a fallen tree up and out of the way, or opening a door before it’s shut. It’s an interesting concept, but the puzzles are so obvious that they don’t add much. Still, they’re a more interesting way to pass the time than going backtracking across a dimly lit moebius strip to find valves, cranks, and other doo-dads. Perhaps Ellis sums it all up best during a phone call with a friend: “It’s like we’re trapped in a never-ending cycle of bulls---.” I’m with you, buddy.

Click image thumbnails to view larger version

The first three-quarters of Blair Witch are a bummer, but they’re redeemed by the last act. Here, Ellis confronts his traumatic past as he explores the interior of an abandoned house. It plays like a more realized version of P.T., with nonsensical architecture and imagery that’s flat-out disturbing. It’s a powerful counterpunch to the rest of the game, and it makes great use of the Blair Witch franchise’s limited mythology. There’s something unsettling about seeing dozens of child-sized handprints on the wall, especially when you know what typically happens to kids in these cursed woods. It’s not exactly scary, but a few decisions – and their outcomes – stuck with me hours after putting the controller down.

Blair Witch ends on a high note, but you need to endure plenty of nonsense to get there. Navigating this world is more tiresome than frightening, especially once you realize that you’re not in peril most of the time. Instead, it’s more about how creepy you find wooden stick figures and walking around in the dark.

Score: 7

Summary: Blair Witch ends on a high note, but you need to endure plenty of nonsense to get there.

Concept: A search for a missing boy gets weird as the hunt goes deeper into the haunted forest from the Blair Witch films

Graphics: Aside from a great ending section filled with trippy effects, the bulk of Blair Witch does a serviceable job in the visuals department

Sound: The soundscape is fairly sparse overall, which makes musical stingers and other moments pop all the more

Playability: You’re only armed with a camera and flashlight, which explains the emphasis on stealth. Enemy sightlines are poorly communicated and encounters can be more frustrating than freaky

Entertainment: Blair Witch does a good job capturing the sensation of getting lost – something I actively try to avoid. A memorable final act partially redeems the tedium of getting to that point

Replay: Moderately Low

August 29, 2019

Publisher: THQ Nordic

Developer: Bugbear Entertainment

Release: August 27, 2019

Rating: Teen

Reviewed on: Xbox One

Also on: PlayStation 4, PC

Most of the cars in Wreckfest look like they were hauled out of a junkyard and spray-painted to hide the rust. The detailing isn’t important here; all that really matters is that the car drives fast and can take (as well as deliver) a beating. Driving aggressively is what Wreckfest is all about, joyfully turning most races into highlight reels filled with flipping cars, pileups, and debris littering the track. Developer Bugbear Entertainment turns chaos into thrilling gameplay that makes almost every event in Wreckfest a heart-pounding delight to play.

Rather than making clean turns, some of your strategy involves deciding how much you need your front bumper, as a good, hard hit against your rivals can send them into the ditch or, better yet, flip them upside down. Wreckfest lives up to its name in most of its racing events, and the computer-controlled opponents are thinking just as devilishly as you are. They try to spin you out, and if they happen to hit you hard enough, they become an official rival for the remainder of the race.

Most of Wreckfest’s tracks appear to be designed with catastrophic outcomes in mind. Straightaways are narrow, meaning cars exchange paint just out of necessity as they navigate these spaces, and the turns are often tight or filled with tire stacks cars can ram into. Even the side banks (which are there to protect the fans) end up doubling as dirt jumps that send your car sailing or spinning uncontrollably. These are the tame courses; others are more obvious in their intent to destroy you. These tracks may feature figure eights, loop-de-loops, and a lack of safety walls for oncoming traffic. Bugbear wants you to wreck, and the excellent tracks designs and aggressive A.I. make this happen, even if you are racing your heart out for first place.

As a spiritual success to the Bugbear’s famed Flatout series, Wreckfest also includes full-on demolition derbies that pit you against 15 other vehicles. Much like Fortnite’s Battle Royale mode, the goal of these challenges is to be the last car running. As amusing as it is to see 16 cars smash into each other to start an event, the demolition derbies push you to drive in different ways, especially backwards to protect your engine. These challenges hit at the right time to shake up the flow of play.

Damage in all events is persistent, and a handy meter on screen shows you exactly what shape your car is in, meaning you may have to adapt a protective stance just to finish a race. Again, you end up playing this game in a different way than other races, yet the goal remains the same: finish in first.

The driving mechanics are excellently implemented for the cars (making them feel like roaring weapons), and the upgrades you can give them can be felt the next time you take the track. The same cannot be said for the “gimmick” vehicles (like lawnmowers, harvesters, and RVs). Given their reduced speeds, awkward handling, or ear-piercing engine sounds, I just didn’t get into them. These vehicles are fun in concept, and add a nice diversion for one challenge here or there, but the true stars of the game are the muscle cars, which you spend the most time in, and can give different paint colors and liveries to.

Wreckfest is an old-school racer at heart. You won’t see a guide path on the road to follow, or a rewind function. I love that the game doesn’t give you any assistance, and instead pushes you to create your own opportunities, like smashing into cars to navigate turns or sacrifice a little speed to spin a rival out.

On the flipside of being old-school in design, Wreckfest doesn’t have much of a career structure. To unlock new challenges, you simply need to play what is available, and score well enough to earn points needed to unlock the next challenge or event tier. Money earned along the way can be used to purchase new rides, of which there are some fun and powerful beasts to sic against the competition. I didn’t dive into the marketplace often, however, as the event structure constantly shakes things up and often makes you drive in different vehicles. The career may not have depth, but it works well in terms of showing the player everything this game has to offer.

The video game market is filled with racing simulations, and it’s nice to see oddities like Wreckfest that deliver the exact opposite. Why race a clean path when you can race dirty? If that proposition sounds fun to you, you can’t go wrong with this aggressive racing experience.

Score: 8.5

Summary: Bugbear Entertainment's latest racing experience is all about aggressive driving and smashing cars to bits.

Concept: There can’t be a photo finish if your rival is in the ditch. Wreckfest is all about aggressive driving and smashing cars to bits

Graphics: In a race’s final lap, most tracks are filled with vehicle debris and stalled cars. The damage models look good, distracting you from the fairly pedestrian tracks

Sound: The roaring engines and sounds of vehicles colliding are excellent. The licensed heavy metal soundtrack is a bit much, but it can be turned off while racing

Playability: The vehicles control well and deliver the proper feel and physics to initiate takedowns and spinouts. Sustained vehicle damage also can be felt over the course of a race

Entertainment: Smashing up cars is fun, and Wreckfest is an old-school racer that delivers on that thrill

Replay: Moderate