Yes, I know these are not free since you have to subscribe to the appropriate yearly pass. Okay, we got that disclaimer out of the way who won the month.
Xbox easily wins the month (Heck it even has the best Sonic Game.)Playstation dishes out another remaster (A well done one) and a modern Sonic game which is up there with BioWare Live service game as something that makes one run for the hills.
Great month from Xbox and what a great way to hit the zeitgeist. We have a Sonic Game and a Harley Quinn Game. They are only one Plague Inc: Evolved from matching my Twitter feed.
There is a sense of déjà vu for Xbox Players as two games Batman: The Enemy Within and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 are direct sequels to recent Games with Gold.
From Playstation Plus
Shadow of the Colossus
Another month and another remaster. Shadow of the Colossus is a very good remaster, however. A good choice of game to remaster and a remaster done right with excellent performance and graphics. If you want to play Shadow of the Colossus and have not had a chance, this is a great opportunity.
The key phrase there is “If you want to play”. Shadow of the Colossus is a pure collection of boss fights. While this is not a deal breaker, both Dragon’s Dogma and Monster Hunter: World are appealing to me, it is not my favorite genre. No, what is a bit deal breaking is that Shadow of the Colossus is one of the saddest and most depressing games ever made. I don’t mean sad like Red Dead Redemption is sad at the end I mean sad throughout. The game is from 2005 so there is a good chance you know why it is so sad. And despite the prettiness and challenge that just sinks the fun factor for me. It’s like Sophie’s Choice the video game.
Sonic Forces
First, if you are searching for a picture for a Sonic Forces review for the love of God turn on SafeSearch. DeviantArt has never so lived up to its name.
Second, if you want to play a good Sonic game, check out this month’s Games with Gold with Sonic Generations. So what does Sonic Generations bring to the table? Well, it has a pretty good character creator, which is something I am sure Sonic Fans will enjoy (See DeviantArt above). Outside of that all reports point to the game being rubbish. In other words a standard modern Sonic game.
From Games with Gold
Batman: The Enemy Within
Batman: The Enemy Within is one of the strongest Telltale Games and a nice improvement over the already accomplished Batman: The Telltale Series–The Complete Season that was given out with Games with gold in January.
Catwoman, Joker and Harley Quinn all make appearances and are a pleasure. The story also has some very nice choices this time around which focuses more on the choose your own adventure side of things (narrative adventure games) and away from the walking simulator with quick time events side.
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
I am not a fan of Metroidvania platformers, but the Shante series has always had enough charm and bikinis to get past my platforming prejudice. Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is no exception and as the first game to be developed for a proper HD presentation, it is the best looking of the bunch.
Warning though the game assumes you are well versed in the Shante lore. While this is hardly a story heavy narrative don’t expect any character introductions. Nor should you expect to pick up on the easter eggs and inside jokes.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 is like Castlevania: Lords of Shadow but not as good. It misses a lot of opportunities to play as Dracula in the modern world. It has forced stealth sections that everyone complains about. And the main character seems underpowered.
On the other hand it still has that nice God of War feel and is a decent action adventure of a type they really don’t make that much anymore (See Darksiders). As a free game you could do worse. (See Fable Heroes from last month)
Sonic Generations
If you (still) like Sonic games and have somehow never managed to pick this up you are in for a treat. If you have never played a Sonic game and want to know what the fuss is about after seeing his new movie this is an excellent starting point.
Often it seems Sonic is better known for his umm… fan art… than for his games. All the old gang are here including the gun toting Shadow, non-human girlfriend Amy Rose and oh my god it speaks Charmy Bee. Plenty of old levels to revisit in both 2d and 3d are a great introduction to Sonic and a great trip down memory lane.
