Gamepressure.com Staff Picks 2015

Akcji 14 April 2015

The fifth major installment in the massively popular action game series developed by Rockstar North in cooperation with Take Two Interactive. Grand Theft Auto V is set in a fictional city of Los Santos (based on Los Angeles). The story revolves around adventures of three characters: Michael De Santa, Trevor Philips, and Franklin Clinton, men infamous for brushing up against the law. The game’s creators stayed true to the franchise tradition of sandbox gameplay model, giving players an unparalleled freedom of choice when it comes to completing missions and moving around the virtual city. The game's budget amounted to 360 million dollars, a record number for a video game.

PC

Akcji 23 June 2015

The fourth installment in the action game series, featuring the titular comic book superhero. The game was developed by Rocksteady, the studio which had previously worked on Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City. The plot depicts the next chapter of Batman’s adventures. This time, the hero must face Scarecrow, who successfully terrorized Gotham City. A coalition has also formed against the Dark Knight, composed of extremely dangerous criminals such as Penguin or Harley Quinn, and led by the eponymous Arkham Knight. The developers have remained faithful to previously proven solutions and gameplay mechanics. However, several changes have also been implemented, such as the ability to knock out several enemies at once. A brand new feature is the introduction of the famous Batmobile, which can be used to traverse the virtual Gotham.

PS4

RPG 19 May 2015

An action RPG and the third chapter of the adventures of a morally unambiguous monster slayer, Geralt of Rivia. As were the parts of the cycle, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s literary works, while not being a direct adaptation of any of his books. The story picks up after the events of the previous game and focuses on several plotlines, including Geralt’s lost love, invasion of the Nilfgaard Empire on the Northern Kingdoms, as well as the eponymous, spectral hunt. The gameplay is characterized by a sandbox style, giving players much freedom in exploring the vast world (an area more than 40 times bigger than in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings) and completing hundreds of side quests. The developers from CD Projekt RED introduced many new features, including a new REDengine3 that offers excellent audiovisual quality.

PCPS4

Przygodowe 30 January 2015

An episodic adventure game created by the developers of Remember Me, a French studio DONTNOD. The game bears a resemblance to Telltale Games titles. Its protagonist is a 12th grade student named Max Caulfield, who returns to her home town in Oregon after years of absence. Together with her old friend she tries to solve the mysterious disappearance of her schoolmate, which prompts a series of strange events. The story is the essential part for the game, whereas gameplay mechanics are based on the well-proven formula employed by Telltale, which combines free exploration and difficult choices with non-obvious consequences. An interesting addition to the gameplay is the fact that Max possesses the power to manipulate time, allowing you to experience another version of events without having to restart an entire episode. On the technical side, the game is well-designed and well-executed, featuring expressive, slightly cartoonish graphics.

PC

Akcji 01 September 2015

A third person perspective stealth action game belonging to the famous Metal Gear Solid franchise. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain was created by the Japanese studio Kojima Productions (formerly a subsidiary of Konami) led by Hideo Kojima. The story is set after the events presented in Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, which served as a prologue. The main hero – Punished Snake – awakes in a hospital bed after having spent 8 years in a coma. Soon after, the hospital is attacked by armed thugs and the protagonist has to escape using help from the mysterious character calling himself Ishmael. In contrast with the previous iterations of the series, the game offers open world structure, giving players much more freedom. The developers also employed a brand new FOX Engine to power the game’s photorealistic visuals and advanced physics.

PS4

RPG 26 March 2015

Pillars of Eternity is a fantasy cRPG developed by Obsidian Entertainment with the support of the users of Kickstarter funding platform. The player assumes the role of a hero who, with the help of his or her companions must embark on a dangerous quest complete a series of perilous tasks. The gameplay of Pillars of Eternity is reminiscent of classic productions such as Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment. The creators decided to utilize combat mechanics with an active pause system. The game features also a complex character development system, and a rich variety of weapons and gear for the characters can use.

PC

RPG 24 March 2015

An action RPG and a spiritual successor to the bestselling Dark Souls series and its predecessor, Demon's Souls. The game was developed by their creator – Hidetaka Miyazaki – and his studio From Software. The plot takes us into a dark fantasy universe presented in a style reminiscent of the nineteenth-century Victorian era. Residents of a bleak metropolis called Yharnam are afflicted by a mysterious plague which turns people into ferocious beasts. The goal of the game is to discover the city's secrets and to determine who or what is responsible for the deadly disease. Gameplay mechanics do not differ from the patterns known from Dark Souls, focusing mainly on the advanced combat system. Apart from parrying, dodging and quick counter-attacks they also include the option of using a firearm. The artwork is remarkable, and the game world is much larger and more open, which was made possible thanks to the potential of the eight generation consoles.

PS4

Przygodowe 22 September 2015

A science fiction horror adventure game created by Frictional Games, Swedish studio known for such titles as Amnesia: The Dark Descent and the Penumbra series. The game is set in a top-secret research center PATHOS-2, where a series of failed experiments resulted in human-like machines killing off most of the staff and taking over the facility. You play as one of the survivors, who has to safely evade the hostile, machine infested environment. Gameplay is presented in first-person perspective and focuses on exploration of the facility and avoiding direct contact with the enemies. Just as in the other works from this developer, instead of dynamic action sequences, the game emphasizes the thick, dark atmosphere and a persistent feeling of vulnerability.

PC

Strategiczne 10 March 2015

An economic strategy game belonging to the popular genre of city builders. This one was created by the Finnish studio Colossal Order, creators of the Cities In Motion series. The game is a response to the popular SimCity franchise from Maxis Studios. In contrast to the previous titles from the Finns, this one is not limited to public transportation, letting you build up a whole virtual metropolis from scratch. The game is set on maps providing 36 square kilometers of terrain each, where you can build your dream city and take care of its inhabitants by raising new buildings and creating transportation network. Economic aspect is the crucial element to the game – while playing, you have to keep an eye on the city budget, provided by your citizens' taxes, and establish trade contacts with neighboring cities. You also develop means of public transportation to help your citizens get around the city faster. The game features high quality 3D graphics and full mod support.

PC

Sportowe 22 September 2015

Another installment in one of the longest and most popular football video game series, whose consecutive parts has been developed by EA Sports Studios ceaselessly for over 20 years. As always, the game lets you pick your favorite national team or club from one of the world’s most renowned leagues. Exciting challenges await you across many game modes in both single and multiplayer. Aside from recurring classic solutions and refined audiovisuals, one of the most interesting additions in FIFA 16 are women’s football teams. Their number may not be very impressive, as there are only 12 women's national teams, and women cannot compete with men. However, just as their male counterparts, female players are faithfully recreated, both in terms of appearance and their characteristic play styles.

PC

Akcji 12 March 2015

Another installment in the popular action game series, known as the Japan’s take on the Grand Theft Auto series. This time, the developers from SEGA created a prequel of the whole series, taking place in 1988, seven years before the events seen in the first installment. The plot of Yakuza 0 focuses on young Kazuma Kiryu, the series' protagonist, as he began his journey to become a legend in the Japanese underworld. During a gang war for the control of Kamurocho, one of Tokio’s districts, Kiryu meets up with mysterious Majima Goro, who searches for an opportunity to return to the criminal underworld. The game is filled with characteristic elements of the series, including a varied story missions, shootouts, chases, and beatdowns. The game world is open, and filled with numerous activities. As per the series traditions, Yakuza 0 retains the suggestive atmosphere of Asian action movies.

PS4

Sportowe 15 September 2015

Another installment in one of the longest-standing and most popular soccer game series, whose consecutive iterations have been appearing since 1996, consequently developed by the Japanese company Konami. The 2016 edition, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the franchise, offers lots of innovations in addition to the usual wide array of options and play modes. First of all, opponents’ artificial intelligence in 1 on 1 duels, as well as its in-air play was improved, and new algorithms for goalkeepers were added. When it comes to the technical aspects, the game features significantly improved graphics, and, for the first time in the history of the series, dynamically changing weather. The in-game players received many new animations (including celebrations), and the ball physics and the collision system were enhanced. During the matches, you can listen to a duet of new commentators: Peter Drury and Marco Hagemann. For the first time in the series, the game features also European league cups, including Champions League, European League, and European Super Cup.

PS4

Akcji 05 May 2015

A stand-alone expansion to Wolfenstein: The New Order, the game released on PCs and eighth generation consoles in spring 2014. Similarly as the original game, the title was created by Machine Games in cooperation with Bethesda. The game is a prequel to the basic game. The story takes place in an alternative year 1946, in which the Nazis are one step from winning the World War II. During the campaign, which is split into two parts, the protagonist of the series, B.J. Blazkovicz, goes to Bavaria, where he must steal information about the location of a secret research facility from the Wolfenstein fortress. Further into the game the player goes to a small city of Wulfburg, in which a German archeologist digs out mysterious artifacts that can unleash ancient evil powers. The gameplay and graphics of the game are similar as in the basic title. The only novelty is a set of new weapons.

PC

Zręcznościowe 07 July 2015

A futuristic sports game created by Psyonix Studios. This is a sequel to Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars released in 2008 on PS3. The game features an extraordinary version of soccer, in which players drive uniquely customized rocket-powered cars, trying to get the ball into the opponent’s goal. Cars possess an array of special powers, which can be modified as you progress with over a hundred different gadgets. Matches are played on special cage-shaped arenas with power-ups scattered across them. The game lets you play through a full league season against AI, the pinnacle however, is the multiplayer, both online and local. As compared with the previous game, this one has noticeably better graphics and improved physics engine.

PC

Akcji 10 March 2015

The follow-up to a hit action game from 2012. Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is a production of an independent studio Dennaton Games, the developer duo of Jonathan “Cactus” Söderström and Dennis Wedin. The player controls a bandit, who, provided there is a payoff, undertakes a number of risky jobs. Depending on the mission conditions, the hero can be either forced to avoid a direct confrontation, or brutally eliminate all enemies. The latter task will be achieved with weapons, and various elements of the environment. Similarly to the predecessor, Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is marked by a simple retro 2D graphics. Due to the large dose of violence, the game is intended only for adult players.

PCPS4PS3PSV

RPG 27 October 2015

An enhanced edition of an 2014 RPG by Larian Studios, which, unlike the original, appeared not only on PC, but also on consoles. In terms of the story the game is a prequel to the Divinity series. Players control two young Source Hunters, who have to investigate a mysterious death that occurred in one of the cities in realm of Rivellon, and explore a forbidden art of magic in order to counter its effects. When it comes to gameplay mechanics, the game goes back to the roots of the Divinity series employing isometric view. While playing, you command a team of up to 4 characters, navigating through the interactive environment and listening to conversations between your team members. When compared with the original release, Enhanced Edition offers new subplots, new quests and an alternative ending. Furthermore, local co-op mode was added, as well as gamepad support and the game features enhanced audiovisuals.

PS4

Akcji 17 September 2015

After World of Tanks and World of Warplanes, Wargaming.net (the company also known for strategy games like Massive Assault, Galactic Assault, and Order of War) brings us yet another MMO. Similarly to its predecessors, the game allows us to participate in the various armed conflicts of the twentieth-century; this time, commanding our own warship. The authors reproduced an impressive number of actual vessels with great attention to detail, taking into account not only their appearance but also firepower and numerous technical parameters. Furthermore, in order to diversify the gameplay, the creators introduced an option that enables ship modifications, adding a strategic aspect to the game. The mechanics focus around proven patterns, typical of online games and aimed primarily at competition and cooperation between players in one of several game modes available. It’s also possible to set up clans and player rankings. The in-game economy system is shared between all games in the series.

PC

Strategiczne 25 February 2015

Homeworld Remastered Collection is a remastered edition of the space strategy that wast first developed in 1999 by Relic Entertainment. The game was rejuvenated by Gearbox Software, studio known for the game series Borderlands and Brothers in Arms. We follow the history of Kushan, a forgotten race that was attacked by an alien civilization and almost entirely wiped out. However, over six hundred thousand of Kushans survived in the hypersleep chambers of a gigantic Mothership. They decided to rebuild their civilization and face the old enemy. In terms of mechanics, Homeworld Remastered Collection is a classic real-time strategy game that takes place in 3D rendered space. In the new version of the game, visuals were significantly improved (now the game uses HD textures). Cutscenes were also redrawn. Multiplayer mode was improved, and the game's OST was remastered under the watchful eye of its composer.

PC

Wyścigi 07 December 2015

The next major installment in a bestselling racing game series developed by British studio Codemasters. The title returns to the origins of the series, originally launched in 1998 as Colin McRae Rally, focusing solely on good old rallying. The player can drive a wide array of cars from 6 classes, including both new brands as well as classic models from 1960s. You can compete in several varied locations scattered across the globe, e.g. Wales, Greece, or Monte Carlo. The authors put heavy emphasis on the realism, and the driving model reflects that, taking into account numerous factors, including the road surface and your car’s customization. As your vehicle can be damaged, it is essential to hire a team of mechanics who can repair the car and upgrade it with new parts which you successively unlock throughout gameplay.

PC

Akcji 11 March 2015

A two-dimensional platformer with RPG elements, produced by Moon Studios, an independent developer. It belongs to a subgenre called metroidvania. We assume the role of a young and inexperienced forest spirit who will try to learn more about himself and the world around him during his long journey. In the game we explore vast areas full of hidden passages and shortcuts while solving puzzles and facing challenges testing our agility. In order to gain access to some parts of the map we have to unlock special abilities first. The developers have decided not to use any dialogue; the plot is presented only through silent cut-scenes. The unique atmosphere of the game is enhanced by beautiful, hand-drawn backgrounds.

PC

RPG 13 October 2015

The first large expansion to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, developed by the creators of the original game, Polish studio CD Projekt RED. The add-on is set in No Man’s Land and the city of Oxenfurt, where Geralt the witcher gets entangled in a shadowy intrigue and encounters a mysterious Man of Glass. Hearts of Stone is more than a new subplot and missions, which provide for a dozen extra hours of gameplay - the players can also gain new useful items and meet interesting characters. Furthermore, the bestiary was expanded by a several previously unseen monsters.

PC

Wyścigi 07 May 2015

A robust car racing simulation game created by the experts at this genre, Slightly Mad Studios (Need for Speed Shift, Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends and other titles), in cooperation with the community of World of Mass Development. Project CARS lets you test your driving skills, putting you behind the wheel of diligently recreated cars of different classes – from karts, through sport cars, to Formula 1 racing cars. The creators highlight the authenticity of the experience, including realistic driving model and advanced collision system, as well as impressive visuals. The game offers many varieties of gameplay in both single player and competitive online multiplayer.

PC

Akcji 02 June 2015

Online action game representing the popular Multiplayer Online Battle Arena genre; developed by Blizzard Entertainment, initially as a mod for the cult RTS StarCraft II. The title takes us to a fantastic world of Nexus, where the best-selling Blizzard universes of Diablo, StarCraft, and WarCraft come together. In this world, we participate in online battles between teams of several people assuming the roles of well-known characters from the abovementioned games. Each of them falls under one of four classes – assassin, warrior, specialist, or support – and is characterized by their own set of unique skills. The teamwork is the key to victory. The 20-minute long duels taking place on different arenas have one goal: to take over the opponent’s base and not let them do the same with ours. The authors emphasize the user-friendliness of gameplay and control system, making the game accessible even for inexperienced players.

PC

RPG 27 August 2015

Another installment in the bestselling jRPG series which has been in development since the mid-80s. It is the first game in the franchise to be available for PlayStation 2. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King is set in a well-known fantasy universe. The player controls a party of adventurers who have to stop the evil Dhoulmagus and remove the curse he placed on the king and his daughter. As we progress, the protagonists gain new abilities and items and become stronger. In combat, played in a turn-based system, they use not only typical medieval weaponry but also magic. They also encounter friendly NPCs with whom they can trade and talk. Visually, Dragon Quest VIII resembles Dark Cloud 2: it has three-dimensional graphics combined with cel shading rendering which gives them cartoonish looks. The characters' were designed by a famous mangaka, Akira Toriyama, known primarily for his work on the Dragon Ball franchise.

3DS

RPG 25 August 2015

The first expansion for Pillars of Eternity, the bestselling cRPG created by Obsidian Entertainment. The action takes place in an abandoned dwarven stronghold, Durgan, where, as rumor has it, one can find tons of incredibly valuable artifacts. The place is overrun by monsters though, and most adventurers that dared enter it never came back. The player’s party accepted the challenge and ventures into the stronghold with a mission of uncovering the secret of the legendary durgan steel. The game features typical cRPG gameplay premises: exploration, questing, character progression. In addition to the main storyline, we can also complete a number of various side quests. Moreover, the expansion introduces new items, skills, additional companions that can be recruited into our party, as well as increased character level capacity.

PC

Akcji 07 October 2015

A PlayStation 4 bundle comprising of the three major installments of the action-adventure game series released over the years 2007-2011. The remastered versions were developed by Bluepoint Games in cooperation with the original creators - Naughty Dog. All three games feature an adventurer named Nathan Drake as the main protagonist, who travels to many exotic places in search of the legacy left by his ancestor (Drake’s Fortune), a legendary artifact (Among Thieves), and finally, the lost city of Ubar (Drake’s Deception). The gameplay features third person perspective and mechanics similar to Tomb Raider franchise. The bundle offers enhanced graphics, upgraded to 1080p resolution and 60 FPS, as well as many better textures, models, and an enhanced lighting system. Unfortunately, the games lack multiplayer modes included in the original releases.

PS4

Akcji 15 September 2015

The third, and the largest so far, expansion for Destiny – a multiplayer first-person shooter developed by the creators of the Halo series, Bungie Software. The plot of the expansion focuses on character from the Hive race, Oryx – the father of prince Crota, main antagonist of the first DLC. The new expansion provides a completely new story campaign that consists of 12 missions and a new multiplayer raid during which players are visiting the Dreadnought, Oryx’s powerful fortress of a ship. Among other novelties there is the introduction of a third specialization for each class, many new pieces of gear, modified experience gathering system and various smaller changes, mostly based on fan’s suggestions. The Taken King offers 4 new Strike missions and six maps for online competition. The expansion requires both previous expansions to work: The Dark Below and House of Wolves.

PS4

Wyścigi 15 September 2015

The sixth installment in a best-selling racing game series, originated by Turn 10 Studios in 2005, available exclusively on Microsoft consoles. In comparison with the previous game, this one features more than twice the number of licensed car models – namely 450 – which you can drive on 26 tracks scattered all around the world, including such legendary circuits as Le Mans and Daytona. The developers did not forget about car customization. Traditionally, the title offers a realistic driving model, which can also be adjusted to suit the needs of less experienced players. Apart from the standard career mode, an array of multiplayer modes was prepared, where up to 24 players can compete at the same time. Unlike its predecessor, the game pushes the Xbox One console to its limits, achieving 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second.

XONE