Gamepressure.com Staff Picks 2017

RPG 14 September 2017

A direct sequel to Divinity: Original Sin and another installment in the popular RPG series launched in 2002 by the Belgian developer, Larian Studios. The story takes place once more in the fantasy land of Rivellon and presents events that occur between the first and second game in the franchise. This time around, we assume the role of a sorcerer, who uses the forbidden powers of the Source and is constantly pursued by the Order. We can determine the race and origin of our character, both of which influence the attitude of the encountered NPCs towards him or her to a large extent. The gameplay mechanics do not deviate significantly from the previous game in the series, although the developers did introduce a few novelties, such as a modified combat system, new element combinations as well as Source Powers. Contrary to its predecessor and other titles of the franchise, the production has a clearly darker atmosphere.

PC

RPG 23 February 2017

Third-person perspective action game with RPG features and a sequel to the warmly-received production created by Cavia in 2010. The second installment was created by a different developer – Platinum Games known for the Bayonetta series. Despite that, Tarou Yokou, the creator of the first game, retained his position as the director of the project. The game takes place in distant future in which Earth was destroyed due to war against deadly machines. Humans, having found a safe haven on the Moon, created the limited YoRHa series of sapient androids to fight on their behalf. The YoRHa combined forces with androids of older generation and together they face the rebel machines. Two out of three protagonists of NieR Automata are completely new characters, but during the game player will also encounter characters from the first installment of the series as both stories are connected. Gameplay mechanics of the game are similar to ones in its predecessor and they offer an attractive combination of hack-and-slash, magic and RPG.

PS4

Akcji 27 October 2017

The seventh major installment in the Ubisoft's best-selling action game series. Plotwise, Assassin's Creed: Empire is a sort of prequel to the entire series, taking players so far back in time as none other installment did - to the ancient Egypt, long before the two opposing orders of Assassins and Templars were founded. Players play the part of a slave, a distant ancestor to Altair - the protagonist of the first Assassin's Creed. Concerning mechanics, the title does not differ significantly from previous installments of the series, still being primarily an adventure game, supplemented with action sequences and carefully planned assassinations. The game world was, of course, with reverence typical of the franchise, adapted to the new setting, bringing back things like the possibility to mount animals or use boats. On the technical side, Empire is said to avoid relying on the achievements of previous installments, while our area of activity is approximately three times larger than what was offered by Assassin's Creed IV.

PCXONEPS4

Akcji 28 February 2017

A third-person action game with RPG elements created by Guerilla Games, the studio known for Killzone series. The game is set in the distant future, where the world is ruled by intelligent animal-like forms that evolved from the machines responsible for the fall of an advanced human civilization centuries ago; the former rulers of the world survived, but their lifestyle was reduced to that of primitive, isolated tribes. The player takes the role of Aloy – a young girl, who seeks to find secrets of the ancients and discover her destiny. The heroine is not defenseless in this dangerous world. When fighting hostile machines she can count on her skills (developed individually) and loads of futuristic weapons, made up of parts of fallen enemies. The game is set in an open world, and the protagonist is free to choose both the order and method in which she undertakes missions. You can either openly confront your enemies or cunningly exploit their weaknesses.

PS4

Akcji 27 October 2017

Another installment of the best-selling FPS series, and at the same time a direct continuation to Wolfenstein: The New Order created by Machine Games. The Action of Wolfenstein: The New Colossus is set in 1961 – after waking up from a coma B.J. Blazkowicz and his companions find the United States of America occupied by the Nazis. The main protagonist finds common ground with the leaders of the local resistance, and decides to help them fight the invaders. As in the previous Wolfenstein installment, the gameplay in The New Colossus features exploration, completing consecutive missions, and eliminating scores of diverse foes. The players are given a wide range of murderous weapons – including not only classic firearms but also some more elaborate pieces. Interestingly, once again the developers have decided to abandon health regeneration mechanics in favor of the old-school med-kit system. The game features high-quality 3D graphics – in comparison to its predecessor, the most significant are the texture and special effect enhancements that accompany the gunfights.

PC

RPG 21 March 2017

The fourth part of the hugely popular action RPG game series in a space-opera setting. BioWare Montreal, the development studio that helped create the two previous installments took the reins of Mass Effect: Andromeda's development. The game's story is not associated with the trilogy about Commander Shepard's fight against the Reapers, offering instead a completely separate plot featuring new characters and locations. Using the proven pattern, the creators of Mass Effect: Andromeda put the focus on a spectacular TPP action experience and moral choices that have a direct impact on the course of events. The technical side of the game is based on the third-generation Frostbite engine, providing high-quality audiovisuals.

PS4

Akcji 24 January 2017

Seventh major installment in the cult series of survival horrors created by Capcom and launched in year 1996 on the PlayStation console. Subsequent parts of this long-standing series concentrate on a battle the humanity wages against a deadly virus which transforms those it infects into bloodthirsty monsters. The players accompany several characters who appeared in various installments of Resident Evil over the years as well as in many side installments. The game, being faithful to tradition, shows the action in third person perspective and the gameplay is based on exploration, fighting enemies and solving occasional logical puzzles. The game has a horror atmosphere which, across subsequent installments in the series, was gradually reduced in favor of action elements. Resident Evil 7 combines the best aspects of the old and new installments and is the first main Resident Evil game created for the eight generation consoles.

PCXONEPS4

RPG 17 October 2017

Another installment in an RPG series based on the Comedy Central’ cult adult-oriented cartoon TV series. The title is a direct sequel to South Park: The Stick of Truth released in 2014. However, unlike that game, this one was created by an Ubisoft’s subsidiary. Once again you play as the New Kid, whose family just recently moved in to South Park. This tim, Cartman and his group play the roles of superheroes, making up the vigilante group of Coon & Friends. They have to face a new danger, the villainous Professor Chaos. In terms of gameplay mechanics, the game is similar to its predecessor, combining classic RPG elements with turn-based combat, further spiced up with a big doze of nasty humor invented by the creators of the TV series: Matt Stone and Trey Parker.

PCXONEPS4

RPG 28 February 2017

A computer RPG based on a tabletop roleplaying system called Numenera that combines elements of fantasy and science-fiction. The title was created by indie developer inXile entertainment, mostly known for the highly acclaimed remake of The Bard’s Tale and post-apocalyptic Wasteland 2. The game is a spiritual successor to Planescape: Torment - one of the classics of the genre, created by Black Isle Studio in 1999. The original game’s co-creator, Colin McComb, was the lead designer in this new project. The game is set in the distant future, where humanity created a society on a civilization level similar to the Middle Ages, albeit the setting features also rare examples of highly-advanced technology left after more advanced, extinct civilizations. Gameplay is based on the rules of the tabletop system, appropriately modified for the needs of a computer game. The game features isometric perspective and real-time action, although the battles themselves are turn-based, as well as a system of moral choices, which have impact on the world and reactions of non-player characters.

PC

Wyścigi 28 April 2017

An enhanced port of Mario Kart 8 developed for Nintendo Switch. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe reprises a lot of elements known from the two previous installments of the series, such as motorcycles, gliders, the ability to perform somersaults, or underwater racing. However, the developers introduced an interesting novelty – anti-gravity racing, in which we can stick to walls or even to the ceiling. The game doesn’t contain a story-driven single player campaign – we focus on taking part in a series of competitions in which we can race against AI-controlled opponents, as well as other players. Mario Kart 8 contains several multiplayer variants, including online as well as local game modes (split-screen, or a wireless mode for up to eight players). The new edition contains all of the content present in the original game, including released add-ons, at the same introducing new tracks and characters, such as Inkling Girl, Inkling Boy, King Boo, Dry Bones, or Bowser Jr.

Switch

Akcji 25 April 2017

The sequel to Outlast, a 2013 first-person survival horror and a successful debut of the Red Barrels studio. As the authors decided to abandon the themes initiated in the first part of the series, the game does not return to the dark psychiatric hospital located somewhere in the mountains of Colorado. Instead, Outlast 2 takes place in a completely new location and tells the story of new characters. However, original gameplay mechanic characterized by the inability to fight encountered enemies, remained unchanged. Player's character has no combat skills and survival consists mainly of avoiding direct confrontations. In some cases, an escape turns out to be the only solution. When fleeing, the game's complex model of movements, inspired by the parkour technique, is a great help.

PC

Akcji 05 May 2017

An in-name-only sequel to a best-selling science-fiction FPS released in 2006. After many perturbations haunting the series, the development has been commissioned to Arkane Studios, the creators of the Dishonored series. Prey is not a continuation per se, but rather a peculiar reboot of the original 2006’s installment of the game; both games share only the FPS science fiction setting and the necessity to single-handedly fight hostile extraterrestrials aboard a space station drifting through the cosmic void. The main protagonist is Morgan Yu – a man or a woman, depending on the player’s choice. Morgan is a part of a scientific project working towards enhancing the human race. Throughout the game he / she has to face hordes of aliens with unique features and abilities. Some of these abilities can be adopted by Morgan and utilized in creative ways. Players can also make use of a wide range of futuristic weaponry and gadgets.

PS4

Akcji 22 August 2017

The first story expansion for Uncharted 4: The Thief’s End. The add-on, also created by Naughty Dog, is a stand-alone title. For the first time in the history of the series, we control a different character – Chloe Frazer. The story begins some time after the events of Uncharted 4, and sees the heroine appear in India, where she attempts to find an ancient artifact, supported by Nadine Ross - a local mercenary. Gameplay wise, the game reuses the mechanics seen in The Thief’s End. As a result, we are given an action-adventure game that occupies us with exploration, solving rather uncomplicated puzzles, and shootouts with numerous opponents. This time, the creators have placed more emphasis on stealth – the protagonists often has to sneak, avoid her opponents, and avoid engaging in open combat.

PS4

Akcji 03 March 2017

Another installment in the popular action-adventure game series by Nintendo, and also the first game in the series for WiiU. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you play once again as the main character of the franchise, Link, who gets involved in yet another exciting and dangerous adventure as he tries to learn what led to the downfall of the land of Hyrule. The gameplay is a combination of several genres: adventure, action RPG, and even survival. During the game, you explore the open world, solve puzzles and fight enemies; the combat is arcade-like and requires you to use varied tactics. You also have to gather resources in order to prepare food and drink, which affect your abilities, just like pieces of equipment.

Switch

Przygodowe 21 February 2017

A combination of adventure and arcade games, created by an independent developer known as Infinite Ammo. The player assumes the role of Mae - a cat with paranormal abilities. The protagonist quits her studies and returns to her hometown - Possum Springs, in order to have some quality time with her old friends. The place has fallen into decline since the last mine in town was closed, because the inhabitants have been left without work. What is worse however, is that a neighboring forest has apparently kept some dark secret concealed. The plot serves the role of an parallel to human existence, with themes such as death, transience of all things or longing for certain moments from the past elaborated on throughout the story. The player is required to explore (by jumping across platforms mostly) a unique in-game environment, solve simple puzzles connected to it, talk to NPCs, as well as engage in joyful activities, such as playing the guitar or having fun with the in-game friends. What distinguishes Night in the Woods from other titles, are its visuals based on an original art style - those were crafted by Scott Benson. The unique soundtrack on the other hand, was created by Alec Holowka.

PCXONEPS4

Strategiczne 28 July 2017

A tactical real-time strategy game inspired by the Commandos series. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is set in Japan in 1615. The new shogun decided to enforce peace in the entire country which requires him to silently eliminate all the opposition that may dream of rebelling against him. To achieve this, he asks a group of five specialists who deal in murder, sabotage, and espionage. It is the team that the player will lead in the course of the campaign that consists of over a dozen extensive missions. In Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun, the action is presented from a camera placed high above the characters’ heads which provides us with a good grasp of the environment and lets us efficiently issue orders to our agents. Since they perform risky tasks on enemy territory, it is necessary to stay out of guards’ sight and act stealthily. Maps were designed in a way that allows for any mission to be completed in various ways. To succeed, the player always has to cunningly use the unique skills of every character and devise plans that involve strict cooperation within the party.

XONEPS4

Akcji 08 August 2017

A third-person action game set in a fantasy world inspired by Celtic mythology. Title was developed by the British studio Ninja Theory, known for Enslaved, Heavenly Sword, and DMC: Devil May Cry. In the game we traverse a dark, mythical world, full of references to popular stories, characters, and monsters born in the imagination of the Celts. Protagonist of the game is a female warrior named Senua, who embarks on a dangerous journey to the land of the dead. As you might have guessed, during her journey, the heroine faces scores of dangerous enemies, with which she usually deals using a sword. Using a variety of combos and special abilities, Senua makes her way to the destination of her journey. Although a fully independent production, Hellblade features high-level visuals, and the gameplay mechanic brings several innovations to the slasher genre, in which the developers from Ninja Theory had become specialized over the years.

PCPS4

RPG 07 February 2017

A third-person action game developed by Team Ninja studio (known from titles like Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden) under the supervision of Koei Tecmo company. We play as a samurai fighting against various enemies, among which we will find both humans and monsters. We cut our way through the enemies not only with conventional weaponry, but also with special abilities of our hero and the magical power enchanted in his sword. Gameplay is a mix of games like Onimusha and Dark Souls. This means that the difficulty level is high and it forces the player to make use of different tactics, dodges, blocking and powerful, complex combos. Interestingly, game has been announced as early as 2005 and was supposed to be one of the launching titles for PlayStation 3. However, due to a few complications, the developed has been postponed, and the final game will make it now to next generation of consoles.

PS4

Strategiczne 28 September 2017

Another installment in a popular series of strategy games created by Creative Assembly. Unlike the first part of the subseries, which was set in the Old World, this time the players travel to the west, where they wage a war across four continents: Ulthuan, Naggaroth, Southern Realms, and Lustria. Four races take part in the conflict, i.e. the High Elves, the Dark Elves, the Lizardmen, and the Skaven. Each of these factions fights for control over the Great Vortex, which they can heal or disperse using various rituals. Once more, gameplay in Total War: Warhammer II is based on two pillars. In a strategy map view you move your armies, manage economy and expand cities (all this in turns), while battles are waged in real time on 3D battlefields. Each race has its unique mechanics, units and heroes. Besides, owners of the first and second game can download a huge map that combines both game worlds. This way you can play a campaign of truly epic scale while controlling any of the factions available in Total War: Warhammer and its sequel.

PC

Akcji 19 May 2017

A sequel to a first-person action game, which in turn was a remake of a popular FPS from 1997. Polish developer Flying Wild Hog comes back with a continuation set five years after the events of the first game. In Shadow Warrior 2 you play as Lo Wang, who now leads a lonely life of a mercenary working for the local Yakuza. Gameplay mechanics did not change much, so the protagonist takes down on his enemies using a wide arsenal of firearms and melee weapons. The sequel retains the progression system featured in the first game as well as weapon customization. What is new, is the four-people co-op mode, in which a group of players fights off enemies while trying to complete mission objectives. In both single player campaign and co-op mode the locations are procedurally generated, which makes each playthrough unique.

XONEPS4

Przygodowe 01 August 2017

A first person survival sandbox game, developed by independent Canadian studio Hinterland. The team includes veteran game developers, who previously worked for Relic Entertainment, Volition, and BioWare. The game takes you into a post-apocalyptic world after a massive geomagnetic storm. With all electronic devices disabled and water and food supplies running low, the player has to struggle to survive the incoming winter. The game’s sandbox mechanics and its open-world structure give much freedom of gameplay, whose biggest challenges are survival and making difficult moral choices. The game features a compelling narrative written by Marianne Krawczyk, the author of scripts for such titles as God of War and L.A. Noire. The game’s unique character is emphasized by its unusual graphics, designed by Hokyo Lima (known for League of Legends).

PC

Bijatyki 16 May 2017

A sequel to the 2013 arcade fighting game Injustice: Gods Among Us by NetherRealm Studios, known for the latest Mortal Kombat games. Like in its predecessor, in Injustice 2 you play as the characters from the DC universe, fighting each other in violent duels. The game features minimal plot, in which Batman and his supporters try to rebuild the society, but at the same time have to fight against Superman and his allies. Among the chaos, a new danger appears, threatening to wipe out all of humanity. Mechanics-wise, Injustice 2 is a spectacular Mortal Kombat-like 2.5D fighting game, although it's not as violent. You can play as either a hero or a villain; available characters include Superman, the Flash, Batman, Supergirl, Aquaman, Atrocitus and Gorilla Grodd. The sequel also allows for modifying your chosen character. During the gameplay, you earn new equipment, which can alter not only your character's appearance, but also their abilities.

PS4

RPG 04 April 2017

The fifth entry in a popular jRPG series and a part of the Shin Megami Tensei series, started in 1987. As always, the developing studio is Atlus, which created the series. The plot of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 5 revolves around the theme of seven cardinal sins and puts us in the role of an ordinary high school student, who discovers supernatural powers in himself. The protagonist lead a normal teenager’s life during the day, solving typical school problems and interacting with schoolmates, while at night he turns into a superhero, engaging in a deadly fight against evil. In terms of game mechanics, the production follows in its predecessors' footsteps, combining features of classic jRPG games and their turn-based combat with elements of school life simulator and the, popular in Japan, visual novel genre. Graphics have been created using a new, original engine and feature a dark, though cartoonish, style.

PS4

Strategiczne 19 May 2017

A continuation of a 2012's highly-rated, turn-based 4X space strategy game by Amplitude studio. The action of Endless Space 2 takes us once again into the distant future where we can take part in a galactic conflict between the great races fighting struggling for control over a fragment of the universe. Both our empire management and battles take place in a turn-based system, and the player's task is to explore the universe, take control of individual planets, create a functioning economy, develop new technologies, and establish trade and diplomatic relations. The military aspect plays a key role in the game, featuring an advanced ship construction module, allowing us to personally choose the individual components of our ship. The game's virtual universe is randomly generated, providing unique adventures and challenges with each new game.

PC

Przygodowe 29 August 2017

A first-person perspective adventure game with logic elements, developed by Cyan - the creators of the cult adventure game series, Myst. Obduction, created as a Myst’s spiritual successor, tells a story of a man who finds a bizarre organic artifact that fell from the sky and is taken by it into a strange world. In the game, our task is to figure out where are we, and then find a way back home. Similarly to the aforementioned Myst series, the key element of the gameplay is gradual uncovering of the game world and its laws and then using this knowledge to overcome the obstacles we encounter. Therefore, the game focuses mainly on exploration and solving subsequent logic puzzles of various difficulty level. The game does not offer any cutscenes, and most of its story is learned by means of exploration, environment analysis, and reading journals we find throughout the world.

PS4

Sportowe 12 September 2017

Another annual entry in the popular soccer series by Konami. Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 develops the ideas from the previous game. Real Touch +, a new system that is responsible for how players handle a ball, now takes more body parts into account. Thanks to that we can see animations that are much more different from each other when players receive a ball, hit it with their heads, dribble etc. Another important change is that matches are now slower which makes the game a little more realistic. Additionally, there is also strategic dribbling which gives more control over the ball and improved set pieces. Besides classic game modes, PES 2018 also brings back Random Selection Match mode which now has more options. Also, the game offers an online co-op mode for two or three people. The graphics are much better when compared with the previous games which means that the game on particular platforms aren't that different from each other.

XONEPS4

Przygodowe 30 March 2017

A point-and-click adventure game created by Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick. The players are taken to the titular Thimbleweed Park - once a prosperous business area, now definitely past its prime. The player takes on the roles of five characters in total throughout this adventure and is capable of switching between them at any time. The characters present are a stronger feature of this game - apart from others, the player assumes the role of Ransome - a clown suffering from a curse which makes him unable to get rid of his stage make-up. Franklin is another of the characters the player will be in control of in this game; one day, he (Franklin) discovers that he has died. The player will also assume control of two detectives investigating a case of a body found nearby; Dolores on the other hand, needs to read the testament of her rich uncle. When it comes to the story, the creators mixed a unique taste in humor with different possible endings. All of this is complemented by visuals modeled after LucasArts' classics, as well as an interface resembling the legendary SCUMM system.

PCXONEPS4SwitchANDiOS

Akcji 15 September 2017

Dishonored: Death of the Outsider is an action game set in the Dishonored game universe. We play as a new protagonist, Billie Lurk. She is an assassin with supernatural powers and the right hand of Daud, one of the series' primary antagonists and the character we played as in two DLCs of the first Dishonored game. Our job is to hunt down the titular Outsider, a mysterious being that is the source of the supernatural powers used by the series' heroes. Story is nonlinear and its outcome is heavy reliant on our choices. Death of the Outsider takes us to the city of Karnaca known from Dishonored 2. We will visit many various locations during our adventures, like cultist hideouts or underground fight clubs. Gameplay mechanics did not change and are the same as in the previous games of the series. Once again we can play stealthy and be a silent assassin or attack our enemies in plain sight. As we progress, we unlock new abilities and pieces of equipment. After finishing the game, we can play it once again in the Original Game Plus mode where we have access to abilities from Dishonored 2.

PCXONEPS4

Strategiczne 23 November 2017

Another major installment in the bestselling turn-based strategy game series that focus on a humorous rivalry between the eponymous worms. In Worms WMD, the basic gameplay principles remain unchanged, and the players still have to eliminate the opposite team using a number of more or less unconventional weapons. The participants make their moves in turns and their actions are limited by a time limit. The game refers to the initial two-dimensional installments of the series, which means that battles are presented from the classical side view. The title does not lack for several enriching novelties, though. These include the possibility to hide inside buildings and to use vehicles that allow us to traverse the battlefield and deal damage to the enemy. Visually, the production features the characteristic cartoonish visual style, although the worms’ appearance and animation were refreshed.

Switch

RPG 03 October 2017

A fantasy jRPG featuring a turn-based combat system, based on the popular Battle Chasers comic book series. The game was developed by Airship Syndicate, founded by the creators of the Darksiders game, including the creative director and the comic's author, Joe Maureira. The game is set in a fantasy universe, where magic and science coexist, and you play as the characters known from the comics, such as the warrior Garrison, a little girl called Gully, or the golem Calibretto. Battle Chasers: Nightwar focuses on the plot and the exploration of the expansive randomly-generated dungeons. The game also features many jRPG-style battles, taking place in turns on two separate screens. The visuals are colorful and detailed, which makes them resemble the original comics.

PCXONEPS4

RPG 25 July 2017

A unique tactical RPG from independent American studio Supergiant Games. The story of Pyre is set in a mysterious land called Downside, which is a variation on the Christian idea of purgatory. The main protagonist is rescued by a trio of masked travelers, who ask him to help them in unveiling the truth about the so-called Rites – an unusual competition, in which the winners can earn pardon for their sins and be freed from Downside. Pyre’s gameplay contains two fundamental parts. We travel in a special coach that is also used to manage our companions and make decisions that affect the land and its inhabitants. However, there is another and more important part of the game, in form of skirmishes we take part in, which combines features of MOBA and sport titles. A team of three characters must get a hold of a special ball and take it to enemy’s base.

PC

Zręcznościowe 27 October 2017

Super Mario Odyssey is a 3D platform game developed for Nintendo Switch and another installment of the Mario video game franchise. In Super Mario Odyssey, the titular plumber has to saved his beloved Princess Peach, who this time faces a forced marriage with the game's main antagonist, Bowser. The game takes place not only in the typical for the series fairy-tale land, but also in the alternative version of the real world. In terms of mechanics, Super Mario Odyssey is a natural evolution of the series. We get a 3D platformer where we explore various locations using Mario's acrobatic abilities, gather items, avoid traps, and fight with the encountered enemies and bosses. Super Mario Odyssey comes with some new elements, like bigger locations or a more sandbox-like nature of the game that gives us more freedom of exploration. Mario's hat also has some interesting properties and gives us access to many unique abilities.

Switch

Wyścigi 03 October 2017

Another installment in the best-selling racing game series developed by Turn 10 in cooperation with Microsoft. In Forza Motorsport 7, the players can participate in races taking place on over 30 different tracks, while driving one of the 700 available licensed cars. All of the vehicles can be modified in terms of their performance and appearance. The driving physics implemented herein are neatly balanced between a simulation and arcade racing and should suit both racing veterans and beginners, who can use a number of available facilitations. Forza Motorsport 7 is one of the first games ever to exploit the full potential of Xbox One X, allowing the players to experience the 4K resolution at stable 60 frames per second. Apart from the free-to-play spinoff - Forza Motorsport 6: Apex - the seventh full-fledged installment is also the first in the series’ history to be released not only on consoles but also on PC. Windows 10.

PCXONE

RPG 20 June 2017

Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood is the second expansion to Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, an MMORPG developed by Square-Enix. The newest expansion allows the players to travel beyond Eorza, to the territories occupied by the Garlean Empire. Stormblood also definitively ends the game's support for PlayStation 3. The biggest addition to the game introduced by Stormblood are the new locations. We will visit Ala Mhigo, travel to the new continent Othard and Doma Kingdom that lies there. The expansion also introduces new dungeons, raids (i.e. Return to Ivalice designed for 24 players), and special events. Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood increases the level cap to 70, introduces new skills, and two new classes: Red Mage and Samurai. You will also find tons of new, powerful pieces of equipment.

PC

RPG 29 August 2017

Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is a turn-based RPG crossover between two popular franchises, Super Mario and Rabbids, developed by Ubisoft for Nintendo Switch. The iconic heroes of both series (Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Peach and four Rabbids) take part in our adventure. Gameplay is based on three elements: exploration, quests, and combat. We will explore four diverse worlds filled with secrets and riddles that await to be discovered and solved. Venturing through the game’s world takes place in real-time, but combat is turn-based. We use a wide array of modifiable weapons when in combat. In order to be victorious in battle, we have to skillfully use our hero’s special abilities, think strategically and act tactically, i.e. making a good use of the game’s destructible environment.

Switch

RPG 30 January 2017

The definitive edition of the second installment in the Disgaea series, developed by Nippon Ichi Software for PC. The action of this jRPG takes place in Veldime – a fantasy world that has been struck by a curse summoned by a dark lord – Zenon. As a result, its inhabitants have been changed into demonic beings. The only hope lies in Adell – a courageous youth who challenged the powerful adversary. The gameplay in Disgaea 2 PC is based on exploration and completing story and side quests, developing our character through new equipment and learning powerful skills, and enemy encounters. The battles take place in a turn-based system, and the key to success is using our hero and his party’s abilities, and adopting an effective tactic – the players can move their units during their turn. The game is complemented by an additional story episode, starring another character – Axel, and special gameplay variants for seasoned players. When compared to the PlayStation 2 version, the PC edition can boast higher screen resolution, and controls that allow the player to use keyboard and mouse combo.

PC

RPG 19 June 2017

The first expansion for the 2016 dungeon crawler RPG Darkest Dungeon by Red Hook Studios. The add-on utilizes the gameplay mechanics from the core game — you complete a team of heroes and set out to explore the eponymous Darkest Dungeon. Your goal is to find enormous riches, with which you can expand a shabby hamlet, also serving as your base. Like in the original Darkest Dungeon game, the characters of The Crimson Court suffer from typical human ailments — some of them may go berserk, while others may panic when surrounded by darkness. The game places a strong focus on blood, which is a theme connecting the items you find and your enemies. The expansion also marks the first appearance of vampires, creatures with a unique set of characteristics and abilities.

PC

Bijatyki 16 June 2017

A 3D action game developed for Nintendo Switch which focuses on 1 on 1 battles taking place on secluded, spacious arenas. The contenders are equipped with large boxing gloves propped on springs that allow them to extend to large distances. We can choose from a number of fighters, with each having unique traits and abilities. Additionally, we can choose a set of gloves that correspond to our playstyle – e.g. a slow albeit powerful model, or a speed-oriented set. The arenas are also varied, filled with numerous objects such as traps, obstacles, or springboards. Arms contains an AI module, but player on player combat is the highlight of the game, with both offline and online game modes. The game also employs the unique capabilities of Joy-Con controllers, including its special sensors.

Switch

Akcji 18 January 2017

A continuation of a third-person perspective action game from Sony, which was originally released in 2012 (in Japan known as Gravity Daze) as one of the first exclusive titles for PS Vita. Four years later a remastered version of the title was published on PlayStation 4. The action of Gravity Rush 2 is set in the same setting as the first installment. The inhabitants of a retro-futuristic metropolis once again have to face a powerful gravity storm. Kat, the main heroine who can manipulate gravity, is there to save the day. Thanks to her abilities, the protagonist can defy laws of gravity at will, fly, walk on vertical surfaces, bounce off environmental elements, and use peculiar types of attacks. Kat uses her skills to help inhabitants of the city and to face hordes of various monsters that appeared on Earth along with the mysterious storm.

PS4

Strategiczne 23 May 2017

Another military strategy game in the publishing catalogue of Paradox Interactive, this one developed by the French studio Eugen Systems. Steel Division: Normandy 44 draws much inspiration from the Wargame series created earlier by the same developer, letting players take part in fights over Normandy in 1944. The game features playable armies of such nations as Nazi Germany, the United States, France, Canada, England, Scotland, and Poland. Steel Division: Normandy 44 puts much emphasis on realism, therefore real-time battles are split into three phases, which correspond to actual WWII skirmishes. While moving from one stage of battle to another you get access to new types of units, of which there are now 400 in the game, all based on historical data. Infantry, tanks and support vehicles are also aided by airplanes. Devising a proper tactic serves a key role in the game – the most important things you must consider are the landscape and morale of your soldiers. Too much stress reduces the combat effectiveness of your men and can even make them flee in panic. Steel Division: Normandy 44 lets you play either solo (throughout the campaign) or in multiplayer – up to twenty players can play together in online battles.

PC