Unlocked Gaming: March 2018

Saturday, 31 March 2018

Opinion: Horizon Zero Dawn - A beautiful but familiar experience

Beautiful but familiar

As of February 2018, Horizon Zero Dawn, the open-world action-roleplaying game developed by Killzone creators Guerrilla Games, has sold 7.6 million copies worldwide. Not only has it amassed some impressive sales figures; the overall critical consensus has been "generally favourable" according to Metacritic, where it currently holds a score of 89/100.

It seems then that with Horizon Zero Dawn critics and gamers agree that the PlayStation 4 exclusive is one of the systems most outstanding titles. Indeed, aside from the critical praise and impressive sales numbers, Horizon Zero Dawn has won a host of 'Game of the Year Awards' from some of the industries most respectable outlets.

So, after recently finishing Horizon Zero Dawn, why do I feel like I'm the only one who didn't enjoy a game which everyone appears to hold so dear? Why didn't it captivate me as much as I thought it would?

Monday, 26 March 2018

God of War - Two-hour hands-on preview in Sydney, Australia

God of War preview

At a recent hands-on experience in Sydney, Australia; Impulse Gamer gave me the chance to preview the first few hours of the upcoming action-adventure video game, God of War.

On March 14th, I got to sit down with Sony Santa Monica's Senior Community Strategist, Aaron Kaufman for an exclusive preview of God of War in Sydney, Australia.

After the events of God of War 3, and set in the world of the Norse Gods; Kratos lives with his son Atreus in small log cabin hidden away in the woods. And it's here where Kratos must teach his son how to survive the monstrosities that encompass every inch of their environment.

Sunday, 25 March 2018

Devil May Cry HD Collection Review - A unique series worth revisiting

Value for money - 7.5 / 10

Created in 2001, Devil May Cry has somewhat of an interesting development story. Initially thought of as a Resident Evil title, it didn't take long for director Hideki Kamiya to realise that the fixed camera view synonymous with past Resident Evil games didn't suit his upcoming hack and slash project.

After lengthy discussions that culminated in a brief visit to Europe; it's there where Kamiya and his team photographed ancient buildings and statues. On his return home and armed with these new compositions, Kamiya tried to combine gothic stylistics and fast-paced gameplay mechanics into what was supposedly still a Resident Evil game.

Sunday, 18 March 2018

Coming this week - Dante in HD

How does the original DMC shape up on the PS4?

Coming this week to Unlocked Gaming is a review of Devil May Cry HD collection and my thoughts on Kratos' return in God of War.

On Wednesday 14th March, Impulse Gamer gave me the opportunity to go to an exclusive hands-on experience in Sydney with God of War and later on this week, I'll be sharing my thoughts on the game.

So, check back later this week!

Screenshot Sunday #3 - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

*Screenshot Sunday #2*

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of my favourite ever games.

Including all the DLC, I spent well over 300 hours slaying beasts across an array of visually stunning continents. And although open-world games are probably not for everyone; this particular adventure deserves all the praise bestowed upon it.

Tuesday, 13 March 2018

Screenshot Sunday #2 - Middle-earth: Shadow of War

*Screenshot Sunday #1*

It's time for Screenshot Sunday again, (on a Tuesday)..

Today the thread features my best shots from Middle-earth: Shadow of War. I reviewed this game late last year and my thoughts on it can be found here.

Enjoy!

Saturday, 10 March 2018

Screenshot Sunday #1 - Hellblade, Shadow of the Colossus & DBFZ

I know it's Saturday but here's the first entry in the new 'Screenshot Sunday' thread I'll be posting each week (until I forget so this might be the first and only post)..

I've had a busy seven days reviewing Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet, but no pictures from that particular game feature this week. Below you'll find my favourite shots from Hellblade Senua's Sacrifice, Shadow of the Colossus and Dragon Ball FighterZ.

Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet Review

Mediocre - 3 / 5

Following on from the events of Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization, Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet is a third-person role-playing game published by Bandai Namco and developed by Dimps.

In case you’re unfamiliar with the franchise; Sword Art Online is a Japanese light novel series written by Reki Kawahara. Since April 2010, the series has produced eight manga adaptations, an anime television show and four video games.

Sunday, 4 March 2018

Metal Gear Survive Review

Dud Zombie - 2.4 / 5

Metal Gear Survive replaces stealth with survival in what is the first Metal Gear game without the involvement of director Hideo Kojima.

Although Survive is the first entry in the Metal Gear series without Kojima’s influence, it isn’t the first spin-off. Released only five years ago on the PS3, XBox 360 and PC; Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance took the Metal Gear series in a completely different direction.

Replacing stealth with hack and slash action mayhem, surprisingly, Rising worked. The reason for this was due to Kojima Productions enlisting the help of developers Platinum Games who are most famous for their 2013 hit, Vanquish.

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Saturday, 31 March 2018

Monday, 26 March 2018

Sunday, 25 March 2018

Sunday, 18 March 2018

Tuesday, 13 March 2018

Saturday, 10 March 2018

Sunday, 4 March 2018