| 7/20/15 4:00PM |
-Review Disclaimer-
A copy of the game was provided for reviewing purposes and I have a personal friend who works for Psyonix Inc.
Goal Driven
Rocket League has a basic premise that pays off with high replay value, fast-paced online matches, and support for both splitscreen and cross-platform play. The goal in every match in the game is simple: score for your team using your vehicle to launch a large ball into the enemy’s goal. In order to accomplish this, your vehicle can pick up boost towards the ball using pickups from areas around the arenas, double jump, dash in various directions, and boost glide. The controls are tight, and you have everything you need to win available from the beginning of the game.
In short, everyone is playing Rocket League right now, and if you’re a PS+ member, you should have no excuse as the game is currently free for July 2015!
In short, everyone is playing Rocket League right now, and if you’re a PS+ member, you should have no excuse as the game is currently free for July 2015!
While Rocket League’s main feature is its online mode, there is also an offline season mode for players to check out. It serves as a great way to practice against the A.I., and based on the difficulty you choose for the bots, you’ll either completely dominate matches, or become completely frustrated with how the opposing team plays. It’s a fun and nice extension from the game’s tutorial in terms of learning the base mechanics of Rocket League, and also serves as a great way to earn trophies and unlock custom parts for your vehicle.
The game claims to have thousands of items to unlock, although each one is merely cosmetic in order to provide a fair field. Since there is no way to increase the speed or toughness of your vehicle, you’ll only get better by playing. There are already several videos on Youtube by players offering tutorials on how to perform trick shots that they have performed and perfected in order to increase their goal output.
The game claims to have thousands of items to unlock, although each one is merely cosmetic in order to provide a fair field. Since there is no way to increase the speed or toughness of your vehicle, you’ll only get better by playing. There are already several videos on Youtube by players offering tutorials on how to perform trick shots that they have performed and perfected in order to increase their goal output.
It’s nice that the community has taken to Rocket League, who have been patient when it comes to the game’s only major shortfall: the online servers. Psyonix has announced plans to implement more server stability for the hundreds of thousands players, where matches can take minutes to compile depending on if you choose to play against PC players. The company has also promised more choices for private matches, so friends can play together in the meantime as they wait for server stability.
With most PlayStation 4 players checking out the game as a plus member, waiting for matches to begin may deter them at the moment to come back later when the issues have been resolved with the servers.
With most PlayStation 4 players checking out the game as a plus member, waiting for matches to begin may deter them at the moment to come back later when the issues have been resolved with the servers.
Recent Reviews
Built with Unreal Engine 3, Rocket League’s visuals are well done and full of vibrant colors. There are a few weather effects to accompany the variety of indoor and outdoor arenas, although none have an actual impact on the gameplay. Sound effects are great, and the game’s soundtrack contains a nice mix of techno that goes well with the game’s action.
Overall, Rocket League is a ton of fun, and offers intense online and splitscreen multiplayer for the many fans who already have the game to enjoy. Once the server issues have all been resolved, players can experience a fun game with a large community to score with or against.
Overall, Rocket League is a ton of fun, and offers intense online and splitscreen multiplayer for the many fans who already have the game to enjoy. Once the server issues have all been resolved, players can experience a fun game with a large community to score with or against.
+ Quick matches and simple gameplay
+ Cross platform play and splitscreen multiplayer
Written and video reviews on the thebuttonpresser.com are based out of a '1-5 controller' Scoring system. Review copies are always known to the reader via a review disclaimer.
Publishers- Psyonix Inc
Release Date- July 7th, 2015
Price- $19.99 MSRP (FREE for PS+ members)
Review Platform- PlayStation 4
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7/15/15 1:30PM |
On PlayStation 4, Batman: Arkham Knight proves to be a worthy conclusion to the trilogy created by Rocksteady. The combat is as fun as it’s ever been, and the visuals are very impressive. The story this time has Batman defending Gotham from an impending attack by Scarecrow, who has threatened to release a deadly toxin into the city. Rather than hit Gotham with a surprise attack, Scarecrow decides to warn the city’s inhabitants, who take his warning seriously, resulting in a city-wide evacuation. Although most of the residents have left, Batman and his allies have decided to tackle the uphill battle of saving Gotham, which is now overrun with super villains – including the new and mysterious Arkham Knight.
In order to traverse the city more effectively, which has had a major increase in density and size, Rocksteady has added a drive-able Batmobile, a new feature of the game which effectively integrates nicely both in terms of combat and exploration in the game. The Arkham Knight commands a militia who possess unmanned drones, which Batman must engage with using the battle mode that the Batmobile has. Vehicular warfare mixes up the gameplay a bit, but I prefer the base gameplay of fighting foes in hand-to-hand combat, as well as the predator sections which made Arkham Asylum so enjoyable.
DLC has been promised for the coming months for the game, but so far each addition has only added a few more moments from the base game to enjoy. While playing the Harley Quinn story pack, gamers can experience a roughly 15 minute experience as you play as the other person more affected by Joker’s leave than Batman. Harley Quinn has her own version of Batman’s gadgets, and controls in similar fashion as the Dark Knight. Overall, the content is over before it truly begins, and according to early reviews of the Bat-girl content, that pack isn’t enough to make you stray from the main story which is how I felt about the Harley Quinn content.
Batman: Arkham Knight on consoles performs great, but the success of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 version has been overshadowed by the current status of the PC version. It’s important to release a product to everyone with the same quality spread across each available platform, and Rocksteady and Warner Bros. have publicly apologized after consumers voiced their concerns about the PC version.
Major gaming publications have posted articles that revealed the issues with the PC Arkham Knight were known by the publisher for quite some time, and they made the decision to release the game anyway in its current state. Another delay would have hurt the game’s anticipated launch, but I’m sure everyone would have accepted it in the end rather than buy the released PC version on Steam and find it to be full of technical issues that it currently contains.
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On PlayStation 4, Batman: Arkham Knight proves to be a worthy conclusion to the trilogy created by Rocksteady. The combat is as fun as it’s ever been, and the visuals are very impressive. The story this time has Batman defending Gotham from an impending attack by Scarecrow, who has threatened to release a deadly toxin into the city. Rather than hit Gotham with a surprise attack, Scarecrow decides to warn the city’s inhabitants, who take his warning seriously, resulting in a city-wide evacuation. Although most of the residents have left, Batman and his allies have decided to tackle the uphill battle of saving Gotham, which is now overrun with super villains – including the new and mysterious Arkham Knight.
In order to traverse the city more effectively, which has had a major increase in density and size, Rocksteady has added a drive-able Batmobile, a new feature of the game which effectively integrates nicely both in terms of combat and exploration in the game. The Arkham Knight commands a militia who possess unmanned drones, which Batman must engage with using the battle mode that the Batmobile has. Vehicular warfare mixes up the gameplay a bit, but I prefer the base gameplay of fighting foes in hand-to-hand combat, as well as the predator sections which made Arkham Asylum so enjoyable.
DLC has been promised for the coming months for the game, but so far each addition has only added a few more moments from the base game to enjoy. While playing the Harley Quinn story pack, gamers can experience a roughly 15 minute experience as you play as the other person more affected by Joker’s leave than Batman. Harley Quinn has her own version of Batman’s gadgets, and controls in similar fashion as the Dark Knight. Overall, the content is over before it truly begins, and according to early reviews of the Bat-girl content, that pack isn’t enough to make you stray from the main story which is how I felt about the Harley Quinn content.
Batman: Arkham Knight on consoles performs great, but the success of the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 version has been overshadowed by the current status of the PC version. It’s important to release a product to everyone with the same quality spread across each available platform, and Rocksteady and Warner Bros. have publicly apologized after consumers voiced their concerns about the PC version.
Major gaming publications have posted articles that revealed the issues with the PC Arkham Knight were known by the publisher for quite some time, and they made the decision to release the game anyway in its current state. Another delay would have hurt the game’s anticipated launch, but I’m sure everyone would have accepted it in the end rather than buy the released PC version on Steam and find it to be full of technical issues that it currently contains.
6/16/15 12:00PM |
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Below you'll find my overview of both press conferences, as well as videos from Digital Trend's highlight videos. Check it all out below!
Microsoft had their press conference early Monday afternoon and came strong with a lineup of solid games and announcements. The big one that came out of their announcements was the ability to play Xbox 360 games on Xbox One. Although the list is fairly small for the moment, Microsoft is promising over 100 titles to be supported by the end of this year. Those in the Xbox preview program can test out the small list of supported games, which includes Perfect Dark Zero and several XBLA games such as Toy Soldiers and Battleblock theater.
Titles showcased during the conference:
- Halo 5
- Rise of the Tomb Raider
- Fallout 4 (Mod support for Xbox One)
- Dark Souls 3
- The Division (Exclusive Early access Beta announced)
- The Rare collection (30+ classic games from Rare including Battletoads, Jet Force Gemini)
- PvZ: Garden Warfare 2
Sony showcased announcements that probably made many of us shed a tear or two and I couldn’t be happier. Rumors that have been dreams with no hope of becoming a reality became a night of incredible reality. From a Final Fantasy VII remake, to a promotion of a new Kickstarter to fund Shenmue III, and providing new gameplay for The Last Guardian as well as a release date for next year, surprises were abound during their presentation.
Titles showcased during the conference:
- The Last Guardian (Coming 2016)
- Batman: Arkham Knight
- Call of Duty Black Ops 3 (DLC coming first now to PS4)
- New Expansion for Destiny
- Final Fantasy World
- Final Fantasy VII remake (Coming first to PS4)
- Uncharted 4
- No Man’s Sky (Release to be announced soon)
- Street Fighter V
- Hitman (Upcoming Beta for PS4)
6/15/15 10:30AM |
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Bethesda’s first ever E3 press conference kicked off what is set to be another historic year of gaming announcements with some impressive showcases of their upcoming titles.
The games that were shown emphasized user customization, graphical enhancements over previous titles, and detailed how many, many hours will spent in the open-world behemoth that is Fallout 4. Below are my brief impressions of each title, so read and enjoy.
The games that were shown emphasized user customization, graphical enhancements over previous titles, and detailed how many, many hours will spent in the open-world behemoth that is Fallout 4. Below are my brief impressions of each title, so read and enjoy.
Happy E3 Week!!
Doom
The grandaddy of the FPS genre is coming back with its style of brutal violence and fast-paced gameplay. This new version will run at 1080p with 60fps when it released in the Spring of 2016 for PS4, XB1, and PC. Aside from the campaign and multiplayer component, players will be able to create custom content with ease and share with Doom community with the press of a button.
Dishonored 2
The sequel to one of my favorite games from 2012 will be coming back with a new setting and playable female assassin. The brief video shown for the game was nice and I look forward to hearing more information about the game this week. Another nice treat for the game will be the remastered edition of the first Dishonored game, which will be available for current gen consoles this Fall.
Battlecry
The upcoming F2P team game looks to be ontrack in terms of development, with an open beta coming very soon for PC players.
The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited
The recently released online title was shown with a trailer that gives player a glimpse of the game’s upcoming DLC plans that will expand the Elder Scrolls universe for its growing base.
Elder Scrolls legends
Think Hearthstone+Elder scrolls and you’ll have a good idea of what to expect with this upcoming card game. Should be another fun title to check out when it released for mobile and tablet devices.
Fallout Shelter
A nice little surprise during the Fallout 4 presentation was the announcement of Fallout Shelter. The game is available now for iOS and will also be released for Android devices, and allows players to manage their own vault as you seek to gain resources from the wasteland and protect your vault dwellers.
Fallout 4
November 10th, 2015 is when we’ll all get to play the latest in the Post Apocalyptic title, and I cannot wait! Todd Howard, the game director and integral piece of Bethesda, showcased the title with an impressive demo, which you can view below:
Highlights included:
- Play as a voiced female or male character
- You’ll get to play before the Nuclear war begins
- Enhanced V.A.T.S gameplay
- Ability to play in 1st or 3rd person
- Dog companion
- Customize settlements and defend against wasteland threats
- Pip Boy App offers a second screen experience
- Special edition comes with a working Pip boy!
Xbox One 1TB console announced alongside price drop for standard 500GB version, new console features an updated controller
6/9/15 9:30AM |
Microsoft has announced this morning that there will be a permanent price drop for the standard Xbox One console, reducing the overall price to $349, effective immediately.
This news is followed by the announcement of a brand new 1TB version of the console coming June 16th, which will feature a new controller that includes a 3.5mm stereo jack, allowing for most gaming headsets to plug right into the controller without the need for an additional adapter.
The controller can also be purchased for separately for $79.95. The last bit of console news for Microsoft today is the announcement of the Xbox Wireless Adapter, which will retail for $24.99. This adapter will allow PC players to utilize a wireless Xbox One controller for machines running Windows 10.
Check out a video of the new console bundle below, and pick one up during E3 week!
[Source: Major Nelson's Blog]
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Microsoft has announced this morning that there will be a permanent price drop for the standard Xbox One console, reducing the overall price to $349, effective immediately.
This news is followed by the announcement of a brand new 1TB version of the console coming June 16th, which will feature a new controller that includes a 3.5mm stereo jack, allowing for most gaming headsets to plug right into the controller without the need for an additional adapter.
The controller can also be purchased for separately for $79.95. The last bit of console news for Microsoft today is the announcement of the Xbox Wireless Adapter, which will retail for $24.99. This adapter will allow PC players to utilize a wireless Xbox One controller for machines running Windows 10.
Check out a video of the new console bundle below, and pick one up during E3 week!
[Source: Major Nelson's Blog]
Uncharted Collection announced for PS4, Includes all three PS3 games and access to the Uncharted 4 beta
6/4/15 10:30AM |
"The team at Bluepoint Games is incomparable regarding their portfolio of ports and remastered releases, and we’ve been working closely with them to bring over our engine to make Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection an exemplary game.
That means not only delivering the single-player campaigns of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, and Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception in 1080p and 60fps with better lighting, textures, and models, but also adding a range of improvements and additions across all three games including Photo Mode and new trophies."
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In what appears to be another accidental leak turned official news, Uncharted: The Nathan Drake collection has been unveiled by Naughty Dog after its logo was posted to the PlayStation Store last night via the mobile store site.
The collection will consist of the three PS3 Uncharted games, Drake's Fortune, Among Theives, and Drake's Deception, and will be fully remastered for PlayStation 4. The collection is set to be released on October 9th of this year. Each title in the collection will be displayed in 1080p with a frame rate of 60fps in a similiar fashion as the Last of Us for PS4.
The trickles of major gaming news will sure to continue until E3, but I hope that we can still be surprised with some content when the Press conferences air!
The collection will consist of the three PS3 Uncharted games, Drake's Fortune, Among Theives, and Drake's Deception, and will be fully remastered for PlayStation 4. The collection is set to be released on October 9th of this year. Each title in the collection will be displayed in 1080p with a frame rate of 60fps in a similiar fashion as the Last of Us for PS4.
The trickles of major gaming news will sure to continue until E3, but I hope that we can still be surprised with some content when the Press conferences air!
"The team at Bluepoint Games is incomparable regarding their portfolio of ports and remastered releases, and we’ve been working closely with them to bring over our engine to make Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection an exemplary game.
That means not only delivering the single-player campaigns of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, and Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception in 1080p and 60fps with better lighting, textures, and models, but also adding a range of improvements and additions across all three games including Photo Mode and new trophies."
6/3/15 10:00AM |
Bethesda game studios, creators of Fallout 3 and the Elder Scrolls series, have just released the official trailer for the game on its website, which you can check out below in case web traffic knocks their page offline. More details regarding the game, including a possible gameplay demo, will be shown during the Bethesda E3 press conference on June 14th.
War never changes, and neither does my love for the Fallout franchise. The long wait to explore the vast wasteland again is almost over!
"Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax® Media company, today confirmed the upcoming global release of Fallout® 4, the next generation of open-world gaming. The world premiere of the game will take place during Bethesda’s E3 Showcase being held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on June 14th beginning at 7pm PST, and streamed live around the world via Twitch and YouTube.
Fallout 4 is being developed for Xbox One, PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and PC by award-winning Bethesda Game Studios® under the direction of Todd Howard. This eagerly-awaited game is the follow up to the 2008 ‘Game of the Year’, Fallout® 3, and the first title from the world-renowned studio since the release of their global phenomenon and 2011 ‘Game of the Year’, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim®."
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It's been five years since the last Fallout title was released, but that will change when Fallout 4 is released, which was officially announced this morning!
Bethesda game studios, creators of Fallout 3 and the Elder Scrolls series, have just released the official trailer for the game on its website, which you can check out below in case web traffic knocks their page offline. More details regarding the game, including a possible gameplay demo, will be shown during the Bethesda E3 press conference on June 14th.
War never changes, and neither does my love for the Fallout franchise. The long wait to explore the vast wasteland again is almost over!
"Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax® Media company, today confirmed the upcoming global release of Fallout® 4, the next generation of open-world gaming. The world premiere of the game will take place during Bethesda’s E3 Showcase being held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on June 14th beginning at 7pm PST, and streamed live around the world via Twitch and YouTube.
Fallout 4 is being developed for Xbox One, PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and PC by award-winning Bethesda Game Studios® under the direction of Todd Howard. This eagerly-awaited game is the follow up to the 2008 ‘Game of the Year’, Fallout® 3, and the first title from the world-renowned studio since the release of their global phenomenon and 2011 ‘Game of the Year’, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim®."
| 4/23/15 1:00PM |
-Review Disclaimer-
A copy of the game was provided for reviewing purposes
Krushing Krinkles
Krinkle Krusher is an tower defense title, with a stronger emphasis on defending your base structure found near the bottom of each progressing level than most titles in the genre. The game also has a strong humor factor, accompanied with very accessible gameplay for players that may be new to these types of titles.
Most defense games are great for playing on the go via mobile device, but Krinkle Krusher makes a nice addition for Sony players to check out from both the PS3, PS4, and handheld with the PS Vita.
Most defense games are great for playing on the go via mobile device, but Krinkle Krusher makes a nice addition for Sony players to check out from both the PS3, PS4, and handheld with the PS Vita.
The base gameplay in Krinkle Krusher has players control a magic hand/glove as you utilize the powers of rings bestowed to you by the mage who has placed himself in the background of the levels in the games. Krinkles are the name of the creatures looking to penetrate your defenses, and initially begin as simple waves coming towards your bases in a frontline, although their pattern alters as you progress.
Their forms change over time as well, so you’ll really be on your toes towards the later levels as they increase their ability to defend against your upgraded powers.
Their forms change over time as well, so you’ll really be on your toes towards the later levels as they increase their ability to defend against your upgraded powers.
Each power that you receive in the game drains energy from the six possible rings, which in turn prompts a cool-down period – a nice mechanic which reduces spamming the powers and encourages them to be used more strategically. As the Krinkles rush your defenses, it can be easy to lose a bit of focus and rapidly use your powers, but this reaction this may eventually leave you too vulnerable as the recharge rate builds, making you watch as the cute and invasive Krinkles gnaw at your towers.
The powers that you receive throughout the game include elements such as ice, fire, lightning, and if used efficiently, they can damage multiple Krinkles at once, which is the preferred way to attack as more and new types of Krinkles invade the screen as you venture through the levels.
The powers that you receive throughout the game include elements such as ice, fire, lightning, and if used efficiently, they can damage multiple Krinkles at once, which is the preferred way to attack as more and new types of Krinkles invade the screen as you venture through the levels.
Recent Reviews
While it can be quite challenging at times, Krinkle Krusher always remains a fun and entertaining experience throughout. It also has some worthy trophies to unlock, which adds to the replay-ability factor of the game.
Multiplayer would be a great way to experience the game, but the solo content is fun enough on its own to enjoy as you casually progress through the levels.
Overall, the $10 asking price is fair for what the game contains for players to access, and the wonderful art style and humor keeps you immersed in the world even if you may stumble through the later ends of the game.
Multiplayer would be a great way to experience the game, but the solo content is fun enough on its own to enjoy as you casually progress through the levels.
Overall, the $10 asking price is fair for what the game contains for players to access, and the wonderful art style and humor keeps you immersed in the world even if you may stumble through the later ends of the game.
+ Colorful visuals and accessible gameplay
+ Fun and challenging defense title that can stand on its own in comparison to other titles in the genre
Reviews on the thebuttonpresser.com are based out of a '1-5 controller' Scoring system. Purchased games by the reviewer contain no annotation, but review copies are always known to the reader via a review disclaimer.
Publishers- Ilusis Interactive Graphics
Release Date- April 7th, 2015
Price- $9.99 MSRP
Review Platform- PlayStation 4
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