Robert Ramsey

Push Square

Robert Ramsey·Jul 2, 2015

Critic70/100

Agreement—

An accessible and ultimately enjoyable brawler, J-Stars Victory VS+ may not hold the attention of dedicated fighting fans for long, but it's sure to provide plenty of entertainment for those that are interested in the included manga and anime franchises. A solid character roster coupled with some eye-catching combat is what this beat-'em-up is all about – even if it could afford to take some more risks, given the wealth of source material on offer.

Push Square

Robert Ramsey·May 31, 2015

Critic60/100

Agreement—

As expected, House of Wolves sticks with the pack when it comes to story missions, strikes, and new multiplayer maps, but it still represents a point in Destiny's life where Bungie has tried to push things forward, attempting to leave behind the mistakes of the past in the process. Both Prison of Elders and Trials of Osiris are welcome additions to the formula, and are the real reasons to invest in the DLC – even if the asking price remains a little too steep and the title's core problems persist.

Push Square

Robert Ramsey·May 18, 2015

Critic100/100

Agreement—

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt sets a new standard for open world RPGs. Its shockingly cohesive world is as beautiful as it is demanding, and it's packed full of mature content that throws you from one emotional response to the next. Its storytelling is superb, its combat is grippingly refined, and its often unforgiving nature only lends itself to a brilliantly rewarding experience. In an industry that's flooded with so many by-the-book open world titles, Wild Hunt stands out as a true labour of love from a developer that's uncompromisingly passionate about its creative freedom. Geralt's incredible adventure is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Push Square

Robert Ramsey·Apr 20, 2015

Critic60/100

Agreement—

Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China is an absolutely solid spin-off in almost every way. Traversal is fluid and fun, combat is enjoyably simple, and the level design is often lovingly crafted, but it never comes close to stepping out of its comfort zone and trying something remotely memorable. Even outside of Ubisoft's main series, the confining walls of Assassin's Creed remain recognisable and reliable, but they're in increasingly desperate need of a new lick of paint.

Push Square

Robert Ramsey·Mar 16, 2015

Critic70/100

Agreement—

Bladestorm: Nightmare's vast battlefields only become truly welcoming once you're embedded deep within its progression system, but those who are on the lookout for a bit of tactical action will definitely want to test their mettle as a mercenary all the same. While combat's never spectacular, and the game isn't quite as strategic as it perhaps promises to be at first glance, it's still easy to get lost in this historical hack-'em-up's rewarding gameplay loop.

Push Square

Robert Ramsey·Mar 15, 2015

Critic70/100

Agreement—

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is a mechanically solid action role-playing game, but now and again, it feels far more like a straight port than a grand remaster. However, questionable visual effects and some pretentious plot points aren't quite enough to hold back the efforts of Class Zero. Even though it can take a little while to truly click, this is a unique and refreshing entry in Square Enix's beloved franchise, and one that's a prime candidate for an even better sequel.

Push Square

Robert Ramsey·Mar 2, 2015

Critic80/100

Agreement—

With friends, Helldivers provides a brilliant and addictive co-op experience full of thrills, spills, and hilarious accidental deaths. Gameplay is quick, satisfying, and often chaotic, and the stratagem system gives the action a unique identity. The only question mark here is the one that hangs over the title's community, which must be sustained if the shooter is to realise its impressive potential.

Push Square

Robert Ramsey·Feb 23, 2015

Critic80/100

Agreement—

Sadly, if you've been holding out for a more traditional Dragon Ball fighter, Dragon Ball XenoVerse isn't it. It is, however, a well realised and refreshing take on Akira Toriyama's universe, which allows fans to appreciate the source material from a whole new angle. Accessible, bombastic combat, entirely customisable characters, and some fantastic online functionality give the game a unique identity, and arguably make it one of the most ambitious licensed titles that we've seen in years.

Push Square

Robert Ramsey·Feb 18, 2015

Critic70/100

Agreement—

If you're on the market for a flashy fighter that's perfect for some fast and fun local play, look no further than Dead or Alive 5: Last Round. Its accessibility makes it a brilliant alternative to the more technically demanding brawlers out there, and while much of what it does is unspectacular, it's a solid, satisfying title that's hard to put down when you really find your rhythm.

Push Square

Robert Ramsey·Jan 22, 2015

Critic80/100

Agreement—

Love it or hate it, Saints Row IV: Re-Elected's obsession with the ridiculous is what sets it apart from the rest of the market, and the PS4 re-release is the best way to experience the madness. Coupled with extra expansions (including Gat Out of Hell if you buy the bundle), there's plenty of value to the package, even if it doesn't take the opportunity to build upon the PS3 original. A blast from start to finish, the president's tale of vengeance is the stupidest fun that you can have on Sony's newest console, and we mean that in the best possible way.

Push Square

Robert Ramsey·Jan 21, 2015

Critic70/100

Agreement—

Gat Out of Hell provides a few more hours of fun for those who adored Saints Row IV, but it'll quickly outstay its welcome if you aren't down with the gang. It'll also prove to be a confusing and bogus journey for newcomers, so we recommend grabbing the full package on the PS4 if you're not even sure who Johnny Gat is. With entertaining powers and some great new weapons, the standalone expansion holds its own – but don't expect your otherworldly vacation to be anything more than a quick and familiar break.