This annual update offers up some welcome refinements over 2K23, but with a few pre-existing flaws still pinning it against the ropes can the franchise once again be named king of the ring?
7
Gaming
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Xbox Series X) Review
by Mohammad Hamid
The ever-popular Yakuza franchise continues to shine, and this stylish and suitably OTT sequel might just be its best adventure yet.
There are other threads for some of the best and worst titles of the year, but how about your own personal gaming highlights? Or perhaps the big names/tech that you felt didn’t deliver? Share your thoughts on what’s hot and what’s not right here.
Gaming
BAFTA announces a ‘Best Games of 2023’ longlist of award contenders
by Ian Collen
In a first for the Academy, it has revealed the 60 titles that have made the cut for its next round of voting ahead of the 2024 BAFTA Games Awards. So, if you’re looking for something good to play over Christmas…
A return to form for the classic footballing franchise before it makes a fresh start in FM25? Hang on, it looks like we’re going to the videogame assistant referee…
As an action-RPG set in a puppet apocalypse, can this novel Pinocchio-inspired twist on the Souls-like genre carve off something unique, or is it just another gothic horror fairy tale that's lying to itself?
After taking a relaxing break with the likes of Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring, FromSoftware returns to its roots with this long-awaited sequel that might just go ahead and mech your day.
UPDATED 25-AUG-2023: While the majority of gamer-friendly TVs will suit all consoles, there are a few key features that new-generation Xbox gamers might want to be on the lookout for. See our recommended gaming TVs for Xbox Series X owners here.
Gaming
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (PC) Review
by Seth Grimes
Play as the killers or the victims as you’re transported to a virtual tour of the 1974 film set, but can the PvP gameplay match the movie for tension and pure, bloody horror?
How many hours have you put into your most-played game?
by Ian Collen
How much of a time suck has your most played game been? Check out this thread to feel better about yourself by finding out how much more time than you others have spent down the gaming rabbit hole.
UPDATED 18-AUG-2023: Looking for a TV that will satisfy your next-generation console needs as well as your movie and streaming requirements? We take you through the best options out there to maximise your gaming experience across a range of scenarios.
In an age of highly-rated factory automation games, Techtonica clocks in as one of the better releases, despite it being in Early Access (or Game Preview for Xbox gamers), with a soothing setting and oddly addictive gameplay.
Boasting features such as VRR, ALLM, and QMS, it can be hard for newcomers to understand the potential benefits for gamers, so we break down the benefits of the best connection.
With AVF member Caljo one of many on the forums who have more games than they can possibly play, there’s an open invite to share your own gaming habits and whether you’re likely (or not) to see things through to the end credits.
Gaming
Exoprimal (Xbox Series X) Review
by Ian Collen
There’s plenty of bite-sized fun to be found in this mechs-versus-dinos showdown but, without fresh content, its lack of variety could prove a ‘saur point.
6
Gaming
Starfield takes centre stage at Xbox Games Showcase 2023
by Ian Collen
There were 27 games on show, all coming to PC as well as Xbox Series X/S (and a few others), with a new Fable adventure and the open-world Star Wars Outlaws revealed, plus a 1TB Xbox Series S and plenty more intriguing announcements.
Vampire Survivors wins Best Game at the 2023 BAFTA Games Awards
by Ian Collen
The surprise winner edged out the likes of God of War Ragnarök, which otherwise topped the winner’s list with six awards, including the public's vote for Game of the Year.
Gaming
God of War: Ragnarök dominates 2023 BAFTA Games Awards nominations
by Ian Collen
Sony’s epic action-adventure picks up 14 nods, the most in the awards’ history, with Stray, Elden Ring, and Horizon Forbidden West among the other leading contenders.
Gaming
Microsoft and Bethesda reveal Minecraft Legends release date plus more
by Ian Collen
Offering more in terms of updates than overly exciting reveals, the first Microsoft and Bethesda Developer_Direct showcase event delivered new info and features for Minecraft Legends, Forza Motorsport, Elder Scrolls Online, and Redfall – plus one welcome surprise…
What videogames provide an enduring replayability?
by Ian Collen
As prices rise, so value-for-money in gaming can become more important. So, with showmaker666 restarting the Mass Effect trilogy once again, what other games might you find yourself constantly going back to?
As the year draws to a close, what do gamers think of 2022? Does it rank as a classic? We've had the last FIFA from EA, God of War: Ragnarok and Elden Ring plus Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Or has something darker such as Martha is Dead or As Dusk Falls taken your fancy? Let others know in the thread what your favourite game of 2022 was.
It may only be another incremental evolution, but with FM23 currently on PC and Xbox Game Pass, could this be a good time to dust off your tracksuit and get back into the beautiful game?
Shoemaker666 may have opened a proverbial can of worms here… but if you think GTA or COD are overrated, or just want to vent your views on infuriatingly popular gameplay tropes, dislikeable heroes, under-appreciated gems, or any other videogame issues that you seem to be in the minority on, here’s the place to do it!
The much-anticipated reboot for the popular franchise offers up a new location and cast, but has plenty of fun-filled chaos to relive the very best of its old glory days.
Sure, it’s only a little bit more than Two Point Hospital in a different outfit, but there’s still a fun and satisfyingly challenging sim that’s worth more than just a quick study.
8
Gaming
As Dusk Falls (Xbox Series X) Review
by Ian Collen
It’s not much of a ‘game’, but this robbery-gone-wrong crime drama serves up an immersive interactive adventure with an excellent branching narrative.
Codemasters' classic racing series returns with more great on-track action, with the EA Sports influence beginning to shine through, and mostly for the better. Mostly...
For gamers who remember the pre-t'interweb days, the thrill of opening up a just purchased magazine to catch up on the latest tech developments and brand-new game reviews (only a few months old!) was something to look forward to. What were some of your favourite gaming rags - and have you still got them?
Live out your very own horror story, with this well-polished and immersive survival experience where your choices, rather than your combat skills, will decide who lives and who dies.
The Borderlands spin-off featuring the series’ greatest creation isn’t quite perfect, but it is a gloriously silly blast of shooter-looter action powered by a stellar voice cast.
Believe the hype. Elden Ring is arguably FromSoftware’s best adventure yet and one that Dark Souls veterans and newcomers alike can get effortlessly lost in.