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
Baldur’s Gate 3 leads the BAFTA Games Awards 2024 nominees
by Ian Collen
Larian Studios excellent RPG is in the running for 10 categories, including Best Game, with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Alan Wake 2, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor also in for a potentially busy night.
This long-awaited sequel to the 2020 remake of the original classic RPG adds a fresh twist, both in terms of its storyline and gameplay, but can it live up to the weight of expectation?
New analysis and previous history point to a late Q3 or Q4 launch window, but just what we can expect from an upgraded PlayStation 5? And what could Microsoft and Nintendo have in response?
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.
With a beautiful backdrop and the core ingredients for a rich open-world experience, this all-new Na’vi adventure leans more towards a quick cash-grab over delivering upon its potential.
4
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…
The latest evolution of PlayStation cinematic adventure finds the perfect balance between freedom and focus for a sublime showcase of just how good open-world games can be.
There are still a few big names to come, but what has been the best new game you’ve played this year? Early nominees include Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, and the latest Zelda, but maybe something else has kept you gaming into the night?
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?
More classic skull-crushing gameplay fused with beautiful graphics and a restart of the lore, plus a new Invasion mode and a Kameo system to intrigue long-term players and maybe teach this old dog a few new tricks?
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: If you’re looking for the best experience from your PlayStation 5, you’ll find our list of the best gaming TVs that support everything Sony’s latest console has to offer the perfect place to start…
This long-awaited Baldur’s Gate sequel might just be the ultimate Dungeons & Dragons simulator. It’s a mammoth of human artistry and a glorious swansong to tabletop fantasy adventuring.
10
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.
A sequel to the popular 2019 original, you can expect bigger and better things in its fine-tuned, if gloomy, shooter-looter set-up, that's fun on your own but probably better with friends.
New PlayStation 5 beta adds Dolby Atmos gaming support
by Ian Collen
Sony’s latest system software update adds extra height to its 3D audio set-up across its gaming catalogue, along with second controller support and a larger SSD solution.
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.
Is there a need for Sony’s Project Q remote streaming device?
by Ian Collen
Announced at the recent PlayStation Showcase event, the handheld device for your PS5 seems to have raised some divided opinions and, as yet, unanswered questions.
Sony PlayStation Showcase reveals Project Q handheld device
by Ian Collen
It was an otherwise game-heavy event, with Spider-Man 2 as the headline act among no fewer than 33 titles on show, including the likes of Alan Wake 2 and a new Bungie IP, plus some official PS earbuds.
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.
Sony serves up its second virtual reality headset, though this time it's for PS5 owners only. It costs more than the console itself but is packed with high end features for a premium out-of-body experience. Is the PSVR2 the shot in the arm the VR industry needs?
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?
Sony showcases PS VR2 and Project Leonardo PS5 controller at CES 2023
by Andy Bassett
Sony confirms the PS VR2 launch date and there are some exciting games being lined up for the system, plus Project Leonardo aims for better gaming inclusivity.