Push Square | Reviews

Metro: Last Light (PlayStation 3) Review

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Metro: Last Light really benefits from the fictional source material that serves as its inspiration. The game's world is so fantastically detailed and meticulously crafted that you really feel like you're a part of it – and the psychological horror elements put recent Resident Evil games to shame. The AI issues are inexcusable and the plot could certainly be improved, but this is still one stop that you really shouldn’t miss.

Persona 4 Arena (PlayStation 3) Review

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Sporting satisfyingly deep, yet accessible fighting mechanics and a diverse range of gameplay modes, it’s hard to fault Arc System Works' intense entry into the Persona franchise. Persona 4 Arena is a focused and polished brawler that will appeal to both fans of the series and fighting aficionados alike, and has proven to be well worth the wait for European gamers.

Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery: Episode One - A Bump in the Night (PlayStation Network - Vita) Review

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery: Episode One - A Bump in the Night sets the scene on an enjoyable world, and introduces some entertaining puzzles in the process. The stiff challenge is well balanced with lots of hints, though the difficulty does feel a little at odds with the child-friendly aesthetic. Nevertheless, the presentation is exquisite throughout, and we're already looking forward to the next instalment in this charming series.

Defiance (PlayStation 3) Review

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:45:00 GMT

Defiance never quite comes together as well as it should, but there's the nugget of a great idea here. While the action is merely serviceable at best, there's an appeal to the connected world that's undeniably entertaining. Unfortunately, your experience is likely to be handicapped by bugs, which get in the way of the title's ambition. Trion Worlds has said that it's committed to squashing these problems, but we'll have to wait to see if its efforts are successful. For now, though, we recommend exercising some caution.

Nun Attack (PlayStation Network - Vita) Review

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Nun Attack is a brilliant example of an accessible portable title, perfectly suited for quick stints of gameplay whenever you have the time. Although the excessive emphasis on grinding detracts from some of the fun, the game offers a deceptive amount of content for such a low asking price, with multiple RPG elements adding a welcome layer of depth.

Thomas Was Alone (PlayStation Network) Review

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Thomas Was Alone is an engrossing puzzle platformer that introduces some believable and appealing characters, but the experience is disappointingly short-lived and lacks challenge. You will finish the core campaign wanting more, so it's nice that there's an additional DLC expansion available – but it's a shame that the add-on isn't included as part of the primary package.

Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut (PlayStation 3) Review

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:45:00 GMT

Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut isn't the most technically accomplished game by a long shot, but its devout dedication to its bizarre, twisting plotline, weird and wonderful cast of characters, and ridiculous dialogue makes it worthwhile for gamers that are even remotely interested in narrative in the medium. It's an acquired taste, and while there are fantastic moments we'd hesitate to call it an altogether great game, but if you like a story, it could be worth taking a good, hard look into the coffee – you might just like what you see.

Farming Simulator (PlayStation Network - Vita) Review

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:15:00 GMT

The slow pace, steep learning curve, and rotten visuals will turn most players off Farming Simulator, but those that persevere will harvest some enjoyment out of the agricultural adventure. If you’re looking for something a little slower that you can wind down with in the evening, then this is not a bad option. Everyone else, though, should be encouraged to point their tractor elsewhere.

The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct (PlayStation 3) Review

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:30:00 GMT

The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct is an appalling, unpolished mess. Gameplay is dull and buggy, there’s very little attempt at a plot, the characters are unlikeable, and bar a couple of interesting mechanics, everything feels rushed and dated. The likenesses and voices are accurate, with Norman Reedus and Michael Rooker reprising their roles as Daryl and Merle respectively, but that isn’t enough to rescue this abomination from the shallow grave of wretchedness that it has dug for itself.

Zombie Tycoon 2: Brainhov's Revenge (PlayStation Network) Review

Sun, 05 May 2013 22:30:00 GMT

There are certainly enjoyable moments to be found in Zombie Tycoon 2: Brainhov’s Revenge, but they’re buried beneath repetitive gameplay and unnecessarily frustrating mechanics. The multiplayer chaos is just enough to keep you coming back, but things are never quite as well crafted as the charming art direction would lead you to believe.

Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen (PlayStation 3) Review

Wed, 01 May 2013 12:30:00 GMT

Dragon’s Dogma isn't for everyone. It’s a time consuming and often brutal title, and its original flaws still remain – but the inclusion of Dark Arisen is just enough to push Capcom’s grand RPG up there with the best that the genre has to offer. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more rewarding, dynamic, and atmospheric adventure on the PS3.

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon (PlayStation Network) Review

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is unashamedly stupid, and it's all the better for it. The standalone download takes the core ideas from Ubisoft's relatively recent tropical thriller, and reassembles them in the form of a nostalgic love-in that's packed with sly references and silly jokes. Its campaign may be short, but the title never overstays its welcome as a result. If you're looking for a laugh, then search no further.

Soul Sacrifice (PlayStation Vita) Review

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 07:00:00 GMT

Soul Sacrifice offers a consuming fantasy adventure set in a desperately dark world. It may succumb to repetition in places, but its underlying moral mechanic brings a warped twist to a genre that’s becoming increasingly crowded in the wake of Monster Hunter’s success. The presentation isn’t always as polished as you’d expect from a first-party release, but the perverse art direction makes up for it. If you’re in the market for something a little different, there are worse experiences on the Vita for you to surrender your time to.

Injustice: Gods Among Us (PlayStation 3) Review

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 11:45:00 GMT

Injustice: Gods Among Us takes the best elements of 2011's excellent Mortal Kombat reboot and fuses them with a faithful superhero setting, resulting in a solid fighting game with a likeable cast. The online multiplayer may not always be consistent, but this is still a heroic effort that's more than fit for the Gods.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory (PlayStation 3) Review

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:00:00 GMT

While this may only be a very average JRPG at best, despite all of its flaws and framerate issues, Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory is absurdly lovable. Redeemed by its cute, static 2D anime sequences, colourful locations, tongue-in-cheek industry references, and rewarding tactical combat, there is a sizeable amount of enjoyable gameplay that can be salvaged from the otherwise disappointing story concept. That is, if you have a spare thumb that you can permanently attach to the square button in order to skip past all of the mundane cut-scenes about slippers, naps, and group bathing. Yes, group bathing.

Dead Island: Riptide (PlayStation 3) Review

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

If you liked the original, then you'll probably enjoy Dead Island: Riptide – but this feels more like a big expansion pack than a standalone sequel. Newcomers will be frustrated by the buggy gameplay, while long term fans will be baffled by the unfixed glitches. The game is at its best in co-op, but, despite some decent presentation, it's still not really worth the admission fee.

Dragon Fantasy: Book I (PlayStation Network) Review

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:00:00 GMT

If you've been searching for an excuse to take a trip down memory lane, look no further than Dragon Fantasy: Book I. Muteki Corporation's retro JRPG love-in offers a lengthy adventure that's a perfect fit for the Vita. Its humour, fast-paced gameplay, and endearing style make it especially difficult to put down – particularly if you can look past the tedious emphasis on grinding.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 (PlayStation 3) Review

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:30:00 GMT

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 offers a comprehensive golfing experience for enthusiast swingers that don't fancy braving the unpredictable weather. However, while there are a number of refinements included as part of the package, it's difficult to justify the asking price if you already own last year's entry. There's no doubt that this is the best instalment in the franchise yet, but the ongoing debate regarding the necessity of annual updates rolls on.

Guacamelee! (PlayStation Network) Review

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:30:00 GMT

Guacamelee! is a fiery adventure for fans of platformers with a bit of a kick. While the level design can be a bit finicky, it's the combat that's the real star of the show, making us wish that there was a little more of it. Still, the title may not be flawless, but it's entirely deserving of its place upon the great gaming menu, alongside the classics that so clearly inspired it.

BioShock Infinite (PlayStation 3) Review

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:30:00 GMT

BioShock Infinite is a sublime shooter set in a magical world. While the campaign’s final third never quite lives up to its breathtaking opening, there’s more than enough intrigue imprisoned within Columbia’s curious suspended districts to keep you compelled from the beginning right through to the very end. Irrational Games has once again proven that it’s a very special developer, and if there’s any silver lining to the adventure’s complex conclusion, it’s that the studio is certain to take us somewhere equally endearing when it returns in a few years’ time.