STACK #161 Mar 2018

GAMES REVIEWS

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STACK

Out now at JB Hi-Fi RECOMMENDS

SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS

GENRE: ACT/ADV PLATFORM: PS4 RELEASE: 07/02/18 MULTIPLAYER: NO

Not all who Wander are lost, and neither is the little hero in Shadow of the Colossus. Wander has made his way (very intentionally) to the forbidden lands in order to resurrect his friend. Taking the sound advice of the first disembodied voice he encounters in the lands, he sets out to kill the 16 (innocent) Colossi scattered around the open world in the hope of bringing his friend back to life. Small boy that you are, defeating these giants is no easy task. First you need to identify the weak spot, and then clamber all over the poor thing like a bored toddler until you can incessantly stab it enough to bring it down.

The first Shadow of the Colossus came out on the PS2 in 2005, and it's a testament to the quality of the game that its since been re-released twice on the next two consecutive console generations. SotC's grip mechanic and the PS4 remaster's unparalleled graphics come together to provide the ultimate version of the game. The remaster looks beautiful and stays true to the core presentation and gameplay of the original, so fans can benefit from today's technology while still coming face to face with the daunting gameplay they so fondly remember. Shadow of the Colossus on PS4 is a must-have if you've played the original, and especially if you've never gone anywhere near it. It's the climb of your life.

EA SPORTS UFC 3 GENRE: FIGHTING PLATFORM: PS4 | XBO RELEASE: 02/02/18 MULTIPLAYER: YES

Aussies love a bit of biffo, and this latest EA Sports take on MMA fighting brings it. EA have improved upon the solid base that was UFC 2 , with the most obvious thing initially being a presentational sprucing- up. Over 5,000 new animations have been added, making it a slick, almost TV-like affair. Commentators Jon Anik and Joe Rogan not only add to the authentic atmosphere, they actually say stuff that reflects what’s going on second-by-second. MMA is a more complex sport than might first appear – things aren’t as simple as kick and punch.

There are variations on those two from basic hits to upper cuts and beyond, then there are the subtleties of grapples and takedowns – and the controls to master. Oh, and don’t forget to watch your stamina, or you’ll be throwing kicks and punches that’d make Monty Burns blush Modes abound, of which the star attraction is the “Greatest of All Time” – or “G.O.A.T.” career, where you work your way from the minor leagues through to the big time. “Knockout Mode” is a blast, aiming for pure biff – and Snoop Dogg provides the commentary! Other modes include variations through to construct-your-own. With its top-notch presentation and rewards for perseverance, UFC 3 is the closest many will ever get to actually punching somebody in the octagon.

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MARCH 2018

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