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While PC users have no shortage of great real
time strategy games, those who’ve hitched their
wagons to consoles have been left wanting. As
such, 2009’s
Halo Wars
on Xbox 360 was a shining
beacon for fans of the genre – not just because it
existed, but because it was also really good! Total
War people Creative Assembly have been drafted
for this sequel that’s (obviously) set in Halo’s sci-fi
universe. It’s the year 2559, twenty-eight years
on from the events of the first
Halo Wars
and not
long after those of
Halo 5: Guardians
. As part of
the UNSC Spirit of Fire crew (should you wish
to be on the side of all that’s good, of course),
you awake from cryosleep to discover that as far
as the UNSC is concerned, your entire ship is
MIA, presumed dead. Much has changed; with
the Covenant defeated there’s a new enemy in
the Banished, led by big Brute Atriox. The main
campaign mode deals 13 missions, and co-op
gameplay is go. That’s not the only multiplayer
option though, as up to six players can battle
online. From the card-influenced sorties of
‘Blitz’ to ‘Deathmatch’, ‘Skirmish’ ‘Stronghold’
and ‘Domination’, there’s plenty to keep master
strategists coming back for more.
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XCOM 2, Tropico 5
HALO WARS 2
GENRE:
RTS
PLATFORM:
XBO
RELEASE:
21/02/17
MULTIPLAYER:
YES
21
PREVIEWS
GAMES
Amy Flower
with
In 2015, Mario’s favourite dinosaur made a welcome return
to starring roles after almost 20 years of avoiding home
consoles. Despite portable cameos, much conjecture flew
regarding his whereabouts during that time – and we
won’t add to it. What we will say though, is that this outing
for he-of-the-hyperextending-tongue sees that wild and
wonderfully woolly Wii U platformer shrunken to fit perfectly on the 3DS
– but with more content! Yes, that Poochy in the title – no relation to Itchy
& Scratchy’s ratings-courting hipster pal – is a super cute pup who stars in
bonus ‘Poochy Dash’ levels. Add new animations, extended Amiibo support
and optional hints, and this is one fabulous yarn!
POOCHY & YOSHI'S WOOLLY WORLD
People have long mused about the convergence of movies
and games. Not content with that, Agent 47 has followed
many a fine actor in realising that episodic exploits are
where it’s at now. This compilation of the six episodes of
the first “season” of last year’s
Hitman
rebirth is a great
way to binge play if you missed their first airing. Oh, and if
you did miss them, you may like to know that this sandbox
sneak-’em-up is set seven years after
Hitman: Absolution
,
and continues the exploits of everybody’s fave genetically-enhanced,
stealthy slaphead assassin. Close range, long range, sneaky or overt, you
decide how to make each seemingly unrelated hit stick.
HITMAN: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON
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Kirby: Planet Robobot, New Super Mario Bros. 2
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Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Dishonored 2
GENRE:
PLATFORMER
PLATFORM:
3DS
RELEASE:
04/02/17
MULTIPLAYER:
YES
GENRE:
ACT/ADV
PLATFORM:
PS4 | XBO
RELEASE:
OUT NOW
MULTIPLAYER:
NO