Visage | PS4 Review

SadSquare Studio's psychological horror, Visage, starts off with a bang. A literal bang. Through a first-person perspective we witness what appears to be a murder-suicide. Details on the situation are not immediately given, but it can be assumed that the gunman is the protagonist of this sordid affair. Upon putting the final bullet into his own head the protagonist's world fades to black. Abruptly transitioning into what can best be described as a hellish nightmare scenario. Trapped within his ever-morphing home he tries to make sense of the madness that now surrounds him. From ghastly specters to paranormal activity brought on by prolonged exposure to darkness the protagonist slowly comes to terms with the reasoning for his state of being. Popping pills, lighting lights, and finding keys to open up the house further for exploration as he tries to come to grips with his reality, or lack thereof. 

In Celebration Of Violence | PS4 Review

Julian Edison's inspired indie "In Celebration of Violence" is a fantasy rougelike with a heavy focus on violence, and the effects of said violence. The game opens up with a segue into a story detailing a peasant's encounter with violence, and the townsfolk's reaction to his personal tale of woe. Some stood idly by as people tend to do, and did nothing while others sought to be the man's hero. Ultimately all failed, and it is in this story of failure that we find out none of these individuals are actually the protagonist. That violence itself is the main behind-the-scenes string puller. The personified influence of violence which is forever capitalizing on acts of malicious murder, and inflicted terror through those gripped by it's dark intent. Through individuals of different classes that the personification of violence controls, violence itself is perpetuated. In an endless cycle that rinses, and repeats with each life and death. It is as one of a handful of class based individuals that you yourself will become a part of the enigmatically personified violence's game. Spilling blood to level up, and improving base stats while dying, and reliving your blood soaked fantasy adventure until it is finally complete. 

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War | Multiplayer Review

Those who have followed the Call of Duty franchise over the years won't be completely surprised by the features included in the Cold War multiplayer. I say that because it carries with it very familiar content. Content that includes a weapon setup system that is a conjoined feature which harbors more of the same. You get a mixture of past, and recent weapon loadout options including the return of a primary, secondary, tactical, lethal, field upgrade, wild cards, and even perks. On top of all that you get access to the accessories, and stickers. It's definitely a Frankensteinian effort on Treyarch's behalf that is less innovative. 

When it comes to weapon types the offerings are more limited than previous games' stocks, and once again carries with it fan favorites in the form of assault rifles, SMGs, tactical rifles, snipers, and LMGs. Secondaries also return to a familiar formula by including pistols, melee, rocket launchers, shotguns, and a grenade launcher. While the assortment is somewhat lacking within each sub-section of weapon there is plenty to level up, and tinker with though. The guns in particular bring back MW's five attachment add-on system that increases gun performance, and handling. Adding bonus stats to things like horizontal and vertical recoil, sprint to aim quickness, and the other perks that come with MW's take on things. You can even change aiming dots, and add skins that are unlocked from all modes. All of which is also lacking in quantity, and quality.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War | Final Campaign Thoughts

The campaign in Cold War seems to be it's shining achievement. While it does harbor a standard or somewhat cliche espionage plot with a Call of Duty twist it is done in such a way as to never be dull. The missions each have varied action packed takes on objectives, and gives the player an opportunity to escape the routine run & gun or camping habits brought on by the game's multiplayer scene. It comes with several different difficulties. Each difficulty ramping up the AI's performance. Making them increasingly more hostile, and sensitive to your approach. Along the way you will also be collecting evidence which in turn will open up three different ending possibilities. This involves two particular side missions with accompanying puzzles dependent upon certain pieces of evidence. Also certain choices within the playthrough will hold weight on the ending you get as they too play into getting the evidence required for the bonus missions. The endings themselves vary from good to bad, and finally to really bad. No spoilers here though. I strongly suggest you playing through it yourself, so that you can get the most out of what you paid for.