Evolve; Grim Fandango Remastered; Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, gaming reviews
Evolve
****
PC, Xbox One, PS4 (£54.99)
A team-based shoot-em-up where every match feels like a boss fight, except one player can be the boss. Players take the role of four operatives: Assault, Trapper, Support or Medic as they fight across the alien planet Shear in an attempt to take down the enemy monster. Those playing the monster can feed on prey, resulting in the game's titular mechanic – evolving into superior forms. Meanwhile hunters can unlock abilities and further characters. Sadly only three playable monsters (Goliath, Kraken and Wraith) are available at launch, with more coming at a premium price…
Max Wallis
Grim Fandango Remastered
****
PC, PS4 & Vita (£11.99)
A heartfelt, but flawed remaster of one of the last great point-and-click adventure games, Grim Fandango sees main protagonist Manny Calavera, a reluctant, unsuccessful corporate stooge for the Department of Death (a skeletal grim reaper/travel agent for the afterlife) looking to pay off his debts and bank a ticket to the haven of the Ninth Underworld. This Latin-fused, Chandler-inspired noir tale suffers from viciously enigmatic design from a bygone era, but remains a timeless example of how to craft immediately engaging characters and effortlessly comedic dialogue.
Oliver Cragg
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
****
3DS (£39.99)
Unlike many RPGs, this throws you in at the deep end. Players join forces with a band of elite hunters as their caravan travels the world, and soon encounter all kinds of weird and wonderful beasts to be conquered using a variety of play styles and weaponry. Introducing more monsters, items and, crucially, online play, Capcom have done a great job making an adventure on an epic scale on the small screen of the 3DS.
Sam Gill
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies