STACK #124 Feb 2016

GAMES

ED’S DESK

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Editor’s Letter

S o, what are you most looking forward to playing this year? The Witcher 3 ? Uncharted 4 ? Halo 5 ? Star Wars: Battlefront ? The beginning of a new year is always an exciting time for gamers. Rumours, speculation and tête-à-tête provide material for column inches, but looking ahead at what is already locked in for this year, it’s already evident that 2015 is going to be far more productive for gamers than 2014 was. And it’s starting already. After suffering a delay late last year, Evolve is finally upon us. What we’ve played so far – including the January Beta – we’ve thoroughly enjoyed. Turtle Rock Studios were well into production when THQ folded at the end of 2012, but the studio retained belief in their game. Subsequently, 2K Games bought into this belief too, purchasing the IP. It’s the kind of story we love reading about, and this month you can read our interview with Evolve producer Mike Boccieri. The first cab off the rank for Sony’s first-party titles of 2015 is The Order: 1886, being released on Feb 20 . With Sony’s head out in front of the console race, and having now shifted nearly 19 million units globally (in just over a year, the PS4 has sold a third of the consoles that the PS3 has to date), there’s a significant fanbase now looking for something to play on it. Keep them coming, Sony. Also in Feb, Nintendo go back to the darkest entry in the Zelda series. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask has been remastered for 3DS, and I doubt there would be many core gamers out there that wouldn’t have this one on their wishlist. We can’t wait to play it. Throw in Dragonball Xenoverse and the latest military strategy title from The Creative Assembly, Total War: Attila, and February is looking like a lot of fun indeed.

Historically speaking, Toad has been more likely to cause the average gamer to reach for a

noose rather than a controller. Whether he’s lamenting to you (yet again) that ‘the princess is in another castle’ or he’s the only character left to choose in Mario Kart (because no one wants to play as fungus), he’s had almost no redeeming qualities. Until now. What could have been another title where ‘Mario does the thing’, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker has transformed Toad from the blandest part of the salad to the star ingredient in cream sauce. The game doesn’t stray too far from Nintendo’s usual recipe, aiming to delight and entertain as opposed to providing an intensive challenge, and it does so with the experienced finesse that only Nintendo can provide. However, don’t think you’re going to 100% the game on the first playthrough – exploration is a huge part of the game. Just like the TARDIS, the outward appearance of the levels’ size belies the masterful use of space and perspective. To find everything, you’re going to need to jump and climb and spin to make sure no stone is left unturned, because stones hide the sweet, sweet treasure Toad craves. The genius of the level design becomes even more apparent during boss battles; your struggle relying less on your reflexes and more on your ability to use the terrain to your advantage. That said, prepare to fall more times than a fainting goat at a rave. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is as delightful as it is adorable, puzzling as it is stylish, and far, far more fun than being told you have to go through another goddamn castle.

DID YOU KNOW?

Left 4 Dead was originally set to be called Terror Strike. Goldeneye 007 was originally conceived to be an on-rail shooter. The team working on level creation for Metal Gear Solid used LEGO to help with designs.

BEST-SELLERS at

DATE:

23/01/15

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far cry 4 (Xo/360/ps4/ps3/PC) GTA V (Xo/360/ps4/ps3) FIFA 15 (Xo/360/ps4/ps3)

saints row iv: re-elected (ps4/xo/PC) DRAgon Age: inquisition (Xo/360/ps4/ps3) call of duty: advanced warfare (Xo/360/ps4/ps3/PC) NBA 2K15 (Xo/360/ps4/ps3/PC) THE crew (ps4/xo/pc) POKEMON OMEGA RUBY (3ds) assassin’s creed unity (ps4/xo/pc)

Far Cry 4

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WHAT WE’RE PLAYING

STACK’s MOST WANTED

Evolve - The Beta We’re glad it’s out this month. PES 2015 Earning the goals. Earning the goals.

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TheWitcher 3:Wild Hunt StarWars: Battlefront Halo 5: Guardians

“Wow, this is just like Counter-Strike !”

Louis in Left 4 Dead.

FEBRUARY 2015 JB Hi-Fi www.jbhifi.com.au

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