STACK #163 May 2018

GAMES REVIEWS

visit stack.com.au

STACK

Out now at JB Hi-Fi RECOMMENDS

GOD OF WAR

GENRE: ACT/ADV PLATFORM: PS4 RELEASE: OUT NOW MULTIPLAYER: NO

Kratos is back and slightly less mad at the world in God of War on PS4 – and it's one of the best games to hit this console generation. With a fresh new mythology, Norse, Kratos has been plunged headfirst into a whole new world of challenges. Firstly, he's now a father to young Atreus, and has the burden of not only being an outcast from the rest of the gods, but also of being a father and a role model – and a sassy one at that. God of War has been completely revamped, with a new over-the-shoulder camera setup, and a new combat system. Kratos has swapped his trusty twin blades for a shiny new Leviathan Axe (that behaves

similarly to Thor's hammer, Mjolnir), and its weight combined with his strength make for a deadly mix. Combat is indisputably fun in this new entry, and Atreus is a handy companion to have when it comes to stunning enemies. Not only that, God of War looks truly beautiful, with trees and animals creating the feel of a lived-in world and immersing you in Kratos's tempestuous lifestyle. God of War has received a fresh coat of paint and a performance boost for the new console generation, and is reason enough to own a PS4 if you don't already. It's also a nice excuse to upgrade to a Pro if you've been looking for justification. The hunt is afoot.

NINTENDO LABO GENRE: KIDS PLATFORM: SWITCH RELEASE: OUT NOW MULTIPLAYER: YES

Who would've thought that you could have so much fun in your own home with a bunch of cardboard? Not the first to build a box fort in their loungeroom, Nintendo have furthered the idea a little bit with the new Nintendo Labo. Featuring build- your-own cardboard accessories for the Nintendo Switch, the Labo is available in two kits – the Variety Kit and the Robot Kit. The Robot Kit is slightly more complicated (and more expensive); you build your own robot – helmet and all – to stomp around and destroy cities in. Really fun if you've ever pictured yourself as King Kong, or Mechagodzilla.

The Variety Kit, on the other hand, has a bit more, well, variety. It's got a number of different DIY kits, from the simple remote control car to the more complicated piano. The beauty of Labo is how easy everything is. Sure, it might take you a bit to put everything together, but there's a level of satisfaction in successfully making your own Nintendo Labo Toy-Cons that you won't find anywhere else. The best part? They're cardboard! Paint them, put stickers on them, cut them, fold them. But, like Gremlins, try not to get them wet.

064

MAY 2018

jbhifi.com.au