STACK NZ Feb #81

Amy Flower with

PREVIEWS GAMES

GENRE: RTS PLATFORM: XBO RELEASE: 21/02/17 MULTIPLAYER: YES

HALO WARS 2

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.

If you liked this, you may also like... XCOM 2, Tropico 5

POOCHY & YOSHI'S WOOLLY WORLD

HITMAN: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

GENRE: PLATFORMER PLATFORM: 3DS RELEASE: 04/02/17 MULTIPLAYER: YES

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

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

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 ,

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!

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.

If you liked this, you may also like... Kirby: Planet Robobot, New Super Mario Bros. 2

If you liked this, you may also like... Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Dishonored 2

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