STACK #186 Apr 2020

GAMING PREVIEWS

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GAMES OUT THIS MONTH APRIL

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE

GENRE: ACTION RPG PLATFORM: PS4

RELEASE: 10/4/20 MULTIPLAYER: NO

Games come and go, with only the truly special ones becoming classics. The love for original PlayStation game Final Fantasy VII hasn’t waned in more than 20 years, and the excitement for this remake

borders on fanatical. That’s a lot of pressure, but the good people at Square Enix have taken it in their stride, while striving, of course, not to disappoint. The original took up three DVDs, and as it stands this reimagining doesn’t include all of that game, with more promised for later. This instalment takes us right up to our heroes’ escape from the city of Midgar. This reduced content – still managing to fill up two Blu-ray discs - shouldn’t be taken as disappointing though, for players will be able to sink their teeth into enough classic adventuring to satiate even the most fervent series fan. Final Fantasy VII Remake promises a deeper dive into both events in the world of Midgar and its iconic characters than we’ve ever experienced before, while a new hybrid battle system combines real-time action with strategic combat.

Did you know? The original PlayStation Final Fantasy VII was the best-selling RPG on the first-generation console, which is a good thing as it cost a staggering (especially in 1997) US$45 million to make.

G: SHOOTER P: PS4 M: YES R: 24/4/20 The evil big pharma company Umbrella Corporation has let loose their biological weapon the T-virus, and it’s up to you as Jill Valentine to get the heck out of Dodge – or, more specifically, Raccoon City – alive. Not such an easy ask when you’re facing brutal bioweapon Nemesis. This remake of the classic from the series brings incredible new graphics, as well as a whole extra experience in the shiny new 4-vs-1 co-operative multiplayer romp Resident Evil Resistance . RESIDENT EVIL 3 If you’re hankering for two-wheeled thrills then read on. This year’s model of the official Moto GP game not only brings better graphics, bolstered handling and other gameplay improvements, it also sees the return of the popular managerial career mode. Add this to being able to play everything from historical challenges to the official 2020 season and we’re really talking. So, create your team, get micromanaging, win, win, win and take home that ever-so-shiny silverware! MOTO GP 20 If you’ve ever watched Arnie at work in the first Predator movie and thought, “I’d like me a bit of that kind of action” then here’s your chance. Enter remote areas where you’ll be stalked by the Predator, in a straight-out case of hunt or be hunted. Luckily you and your Fireteam will be armed to the teeth for any confrontation, but that Predator’s a sneaky beast – especially if you’ve chosen to play as it instead, complete with an array of advanced alien tech at your disposal! PREDATOR: HUNTING GROUNDS It’s time to party like it’s 1995 with the return of Square’s much-loved classic action RPG. Naturally this sequel to Secret of Mana has been updated to support modern tech and sensibilities, as you set out to claim the legendary Mana sword to gain the power to save the world from those nasty Benevodons. Take on the fight in 3D environments, with an upgraded battle system, a gorgeous remastered soundtrack, extra conversations, character voices and a whole bunch more. TRIALS OF MANA G: SURVIVAL HORROR P: PS4 | XBOX ONE M: YES R: 3/4/20 G: RACING P: PS4 | XBOX ONE | SWITCH M: YES R: 23/4/20

G: PUZZLE P: PS4 | SWITCH M: YES R: 28/4/20 Move over MKR, MasterChef and all others of your ilk, for Cooking Mama’s back to bake you all under the kitchen bench! Not only is she making her debut on both the PS4 and Switch, Mama is treating us to more than 90 new recipes – and this time around she’s opened her ears to feedback and is catering for vegetarians. From favourite comfort foods to Japanese delicacies, use your gaming culinary skills to become the latest and greatest cooking star. COOKING MAMA: COOKSTAR Moving home is one of the most stressful things imaginable, yet the clever people who gave us Death Squared have somehow not only made it bearable, but also crazy-mad fun! Kind of like Overcooked without the food, pick your wild avatar – or customise your own - and get your removalist on in solo or co-op. From schlepping pianos to so, so many boxes, there are 50-plus increasingly challenging jobs waiting for you in the town of Packmore. MOVING OUT The steampunk “dramatic adventure” series that began life on SEGA’s Saturn back in 1996 returns with a sixth mainline incarnation, bringing us huge action – and huge steam-powered mechs! The first new entry in 15 years, this one serves as a series reboot, with a fresh cast of characters and a new, more action-oriented battle system. As fans will know, Sakura Wars goes beyond the action to also include elements of dating simulator and visual novel to proceedings. It’s an intoxicating mix. SAKURA WARS If you’re into extreme driving and flinging little hatchbacks about just doesn’t do it for you, then say hello to your new best friend! Plop your bottom in the seats of an incredible array of over 40 powerful real-world vehicles from makers such as Ford and Freightliner and push your way through some of the most challenging terrain that our planet can throw at you in dozens of missions. Deep water to navigate? Install a snorkel. Snowy? Chains are your pal – 10-4, good buddy! SNOWRUNNER G: ACTION P: PS4 M: NO R: 28/4/20 G: SIMULATION P: PS4 | XBOX ONE | SWITCH M: YES R: 28/4/20

G: ACTION RPG P: PS4 | SWITCH M: YES R: 24/4/20

G: SIMULATION P: PS4 | XBOX ONE M: YES R: 28/4/20

12 APRIL 2020

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