Due to a hefty backlog of unplayed titles we only got round to trying Risen 2: Dark Waters earlier this week. We didn’t think much of it, to put it lightly. Allegedly the series has something of a cult following though, despite the fact that weren’t alone in disliking Risen 2 – the Metacritic for the PS3 version stands at just 47%.
The original Risen – which we did get round to reviewing back in the day – wasn’t all that bad. Although it was vastly inferior to the PC version visually – and the combat had more in common with morris dancing than sword fighting – we still found pleasure in exploring the rugged isle on which it was set.
This brings us onto Risen 3: Titan Lords, out on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC this week. Early reviews would suggest that it isn’t a case of ‘third time lucky’ for Deep Silver’s RPG series. The SixthAxis handed out a miserable 3/10, claiming that although there is a fair bit of content, “laughably broken” combat and numerous stability issues kill all potential.
God is a Geek didn’t think much either, giving it 5/10. They report that if you’re easy to please then you may get some enjoyment out of it, but ultimately felt that the developers should have improved the basic mechanics rather than cramming in ideas that don’t really work.
It will be interesting to see how well it performs in next week’s chart, considering fellow recent RPG Sacred 3 failed to make the top 40. Risen 2: Dark Waters entered at #14 back in 2012, but chances are it left a proverbial foul taste in gamers’ mouths.
That’s it for retail releases this week. And for a second week running it appears that there’s nothing due to arrive on XBLA or the Xbox One marketplace either. Update: Pinball FX2 has finally launched on Xbox One, complete with the ability to transfer tables.
On PSN however there’s the gloriously unrealistic Surgeon Simulator: Anniversary Edition, which launched this Wednesday on PlayStation 4. The major new addition for this console iteration is co-op play – a second player can drop in at any time to lend a hand – quite literally, in this case – with whatever medical emergency you’re currently facing. It’ll set you back £8.99 (or £7.19 if you’re a PS Plus subscriber).
Then there’s the colourful curio Hohokum. It’s less of a game; more of an interactive toy. The 2D world is yours to explore, filled with distractions and things to mess around with.
Somewhat predictably, reviews have been mixed. GameInformer loved the art direction but found it dull and empty regardless, describing it in their review as “one hell of a screensaverâ€. Cheat Code Central on the other hand found much to enjoy: “You get from Hohokum what you put into it. Players who investigate the nooks and crannies, seeing everything in each world, will be rewarded†they said.
Curious? It’s out now with cross-buy support across PS4, PS4 and PS Vita, priced at £9.99 (or £7.99 with PS Plus).
This leaves us with Gravity Crash Ultra on PS Vita. Just Add Water’s revamp of this psychedelic shooter – first released on PS3 back in 2009 – boasts of enhanced lighting, a clearer radar, easier controls and a remixed soundtrack. It’s out now for £5.79.
Hopefully it’s a little less challenging than the original – critics were put off by its insane difficultly.
Next week: Diablo III: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition (out Tuesday on PS3, PS4, Xbox One and Xbox 360), Tales of Xillia 2 (PS3), Plants Vs Zombies Garden Warfare (PS4, PS3) and The Golf Club (Xbox One, PC).