NBA 2K Playgrounds 2: PS4 Review

NBA 2K Playgrounds 2: PS4 Review

Released by 2K Games
Platform: PS4

Looking like a bobbleheads version of a basketball game, NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is a sports sim that's more about the broad fun, than the hard-as-nails sports approach.

Meshing arcade sensibilities with a 2v2 mentality works well for this candy-coloured game that's more about fun thanks to its association with the 2K Sports brand.

At the start, you get access to trading cards, which helps you unlock certain players, and teams to help you build a roster. Nicely packaged, and smartly deployed the cartoon edges give NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 a feeling of fun to begin with.

As for the gameplay itself, with some 300 players and ten new playgrounds from around the world, the throwback mentality of the game is complemented with some depth that puts it on a par with feeling like something new, other than just a blatant rip-off.

Games themselves are pacy, and require some degree of skill to ensure you get the most out of your roster. But equally, the game's open to those who've never balled before, and who know the names of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

Earning in-game currency means you can build a roster, and you don't have to engage in the horror of microtransactions to get by. You can if you want, but it's not a necessary factor to enjoying the game.

With a shooting metre to help with the hoop shots, you'll need to learn some basics, but they come quickly, and the games shoot by speedily thanks to their ease of playability.

Ultimately NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is a pick up and play, no experience necessary (but better if you want to play long term) title that's fun and disposable balling at its best.

XO18: a special two-hour episode of Inside Xbox

XO18: a special two-hour episode of Inside Xbox

Xbox will host a special two-hour episode of Inside Xbox as part of X018 – a global celebration of all things Xbox filled with news, interviews, deals and much more. 

You’ll get the chance to hear from Head of Xbox Phil Spencer, Head of Microsoft Studios Matt Booty and Minecraft Studio Head Helen Chiang among others. 

There will be news about Xbox Game Pass, Crackdown 3, Minecraft, Sea of Thieves, State of Decay 2, Forza Horizon 4 and plenty of surprises, so be sure to tune in.

Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle | Official Trailer

Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle | Official Trailer

NETFLIX releases trailer for the upcoming masterpiece Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle

Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto all feature in this new Netflix film

Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle launches globally on Netflix on December 7

Acclaimed actor and director Andy Serkis reinvents Rudyard Kipling’s beloved masterpiece, in which a boy torn between two worlds accepts his destiny and becomes a legend. Mowgli (Rohan Chand) has never truly belonged in either the wilds of the jungle or the civilized world of man. Now he must navigate the inherent dangers of each on a journey to discover where he truly belongs. Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto, Matthew Rhys and Naomie Harris lead an all-star cast along with newcomer Rohan Chand in this visually spectacular and emotionally moving adventure.

The film will be released globally on Netflix on December 7.

 

Soulcalibur VI: PS4 Review

Soulcalibur VI: PS4 Review

Released by Bandai Namco
Platform: PS4

The fight is back after a six year break away from major platforms.

And to all intents and purposes, there's little different from most other fighting games out there - except to say that Soulcalibur VI plays solidly and looks good.

With a roster of 20 characters, and a slot for over 100 customisable characters (some may argue it would have been better the other way round), Soulcalibur VI's sights are squarely on the smackdown more than anything else.

Rebooting the series and taking it back to an alternative 16th century, this brawler offers up a new mechanic in the Reversal Edge which allows you to halt the combat and choose another method of destruction for your opponent halfway through the fight.

Equally the characters can now use smooth animation and various weapons of choice to unleash hell on their combat game, meaning fluid fighting overcomes any feeling of fighting deja vu.

While the single player story is split into two different options - Libra of Souls and Soul Chronicle - each offers a different take on the singeplayer ideal. Libra has a very RPG-esque feeling, and suffers from an almost static-like way of telling the story, that's occasionally too dry. Chronicle is less wooden, and helps add to what Libra has had to offer.

Ultimately, Soulcalibur VI plays like a good brawler should - its 3D animations are both fluid and suitably OTT; it's probably better as a fighter with friends after a few drinks than a singleplayer, heads down campaign game, but until someone radically overhauls the fighting genre, this is pretty much up there.

NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 - Now Available on Nintendo Switch

NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 - Now Available on Nintendo Switch

Out Now on Nintendo Switch

To view the trailer click the image below

For the latest updates from NBA 2K Playgrounds 2, visit nba.2k.com/playgrounds, and follow the series onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Kingdom Hearts III - Big Hero 6 Voice Cast Announced

Kingdom Hearts III - Big Hero 6 Voice Cast Announced

Big Hero 6 powered into theatre’s on this day in 2014! To celebrate, we're announcing the heroic voice cast for

KINGDOMHEARTS III including Jamie Chung, Genesis Rodriguez, Ryan Potter, Khary Payton, Scott Adsit and more!

New Season of FIFA Mobile Powered by A Major Engine Upgrade Launches Today

New Season of FIFA Mobile Powered by A Major Engine Upgrade Launches Today

The new season of FIFA Mobile launches today for iOS and Android devices worldwide. You can check out the launch trailer here. 

This season’s update brings back top features and adds a number of significant improvements and new experiences, including: a substantial gameplay engine upgrade, visual overhaul and the introduction of one of our community’s most requested modes, Real Time Head to Head. Below is an overview of the changes you can expect in this new season:

• THE BEST GAMEPLAY YET: The most significant upgrade for the new season of FIFA Mobile is a complete gameplay engine overhaul that creates a realistic and responsive mobile football experience. Players move more fluidly on the pitch thanks to a dramatically overhauled animation system, and AI-controlled players operate much more intelligently and realistically on both sides of the ball.

• ALL NEW VISUALS: FIFA Mobile doesn’t just feel more realistic and authentic, it also looks the part. Player likenesses is better than ever, highlighted by a fresh set of star heads, authentic boots, and signature goal celebrations. Off the pitch, menus and player items have been completely redesigned—and they look stunning. 

• REAL TIME HEAD TO HEAD: Fans can now battle real time in our new Head to Head mode! We’ve amped up the competitive fun like never before with authentic 11 vs 11 matches that allow players to compete against one another from across the globe. Early on, in Amateur and Pro Divisions we may match you up against an AI Trainer to help you improve your skills on the pitch. Learn more about the specs for this mode here.

• NEW CHEMISTRY SYSTEM: Build your Ultimate Team in FIFA Mobile with the all-new Team Chemistry system, which will provide boosts to your Starting XI when you include players from the same real-world club, league, nationality, or live program.

This is only the tip of the iceberg. To learn more about all the ways we’ve improved the features and modes, visit the FIFA Mobile site here.