Bound
PS4 (PSN), Sony, cert: 7
★★★★★
PlayStation Network once again proves itself to be the go-to place for arthouse gaming. Bound is the latest ambitious title from Sony’s Santa Monica Studio, which brought us Flower, Journey and The Unfinished Swan. It shares a similar philosophy with those experiences, characterised by abstract worlds and pioneering storytelling.
Bound opens unlike any other video game, with a pregnant woman walking along a beach ruminating on her youth via her childhood drawing book. Her memories unfold in a beautifully fragmented way, with each page presenting a new abstract world. Mechanically, it requires the negotiation of an imaginative yet relatively stress-free 3D platform puzzle game that plays with space and gravity. There isn’t any combat, but hazards must be avoided through beautifully choreographed, balletic dance moves, and though the game is short-lived, speed running is encouraged for replayability. Striking, unique and highly recommended for anyone looking for new experiences in gaming. RH
The King of Fighters XIV
PS4, Deep Silver, cert: 12
★★★★★
SNK’s celebrated three-on-three fighting game suffered from a shaky debut, with numerous critics lambasting the “last-gen” graphics seen in early trailers. It’s fair to say that this first 3D entry in the mainline series (Maximum Impact should be ignored) is hardly cutting edge, but the engine has undergone significant work and has blossomed into a respectable-looking title.
Traditional modes are all present and correct, with story, missions, galleries and a robust online feature set, and considering that KoF XIV doesn’t use any of the previous games’ assets, its roster of 50 characters (15 of which are brand new designs) is a welcome surprise. It may be powered by polygons but this feels like the same frenetic, responsive, technical fighting game that players expect from the series. The new single button rush combos exist for beginners, but the usual depth awaits those willing to explore its layered mechanics. Here’s hoping this new 3D start will carry the series forward another 22 years. RH
Worms WMD
PC, PS4, Xbox One, Team17, cert: 12
★★★
That the turn-based strategy gaming of Worms, now a venerable 21 years old, continues to entertain is testament to the strength of its core gameplay and the sheer joy at its heart.
In this latest 2D iteration, developer Team17 has added elements that give extra depth to its successful central premise, which remains the same. Control teams of worms in a wholly ludicrous battle to the death, using holy hand grenades, exploding sheep and all manner of comedy weapons. As always, single player mode is perfectly serviceable, but it’s the multiplayer that shines, both online and off.
The new elements include helicopters, tanks and sniper rifles, which are powerful but easy to hit and destroy, while worms can also now hide in buildings and there’s a crafting system so players can create weapons. It is, as ever, entertaining (and distinctly British) but understandably the studio has stuck to its formula, and even with the additions, WMD feels, looks and plays like most Worms games. Good, but hardly revolutionary. CD
