Video Game Reviews

In terms of pure graphical power, there isn’t a game in the App Store that can compete with the Infinity Blade series: a trilogy of swipe-filled action affairs that Apple has used as showcase pieces at the unveiling of numerous new iPhone iterations. In a nutshell, Infinity Blade III is more of the same: more of the sword-swinging encounters with huge enemies, more of the RPG-like weapon systems (complete with experience points for each weapon and accessory a player carries), and more intricate graphics at which to marvel. In that sense, Infinity Blade III is a smashing follow-up to its predecessor, introducing helpful new features like an overworld map, a playable female character and complex gem-and potion-crafting systems to turn a warrior into a powerful, elemental-wielding behemoth. Then again, it’s also just more of the same, it looks beautiful and plays as smooth as ever, but the expansive, innovative feeling II brought to the series is missing in III. Nothing really feels new, save for the presence of some new timers (complete with their own currency, of course) and an NPC that constantly “suggests” buying some IAP gold to help speed up the progression a bit. –Randy Dankievitch

Survival horror has been scarce lately, with the Resident Evil and Silent Hill series beginning to eschew their defining traits for more action-heavy gameplay. Even F.E.A.R. and Dead Space are packed with plenty of shooter DNA from the start. Fans have begged for a revival of their precious survival horror, and have been recently rewarded for their tenacity. A newer generation strips away the weapons and overpowering protagonists and encourages players to run and hide from their enemies instead. As Miles Upshur, Outlast hands the player a night-vision-equipped digital camcorder and opens the door to an insane asylum—the player quickly becomes trapped in a race to survive long enough to escape. The physicality and atmosphere of the game is unbeatable, showcased in places like the player’s heavy breathing when hiding from searching enemies, visible legs and arms when free-running away from enemies, and the constant, deep darkness broken up only by glowing enemy eyes. Outlast is a unique and thrilling experience, occasionally marred by some tedious encounters and confusing level design, but well worth playing through at least once. –Matt Brunk

After 15 years, I still can’t stop playing Pokémon. I’ve been playing it for over half my life, and with every new installment, I play for hours. As I rollerbladed through the Kalos countryside, I was amazed at how beautiful the world was. Lilac and yellow flowers lined the rivers that flowed through the region, and those rivers were especially gorgeous. Pokémon finally come to life in the battles with sharper graphics and constant movements—now evolving even in battle. Malva of the Elite Four is the most beautiful battle in the game—she commands fire Pokémon, so there are lots of pyrotechnics. The multiplayer features have been updated well. Use of the 3D is limited, however, which actually irked me a bit. There’s also a bug that’ll eat your saved game if you’re not careful. It’s still the most gorgeous Pokémon game to date, and the new features are fantastic, so I’ll be playing it for many more hours. –Ashley Lippert