Alternative picks
We mine the library for gold. This month: Kickstarted games
PILLARS OF ETERNITY: CE
Ian Dean packs up and moves into Obsidian’s celebratory role-player Hidden behind the ’90s visuals and somewhat awkward item management is an astute RPG with the kind of writing that slowly overwhelms you with its complex lore and sharp characterisation. Before I realise, Eora has become my second home. I’m moving in and warming my feet by the fire in anticipation for its epic 100-hour campaign. One of PS4’s hidden gems.
AMPLITUDE
Harmonix’s eclectic rhythm-action odyssey proves Kickstarter’s worth for Ben Tyrer This crowdfunded revival of a PS2 classic still manages to be a great advert for unleashing the creativity of studios. Without the constraint of a publisher, Harmonix delivered a story mode that manages to weave original songs through a bananas story of awakening a coma patient through the ‘Amplitude OS’. A worthy successor that doesn’t trade on nostalgia.
YOOKA-LAYLEE
Classic platforming plus colourful cartoon looks grab Milford Coppock’s attention Kickstarted with over £2,000,000 you’d expect Yooka-Laylee to look good. And it does: the colours are positively juicy, while the characters confidently sparkle. As for the complaints that it’s just like an old-school game, with few modern touches – you get what you pay for, and that’s exactly what people wanted. It’s about time we saw more classic-style platformers on PS4.
AMPLITUDE IS A GREAT ADVERT FOR UNLEASHING THE CREATIVITY OF STUDIOS.