FIRST PERSON WOOER
This month’s new video games include an adventure in Jane Austen’s England, a jazzed-up revival of Road Rash and the first new instalment in the Assassin’s Creed series in two years
EVER, JANE
This beta-release positions you as a character in the etiquette-obsessed world of Jane Austen. You can choose your gender and personality—preferring duty like Mr Bingley, kindness like Jane or status like Mr Darcy. Remember to keep an ear open for gossip and to invite people to parties to bolster your status, and you will do well. Unfortunately, the game’s shoddy execution fails to live up to its creative premise. Movement is cumbersome and a considerable amount of time is lost in figuring out the simplest of functions. Conversations are error-ridden and the time it takes to navigate the landscape leaves you too exhausted for any socialising, virtual or otherwise.
ROAD REDEMPTION
Fans of the original will be thrilled with this new release, which has all the gun- and sledgehammer-toting insanity of Road Rash. The graphics are fantastic and lovers of video game violence will appreciate the decapitation bonuses—extra points for removing the helmets and heads of fellow bikers. Players can choose between various tracks and different campaigns, buying health, adrenaline and nitrous injectors (among others) along the way. You can move up to campaign plus after you have played all campaign. The game is worth adding to your collection only if you are a fan of the original.
ASSASSIN’S CREED ORIGINS
Possibly the most-awaited game of the year, Assassin’s Creed: Origins releases October 27. The early signs are good: the graphics depicting Cleopatra’s Egypt are as stunning as in earlier titles. Origins traces yet another layer in the history of the secret brotherhood. As in earlier releases, players must climb, fight and kill to complete missions, upgrading both abilities and weapons in the process. But the coolest ability, by far, is the ability to warp time. Gamers new to the Assassin’s franchise won’t be disappointed, either. The game features good scripting, a range of moves, great dialogue and fabulous artwork.