Games that could make great gifts REVIEWS CORNER
CALL OF THE SEA
XBOX, £16.47
(ALSO ON XBOX GAME PASS ULTIMATE) RATING: 9
A first-person adventure game led on puzzles is hardly original, but Call Of The Sea’s charm, carefully crafted storytelling, powerful voice cast and stunning visuals make for a fun ride. Set in the 1930s, you play Norah, who is trying to find out what happened to her husband after an expedition on a lush island. You’ll be sucked in by the gorgeous locations and secrets hidden along the way. Puzzles are central to progress, starting pretty simple before becoming a lot harder – although these can turn challenging, they are not pushed to the point of causing frustration, providing a solid balance overall. Skip to the end: Get your explorer and thinking hats on for this alluring puzzle adventure title, which nails the narrative on the head.
OUTCASTERS
STADIA, INCLUDED WITH STADIO PRO SUBSCRIPTION (£8.99 PER MONTH) RATING: 7
This online multiplayer game describes itself as ‘frantic’ – and that’s not wrong. Any battle royale game will undoubtedly draw comparisons to Fortnite, but Outcasters is far less timeconsuming and adds some unique attack mechanics, which mean you can control the direction your ammo goes once it’s fired. The aim is simple – fight it out to be the last person standing.
But with constantly moving walls, other players out to get you and an awkward aerial view to the game, it’s not the easiest of feats – though it is satisfying to fire and swerve ammo past walls to your target. As much as it’s not the game’s fault, the streamed gaming system of Stadia means you are at the peril of your internet connection and at risk of stuttering moments, which isn’t ideal for such a fast-paced live game.
Skip to the end: Unique attack mechanics are intriguing but make Outcasters a bit too much to take in.
EVOLUTION BOARD GAME NINTENDO SWITCH, £14.99 RATING: 7
Survival of the fittest has never been more apparent and strategic than in Evolution, the board game which has now been adapted for digital. All the same principles apply – evolve your species to fend off foraging rivals, predators and ultimately extinction by using your wits to outlive them all.
The aim is to collect food tokens which translate to points. Trait cards provide you with options to be more powerful, such as co-operation to share food with new groups you form, growing your population, or evolving to do things like growing a longer neck to reach food in the trees. Visuals work wonderfully well as you explore further, while using the touch screen feels as fluid as playing an actual board game. Skip to the end: Great adaption of the original board game, which benefits from online multiplayer for a real match.
Jamie Harris