Beyond The Loading Screen
Online resource for video game news, reviews, opinions and general ramblings.
Some may, or may not, for the most part, have noticed this blog took somewhat of a hiatus. In the midst of dealing with general daily life, I admit that gaming took somewhat of a back seat. Whilst I’ve kept up with the latest releases, I haven’t been as dedicated as I once was to experiencing those games first-hand or […]
For years, the video game industry has portrayed mental health in a negative light; inherently depicting a character with mental illness as “bad”. We only need to look to games like Outlast and Resident Evil for examples of villains where their motivations behind their actions are simply “because they’re crazy”. Hellblade: Sensua’s Sacrifice looks to rectify this. Within the opening […]
Last week I was invited down to Pinewood Studios for the media launch of Get Even, Bandai Namco’s upcoming first-person thriller due to be released on the 26th May, with my review initially scheduled to be published today. However, in light of the horrific attack that took place in Manchester on Monday evening, the publisher has decided to push back […]
“You can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family.” Never has an expression felt more appropriate than when playing through What Remains of Edith Finch which sees the titular character return to her family home seven years after leaving with her mother to uncover the secrets behind a curse that has haunted the family for generations. A curse […]
Developed by Brighton-based PaperSeven, Blackwood Crossing is a first-person, narrative-driven experience that explores the fractured relationship between two orphaned siblings. The game begins with older sister Scarlett waking up on a mysterious train and searching for her brother Finn. It begins innocently enough with a few simple rounds of ‘Simon Says’ but before long the player is thrown into what […]
It seems these days there are subscription boxes for everything. Whether you love cheese, wine or have a desire to receive a regular delivery of mystery meat, there is someone out there who is more than happy to send you a monthly box full of goods to feed your addiction. For those that have read this blog before, you’ll know […]
If I were to choose just one word to describe Coldwood’s 2016 2D platforming puzzler, Unravel, it would be “charming”. Everything about this game oozes charm; from the muted visuals, unique puzzles and of course, our knitted hero, Yarny. The game has a quiet confidence that knows exactly what it wants to be and tells the kind of story it […]
When I first reviewed Horizon Zero Dawn, I referenced the fact that Sony UK product manager, Jon Edwards, commented that he believed lead protagonist, Aloy, would become the “PlayStation icon of the future”. At the time, I remember thinking that these comments were made a little prematurely seeing as the game hadn’t even been released. However, after spending an unhealthy […]
Back in February Sony made the very bold statement that they anticipated Horizon Zero Dawn protagonist, Aloy, to become the “PlayStation icon of the future”. Was this a premature comment thrown out there weeks before the game was released? Or was it simply a Publisher so confident in its latest IP it couldn’t wait to express its role in the […]
I’m of the firm belief that Virtual Reality and horror are a match made in heaven. So when I finally acquired a PlayStation VR Headset, Here They Lie was among the first titles I wanted to play. Developed by Tangentlemen, Here They Lie, is a three-hour, first-person psychological horror game that places you in the shoes of its main character. […]
“It’s too short!” You hear the internet cry in uproar. Whilst it’s true that Arkham VR clocks in at just over one hour, those who criticise the game’s running time are overlooking one significant aspect: it’s one hour you get to be Batman. Putting on the cowl of the Caped Crusader is something many have long waited for and with […]
Following months of anticipation, pre-order chaos and the all too familiar feeling of disappointment to an “out of stock” notification, the PlayStation VR headset became increasingly more elusive. However, over one hundred days since its original release I now find myself with a lighter wallet and the proud owner of a PSVR Headset. 2016 was the year that VR launched […]
Games that are set under the deep blue always leave me with a certain anxiety. From the stress of ensuring your character doesn’t drown and always has access to an air supply to the uncertainty of what may lie beneath the surface of the waters. However, Abzû removes both of these pressures and instead delivers a serene and enthralling experience. […]
Video games have come a long way in recent years as the medium has transformed into one of the most elegant and compelling forms of storytelling. In the past, video games would prioritise action, platforming and puzzling to the extent that when I think of some of my favourite games from the 90s, I seldom remember the story line. However, […]
2016 was a great year for gamers. With the usual AAA blockbusters, indie sleeper hits and long awaited games finally getting their release, it was a year that had something for all gamers. It seems the industry will be continuing this trend throughout 2017 with an extensive list of titles hitting the market from PS4, Xbox One and PC. Whilst […]
“You see Julia.” We are told in Firewatch’s opening text followed by a touching prologue from 1975 that follows the relationship between her and your character, Henry, over the next 14 years. A relationship that is littered with both joy and sadness and does an excellent job telling the player about Henry’s life. Fast forward to Summer 1989 and Henry […]
For many, 2016 was a bit of a shit year. With controversial political outcomes, a plethora of celebrity deaths and people just generally sucking, a lot of people can’t wait to see the back of 2016. However, for gamers 2016 was a bit of a treasure trove. From AAA smash hits, indie darlings, anticipated sequels and a game that took […]
Telltale have played it smart with their Batman offering. Shifting the focus from the caped crusader to Bruce Wayne proved to be a gamble that paid off as it gives players a new look into what it’s like to be Batman. What’s more, with Rocksteady’s Arkham games concluding just last year, you could argue there isn’t much new ground to […]
Having been in development since 2007, the hype surrounding The Last Guardian has been ineffable and I can’t remember the last time a game was so heavily anticipated for such a long stretch of time. However, after a number of delays and holdups, the game has finally been released seven years since it made its debut at E3 in 2009. […]
Last weekend Naughty Dog bestowed gamers world over with an early Christmas miracle as the developer announced a sequel to their 2013 critical smash, The Last of Us. Titled The Last of Us Part II, the reveal came with a shiny new trailer that perfectly stunned and amazed fans and a panel discussion that revealed a few minor details. Amongst […]
Over the weekend, Sony held its annual Playstation Experience (PSX), a two-day bonanza showcasing some of the most anticipated games and throwing in some big reveals for good measure. This year’s event was held at Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California and with exhibitors like Activision, Capcom and Naughty Dog all on hand, this year did not disappoint in the […]
Over the weekend Hello Games, the team behind No Man’s Sky announced its first big update to the game; offering players new gaming modes, functionality and overall improvements to the experience. Amongst the update, Hello Games has included a feature that allows players to build bases on home planets. These essentially act as a place to store items and conduct […]
Every now and then I like to put down the PS4 controller and revel in some childhood nostalgia. Partly because I enjoy the feeling of being transported back to my youth and partly because I want a break from the constant barrage of upgrades, trophy hunting and system updates you get with modern titles. In my last Throwback Thursday post […]
Beyond The Loading Screen 