Edge issue 369

It’s Time To Go · Feb 24, 2022

Cover is Ghostwire Tokyo

Horizon Forbidden West - 7/10

Rather, its in the great outdoors where Forbidden West comes to life. When the story's leash is off and we're free to luxuriate in its world and the wider casts personal tales, its not hard to understand why the first game was so popular. This is, then, more of the same in every sense and your feelings towards the first will determine whether you see that as a recommendation.

Dying Light 2: Stay Human - 7/10

It wouldn't be accurate to say that Techland has delivered on its initial vision for Dying Light 2 - nor to say its flunked the exacting test set for itself, either. Instead, that vision has come through slightly blurred - just clear enough you can make out the shape, and admire the vision.

Sifu - 8/10

It's never easy. But somehow, when we fall, it only makes us all the more keen to dust ourselves off and get up again. Once we've taken that calming breath at least.

Rainbow Six Extraction - 7/10

In a game that succumbs a little too often to 'numbers go up' design, its much more of a thrill to see them go down occasionally, then have to strive just to get back on an even level. Even battle passes and XP bars, it seems, can benefit from a little absence.

Pokemon Legends Arceus - 7/10

While this isn't likely to be the default template for future mainline entries from now on - nor should Game Freak leave behind the younger players that are its core audience - this fruitful offshoot is too good not to return in some form. If you've found yourself thinking Pokemon has been showing its age as of late, Pokemon Legends Acres proves, like members of its player base, its more than capable of maturing too.

OlliOlli World - 9/10

Strange Horticulture - 8/10

Wanderer - 7/10

Not for Broadcast - 7/10

Please, Touch the Artwork - 7/10

Hype

Baldur's Gate 3
Triangle Strategy
Citizen Sleeper
Vampire Survivors
Mask of the Rose
Afterlove EP

Features

The Evil Without (Ghostwire)
On Deck (Gabe Newell talking about the Steam Deck)
Automatic for the People
The Making of Overboard
Studio Profile on White Paper Games
Time Extend on Florence
The Long Game on Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection

Knowledge

Discussing Microsoft's acquisition of Activison blizzard
Commodore Horizons
Talking to Akihiro Suzuki about Dynasty Warriors

Cyberclops · Feb 24, 2022

The sum of the scores in this issue might be the highest I've ever seen. It's rare not to have at least one 4 or 5 game.

The Unsent · Feb 24, 2022

We might need no elden ring review in the tilte lol. I'd be surprised if it wasn't Edge's next 10.

Bonfires Down · Feb 24, 2022

Not a single game below 7 😮

shadowman16 · Feb 24, 2022

Thanks for adding some text for each review score, hopefully that might calm some people when looking at certain review scores... Its a really good score month though, then again its a great group of games. I'm most interested in seeing what they have to say about Olli Olli World, I've not played the second game in so long, but remember loving it. Nice to see they liked Sifu as well, such a great little game.

Munti · Feb 24, 2022

"Pokemon Legends Acres"

XD

ghostcrew · Feb 24, 2022

Strong month for reviews! All high.

Go OlliOlli!

Interested in the Ghostwire feature.

MegaMetroid · Feb 24, 2022

I guess some reports of Horizon being more like an expansion were not entirely untrue.

daninthemix · Feb 24, 2022

Too late for Elden Ring I guess.

RockmanBN · Feb 24, 2022

Munti said:
"Pokemon Legends Acres"

XD

Those patures are gonna need more acres with all the Pokemon you're catching

Ahti · Feb 24, 2022

Bonfires Down said:
Not a single game below 7 😮

Edge loosing its edge.

plow · Feb 24, 2022

MegaMetroid said:
I guess some reports of Horizon being more like an expansion were not entirely untrue.

What?

Lord Fanny · Feb 24, 2022

daninthemix said:
Too late for Elden Ring I guess.

Edge is generally behind like a week or so since they still cater heavily to their print business I think

Jencks · Feb 24, 2022

Insert joke about edge being edgy or something because a game I like got scored too low

SmartWaffles · Feb 24, 2022

High praise from Edge for OlliOlli yeessssss.

MeltedDreams · Feb 24, 2022

Good to see they enjoyed Sifu. I should buy OlliOlliWorld at some point - right now i won't have enough time to play it.

Lemony1984 · Feb 24, 2022

I agree with those scores. I think people were a bit too eager to call Arceus the next coming of Pokemon, when it gets old very quickly even though it has a lot of good ideas.

And Horizon is a 7/10 with a 9/10 coat of paint slapped across it.

It’s Time To Go · Feb 24, 2022

Stupid auto correct

Magic Mushroom · Feb 24, 2022

I know, different reviewers and all I assume, but Forbidden West basically improves upon everything in ZD, which got a 9 in Edge. 7 feels a bit harsh to me. FW fixes most of the problems I had with ZD (better traversal and melee combat, a better, more varied and more lively world, much better direction in the cutscenes etc.). And gyro is a gamechanger in the ranged combat for me.

m4st4 · Feb 24, 2022

If Horizon II is 7/10, Horizon is 5, 6 at best. I call bullshit on that score, Edge. Opinions and all but don't see it myself after playing 30 hours of it (with merely 20% done).

Edit: They gave first one a 9? Hue hue hue.

Jawbreaker · Feb 24, 2022

OlliOlli World really is a gem of a game.
Their Sifu score is spot-on, too.

Lord Fanny · Feb 24, 2022

Magic Mushroom said:
I know, different reviewers and all I assume, but Forbidden West basically improves upon everything in ZD, which got a 9 in Edge. 7 feels a bit harsh to me. FW fixes most of the problems I had with ZD (better traversal and melee combat, a better, more varied and more lively world, much better direction in the cutscenes etc.). And gyro is a gamechanger in the ranged combat for me.

Key words "for me." That reviewer didn't feel the same apparently

bushmonkey · Feb 24, 2022

I'm surprised Extraction got such a high score from Edge. I'll have to give it a try.

I also still need to get Olli Olli World. I feel this game is getting the short end of the stick because it released in such a packed month, it looks wonderful though.

Gordon's Tulpa · Feb 24, 2022

Totally get these scores. I'd give Horizon an 8 myself but EDGE being EDGE, a 7 was predictable. Great to see Sifu getting recognised for its greatness!

Lord Fanny · Feb 24, 2022

bushmonkey said:
I'm surprised Extraction got such a high score from Edge. I'll have to give it a try.

I also still need to get Olli Olli World. I feel this game is getting the short end of the stick because it released in such a packed month, it looks wonderful though.

Yeah, it definitely fell the out the cracks for me. I am curious about trying it out at some point at a quieter time.

ILikeFeet · Feb 24, 2022

Another feather in Olli Olli World's cap

aevanhoe · Feb 24, 2022

Lemony1984 said:
And Horizon is a 7/10 with a 9/10 coat of paint slapped across it.

What does this even mean?

It's a 7/10 game that looks and plays like a 9/10 game. But deep down in my heart I know it's a 7 because I don't like it. Is that it?

It's either a 7/9 game or a 9/10 game.... or anything else really. But it can't be two scores at once. "A coat of paint" will either elevate the experience for you or not, it's that simple. For me, that coat of paint includes spectacular design, amazing acting, improved combat and a beautiful world to explore.

Izanagi89 · Feb 24, 2022

Love to see that Sifu score. Well deserved for an amazing game. Easily going to be a GOTY contender for me.

Couscous · Feb 24, 2022

Magic Mushroom said:
I know, different reviewers and all I assume, but Forbidden West basically improves upon everything in ZD, which got a 9 in Edge. 7 feels a bit harsh to me. FW fixes most of the problems I had with ZD (better traversal and melee combat, a better, more varied and more lively world, much better direction in the cutscenes etc.). And gyro is a gamechanger in the ranged combat for me.

Forbidden West is better than the original but it certainly didn't improve everything. The game introduced new elementals and you have 11(?) different types now for no reason. The armour and weapon upgrading is also even more grindy than in the original and the skill trees are too big with a lot of upgrades that only make a marginal difference. The skill trees are also weird in the fact that bow upgrades can be found in 4 different skill trees.

Brrandon · Feb 24, 2022

Ah yes, that horizon score wasted no time in riling up some people who forget that others have opinions that may not align with theirs.

Fevaweva · Feb 24, 2022

Automatic for the People? The R.E.M. album?

m4st4 · Feb 24, 2022

Brrandon said:
Ah yes, that horizon score wasted no time in riling up some people who forget that others have opinions that may not align with theirs.

Lets not comment on any opinion other than ours and just leave it at 'good for them'?

Inevitable. That's why forums exist and that's why people always argue: differences.

Brrandon · Feb 24, 2022

m4st4 said:
Lets not comment on any opinion other than ours

m4st4 said:
I call bullshit on that score, Edge.

Should take your own advice then

m4st4 · Feb 24, 2022

Brrandon said:
Should take your own advice then

It's called a sarcasm. Most of the time, like in that instance, it's clear as a day. Also, omitted a question mark there, crucial to understand the delicate nature.

It’s Time To Go · Feb 24, 2022

Fevaweva said:
Automatic for the People? The R.E.M. album?

It's about factory sims

Shirke · Feb 24, 2022

daninthemix said:
Too late for Elden Ring I guess.

Lord Fanny said:
Edge is generally behind like a week or so since they still cater heavily to their print business I think

It's been 5 years, so something may have changed. But Edge's BOTW 10/10 review was in the same Issue as HOZD review around a week before the BOTW's release, which added a lot to the hype that was going on.

Atom · Feb 24, 2022

Magic Mushroom said:
I know, different reviewers and all I assume, but Forbidden West basically improves upon everything in ZD, which got a 9 in Edge. 7 feels a bit harsh to me. FW fixes most of the problems I had with ZD (better traversal and melee combat, a better, more varied and more lively world, much better direction in the cutscenes etc.). And gyro is a gamechanger in the ranged combat for me.

Edge often ranks innovation and such higher than just execution and marginal refinement, and maybe the more of the sameness they talk about dragged it down for them. Or just different reviewers.

Messofanego · Feb 24, 2022

OlliOlli World has been quite a lovely experience, until I try to do the challenges and ruin my thumbs 🥵

The more I play Sifu, the more I'm disappointed with several things but there's nothing else when the combat is firing on all cylinders as you waste whole rooms with style aplomb. So I can see why they gave it an 8 and I do enjoy getting better at the avoid moves, parries, and implementing the special moves.

Can't wait to read this when I get home. Curious on the White Paper Games profile, as they're quite local and are a good bunch of folks when I've chatted with them at EGX. Also want to read how Inkle made Overboard! during the pandemic. Their next game looks promising.

WriterInTheDark Thanks for adding the review blurbs!

Linus815 · Feb 24, 2022

Couscous said:
Forbidden West is better than the original but it certainly didn't improve everything. The game introduced new elementals and you have 11(?) different types now for no reason. The armour and weapon upgrading is also even more grindy than in the original and the skill trees are too big with a lot of upgrades that only make a marginal difference. The skill trees are also weird in the fact that bow upgrades can be found in 4 different skill trees.

also, "improving" in itself doesn't mean the game itself as a whole will have as big of an impact. The first horizon was hard carried by the unique setting. The sequel adds some elemnts to it but it's hardly surprising this time around.

Bansai · Feb 24, 2022

Happy to see Sifu getting the flowers it deserves.

Solid scores all around.

MegaSackman · Feb 24, 2022

MegaMetroid said:
I guess some reports of Horizon being more like an expansion were not entirely untrue.

Nah, this is just this person's opinion, Horizon 2 is so much more than the first to the point that I think I could never play the first one ever again except as a curiosity. It's an Uncharted 1/2 situation to me.

TwntyOneTwlv · Feb 24, 2022

aevanhoe said:
What does this even mean?

It's a 7/10 game that looks and plays like a 9/10 game. But deep down in my heart I know it's a 7 because I don't like it. Is that it?

It's either a 7/9 game or a 9/10 game.... or anything else really. But it can't be two scores at once. "A coat of paint" will either elevate the experience for you or not, it's that simple. For me, that coat of paint includes spectacular design, amazing acting, improved combat and a beautiful world to explore.

I took the "9/10 coat of paint" line to mean "pretty graphics". That it's a 7/10 but with a 9/10 game's pretty graphics.

I haven't played FW (or ZD for that matter) so I have no opinion regarding this. I think Horizon looks interesting and I have both on my to-play list.

aevanhoe · Feb 24, 2022

TwntyOneTwlv said:
I took the "9/10 coat of paint" line to mean "pretty graphics". That it's a 7/10 but with a 9/10 game's pretty graphics.

I haven't played FW (or ZD for that matter) so I have no opinion regarding this. I think Horizon looks interesting and I have both on my to-play list.

Ok, makes sense, thanks for the clarification.

Btw, I dislike this idea about "just graphics" because people usually mean "realism" or "textures". But in FW there is some spectacular design, as in, artistry - from costumes to locations. It really does elevate the experience and immersion. These are not the only improvements, but even if they were, I wouldn't call it "just graphics". This forum is known to downplay artistic direction and design as "pretty graphics" (not saying you did, it's just something that usually annoys me).

MeltedDreams · Feb 24, 2022

7 is good score for Horizon from EDGE.
I skipped it for good after checked Max Dood stream on launch day (don't think he is coming back to that game again). Opening is pretty much 2 hours ultra linear tutorial with clunky platforming. Max even joked ''everything's Uncharted'' lol. Why devs still do this on open-world games?

Patitoloco · Feb 24, 2022

MegaMetroid said:
I guess some reports of Horizon being more like an expansion were not entirely untrue.

lol

Aether · Feb 24, 2022

Horizon and Pokemon both 7?
And OllieOllie World 2 points above?
Interesting. Edge is definitely an distinct voice in gaming.

MeltedDreams said:
7 is good score for Horizon from EDGE.
I skipped it for good after checked Max Dood stream on launch day (don't think he is coming back to that game again). Opening is pretty much 2 hours ultra linear tutorial with clunky platforming. Max even joked ''everything's Uncharted'' lol. Why devs still do this on open-world games?

Really? maaan. Thats boring.

ultraluna · Feb 24, 2022

MegaSackman · Feb 24, 2022

MeltedDreams said:
7 is good score for Horizon from EDGE.
I skipped it for good after checked Max Dood stream on launch day (don't think he is coming back to that game again). Opening is pretty much 2 hours ultra linear tutorial with clunky platforming. Max even joked ''everything's Uncharted'' lol. Why devs still do this on open-world games?

The first two hours are the worst, yes, but that's just a bland tutorial, the game it's not that. A reviewer is not going to form a conclusion just by playing that segment.

If Horizon FW is "more of the same" then I wanna see a sequel that it's not.

Rover_ · Feb 24, 2022

Couscous said:
Forbidden West is better than the original but it certainly didn't improve everything. The game introduced new elementals and you have 11(?) different types now for no reason. The armour and weapon upgrading is also even more grindy than in the original and the skill trees are too big with a lot of upgrades that only make a marginal difference. The skill trees are also weird in the fact that bow upgrades can be found in 4 different skill trees.

one of my biggest grips with HFW, it's grind for the sake of grind and making the player spend more time in your game.

Qudi · Feb 24, 2022

Issue 369: Swimming in sevens.

Edge issue 369

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