'The Evil Within' Is Ultra-violent

Jeb Haught
Thu, 23 Oct 2014 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

DEVELOPER: Tango Gameworks

PUBLISHER: Bethesda

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 4 (PC)
Updated: Fri Oct 24, 2014

DEVELOPER: Tango Gameworks

PUBLISHER: Bethesda

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 4 (PC)

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Mature

REVIEW RATING: 4.0 stars (out of 5)

It's interesting how the "Resident Evil" series spawned the survival horror genre, but has slowly transformed into a gory action shooter. Fortunately, survival horror has been resurrected with the release of a macabre splatterfest called "The Evil Within." While the game play may seem like a step back in time, the unsettling content certainly won't help players sleep at night!

This game begins with three detectives investigating a mass murder scene at a local mental hospital. Players take on the role of Detective Sebastian Castellanos, who quickly discovers that he's dealing with the supernatural! After being separated from his colleagues, Sebastian must fight for his life against a horde of hideous creatures while trying to figure out what initiated the slaughter.

At first, Sebastian must escape a chainsaw-wielding madman by hiding in lockers and avoiding his line of sight, but soon after he begins to battle the deadly creatures he encounters. While standard weapons such as the shotgun and grenades are effective, he discovers that the most useful tool of destruction is the Agony Crossbow. This mighty weapon shoots a variety of projectiles, including highly effective explosive bolts.

Some people won't appreciate the slow pacing of this game, but I like how it amplifies the tension. Further nail-biting is created by enemies that resurrect if their corpses aren't burned! It's also cool how stealth is an available option for silently hunting enemies or just to sneak by them and avoid combat altogether.

What isn't cool is how often Sebastian's limited stamina causes unnecessary deaths. Sure it can be upgraded, but I feel as though it causes frustration rather than tension. It also seems like the dodgy melee combat pales in comparison to the effectiveness of gunplay and/or creating traps.

Even though "The Evil Within" doesn't introduce much originality, it will still appeal to fans of horror movies and old-school survival horror games.

'Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition'

DEVELOPER: United Front

PUBLISHER: Square Enix

SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 4 (PC)

PRICE: $59.99

ESRB RATING: Mature

REVIEW RATING: 3.5 stars (out of 5)

Square Enix released "Sleeping Dogs" in 2012 to many accolades, and now the upgraded version makes the jump to the PS4. "Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition" offers the same basic game as the original and adds improved visuals as well as a ton of downloadable content.

Wei Shen is an undercover cop whose worldly experience is needed to eliminate the Triads from Hong Kong. To do this, Shen must go undercover and infiltrate the grimy subculture of the city. Eventually, Shen becomes increasingly embroiled in the seedy underworld, and his loyalties come into question. It's up to the player to decide which direction Shen will follow.

Every single piece of downloadable content made for the original is packaged inside "Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition. This includes numerous costumes and weapons as well as the zombie story pack, Nightmare in Northpoint. Also included is a noticeable upgrade to the game's visuals, including 1080p graphics, fog effects, and breakable objects. All of these are welcome additions, but they don't add significantly to the original experience.

It's cool how players get to customize their character however they choose rather than getting punished for making good or bad decisions. The original leveling system remains intact as players build experience in three areas: Cop, Triad and Face. Good deeds and abiding the law builds Cop experience that rewards players with stylish gunplay abilities. Conversely, Triad points are gained through brutal kills and breaking the way and offer new fighting skills. Building reputation with citizens gains Face points, and they're used to accessing fast cars and stylish clothes.

Unfortunately, this version still features annoying camera angles, and the upgraded visuals create an inconsistent frame rate. Nevertheless, "Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition" is still fun to play. However, it's only worth purchasing if you haven't played the original.

REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM

5 stars = Must Have

4 stars = Very Good

3 stars = Above Average

2 stars = Bargain Bin

1 star = Don't Bother

RATINGS KEY

Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

E: (Everyone)

E10+: (Everyone 10 and older)

T: Teen (13 and older)

M: Mature (17 and older)

"The Evil Within"