Didn’t get to watch Sony’s press conference at E3? No worries we got you covered. Check it above and let us know what you’re excited for in comments below.

Anima: Gate of Memories — Anima Project / BadLand Indie — PS4, Xbox One, Steam — June 7, 2016 — $20.00

Before starting “Anima: Gate of Memories,” I discovered that it’s based on the (popular?) pen and paper RPG “Anima: Beyond Fantasy,” developed by Carlos B. Garcia Aparicio in 2005, which apparently, is heavily inspired by Japanese Role Playing Games. He and two other people began the project, started a KickStarter campaign in November 2012, and after raising more than $110,000 from its global backers, BadLand Indie stepped in as publisher. 

The story of “Anima: Gate of Memories” follows The Bearer of Calamities — a hunter of nightmares  — and her sexist hardbound companion, Ergo Mundus — a powerful “demon” whose soul was trapped inside a book centuries ago, keeping him from sending the world into chaos. After the stale epilogue, and awakening inside the Arcane tower, they receive an order from the ancient society Nathaniel to find the renegade group that stole The Byblos, an ancient artifact said to bring an end to existence.

Mere minutes into my playthrough, I despised these characters as well as their atrocious and laughable voice acting counterparts. It’s as if the voice director found people on the streets and offered them a couple hundred dollars to read from a script, full of interesting lore and sexism, and sent them on their merry way. Cutscenes are questionably presented in a smaller widescreen format and play out as an interactive novel — the characters have little to no animation and when they are in motion, it’s like cardboard cutouts at your neighbors feeble attempt at a haunted house. The environments range from being quasi detailed open world locales, empty linear hallways, and boring rooms full of locked doors. It can’t go without mentioning that the visuals look better suited to the previous generation of consoles, and the cell shaded outlines are a poor excuse at trying to make this game look visually unique, let alone better.   

Action RPG’s, for the most part, make you feel empowered in combat by testing your ability to think on your feet and forcing you to make good use of the abilities you’ve chosen as you’ve upgraded your character. “Anima: Gate of Memories” makes a valiant effort, but the abilities you unlock become an irreversible (and less than intuitive) meta game of trial and error. Upgrading characters is straightforward and accommodates many playstyles. When two skills are developed in the same Skill Line, it unlocks passive stats that complement their respective abilities. After unlocking these skills, they can be assigned to Triangle, Circle, L1, and L2. From there, they act differently on the ground, inside of a combo, or attacking from the air. The combat is driven by piecing together combos and chaining the attacks of both the Bearer of Calamities and Ergo Mundus, but the gameplay tiptoes between being partially enjoyable, frustrating, and mundane. The idea that the Bearer fights the light, and Ergo fights the dark is a great concept, but the enemies proved to be more annoying than challenging. Most enemies have an attack that is easily dodged and another to make the encounters last longer than they should. The same goes for the bosses and sub bosses you encounter throughout the game — there’s no diversification in their attacks and they’re all predictable. What makes these encounters even more frustrating, is the camera. I haven’t dealt with a more frustrating camera since the 2002 “Shinobi” reboot. The auto-lock feature is uncooperative and moves too quickly when I had control, and questionably placed when I didn’t.

“Anima: Gate of Memories” is a very ambitious game for a team made up of three people. It has a lot of great lore to discover and a decently sized world to explore. However, it’s mundane gameplay, bland characters, atrocious voice acting, and overly wrought sexism hold this game back from being an enjoyable experience. For those familiar with the source material, you’ll enjoy every minute, but there are far superior games in the genre more demanding of your time and money.   

Quake is back and it’s taking names, if your a first person shooter fan then “Quake Champions” is right up your alley. Check out the trailer above and tune into Quakecon  in August for more information.

In case you missed the press confence and wanted to watch it and the livestream in full we’ve got you covered. EA put on pretty good show with things like Mass Effect, Titanfall 2, Battlefield 1 and FIFA 17 just to name a few. What are you excited about from EA’s press confrence? Sound off in the comment section below and let us know.

Watch Dogs 2 takes place in the San Francisco Bay Area. You play as hacker, Marcus Holloway, who has been charged with a crime he didn’t commit. It’s time to give the power back to the people. 

The dystopian genre has gotten a lot of mileage over the past few years. Thanks to movies, games and TV, I’ve seen so many inventive ways that the world could eventually be destroyed that I’ve lost track. While we could sit and deliberate about how the popularity of dystopic stories could be construed as a psychological byproduct of humanity’s obsession with destroying itself, let’s skip that and play video games instead.

Today’s double feature brings us two inventive games that cast the player as a survivor in a desolate wasteland, which is something we’ve all seen before, but what makes these two standouts unique is how they’ve thrown strategy and simulation into the mix. Trust me, these two indie gems are totally worth your time and monies. 

The Final Station
Do My Best Games
tinyBuild
Available on PC (summer)

If you ever get bored with your current video game library, make a mental note to check out tinyBuild. They’re constantly on the lookout for solid games that push the envelope, and “The Final Station” is a great example of the work they’re helping to create. It’s a 2D sidescroller, about a heroic train conductor that is plowing his way through the sprawling ruins of a great metropolis. In order to keep things running, he needs to make periodic stops to various train stations in order to scavenge for supplies and rescue survivors. What makes “The Final Station” fun is the synergy between the two aspects of its gameplay. When you’re not scrounging for food through abandoned metro stations and fighting off shambling infected, you’ve got to make sure your train keeps running and that your passengers are fed. Both of these aspects combine to create a platformer that really starts to feel like an old-school survivor horror game in the realm of “Resident Evil.” Bullets and medkits are scarce, and there’s no escaping a level once you’ve arrived—each level requires you to find a dispatch code that unlocks your train from the station. The demo that I played offered only a taste of what’s in store for the full version that is scheduled for a summer release, but I’m hoping that the developers enhance the simulation mode a bit. It’s a welcome way to break up scavenging missions, and it adds a nice level of realism to the game as a whole, but it does feel a bit tacked on as of now. Either way, fans of unconventional indie titles will want to keep an eye on this one.

Bunker Punks
Ninja Robot Dinosaur
Available on PC

I love a punishing rogue-like as much as the next masochist, but I’ve always felt a bit disappointed with games that blend rogue-like dungeon crawling with an FPS. Enter “Bunker Punks,” a retro shooter that hearkens back to genre progenitors “Doom” and “Wolfenstein.” Not only does “Bunker Punks” play like those aforementioned titles on crack, but it incorporates a cool mechanic that lets you build an underground bunker which can increase your character’s stats and purchase more powerful weapons. The game also features unlockable characters, each of whom cater to different play styles. The gist of the game is that your characters are members of a resistance movement that has declared guerilla war on a megacorporation that has sucked the life out of the planet. The first few stages aren’t too difficult to handle, but the closer you get to the megacorporation’s stronghold, the game starts to forget that you are a human being with feelings and emotions. Hyperactive fans of PC shooters will definitely enjoy testing their freakish reflexes against the waves of robotic enemies that wait around every corner. It’s still an Early Access game through Steam, but even in its current build, “Bunker Punks” has very few bugs to work out. It’s fast, fluid and surprisingly complex. It gives me hope for the future of the FPS/rogue-like genre fusion.

Games with Gold and PlayStation Plus offer their subscribers free games each month just for being members. Sometimes those free games are awesome and other times they are lack luster at best. However we are here to help. Each month we will let you know what those games are and even provide the trailers with a brief description of the game. Because we love you we also give you the links for each Games with Gold and Playstation Network games so if you decide you want to download them you can. Happy Gaming!

Become a XBOX Gold member.

Goat Simulator (XBOX One June 1st-June 30th).

Description: “Goat Simulator is the latest in goat simulation technology, bringing next-gen goat simulation to YOU. You no longer have to fantasize about being a goat, your dreams have finally come true! Gameplay-wise, Goat Simulator is all about causing as much destruction as you possibly can as a goat. It has been compared to an old-school skating game, except instead of being a skater, you’re a goat, and instead of doing tricks, you wreck stuff. Destroy things with style, such as doing a backflip while headbutting a bucket through a window, and you’ll earn even more points! When it comes to goats, not even the sky is the limit, as you can probably just bug through it and crash the game.” -xbox.com

The Crew (XBOX One June 16th-July 15th).

Description: “The Crew is a revolutionary action-driving MMO that connects players online like never before. The Crew takes you and your friends on a wild ride across a massive, open-world recreation of the United States that is richly detailed and loaded with endless challenges. Generous in content and tailored for the connected generation, The Crew is the next-gen game that redefines action-driving.” -xbox.com

Super Meat Boy (XBOX One/360 June 1st-June 15th).

Description: “Super Meat Boy is a tough as nails platformer where you play as an animated cube of meat who’s trying to save his girlfriend (who happens to be made of bandages) from an evil fetus in a jar wearing a tux.Our meaty hero will leap from walls, over seas of buzz saws, through crumbling caves and pools of old needles. Sacrificing his own well being to save his damsel in distress.” -xbox.com

XCOM: Enemy Unknown (XBOX One/360 June 16th-June 30th).

Description: “Threatened by an unknown enemy, the Earth’s governments unite to form a secret paramilitary organization, known as XCOM, to combat this extraterrestrial attack. As the commander of XCOM, you control the global defense team in a battle against a terrifying alien invasion. Control the fate of the human race by creating and managing a fully operational base, researching alien technologies, planning combat missions, and controlling soldier movement in battle.” -xbox.com

Become a PlayStation Plus member.

NBA 2K16 (PS4).

Description: “Guide your MyPLAYER through the complete NBA journey, take control of an entire NBA franchise, or hone your skills online competing against gamers from around the world. With animations that provide smoother movement and more realistic articulation, and three unique cover designs featuring NBA stars Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis and James Harden, it’s certain to be the most authentic NBA gaming experience yet.” -playstation.com

Gone Home: Console Edition (PS4).

Description: “June 7, 1995. 1:15 AM. You arrive home after a year abroad. You expect your family to greet you, but the house is empty. Something’s not right. Where is everyone? And what’s happened here? Find out for yourself as you explore the house on Arbor Hill in the award-winning game that’s been called “a remarkable achievement” (IGN) and “the greatest video game love story ever told” (The New York Times).” -playstation.com

Echochrome (PS3).

Description: “Featuring an elegant black and white art design inspired by the works of M.C. Escher, echochrome™ is a puzzle game unlike any other. With gameplay based on optical illusions, players must utilize five simple laws of perspective to join walkways, hide dangers, and create new paths to reach the “echos,” or shadow guides. Once you’ve mastered the five laws, use them to create your own mind-bending levels to play and share with friends using the custom level editor.” -playstation.com

Siren: Blood Curse Episodes 1-12 (PS3).

Description: “An American TV crew has arrived in Japan to film an expose on the legend of the “vanished village.” Controlling seven different playable characters, the player must uncover the mystery behind the curse that grips the eerie village of Hanuda. The unique “sight jack” system allows the player to see from the point of view of the Shibito, or living dead, to avoid their detection or watch as they close in on the player and companions. Intense graphics, realistic character animation, and a gritty film-like graphical presentation add to the horror of Siren: Blood Curse.” -playstation.com

God of War: Chains of Olympus (PS Vita).

Description: “The Ghost of Sparta is now ordered by the Gods to journey the underworld, after the world plunges into darkness. There he must face the most feared creatures of Greek Mythology and forced to choose between his own personal redemption and saving the ancient world from certain destruction.” -playstation.com

Little Deviants (PS Vita).

Description: “Join the Little Deviants in a series of madcap adventures that allow you to have fun discovering and experimenting with the new PS Vita System functions – including rear touch, front touch, six-axis motion senors, front and rear cameras and microphone.” -playstation.com

That’s it for this month, what do you think of the free games for Games with Gold and PlayStation Plus? Sound off in the comments and check back next month for a new list!

The world premiere of the “Assassin’s Creed” movie trailer was on Jimmy Kimmel tonight and it looks amazing. If you are a fan of these games at all then this trailer tugs at all the right emotions. If you’re not a fan of the games the premise is pretty simple. The whole idea is that through your DNA you can use a machine and relive your ancestors memories. There are two groups the Assassin’s and the Templars. Both are after artifacts that have the power to change the world. By reliving your ancestors memories you could find out where these lost artifacts are and even learn how to unlock their secrets. See like I said, simple. Michael Fassbender who stars in the film seems right at home in the video game world and even in the little you see in the trailer fits what a Assassin should be. This is one I’ll be saving the date for, no doubt about it. Enjoy!

“Assassin’s Creed” sneaks into theaters December 21, 2016.

Games with Gold and PlayStation Plus offer their subscribers free games each month just for being members. Sometimes those free games are awesome and other times they are lack luster at best. However we are here to help. Each month we will let you know what those games are and even provide the trailers and links so you can decide if you want to download them in the first place. Happy Gaming!

Defense Grid 2 (XBOX One May 1st-May 30th).

Description: “Defense Grid 2 is the next evolution in tower defense. In Defense Grid 2 players will discover new additions that will require the player to change their tower strategy. Defense Grid 2 offers dynamic content where gameplay is constantly changing. There are a million different ways you can beat a level so your solution is truly your solution. The addition of cooperative and competitive multiplayer brings a whole new experience to Defense Grid. The mix of strategy and puzzle gameplay promises to be fun and engaging.” -xbox.com

Costume Quest 2 (XBOX One May 16th-June 15th).

Description: “Trick, treat and pick a fight with villianous dental soldiers in Costume Quest 2, the sweet sequel to Double Fine’s hit original, Costume Quest, that turned fans of all ages into candy obsessed crusaders. This inspired RPG adventure includes a range of new features and gameplay improvements to double the amount of mischievous fun. Explore spooky time-traversing landscapes, don adorable new costumes that transform into powerful Hallo-warriors, and collect even Creepier Treat Cards to wield in combat against a legion of hygiene obsessed baddies. Only heroic siblings Wren and Reynold can save Halloween forever” -xbox.com

Grid 2 (XBOX One/360 May 1st-May 15th).

Description: “Experience aggressive wheel-to-wheel competition, advanced AI, stunning visuals, jaw-dropping damage and feel the thrill of racing iconic cars in a new word of evolving motorsport.” -xbox.com

Peggle (XBOX One/360 May 16th- May 30th).

Description: “Experience the ball-bouncing, peg-busting phenomenon! Do you have what it takes to become a Peggle™ Master? Take your best shot! Conquer 55 levels with 10 mystical Magic Powers and rack up bonus points. Face off against friends in 4-player Xbox LIVE® multiplayer play, and test your skills in 75 Grand Master Challenges.” -xbox.com

Tropico 5 (PS4)

Description: “You, as El Presidente, will first take control of the infamous island of Tropico during early colonial times and then guide it through the centuries as the world changes and moves ever forward. You must tackle the changing needs of your people, as well as opposing governments and factions, and thus lay the foundations for your own dynasty. As you move through your years in office you can promote members of your extended family on the island to positions of power, such as ambassador, commanding general or even Supreme Ruler, to ensure your legacy thrives through the eras. As your influence and wealth grows, so do the threats to your burgeoning island superpower.” -playstation.com

 Table Top Racing: World Tour (PS4)

Description: “Table Top Racing: World Tour is a high octane miniaturised combat racer from Nick Burcombe, the co-creator of Sony Playstation’s all-time classic, ‘wipEout’. Table Top Racing: World Tour brings Playrise Digital’s  pint-sized, powered-up combat-racer to a truly next gen audience for the first time.” -playstation.com

Switch Galaxy Ultra (PS4/PS Vita).

Description: “Welcome to the fastest gaming experience on PlayStation® that’s loaded with content and features that will have you blazing across the galaxy at breakneck speeds. Weave your way past obstacles and enemies as you travel across the galaxy collecting the highly prized Tantalum for Dakur Technology.” -playstation.com

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 (PS3)

Description: “Capcom presents the next evolution in retro side-scrolling action with Bionic Commando Rearmed 2. Equipped with his famous bionic arm, Nathan “Rad” Spencer swings back into action in order to stop General Sabio from launching a deadly missile strike. Swing, leap, and shoot your way through lush new environments as you encounter countless enemies and huge bosses throughout the island of Papagaya.Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 takes platforming action back to its 2D roots, but with a slew of modern day upgrades like vibrant, cutting edge visuals and a brand new retro-remixed soundtrack. New features such as the bio-vision scanner, customizable arm components, and character upgrades will take “Rad” Spencer’s abilities to the next level!” -playstation.com

LocoRoco Cocoreccho! (PS3)

Description: “All new LocoRoco™ game exclusively for PS3™! Play as a butterfly and guide the cute little LocoRoco to safety. The LocoRocos respond to the environment, interact with each other, and sing along to the music. Running at 1080p, LocoRoco™ Cocoreccho! brings all new gameplay, use of the SIXAXIS™ wireless controller technology, mini-games, and online rankings.” -playstation.com

God of War: Ghost of Sparta (PS Vita)

Description: “Set in the realm of Greek mythology, God of War®: Ghost of Sparta is a single-player game that allows players to take on the powerful role of Spartan warrior Kratos. This new adventure picks up after God of War® concludes, telling the story of Kratos’ ascension to power as the God of War®. In his quest to rid himself of the nightmares that haunt him, Kratos must embark on a journey that will reveal the origins of lost worlds, and finally answer long-awaited questions about his dark past. Armed with the deadly chained Blades of Athena, he will have to overcome armies of mythological monsters, legions of undead soldiers, and amazingly dangerous and brutal landscapes throughout his merciless quest.” -playstation.com

That’s it for this month, what do you think of the free games for Games with Gold and PlayStation Plus? Sound off in the comments and check back next month for a new list!

Milky Tea Studios and Wales Interactive have fused kart racing with crazy old people. Hailing their new title as “Road Rash” style combat with laugh-out-loud ragdoll physics, “Coffin Dodgers” looks to have something for everyone. There are 7 retirement village residents available in this game, each is racing their “pimped-up” mobility scooters to escape death. The game also has hand-to-hand combat, power-ups, and fun racing.

Players navigate the track while avoiding the Grim Reaper and his army of Zombies. You can snag the game now for PS4 and Steam for $11.99. Playstation Plus members get a 10% discount for the time being. The game will hit Xbox One on May 6th. Time to get your kart on!