Archive Reviews
80 archive reviews
Game, hardware and accessory reviews from the XboxHome archive (2011–2017), kept online for reference.2011–2017
Archive
These reviews were written between 2011 and 2017 and are kept online for reference. Prices, availability and our verdicts reflect the time of writing.
UFC Review
The next generation of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is finally available on Xbox One, all thanks to Electronic Arts Sports. The intensity, action, ferocity and passion of mixed-martial arts fighters is now available for players to appreciate from the comfort of their home. Each character in the game has been designed from high resolution 3D […]
Watch Dogs Review
Welcome to Aiden Pearce’s world of revenge, baffling plots, tactical espionage, and hacking thrills in Watch Dogs. It’s a story about a thief/ hacker who searches for the men that ordered a hit on him but killed a family member in the process. Your objectives, as Aiden Pearce, all revolve around getting into the system, […]
Wolfenstein: The New Order Review
A new generation of consoles are in dire need for first-person shooter games like Wolfenstein: The New Order. Although the game is available on PC, PlayStation, PS3 and PS4, and Xbox360, it seems that Xbox One fans are the most pleased with the exceptional prowess of the game’s graphics and audio. Of course, you can’t […]
Forza 5 Review
Forza Motorsport 5’s release on Xbox One has everyone racing to the finish line for a closer look. The appearance of Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson adds just a bit more philosophy to the game’s intro, drawing gamers into the philosophy and glory of technology and the freedom that cars provide to their drivers. Each car […]
Closed Beta Review for Ascend: Hand of Kul
Signal studios’ hack-and-slash hybrid was recently offered up to select 360 owners in a wide ranging beta test of sorts. Needless to say, the game is certainly one of the more dazzling and addictive free-to-play titles being offered up by publisher / distributor Microsoft Studios. Overall, the game handles like a refined “button masher” yet […]
Call of Duty: Blacks Ops 2 Review
If the insane numbers of hours gamers collectively sunk into the original Black Ops are an indication of anything it’s that the game series is a strong force to be reckoned with. When the original Black Ops was released it almost immediately became the multiplayer title that both PS3 and 360 owners were drawn to. […]
PES 13 Review
Since it’s undoubtedly going to be an issue anyway, I’ll just start off by saying that yes, PES 13 is comparable to the upcoming FIFA 13 offering. However, it would be in incredibly poor taste to spend an entire column discussing how it stacks up to its competition, so instead, we’ll focus on what makes […]
DmC: Devil May Cry Review
While some devout gamers are perturbed by the upcoming addition to the Devil May Cry series, others are absolutely ecstatic. DmC isn’t necessarily a reboot, although you could say that it closely resembles one, of sorts. In order to avoid resorting to a generic reboot, Capcom has elected to present us with an alternate reality […]
Tomb Raider 2013 Review
We’re just about due for another Tomb Raider game aren’t we? The upcoming Tomb Raider title (currently slated for a 2013 release) is actually a full-on gritty reboot. That’s right, the Lara Croft we once new is being replaced with a harder-edged version…much harder. Simply saying that this game is going to be a lot […]
Akai Katana Review
Good news for fans of Japanese-styled action side-scrolling titles, Akai Katana is finally here and it’s actually quite good. While it’s a given that these types of games are going to present gamers with a visual feast, they are usually a hit or miss when it comes to gameplay. Luckily, Akai Katana is a big […]
Tritton Primer Wireless Stereo Headset Review
If you play on Xbox Live, you need a good headset, because the whole point of gaming with other people is to talk vicious, vile trash about them from the safety of you own home. But, I hear you ask, wherever can I find a headset that will clearly communicate my astringent insights about stonerboiXX099135’s […]
Final Fantasy XIII-2 Review
Final Fantasy XIII was a polarizing game. Some people really liked it, and to my mind there’s a lot that was conceivably likeable, despite the many flaws – the most egregious of which, it seems universally agreed, was how strictly linear a game it was, which runs contrary to most of what has made Final […]
Grand Slam Tennis 2 Review
I don’t want to knock Grand Slam Tennis 2 too hard. It’s a solid game with a lot going for it. It’s also the only game that lets you play at all four grand slam venues, so everyone in the UK will automatically buy it on principle (seriously, how is this the only tennis game […]
The Sims 3: Pets Review
If you’re an animal lover and a fan of the Sims games you have reason to rejoice. The Sims 3: Pets is everything gamers have come to expect from the often hilarious Sims series on this time, with pets (of course). Building upon what was already established in The Sims 2: Pets, this newest addition […]
Blackwater Review
Normally when a company decides to combine concepts they invest in research and development (Like for example if you wanted to combine the structure and visuals of let’s say, Call of Duty Modern Warfare with the breakthrough technology of the Kinect). Utilizing new control systems with new styles of gameplay is not an undertaking that […]
Gears of War 3 Review
After a long wait, Gears of War 3 is finally here! But does it live up to all the hype? Let’s get the skinny on what the latest “gears” release has to offer. All of the staples of a Gears of War experience are featured here, in generous quantities. For fans of the franchise, gears […]
Forza 4 Review
The Forza series of racing simulation games are venerated for a number of reasons. They feature pristine, interesting gameplay combined with unsurpassed visuals and with style to spare. Whether it’s the deep customization, realistic physics, or any of the other incredible features that this game possesses, the point is that Forza 4 in an incredible […]
X-Men: Destiny Review
Games based on comic books and/or popular movie franchises are rarely anything worth exploring, and X-men: Destiny is certainly no exception to this rule It’s amazing that game developers are still pumping out trite little games (carrying familiar monikers) that border on being unplayable or in some cases, entirely broken. Perhaps they feel that their […]
Rugby World Cup 2011 Review
The majority of sports fans have plenty to look forward to when it comes to gaming, with new releases coming thick and fast every year. As rugby generally only hits the headlines once every four years with the onset of the World Cup though, fans have been restricted to the last major entry into the […]
Supremacy MMA Review
Mixed Martial Arts is not a sport for the faint hearted, but many existing games in the genre such as EA’s MMA and UFC 2010 don’t really reflect this in their determination to keep things PG. This latest entry to the MMA genre from 505 Games is different. If you aren’t a fan of watching […]
Tropico 4 Review
The latest entry to the city-building simulation Tropico series may offer more of what we’re used to from developer Haemimont Games AD, but with a massive game space to enjoy and improvements across the board, this is certainly a title to excite fans of the simulation genre. Although Tropico 4 is a game that doesn’t […]
Child of Eden Review
Child of Eden Game Details The release date for Ubisoft’s Child of Eden may have been pushed back to September for PlayStation 3, but this is a title that really promises to be worth the wait. XBOX 360 fans were treated to the earlier release. Stunning visuals and techno music combine with an interesting plot, […]
Williams Pinball Classics Review
Introduction: Pinball video games are quite rare, so it’s nice to see that System 3 have published Williams Pinball Classics on to the XBOX 360. It’s unlikely if you’re from Europe that you would have had the chance to play the 2009 game, Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection, which was only sold to […]
Shadows of the Damned Review
There’s no denying that Shadows of the Damned is a downright peculiar game. A somewhat deranged plot, atmospheric and weird visuals and an assortment of demons to destroy all make for a completely unique experience. If a game involving significant amounts of blood and gore, nudity and completely vulgar and immature joke after joke after […]
L.A Noire Review
L.A Noire, the classic cop drama set in the late 1940’s, is a perfect example of a top notch video game. The idea behind this game is to engage the player and pull him into the virtual world of video gaming. L.A Noire does exactly that. This game which is a product of the Rockstar […]
Portal 2 Review
Are You Ready for Portal 2? The time is quickly approaching when gamers will finally be able to get their anxious little fingers on Portal 2 for XBOX 360. Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 has been deemed the official release date if you live in the United States. If you reside elsewhere, sorry but chances are, […]
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 Review
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 was finally released on March 29th, 2011 which seemed like forever since EA announced they would finally include The Masters. So, is the game all that fans had hoped for? Well, have you seen your neighbor a week or so? It seems as though some […]
Crysis 2 Review
Does Crysis 2 Pack the Punch You’re Looking For? Crysis 2 had an awful lot to live up to after its 2007 predecessor had such a good campaign, jam-packed full of high-quality action. So, did EA deliver with this one? Well, Crysis 2 may seem a bit weak in comparison to the types of games […]
Kinect: Brunswick Pro Bowling Review
Kinect: Brunswick Pro Bowling: Motion Brings it to Life Bowling video games have long since been a staple on the consumer electronics market. Those that are long time fans of the video game scene probably remember campy classics such as Robot Bowl. Bowling games truly never go out of style and every few years, a […]
Bulletstorm Review
Is Bulletstorm for Xbox 360 Just Another Foul-Mouthed Shooter Game? While Bulletstorm for Xbox 360 may be deemed obscene and even vulgar in nature, it’s also a welcome breath of fresh air. If you are looking for a unique shooting game that can add humor while allowing you to cause a little mayhem, this is […]
Rango the Video Game Review
Does Rango the Video Game do the Movie Justice? Despite the fact that Rango the Video Game has a simplicity geared more toward children and it can be cleared in about five hours, it’s still one certainly worth playing. The game already had a lot to live up to before it was even released when […]
Army of Two: The 40th Day Review
We’ve come to expect a certain level of brutality and excitement from our third person shooters, and Army of Two: The 40th Day is certain not to disappoint. Explosions all around, hordes of enemies to destroy with individually customised weapons and tactical elements to master alone or with a friend; there’s plenty to enjoy within […]
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Review
There’s certainly no shortage of war-based first person shooter games on the market today. No matter how many new titles are released however, it seems that the public is always hungry for more. As such, the new Battlefield: Bad Company 2 has been launched into the highly competitive market, with gameplay, graphics and content set […]
Brutal Legend Review
Brutal Legend promises to offer something to avid fans that very few games these days offer – individuality. There is nothing quite like this title and that alone is a good enough reason to give it a go. That’s before we even mention the numerous other positives on offer for gamers that take the plunge […]
Call of Duty: Black Ops Review
For the majority of gamers this year, November the 9th was the day that couldn’t come quick enough. The Call of Duty franchise from Activision doesn’t need much of an introduction, certainly not if you’re a first-person-shooter fan. In fact last year’s offering was not only the best first-person-shooter you could buy, but it was […]
Blur Review
Imagine a racing game with great graphics, featuring an array of real life cars, but enlivened with weaponry not at all dissimilar to that found within Mario Kart. Imagine a racing game with the ability to gain experience points, levelling up to unlock incredible manoeuvres and an ever-increasing arsenal as you work your way through […]
FIFA 10 Review
The much desired title of ‘best football game on the market’ has often flitted between the offerings on the market. From Sensible Soccer to Pro Evolution with a whole host of titles in between, many different games have captured our attention and demanded hours of our time. As time has passed many different developments have […]
FIFA 2010 World Cup South Africa Review
Those that love the FIFA games from EA Sports always look forward to those licensed World Cup games that they get to offer up every four years, and 2010 is that year. The problem is that FIFA 2010 World Cup South Africa is hitting us only a few months after FIFA Soccer 10, so there […]
Forza Motorsport 3 Review
It seems that every time a new racing game hits the shelves the critics are quick to cry that this is the best one yet. In the case of Forza 3 they might just be onto something. With a combination of more than 400 different cars to drive, absolutely stunning and photo realistic graphics that […]
Kinect Dance Central Review
Dance Central is one of the flagship titles utilising the newly released Kinect motion peripheral for the Xbox 360. Kinect is a controller free interface that uses a webcam style device to detect users gestures or spoken commands to interact with games. The Kinect is in competition with similar systems now being championed by the […]
EA Sports: MMA – Mixed Martial Arts Review
The all-new fighting game MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) has finally hit the shops over a year since it was first announced by EA Sports. Despite lacking the star names of the sport, MMA features fighters known from Strikeforce, Dream and nearly every other big name involved in the discipline (with the notable exception of the […]
Kinect Kinectimals Review
Xbox 360’s newly released Kinect motion peripheral is a controller free interface that uses a webcam style device to detect users gestures or spoken commands to interact with games. The Kinect is in competition with similar systems now being championed by the Wii and PS3. Kinectimals is one of the launch titles released in conjunction […]
Majin And The Forsaken Kingdom Review
Brand new action adventure title Majin And The Forsaken Kingdom is the latest release from Japan’s Game Republic. You explore the game through the character of Tepeu, a young thief who sets out to free a giant mythical beast names Majin and help him to reclaim his powers in order to save the kingdom, which […]
G-Force Review
You’ve got to wonder who sits on the board of directors to approve a movie and game featuring an assortment of furry animals, most notably guinea pigs, in training to become FBI special agents. However, even with the unusual premise, the G-Force game for the Xbox 360 does do a good job at holding the […]
Green Day: Rock Band Review
To state the obvious, Green Day: Rock Band is a fantastic title for fans of the band Green Day that enjoy the Rock Band game franchise. Those that have never really appreciated the punk rock trio from America are unlikely to be converted, but even they couldn’t fault the game that certainly introduces more than […]
Halo 3: ODST Review
Diehard fans of Bungie’s Halo series have been waiting with bated breath for the all new title in the series, Halo 3: ODST. What was originally intended to be just an expansion to the incredibly successful Halo 3 soon began to take shape as a fully fledged game in its own right. It comes complete […]
Hasbro Family Game Night 2 Review
It seems that the days of families pulling out a board game and crowding around a table to play are quickly fading. That, at least, is the hope of developer EA as they launch the second Hasbro Family Game Night into the world of the Wii. The question is whether consumers actually want an electronic […]
International Cricket 2010 Review
Despite the continual popularity of cricket as a sport to watch and play within the UK, games of this ‘gentleman’s pursuit’ have often failed to thrill us. Aside from the sense of satisfaction as you smash the ball out of the court for a ‘six’, the pace of the game is generally slow, and any […]
James Cameron’s Avatar: The Game Review
James Cameron is a well known name when it comes to successful films. Perhaps you’ve heard of Titanic and The Terminator in your travels? No surprise then that the latest film from the famous director and producer, Avatar, has been eagerly anticipated. Unsurprisingly a game of the movie was to follow and while the setting […]
Just Cause 2 Review
Just Cause 2 provides an enormous area of gameplay set in the tropical island of Panau. There is plenty to do, and many weird and wonderful ways of doing it, to keep you entertained for hours. Take control of Rico Rodriguez and cause chaos in an attempt to destabilise the populace of the island to […]
Lego Rock Band Review
The familiar LEGO characters associated with addictive and entertaining game versions of some of our favourite movies have taken a break from the big screen, focusing instead on the huge phenomenon that is the Rock Band game. While LEGO Rock Band may have been better timed with a release closer to the original Rock Band, […]
Mass Effect 2 Review
Canadian developer BioWare has never been shy of creating intricate stories set in vast worlds for your exploratory pleasure. This, the second in the promised Mass Effect trilogy, is no exception to that usually successful rule. With its predecessor divided in its fan base, some raving at its successes and others criticising its flaws, anticipation […]
Metro 2033 Review
The year is (unsurprisingly) 2033 and the world as we know it is no more, following an apocalyptic event in 2013 that wiped out the majority of humanity. A small band of survivors that sought refuge in the underground lair that is the Moscow Metro survive still, having raised a new generation that have never […]
Mini Ninjas Review
Say the word ‘Ninja’ to most people and the last thing that would pop into their mind is a cute cartoon character, armed with a sword suited to the stature of the miniature hero. But that’s exactly what creators of Mini Ninjas for the Xbox 360, IO Interactive, have come up with in their new […]
NHL 10 Review
The latest edition to the award winning NHL series, NHL 10, promises to deliver more than the previous titles in the series in what is almost certainly the best hockey game available on the market. The question that remains is what this game has to offer over its predecessor, the immensely popular and well received […]
NIER Review
If you haven’t heard about NIER yet, then you are sorely missing out on one of the oddest, but greatest games to come out in a while. Our dear friends at Cavia (think Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles) bring us this new title that is such as mix of so many different types of games […]
Operation Flashpoint 2: Dragon Rising Review
There was once a time when the only way to catch a glimpse of what modern warfare was like was to enlist in the army. If risking life and limb for queen and country doesn’t really float your boat then you will be happy to hear that the new wartime simulation, Operation Flashpoint 2: Dragon […]
Overlord 2 Review
Overlord 2 is totally evil humored like the original Overlord game. If you are a newcomer to Overlord then you should note that it contains a lot of evil humor, such as attacking and clubbing incent seals. You play as a brand new Overlord and you have a group of little evolved creatures named minions […]
PES 2011: Pro Evolution Soccer Review
Let’s be honest, the follow ups to PES6 were disappointing: the series seemed to be running out of steam. The word has been, however, that the developers were getting back on track, and consequently a buzz of eager anticipation preceded the release of Pro Evolution 2011. Was this optimism justified? YES. With vastly improved gameplay, […]
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands Review
The latest edition to the Prince of Persia franchise, The Forgotten Sands, isn’t likely to blow your mind as successfully as the previous Sands of Time title. However, with new elemental abilities to investigate, plenty of good old fashioned free running to enjoy and beautiful high definition graphics to look at in a multitude of […]
