Game reviews: When forging your android identity, every choice will matter.
Detroit: Become Human (PS4, XBox One, PC)
Most gamers have key moments they remember from games they’ve played in the past. These unique moments can be something as simple as playing a certain game for the very first time, beating a particular boss or setting a new high score. Regardless, it’s undeniable that these moments have a profound impact on our gaming lives. Some of mine include finally escaping Ravenholm in Half-Life 2, defeating The Lich King
raid boss in World of Warcraft, and getting my first ever Victory Royale in Fortnite.
Playing through Detroit: Become Human, I had one of these moments. Remembering it now gives me goosebumps all over again. I can even feel my heartbeat rising in tempo. ‘You could’ve saved her. Why didn’t you do something?’ I hear Chloe say, her voice strained and full of anguish, as I return to the main menu, preparing to shut down the game for the night. I was shocked. I had made a particularly questionable decision just moments before, and I was totally unaware that Chloe, the in-game main-menu assistant would criticise me for it. Remember,’ Chloe continues, regaining composure, ‘the lives of these androids are in your hands.’
Detroit: Become Human is a game about choices, and this was my first taste of living with the consequences.
Space Hulk: Deathwing – Enhanced Edition Review (PS4 and PC)
While the original game is almost two years old, it has now been updated for the PS4 as a shiny Enhanced Edition. However, underneath the gloss, it’s still a mostly corridor-based first-person shooter set in the Warhammer 40 000 universe. Space Hulk: Deathwing – Enhanced Edition also draws on that universe’s deep lore, which some may not fully understand or even enjoy.
In the game’s single-player campaign, you are Deathwing, a librarian of the Dark Angels’ 1st Company of Space Marines. These are genetically enhanced superhuman soldiers in a pretty badass suit of armour, and with psychic capabilities to boot.
The Space Hulk is a massive derelict spaceship, which is jam-packed with adversaries, a race of Tyranid aliens known as Genestealers. These pesky aliens have decided to set up home in the ship and cause a general nuisance in your search for artefacts and, well, more artefacts.
Helpers or hindrance
Thankfully, you are well equipped to dispose of the alien menace, thanks to your armour, and projectile and melee weapons, and your ‘Psyker’ abilities. Your two AI teammates are however a lot less capable without your instruction, and I had to wonder if the game would not have been better without their lumbering non-assistance. Telling your medic (known as an apothecary marine) to heal himself when his health is low can be a challenge when surrounded by enemies, but if you don’t tell him, he dies.
For the full article on the game review, get your September issue of Tech.
