Halo 5: Guardians

Xbox One, Microsoft, cert: 16
★★★★

Unsurprisingly polished to a fine degree, perhaps what is most interesting about the latest Halo is the degree to which this attention has made a difference beyond a visually splendid exterior. Here then, is a game that runs fast and smooth at 60 frames per second, which, in the intense experience that is a modern shooter, means more fluidity, better accuracy, and a tremendously satisfying experience. There’s also plenty of influence from Halo’s genre rivals on show, too, evident in increased agility and a new emphasis on leaping between structures. However, in the era of e-sports, it is the online multiplayer that is Guardians’ finest feature, and a fantastic range of play modes make for a superb connected experience, holding up as well immediately post-launch as it did before release.

The narrative-led campaign mode, meanwhile, is by comparison less dazzling. It remains engrossing, but is somewhat stymied by a particularly convoluted backstory and a vaguely dated feel. The lack of splitscreen multiplayer seems the game’s greatest omission but it’s not enough to undermine what is a marvellous return for the series. WF

Rock Band 4

PS4, Xbox One, Harmonix, cert: 12
★★★

Representing the second instalment of the current plastic guitar revival, Rock Band arrives hot on the heels of old rival Guitar Hero as gaming’s Beatles and Stones face off once again. While the latter chose to reinvent itself and best serve the solitary player with Guitar Hero Live, Rock Band 4’s developers have opted for familiarity of design, favouring the party gaming crowd. While the peripherals – guitar, drums and mic – improve on former versions, this is a predominantly recognisable Rock Band, meaning a solid offering perfect for lively social gatherings. Playing along to various hits with mock instruments remains the focus of Harmonix’s effort, and it continues to be good, solid fun.

Yet this is a Rock Band that can feel rather lacking in innovation. A new mechanic for improvised musicianship adds a dash of originality, and the fact the package can use existing Rock Band peripherals brings a significant advantage. But where Guitar Hero Live flourished in bringing a new look to the comeback, Rock Band 4 chooses to stick with old classics and play it a shade too safe. WF

Minecraft: Story Mode

PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, Mac, Telltale, cert: 12
★★★★★

Developer Telltale has taken Minecraft’s popular world as source material for a new adventure and, leveraging its usual mix of action, choice and consequence, delivered more than might have been expected. The storyline develops around block-building protagonist Jesse, (named to accommodate a male or female identity), who must find five historic heroes to save the Minecraft world. The time-limited dialogue choices Jesse faces result in a mildly branching narrative where characters remember what has been said and will respond accordingly later. It’s rated for over-12s and provides a more emotional experience than its Minecraft roots suggest. Voice work from a range of talent, including Ashley Johnson who played Ellie in The Last of Us, further underline that this isn’t just for children.

Split into five episodes available separately over the coming months (with the second just released), Minecraft Story Mode exists independently of the main game, and the mix of fan service, blocky visuals and an engaging storyline make this ideal for fans of Minecraft as well as anyone who has thus far resisted its blocky charms. AR