It’s the RGM 2016 Holiday Buyer’s Guide!

What awesome things might make the perfect gift or the amazing treat for yourself in the sales?

You might not be aware, but Christmas is this week!

And during this festive season; a festive season where we sacrifice turkeys to please our God, decorate the corpse of a pine tree to mock its death and be cheery to people we don’t like, it’s important we not forget the most important thing about Christmas: capitalism!

Of course I’m having a laugh, but we do like to buy our loved ones a whole variety of different goodies and things we think they’ll like. Sometimes though, it isn’t always easy, sometimes you’re loved one is a pain in the ass to buy for and you just don’t know what to get them. Maybe you’re stuck between two options and can’t decide, they’re certainly not getting both! So let RGM help you out!

We’ve put together a buyer’s guide for you. Taking good word from the staff here at RGM we have compiled a list of games, accessories and films that we think would make a great last-minute gift, or a treat for yourself as a reward for doing so well in buying all your Christmas presents already. So without further a do, let’s bring on our first recommendation:

Samuel Tolbert, Writer

Gears of War 4

Format: Xbox One, PC (Xbox Play Anywhere title)

RGM Score: 9.5 out of 10 (average from singleplayer and multiplayer review scores)

Open Critic Score: 83 out of 100.

Gears of War 4 released to a great deal of fan-fare earlier this year. Bringing the much-loved franchise to the Xbox One in a whole new story, whilst still maintaining the intensity that the originals created was no mean feat, but the The Coalition did it!

Gears 4 is an excellent choice for a gift this Christmas as it is absolutely fit to burst with content. There’s a fully fledged single player (with some hugely unforgiving difficulties), oodles of multiplayer modes and an all new take on the classic, Horde, in Horde 3.0! It ties together all of the best bits of the franchise and puts them into one stunning package that is definitely value for money!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji2aU4EdQww&t=2s

Why does this Samuel recommend Gears 4?

Samuel says: “Gears of War 4 provides an incredible value with a fantastic campaign, it’s the second best looking game on the Xbox One, you get the most refined multiplayer and most expansive Horde mode of the entire series

What did RGM say about Gears of War 4?

About the singleplayer: “Gears of War 4 takes everything from the Original games and evolves it. Making it not only feel fresh and new but making it work effortlessly. Visually it’s the best looking game to come out this year.”

About the multiplayer: “Gears of War multiplayer is back . The multiplayer brings some new features and some pleasant customization options. It also brings pulse pounding 60 fps action to the table. Gears of war veterans will be pleased by this new multiplayer installment.”

 

Samuel Tolbert, Writer

Forza Horizon 3

Format: Xbox One, PC (Xbox Play Anywhere title)

RGM Score: 9.6 out of 10

Open Critic Score: 90 out of 100.

Forza Horizon 3 is probably up there as one of the best games of 2016. It creates a huge open world for gamers to play in and just let them do what they want in it. Gamers gets to explore the beautiful scenery of Australia in one of best looking games out there.

Like Gears of War 4Forza Horizon 3 packs in a wealth of content, both online and offline; there’s plenty to do. Not only that, but Playground Games continue to release new content that may make good birthday gifts in the future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTSUgXkfooA

What did RGM say about Forza Horizon 3?

“There are only a couple of really minor things that stop me from being able to give Forza Horizon 3 full marks. The Aussie accents leave a bit to be desired, the amount of time you have to play solo before being able to join your friends online I think is a bit too long and the racing simulation aspect of the game is almost perfect but the game certainly leans towards arcade racing more. FH3 is a rocking time, with STUNNING graphics, tons of customization and a never end list of things to keep you occupied. I highly recommend this game to anyone basically as you don’t need to be a fan of racing games to be able to enjoy what FH3 brings to the party. Well done Playground Games, well done.”

 

Samuel Tolbert, Writer

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

FormatPS4

Open Critic Score: 92 out of 100.

If Horizon 3 is one of the best, Uncharted 4 is probably just above it! Several years after his last adventure, retired fortune hunter, Nathan Drake, is forced back into the world of thieves. With the stakes much more personal, Drake embarks on a globe-trotting journey in pursuit of a historical conspiracy behind a fabled pirate treasure. His greatest adventure will test his physical limits, his resolve, and ultimately what he’s willing to sacrifice to save the ones he loves.

Naughty Dog’s legacy continues by creating an amazing end to Nathan Drake’s story. There’s a comprehensive multiplayer and a fully fledged story within a game that truly showcases the PS4s technical abilities. A great purchase for anyone! Tell me it doesn’t look amazing!

 

Michael Cardwell, Creator, Co-Founder and Director of RGM

Titanfall 2

Format: Xbox One, PC and PS4

Open Critic Score: 87 out of 100.

Titanfall 2 will probably go down in history as the most underrated game of 2016. Stuck with a tricky release date, EA’s latest had to struggle between the likes of Call of Duty and Battlefield. As a game, it is one of the best, tight controls, excellent single player campaign and a whole new host of Titans and abilities. All of which bring a whole new level to the game

On top of that, all future content is going to be free, so even more bang for your buck if you decide to treat someone to this excellent shooter by the makers of the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXwdWuSuiYA

 

Michael Cardwell, Creator, Co-Founder and Director of RGM

Final Fantasy XV

Format: Xbox One and PS4

Open Critic Score: 81 out of 100.

Final Fantasy XV has been nearly 10 years in the making and upon its final release last month, it certainly didn’t disappoint. Writing the wrong of the previous iterations, fans fallen in love with the series all over again.

If you want to see some of the best graphics, regardless of console, FFXV’s got your back. If you want literally 100s of hours of gameplay, then you’ve come to the right place. The series is known for its impressive amount of content, gripping story line and memorable characters.

 

Neil Pezzula, Twitch/Website Moderator Administrator

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

FormatFilm

RGM Score: 9 out of 10

IMDb Score: 8.3 out of 10.

It’s not all about games you know. How about a trip to the cinema to see one of the best movies of the year?

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story takes place just before the events of the very first Star Wars film (Episode IV – A New Hope) and tells the tale of how the Rebel Alliance acquire the plans to the Death Star.

With a unique cast of characters and identity, Rogue One feels more of a triumph than last years effort in Episode VII – The Force Awakens (not that it was bad).

What did RGM say about Rogue One:

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a triumphant step forward for the franchise. It takes everything you want from a Star Wars film and make it its own without replicating what has come before. It’s unique premise and underdog attitude truly translate into a winning formula for what is in essence a tragic success story!”

 

Richard Talbot-Ashby, Co-Editor in Chief and Streamer

Steam Credit

Format: PC Accessory (currency)

When in doubt, buy currency for your desired machine. if they play PC games it would be safe to assume that they will need Steam credit at some point.

Steam credit allows you to purchase items through the Steam online store without needing to spend extra monies from your account (providing you’ve got enough money in your Steam Wallet).

Why does Richard recommend Steam credit?

“I would recommend Steam Vouchers – simple really, there’s always something on offer through Steam and with an inevitable post-Christmas sale having a war chest as such to spend your Steam Wallet cash on!”

 

Richard Talbot-Ashby, Co-Editor in Chief and Streamer

Civilization VI

Format: PC 

Open Critic Score: 89 out of 100.

If there’s any games that is going to eat all of your time, it’s Civilization VI. The game about hostile (or not) takeover in a variety of ways.

Civ games are full of depth and there’s absolutely loads to keep you coming back for more. Just make sure that your PC can run it!

Why does Richard recommend Steam credit?

“I would recommend Civilization VI, it’s perfect to spend these long cold winter nights ploughing hours into and they are the type of game that you can really feel incredibly immersed in.”

 

Richard Talbot-Ashby, Co-Editor in Chief and Streamer

Tyranny

Format: PC

RGM Score: 8.8 out of 10

Open Critic Score: 80 out of 100.

It’s always fun to play the bad guy once in a while, games are all about escapism, being who you’re not. Tyranny let’s you have fun being the tyrant in an isometric RPG by Obsidian, the makers of South Park: The Stick of Truth and Fallout: New Vegas.

With its fun and unique take on the RPG, as well as the moreish gameplay, it’s certainly a game that you will get your hours out of!

What did RGM say about Tyranny?

“Tyranny is the game that flips the moral compass of RPG’s on its head, you are the bad guy – but how bad will you be? Tyranny is a fantastic isometric RPG from the masters at Obsidian, if only the creases were properly ironed out and they made a decision to go full voice-acting or none at all, this would have been a near perfect 10 across the board – that being said, this is a solid title that deserves your time and is definitely one that I will play again…and again…and again.”

 

Adam Stewart, Senior Writer and Editor

Dishonored 2

Format: PC, Xbox One and PS4

Open Critic Score: 86 out of 100.

Dishonored 2 is one of those games that just improves upon everything from the original title. It is a game that creates a whole new story for you to play, but then gives you the option of two completely different ways to do it. With two very different characters. You can choose to play in any way you want, super stealthy/all guns blazing/a combo of the two? The choice is yours.

Bethesda are supporting the game with several free updates to add to even more ways to play to the unique and interesting superpowered first person stealth ’em up.

Why has Adam recommended Dishonored 2?

“There aren’t many games that make me want to play through it a second time, immediately after just completing it. It is an incredible game that gives you so much choice and variety you might feel empowered taking down all your enemies, or on tenterhooks as you quietly sneak past in the shadows. All the while feeling engrossed in the world of Dunwall and Karnaca. Superb!”

 

Adam Stewart, Senior Writer and Editor

Xbox One Elite Controller

Format: Xbox One

Serious gamers can often take a lot of pride in their hobby. As such, it is sometimes necessary to upgrade ones controller. Enter the Xbox One Elite Controller, a pad specifically designed to streamline the experience for the pro gamers.

Admittedly, these aren’t cheap, but they are one of the best built controllers ever made. It has completely redesigned features including; magnetic interchangeable analogue sticks and D-Pad, customizable magnetic back paddles and the ability to create custom button configurations. This means that you can rearrange the button layout of the controller to best suit your play style.

Why has Adam recommended the Elite Controller?

“The Elite Controller is incredible, it is so comfortable and the convenience of being able to program your own button layout is amazing. It can help you be a better player as some of the button combos you need to push, in the heat of the moment, can be streamlined, giving you the edge. Highly recommended!”

So there you have it. That’s out RGM Buyers Guide for 2016. Hope you have found this useful. Keep an eye out for these in the sales, you never know what amazing games you might uncover in the sales.

Let us know what you think in the RGM Forums or in the comments below.

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