Games of the week: including NBA 2K23, Wayward Strand and Idol Manager
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
NBA 2K23
Platform: Xbox X|S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Steam, Switch
Genre: Sports
Price: £59.99
Age rating: PEGI 3
Modern classic back with a bang
Review by: Phil Barnett
Sports games have a fundamental requirement to improve gameplay year-on-year. NBA 2K23 does this, and more. First, let’s address the elephant in the room, which is the size. Nearly 100gb for the Xbox One, and around 150gb for the Series X|S, so you’ll have to leave it installing until at least lunchtime.
After hours just practising jumps, you reach full installation and yes, it’s worth it. There’s a mind-boggling array of game modes. Graphics are improved and gameplay is better and more nuanced.
There is less crossover appeal to newcomers or those who aren’t huge basketball fans, but fundamentally, it’s a great game and it’s exactly what 2K disciples were hoping for.
Skip to the end: Worth the hoop-la
Rating: 8/10
Wayward Strand
Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS4/5
Genre: Indie Adventure Story RPG
Price: N/A pre-release copy
Age rating: All
Uncover the mysteries of this airborne hospital
Review by: Sharif Owadally
In this wonderfully drawn, story adventure, you take on the role of Casey Beaumaris, an intrepid teenage journalist, onboard an airborne hospital to help your mum at work. Through interactions with the many characters, the story unfolds, offering intriguing arcs to follow, depending on who you talk to, and what you say.
Time does not stop when you do, and the characters in Wayward Strand can be seen getting on with their lives around you.
This constant flow of time and characters’ lives, allows Casey to follow people as they walk past, start conversations in corridors, and listen in when they are talking with others.
Be sure to check Casey’s trusty notebook regularly, as the notes that are recorded automatically can often offer alternative insight into what she actually saw or heard. Wayward Strand is a beautifully designed game, offering a unique and curious way to experience a story in a calm, and relaxing manner.
Skip to the end: Relaxing, slow-paced adventure, offering multiple story arcs, and an interesting way to discover them.
Rating: 7/10
Idol Manager
Platform: Switch, PC, PS4/5
Genre: Simulator
Price: £21.62
Age rating: PEGI 13
Fancy yourself as the next Simon Cowell?
Review by: Imy Brighty-Potts
A fun game that was reminiscent of the fashion and pop idol games from Nintendo DS in days gone by, this game promises hours of mindless fun, dark comedy and cut-throat industry storylines. Unfortunately, that is not what is delivered.
The graphics may be beautiful, but the storylines feel a little basic and clichéd. It is a glimpse into the Japanese idol industry, yes, but the game itself has a difficult user interface and doesn’t feel like it’s made for a handheld console, due to the mouse-style control.
An Episodes-esque console game in theory, but sadly a bit dull and awkward in practice.
Skip to the end: A cumbersome simulator with traditional graphics.
Rating: 4/10
