Quick thoughts on NHL 14

I've been getting physical in NHL 14, now out for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Here are some thoughts on the game.

Yes, this is a very physical game when you hop onto the ice, thanks to the NHL Collision Physics system. Players feel weighty and move realistically. Fighting along the boards to gain possession of the puck can be a challenge, but it's very satisfying when successful.

While there are some tweaks, added polish and neat gameplay features, the casual player might not notice them that much if they played NHL 13. Annual releases of sports games like these keep feeling the same for me, especially during these last couple years as the current console generation dragged on. I'm very looking forward to an NHL 15 that's primarily focused with next-gen consoles in mind.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Quick thoughts on Rayman Legends

I've been rescuing hundreds of Teensies from the nightmares in Rayman Legends. Here are some thoughts on the game.

I've been playing the Wii U version of the game, which was initially an exclusive for the system during its launch period. One of the notable additions to Rayman Legends is the use of the Wii U GamePad for the Murfy sections, where you use the touchscreen to slice ropes, activate mechanisms and other actions to get Globox to the end of the level. Ideally, you want to play this with co-op, but the AI is competent with minor hiccups. Sometimes the AI will open itself up to certain death or skip past a secret.

The UbiArt Framework engine looks amazing and makes owning an HD television worth it. The developer utilizes a full color palette for its cartoony, hand-drawn visuals. To simply put it, Rayman Legends is a very, very good looking game.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.