Game of the Month: March 2014 - inFAMOUS: Second Son

You can always rely on the good old March rush to pick up the slack left by the post-Christmas drought, and 2014's third month was no different. Whether you're a fan of re-mastered classics, licensed RPGs based on farting, or gorgeous indies, there was something for just about everyone on last month's release list. But as always, only one title from the bunch can be crowned Push Square's Game of the Month, and with so many great titles walking away from our critical process delighted with their high scores, the all-important staff vote turned out to be one of the most intense internal affairs in recent memory.

Believe it or not, there were multiple points where inFAMOUS: Second Son was left trailing behind some of our other nominees, but Sucker Punch's PlayStation 4 debut unsurprisingly ended up edging out the competition. Presumably donning a beanie of his own, editor Sammy Barker took up the challenge of penning our review for the highly anticipated sandbox romp, and thankfully, Delsin's next-gen escapade didn't disappoint. "Bursting with more attitude than a high school hardcore band, this out-of-control excursion effortlessly nails the sensation of possessing superpowers," wrote our enthralled pun enthusiast, adding that "while it does little to push the open world format forward, this is still a series that’s very much in bloom". We then tagged the super powered title with a high score of 8/10.

Hot on our winner's smoky heels was pixel-perfect platforming puzzler Fez, which nabbed a 9/10 in our review. With a "lush world that is both awe inspiring and completely intoxicating", rookie reviewer Kell Andersen concluded that "this transcendental trip is definitely deserving of your time". Also laying its blistered, rotting hands on a 9/10 was Dark Souls II. The ever-brave Nathan Michalik described the dour sequel as "a phenomenal experience". "It requires a heavy amount of investment to truly appreciate, but those who put in the effort will fall in love with this torturous title," our Stateside reviewer wrote.

On the Japanese RPG side of things, March saw the release of the eagerly anticipated Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster, which managed to ensnare this nostalgia-filled editor all over again: "Final Fantasy X remains an utterly enthralling journey that boasts endearing characters, an addictive battle system, and a brilliantly paced story." Meanwhile, Square Enix's rather serious series was offset by the thankfully hilarious South Park: The Stick of Truth, which also grinded its way to an 8/10. Resident video man Ben Potter had high praise for the title as a fan of the animated television programme, saying that "the dialogue is so authentically written and acted that you really feel like you’re playing through an episode of the show".

Further enforcing the rumour that we're actually part of some secret cult dedicated to the score of 8/10 was Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Complete Edition, which savaged both the PlayStation Vita and the PS4. Despite the fact that this particular author almost went completely insane having to type the game's ridiculously long-winded name time and time again, the hack-and-slash extravaganza turned out to be "the biggest, best looking, and most refined Warriors title on the battlefield". Unfortunately, not all battlefields tell tales of glory, as Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes limped away from the carnage clutching a disappointing score of 6/10. "Although long-time fans of the series are likely to pick it up regardless, we believe that this single mission should never have been released on its own," concluded a disgruntled Ben Potter.

What was your favourite release last month? Do you agree with our super powered pick? Take a peek at the handy March review list that we've compiled, and shout at us in the comments section below.

Gunslugs - 8/10
South Park: The Stick of Truth - 8/10
Tales of Symphonia Chronicles - 7/10
Dead Nation: Apocalypse Edition - 6/10
Atelier Escha and Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky - 7/10
The LEGO Movie Videogame - 7/10
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII - 7/10
Thief - 5/10
The Walking Dead: Season 2, Episode 2 - A House Divided - 9/10
Dark Souls II - 9/10
Magus - 2/10
Vessel - 8/10
SteamWorld Dig - 8/10
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes - 6/10
Luftrausers - 8/10
inFAMOUS: Second Son - 8/10
Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z - 5/10
Rayman Legends - 9/10
Awesomenauts Assemble! - 7/10
Deception IV: Blood Ties - 6/10
Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Complete Edition (PS Vita) - 8/10
TowerFall Ascension - 8/10
Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster - 8/10
MXGP: The Official Motocross Game - 5/10
Hatsune Miku: Project Diva F - 7/10
Fez - 9/10
Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Complete Edition (PS4) - 8/10