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We’ve finally succumb to the spell of the smartphone, as we’ve spent our entire week staring at a palm-sized retina display. Fortunately, we’re not referring to our already incredibly anti-social lifestyle, but Ubisoft’s open world epic Watch Dogs. With the industry all but shutting up shop ahead of E3, we’ve been busy sharing our thoughts on Aiden Pearce’s inaugural escapade. Don’t worry if you missed anything, though, as we’ve included everything that you need to know, er, right down below.

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Reviews

Watch Dogs - 8/10

Watch Dogs isn't a hack job, but it isn't the next-gen revolution that many were expecting either. It's a game largely made up of mediocre bits and pieces, but is elevated far beyond the sum of its parts by its brilliantly dynamic sandbox and often gripping mission design. You'll want to see Aiden Pearce's tale through to its conclusion despite its flaws, but it's those unpredictable and sometimes spectacular moments of vigilante justice that will keep you connected to Ubisoft's latest open world.

Worms Battlegrounds - 6/10

With such a long-running pedigree, it’s easy to see why Team 17 hasn’t even attempted to re-invent the worm destroying wheel with Worms Battlegrounds. This is a competent game, but it’s barely a refinement of a release that you’ve almost certainly already played. The dated gameplay, exaggerated British humour, and wacky weaponry mean that this will please if you’re looking for more of the same – but while fans will simply be satisfied to see the series slither onto the PS4, newcomers may ponder how the franchise has even made it this far.

Other Reviews

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Features

First Impressions: Burning Bodies in The Evil Within on PS4

When legendary developer and horror game kingpin Shinji Mikami first unleashed the T-Virus onto the PSone in 1996, he not only managed to popularise the genre with mainstream audiences, but also founded a blockbuster franchise that would go on to sell millions. Some 18 years later, it could be argued that the long running Resident Evil series has outstayed its welcome, but since jumping ship post-Resident Evil 4 to work on new projects, the aforementioned luminary has managed to remain fresh. We travelled to Bethesda’s headquarters to find out how that’s helping upcoming PlayStation 4 title, The Evil Within.

Talking Point: Is Watch Dogs Proof That You Can Have Too Much of a Good Thing?

There’s no shortage of gamer clichés capable of sending groans through the office each time that we encounter them, but this editor has a particularly vehement distaste to the vapid criticisms pertaining to game length. While we can appreciate that gaming is an undeniably expensive hobby, we find it frustrating that consumers are increasingly beginning to correlate content with worth. Big budget first-person shooters such as Battlefield 4 and Call of Duty: Ghosts now need to offer a trio of different game types in order to placate the insatiable appetites of fans, while formerly single player centric experiences like God of War are finding it difficult to adapt. After all, it’s no longer acceptable to sell a solitary six hour story for $60, so ill-advised multiplayer modes are being implemented in order to avoid the ire of keyboard critics around the world.

Other Features

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News

June PlayStation Plus Freebies include PixelJunk Shooter Ultimate and Trine 2 on PS4

That leaked PlayStation Plus list was accurate – but it wasn’t complete. As part of a couple of colossal PlayStation Blog posts, Sony has confirmed the latest set of Instant Game Collection giveaways for the month of June. These include beautiful medieval romp Trine 2: Complete Story and physics-based puzzler PixelJunk Shooter Ultimate on the PlayStation 4, as the manufacturer switches to a two titles per month format for all three of its supported systems.

PS4 Title Project Beast Looks Dreary and Daunting in This Leaked Footage

You may recall a few weeks ago when some screenshots were leaked of a new game by From Software titled Project Beast. Well, if those lonely images weren't enough to hold you over until E3, you'll be glad to hear that you can now view the title in motion thanks to a recently leaked trailer. Ladies and gentlemen, the hype is real.

PS4 Exclusive The Order: 1886 Is Indeed Disappearing into 2015

Better hunker down in that megaton bomb shelter of yours, because the fallout from this particular delay is likely going to rage on for weeks to come. As many predicted it would, PlayStation 4 shooter The Order: 1886 has been delayed into 2015, meaning that Sony appears to be left solely with DriveClub as its main exclusive title going into the holidays.

Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare Sows Its Seeds on PS4 This August

As teased earlier this week, Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare is set to shuffle onto the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 imminently. The re-release will run in full 1080p at 60 frames-per-second on Sony’s next-gen format, making it the definitive version of the wacky third-person shooter. Those of you in North America will be able to harvest the title on 19th August, while Europe will have to wait until 22nd August to get their green fingers on the game.

PS4's Prehistoric Escapade Primal Carnage: Genesis Buried for Now

Lukewarm Media’s episodic Walking with Dinosaurs-esque adventure Primal Carnage: Genesis made a big roar at last year’s Game Developers Conference, as the episodic escapade was one of the first indie titles announced for the PlayStation 4. Revealed around about a month after the machine itself, the company claimed that it was aiming to release the first instalment in the pre-historic affair alongside the next-gen system in November.

Other Noteworthy News

Video of the Week

Video: What Do You Get in Watch Dogs' Limited Edition PS4 Package?

Sure, the North American version of the Watch Dogs: Limited Edition is a little pricey at $129.99, but as far as Collector’s Editions go, it’s a really nice one. This is a genuinely well presented set, which is much better than we were anticipating. The 9” statue – which is pivotal to the package – feels sturdy, while the Vigilante Mask is well made, and has us tempted to actually wear it. Meanwhile, there’s some great stuff in the art book, and we were pleased to learn that the included soundtrack comes on a physical disc. But don’t just take our word for it – allow us to show you why this package is worth your cold hard cash in the video embedded below.