Crash test: the latest games reviewed

SIMCITY is back with a crisp new world and the same charm, and God of War is back with another epic installment.

simcity

SIMCITY is back with a crisp new world and the same charm, and God of War is back with another epic installment.

GOD OF WAR: ASCENSION [R18+]

PS3, $99.95

Rating: 4/5

The God of War games are famous for their winning blend of flowing, visceral combat and epic set pieces. Ascension hits the same notes. A prequel, it sees Kratos taking on the goddesses of Punishment, Justice and Torment in his quest for freedom. Rather than regularly gaining new weapons, his Blades of Chaos are the central focus and they now acquire elemental powers. It's gloriously good fun and tightly designed, if a little familiar. In a first for the series, Ascension allows eight players to go toe-to-toe online. Out now.

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NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: ULTIMATE NINJA STORM 3 [PG]

PS3/Xbox 360, $89.95

Rating: 4/5

Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 takes players headlong into the Fourth Great Ninja War. Only hardcore Naruto fans will be able to follow the story but pretty much anyone will appreciate the energy and dynamism of battles. Bouts move at a lightning pace, with flurries of attacks and counters, as well as spectacular special moves.

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ATELIER AYESHA: THE ALCHEMIST OF DUSK [MA]

PS3, $69.95

Rating: 2/5

Players travel across a fantasy land as Ayesha Altugle, who is trying to discover the truth behind her sister's disappearance. Best described as a simpering ditz, she's a hugely unappealing protagonist. Shame, because the game's alchemy system and turn-based combat has potential.

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SLY COOPER: THIEVES IN TIME [PG]

PS3/PS Vita, $49.95

Rating: 3/5

Master thief Sly Cooper returns and in this title, he's travelling through time, attempting to thwart a villain named Le Paradox. It's a fun conceit, introducing players to a number of Sly's ancestors, and taking them from feudal Japan to the Wild West. The stealth platform gameplay is as slick as ever, but not particularly challenging. Out March 28.

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SIMCITY [G]

PC, $79.95

Rating: 4/5

SimCity is back and the city-building classic has lost none of its charm. One of the most significant changes is individual cities are now smaller, but there are multiple cities in a region. Players can look after them all on their own or play with friends, attempting to create symbiotic relationships. SimCity looks great, with an incredible level of detail, and is fantastically easy to play, letting players build and monitor their cities with ease. Out now.