Screamride; Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires; Kirby's Adventure Wii, gaming reviews

Frontier Developments' latest creation gives players three games in one

Energetic blast: Screamride combines racing elements with destruction and creativeness

Screamride

****

Xbox 360, Xbox One (£29.99)

Those hoping Frontier Developments has created another of its acclaimed theme park management games will be disappointed, but, in concentrating entirely on the action, Screamride is an energetic blast. It combines racing elements with destruction and creativeness giving you effectively three games in one. Players are asked to ensure passengers are safe and yet thrilled as they ride rollercoasters in the fastest possible time while avoiding obstacles, building tracks and figuring ways to smash buildings while racking up points.

David Crookes

Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires

**

PS4, Xbox One (£39.99)

The biggest flaw remains in the combat arena, no matter what the strategy adds. This expansion pack is supposed to provide an alternative to the mind-numbing fighting. The strategy works as you expand your borders, making the game feel like Total War-lite; the problem comes when you get down to the dirty stuff. Step on the battlefield and the constant button-mashing grows stale, quickly. It's fun building your empire, but there's an inevitable sense of dread when you're marching to another fight.

Tom Sheen

Kirby's Adventure Wii

****

Wii U, Wii (£17.99 eShop)

Originally appearing on the Wii back in 2011, Kirby's Adventure reigns in years of spin-offs and diversions in favour of a tightly structured platforming jaunt round the world of Popstar. As ever, Kirby can inhale almost anything in his path and recycle it to his advantage, enabling him to sport various headwear from cowboy hats to jester caps, all equipped with unique attacks. It may not be the most original use of the spherical pink superstar, but it is one of the most refined, with a level of craft and inspiration that rarely fails to satisfy.

Sam Gill