Medal of Honour (I'm using the Australian spelling variant from now on). We've restarted the entire series, booting out the WW2 part of it, to give out the war times of the modern era, and I'm getting the feeling that this may have already been done before. Call of Duty, perhaps? Wait, no, that can't be right because the CoD series decided to use the Russians as the central scapegoat for their series. This time around, we're headed for Afghanistan, six months after 9/11, with American soldiers trained to kill and pissed off that they experienced a modern-day, eastern seaboard, land based version of Pearl Harbour.
At the start of the game, you play as a specialist soldier that is secretly behind enemy lines, with the objective to save a contact, who gives out very little thanks and tells you to kill all the Taliban. Yeah, considering that I am only just one person, with three other soliders, given the objective to overcome impossible odds while said soldiers as I - the player character - am the one with the big fat bullseye on my chest. Wait a second, this sounds a hell of a lot like Bad Company 2!
So off I go to the vault that is my game collection, and pull out my copy of BC2. Same publisher, two of the same developers out of three. Oh wonderful, good to make that one difference. Look, I tolerated BC2, and even some of my friends thought it was their favourite game for that time of the year (although making it one of the best of 2010 makes me think their brains need scrubbing). What pisses me off even more is that a developer takes a game, releases it, then puts on a new paint job of the same game and releases it in the same year! It's like ordering a meatlovers pizza only to tear the toppings off and replacing it with other meat. Yes, I know there's multiplayer, and you can get most of the experience of weapons on there. This is not good game design, not everyone wants multiplayer. Pack that shit in.
I've entered the fourth paragraph, and I haven't told you the broader aspect of the story.Well, you are basically following the stories of a S.E.A.L., a Tier 1 operator, a Ranger, and a pilot, in order of playtime length. Again, it's 2002, where every American wants to kick the teeth in of everyone who looks Middle Eastern, and who worships Jack Bauer. U.S intelligence is as competent as a naked leper in a HDD repairing room, and there are over 1000 Taliban and AQ that need their live shortened, and it all starts by rescuing an informant and taking over an airfield.
Meanwhile, a Colonel wants to check the area out, while a General wants to go into the turf head first within 24 hours with Rangers, Mountain and Airborne to fuck some shit up. So the area checked out, it's more of a case of Unstoppable Force meets Immovable Object. For the most part, I didn't care, I entered a phase of acting like Team America in Durkadurkastan. Stuff got blown up, enemies died, and there's a moment where you can kiss the ass of your nearest buddy just to get some more ammo and doing it all again. Great I thought, more enemies to kill.
Then again, I didn't enjoy this game, not because I got it on the 360, and I should have chosen the PS3 platform to be rewarded with Medal of Honour: Frontline (a much better game). The game is a safe mix of BC2 and CoD: A squad of four mates able to take on a battalion of insurgents better than what Team Noble could, with only two weapons (like Halo and CoD) with Wolverine-like regeneration. Yes, there was a flight mission, but you never got to control the Apache, this is an FPS after all, flying would make it too much of a clusterfuck for the player. Second worst of all, it was too easy. I played it on hard, and I would have wanted more of a length in the storyline, and battle was like playing Gears of War but the 1st person camera trying to act like the player's eyesight.
My greatest gripe is for the ending. There was not much of a last stand; that was left for halfway in the game for the Rangers, but the end scene was a busy street in an unnamed country with two guys drinking tea. Roll credits from there. Where's the fun in that? Why tell me something that is going on then try to make me an idiot in suspense? Why are you releasing two of the same game in the same year? Has John Riccitiello suffered Alzheimer's?
Having said all of that though, this game is the most I've ever felt disgusted at a game. I'm not even going to bother planting pictures up, because you see a couple of photos used in the promo, you've seen the whole game. Now with single player being done before lunch, I've waited a couple of days to try to find some nice things about the game, now I'm off to take it back to the retailer and pick up Castlevania instead.
Judgement: Save your cash, unless you're a PS3 owner who wants to play a glossy Frontline. Even then, it's disgraceful for FPSes, and should be left as a bitter memory.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Halo: Reach. Smorgasboard for multiplayer only? Well, no.
I've never really understood fanboys. Which is hypocritical at best, because I have been one at one time or another. I am unable to understand Halo fanboys. Most of them I know have decided to purchase the games on release day, go through Legendary mode as quick as possible (one person did it in less than 6 hours. I'm not kidding), and then waste the rest of their lives on multiplayer. But it's not to say Bungie have taken the path of the Tom Clancy franchise and cut single player as short as possible (making the title a complete lie). There has been some actual work into this, mainly because it's been written as a book at first, then cutting out the boring tactical bits and jumping to the shooting parts. Great.
It's another Halo game, but they've cut out the blue-sidekick, Johnson killing, Half-Life inspired Flood that defined Halo, but have kept in the hardened Spartans, shields and lack of flashbacks unlike ODST. So what has changed? Well, if you don't have rocks in your head, you will have realised that this game is a prequel to the Halo series, but it's Bungie's swansong to the series, not that anyone is going to take the helm.
Before I move on, there is the feature of multiplayer in this game. Enough of that, let's move on.
So you assume the role of Noble Six, completely faceless, but not speechless. You are on the planet Reach which has just been invaded by the returning Covenant. It's up to the Spartans to lead the charge to take them out, and all else fails, so you will have to evacuate the unarmed bystanders off the planet. Then take on the rest of the Covenant, before dying gloriously.
This is not a spoiler warning to those who have any sense of familiarisation with the Halo series. The story had already been described briefly, but I guess Bungie wanted to let the player take the experience for themselves. I do have respect for Halo: Reach having a strong single player format, which is what I aim for in games, in a world where multiplayer is the demanding norm.
Noble Six also has the ability to switch special abilities - such as drop shields and holgram decoys - which brings me to one of a few gripes. If I want a new special ability, sprint is a default ability, but is immediately lost one I want something to adapt to the situation. I can be able to create a decoy to bring an enmy out in the open, but if I want to win in the situation, I have to perform in the one jogging speed. If I don't make appropriate cover in time, I risk being shot to death a bit too short. Flying in a jetpack costs me to sprint as well, but the phase takes too short a time, making me wonder if I should have actually wasted my money and time playing Dark Void instead.
Speaking of short periods of engine features, there was one mission where you could have the chance in a space fighter to take down enemy forces. It was fun for about five munites, which was funnily enough the amount of time the game allowed me to play the stage. Then it was back to run and gun on the ground action. The moral I took from this was "if you want to play a game with these sorts of features, play many others that specialise in a single thing". Sure I hijacked a banshee as well, but that only lasted flying to the top of a tower that was 10 seconds fly up! I'll have to wait until the next Ace Combat to have my flying fix.
Multiplayer left out, Halo: Reach made for a solid shooter. It was comptent at best, and a new IV drip for the fans at worst. Don't judge it too harshly though, the final fight scene was much more epic than that of Crisis Core. It's also a reminder for us that video games, to a degree is something worth discussing and defending.
Judgement: Fantastic prequel storyline, and a competent shooter, so kudos, Bungie. However, for "Combat Evolved" being a feature since 2001, the evolution has somewhat stopped halfway.
- Random Cynic
It's another Halo game, but they've cut out the blue-sidekick, Johnson killing, Half-Life inspired Flood that defined Halo, but have kept in the hardened Spartans, shields and lack of flashbacks unlike ODST. So what has changed? Well, if you don't have rocks in your head, you will have realised that this game is a prequel to the Halo series, but it's Bungie's swansong to the series, not that anyone is going to take the helm.
Before I move on, there is the feature of multiplayer in this game. Enough of that, let's move on.
So you assume the role of Noble Six, completely faceless, but not speechless. You are on the planet Reach which has just been invaded by the returning Covenant. It's up to the Spartans to lead the charge to take them out, and all else fails, so you will have to evacuate the unarmed bystanders off the planet. Then take on the rest of the Covenant, before dying gloriously.
 |
| Your allies do help with the same retardation as regular soldiers from Halo 3. |
Noble Six also has the ability to switch special abilities - such as drop shields and holgram decoys - which brings me to one of a few gripes. If I want a new special ability, sprint is a default ability, but is immediately lost one I want something to adapt to the situation. I can be able to create a decoy to bring an enmy out in the open, but if I want to win in the situation, I have to perform in the one jogging speed. If I don't make appropriate cover in time, I risk being shot to death a bit too short. Flying in a jetpack costs me to sprint as well, but the phase takes too short a time, making me wonder if I should have actually wasted my money and time playing Dark Void instead.
Speaking of short periods of engine features, there was one mission where you could have the chance in a space fighter to take down enemy forces. It was fun for about five munites, which was funnily enough the amount of time the game allowed me to play the stage. Then it was back to run and gun on the ground action. The moral I took from this was "if you want to play a game with these sorts of features, play many others that specialise in a single thing". Sure I hijacked a banshee as well, but that only lasted flying to the top of a tower that was 10 seconds fly up! I'll have to wait until the next Ace Combat to have my flying fix.
 |
| I've seen highlight reels longer than this level. |
Judgement: Fantastic prequel storyline, and a competent shooter, so kudos, Bungie. However, for "Combat Evolved" being a feature since 2001, the evolution has somewhat stopped halfway.
- Random Cynic
Open Source FPS: AssaultCube
It seems like all the rage these days is about Call of Duty, Battlefield and Halo but spare a thought for one of our free, open source alternatives to these games: AssaultCube.
AssaultCube is a fast paced, simple FPS game. You have 2 teams, 6 weapons(Knife, Pistol, Shotgun, Assault Rifle, Sniper and Carbine), and a huge range of game modes including capture the flag, death matches and survivor.
Anybody can download the game and get started straight away, with a small file size of ~40mb and support for Windows, Mac and Linux anybody with an internet connection is minutes away from speedy, fps bliss.
AssaultCube differs from traditional FPS gameplay simply through the speed of the game, while tactically in COD or Battlefield you may shoot at an opponent while standing still, if you don't move in AssaultCube, you'll soon be dead, whether through the headshot of a sniper or being splattered from close range by a shotgunner.
AssaultCube has a large community aspect due to the nature of it being an open source project. Many gamers will not only partake in playing the game but also in creating new maps, game mods, new textures and new audio all of which is made available for free on a whole range of websites. Passionate community members have gone as far as creating clans(teams) and leaderboards, to track your world rank which can be seen at http://hi-skill.us. The game also has unique words, such as frags for kills and gibs for headshots/knifing.
Hi-Skill Video
Overall the open source FPS AssaultCube is a very good free alternative to your modern day COD or Halo, while it may not offer the same featureset it certainly offers a simple and quick game that can give you hours upon hours of enjoyment.
Happy Fragging!
Clan Match
AssaultCube is a fast paced, simple FPS game. You have 2 teams, 6 weapons(Knife, Pistol, Shotgun, Assault Rifle, Sniper and Carbine), and a huge range of game modes including capture the flag, death matches and survivor.
Anybody can download the game and get started straight away, with a small file size of ~40mb and support for Windows, Mac and Linux anybody with an internet connection is minutes away from speedy, fps bliss.
AssaultCube differs from traditional FPS gameplay simply through the speed of the game, while tactically in COD or Battlefield you may shoot at an opponent while standing still, if you don't move in AssaultCube, you'll soon be dead, whether through the headshot of a sniper or being splattered from close range by a shotgunner.
AssaultCube has a large community aspect due to the nature of it being an open source project. Many gamers will not only partake in playing the game but also in creating new maps, game mods, new textures and new audio all of which is made available for free on a whole range of websites. Passionate community members have gone as far as creating clans(teams) and leaderboards, to track your world rank which can be seen at http://hi-skill.us. The game also has unique words, such as frags for kills and gibs for headshots/knifing.
Hi-Skill Video
Overall the open source FPS AssaultCube is a very good free alternative to your modern day COD or Halo, while it may not offer the same featureset it certainly offers a simple and quick game that can give you hours upon hours of enjoyment.
Happy Fragging!
Clan Match
Friday, October 8, 2010
Super Smash Brothers has long been a favorite form of entertainment for a group of drunk friends with late night pizza's and a nostalgic itch. But was it as good as we remember it to be? The answer is definitely yes, but with some strings attached.
The core game play is great, fast paced non stop action with simple gaming mechanic which are easy to learn but hard to master. As well as this Super Smash Brothers is one of the only fighting games where button mashing won't help you. The graphics, while the won't make Crytek quiver in their boots do a fine job of conveying the necessary imagry given the hardware being used and the year it was made.
Each of the 12 characters is full of life, but this leads us into one of the games problems. THERE IS ONLY 12 CHARACTERS! while modern fighters such as Tekken, Soul Calibar and Mortal Kombat are striving for upwards of 30 playable characters Super Smash Brothers lineup was rather modest. There was also a nice package of modes with which to enjoy your characters but a lack of any story mode is a big knock agaisnt the game. There are also only a handful of moves for each player though each move is full of charm and lovingly crafted.
It is essentially charm which is why we love this game. Though it might not stand up to modern games in terms of content or technical wizidry it has charm (that and it stills plays like a finely crafted swiss watch), and this stays with the player long after the game has been released, 12 years after to be preciese. Game on Super Smash Brothers!
-Moff06
The core game play is great, fast paced non stop action with simple gaming mechanic which are easy to learn but hard to master. As well as this Super Smash Brothers is one of the only fighting games where button mashing won't help you. The graphics, while the won't make Crytek quiver in their boots do a fine job of conveying the necessary imagry given the hardware being used and the year it was made.
Each of the 12 characters is full of life, but this leads us into one of the games problems. THERE IS ONLY 12 CHARACTERS! while modern fighters such as Tekken, Soul Calibar and Mortal Kombat are striving for upwards of 30 playable characters Super Smash Brothers lineup was rather modest. There was also a nice package of modes with which to enjoy your characters but a lack of any story mode is a big knock agaisnt the game. There are also only a handful of moves for each player though each move is full of charm and lovingly crafted.
It is essentially charm which is why we love this game. Though it might not stand up to modern games in terms of content or technical wizidry it has charm (that and it stills plays like a finely crafted swiss watch), and this stays with the player long after the game has been released, 12 years after to be preciese. Game on Super Smash Brothers!
-Moff06
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
THUG 2
Tony Hawks Underground 2 also known as THUG2 is a skateboarding game that has captured the hearts of many extreme skaters. As you enter the dark side of the game’s story and work your way up from nobody to a skate legend you are tossed between city locations to compete in the world destruction tour. This tour is led by Tony Hawk and you are placed in a group of skaters that will take down Bam Margera (Tony’s opposition). You will rack up points on this tour by destroying property, terrorizing locals and showing your skills. However that’s not enough, to prove you are worthy to be called a skater you will also complete in special goals that in vandalizing statutes, tagging walls and nailing pedestrians.
A new location comes with new goals that are to be achieved before continuing. This may include finding a new character or pulling of a certain trick in a particular location. Accessing the goals is easy and is found in the pause menu; however tips and clues are given to help accomplish the goal. Finding new characters unlock bonuses that only the new character can accomplish. There are more hidden bonuses, gaps and paths that await for more adventurous players.
Pulling of tricks is easy once you get the hang of it. When you press the right key combination that specific trick will occur. To increase your points combining tricks will be beneficial however some tricks will be harder than others. To be successful though you must pick the appropriate skater because they all have statistics that benefits one skater over another. However there is always improvement and building your skater with secret tricks will increase their skill overall. The game overall is a great success as it takes you to a virtual world of entertainment and extreme skating.
So this is what's caught my attention before Christmas.
One should never get too excited about new video games releases. Hype has always been the tool of choice by game developer's marketing departments. It shouldn't be said though that you shouldn't pay too much attention. so without further ado, I type up tonight the list of games that have caught some attention to the blog's writers before the Christmas madness.
Call of Duty: Black Ops
So it's more of the same shoot-em-up action for most of the game, but this time around, we're aiming for some stealth elements where something gets completely screwed, and then run away before somebody notices the fingerprints lodged in the Soviet officer's throat. So from Russia, to Cuba, then finishing off in the Vietnam War, I'm hoping for some quiet time, frightened someone may see me if I move three steps to the left, stealth. Finish that off with a firefight reminiscent of the Punisher's battle of Valley Forge, and I'll be happy for that. Well, that's how my brief concept would be, and I know that your concept is nothing what the finished product will be like, but I'll watch this space to be sure.
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Ubisoft have decided to take the expansion pack route in this one, showing very little of Desmond again, but apparently testing leadership skills as he assumes the role of Ezio yet again. This time he has some friends, so they will go on a road trip to Rome, and shorten the lives of more Templars. Oh yes, and you get a chance to be the benevolent rebuilder of Rome, but nothing else there, because the events had already been completed, so there is no alternate scenario in which Ezio becomes an alternative iron fist ruler compared to the Papal Iron Fist that ruled it then. This time, there is a multiplayer concept, so there will be the battle of Assassins, and that's all I want to say about that. All in all, the game seems like it's a story that's only worthy of the handhelds, and a multiplayer concept because idiots cried out for it.
Gran Turismo 5
I have been waiting 5 years for this game to come out, and all I've had for racing game sustenance was Forza 3. I was expecting this game last year after receiving the Xbox counterpart, but it took the path of that one Duke Nukem game that I had dubbed it "Gran Turismo Forever". The game is rumoured to come out on three blu-ray discs, which would be enough to make Hideo Kojima make a new Metal Gear game just out of principle (grab the popcorn there), but there will be a damage system introduced for cars, depending on class, so you will be at fault if you sideswipe a concrete barrier, at the cost of gearbox, rear axle and the missing steering wheel. Licenses for WRC, NASCAR and Super GT will be incorporated for the first time, so there's something there to keep the racing junkie occupied. Please take note though, just because it says "Real Driving Simulator" does not make it so. I suggest checking the Top Gear video in which Jeremy Clarkson attempts to perform the corkscrew turn in Laguna Seca to beat his gaming time.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
Darth Vader's apprentice has taken the medicine of Sarah Fisher, Batman, Superman, and Jesus that cures that bad case of "DEAD" and takes on the Empire in this round. Oh wait, is he a clone, or isn't he? Being disappointed by the first game, I have no surprise if George Lucas delivers another Punji Stick to the liver, but I have to play it because it involves the use of lightsabers, and leveling an entire city with the Force. With the guest starring of Boba Fett and Yoda, however, it seelms like I have to take the H.A.W.X. 2 train of thought and ignore the storyline completely in order to take some measure of enjoyment.
Now something about Medal of Honor. That's about it. Well, that's only part of my shopping list in games for now, but it'll be the final lineup of games for 2010. With the advent of Duke Nukem Forever making a 14-year-late entrance I will not hold my breath on it being a good game, like the rest of the world is saying. Enough of that, we'll take what's given to us, give our opinions, and wait for the next helping, like we always do.
Overall opinion: None. If special editions of games are the Happy Meal of our time, we are all in it for the special toy right now, whereas the meal is something that is easily dismissed and thrown away after completion. The toys are now the new trophies of what we own.
- Random Cynic
Call of Duty: Black Ops
So it's more of the same shoot-em-up action for most of the game, but this time around, we're aiming for some stealth elements where something gets completely screwed, and then run away before somebody notices the fingerprints lodged in the Soviet officer's throat. So from Russia, to Cuba, then finishing off in the Vietnam War, I'm hoping for some quiet time, frightened someone may see me if I move three steps to the left, stealth. Finish that off with a firefight reminiscent of the Punisher's battle of Valley Forge, and I'll be happy for that. Well, that's how my brief concept would be, and I know that your concept is nothing what the finished product will be like, but I'll watch this space to be sure.
 |
| Oh yes, they also have crossbows. |
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Ubisoft have decided to take the expansion pack route in this one, showing very little of Desmond again, but apparently testing leadership skills as he assumes the role of Ezio yet again. This time he has some friends, so they will go on a road trip to Rome, and shorten the lives of more Templars. Oh yes, and you get a chance to be the benevolent rebuilder of Rome, but nothing else there, because the events had already been completed, so there is no alternate scenario in which Ezio becomes an alternative iron fist ruler compared to the Papal Iron Fist that ruled it then. This time, there is a multiplayer concept, so there will be the battle of Assassins, and that's all I want to say about that. All in all, the game seems like it's a story that's only worthy of the handhelds, and a multiplayer concept because idiots cried out for it.
 |
| Not that he needs friends for this fight. Kill five guys, and the other 95 will run. |
Gran Turismo 5
I have been waiting 5 years for this game to come out, and all I've had for racing game sustenance was Forza 3. I was expecting this game last year after receiving the Xbox counterpart, but it took the path of that one Duke Nukem game that I had dubbed it "Gran Turismo Forever". The game is rumoured to come out on three blu-ray discs, which would be enough to make Hideo Kojima make a new Metal Gear game just out of principle (grab the popcorn there), but there will be a damage system introduced for cars, depending on class, so you will be at fault if you sideswipe a concrete barrier, at the cost of gearbox, rear axle and the missing steering wheel. Licenses for WRC, NASCAR and Super GT will be incorporated for the first time, so there's something there to keep the racing junkie occupied. Please take note though, just because it says "Real Driving Simulator" does not make it so. I suggest checking the Top Gear video in which Jeremy Clarkson attempts to perform the corkscrew turn in Laguna Seca to beat his gaming time.
 |
| No wait, that almost looks like my Friday night. |
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
Darth Vader's apprentice has taken the medicine of Sarah Fisher, Batman, Superman, and Jesus that cures that bad case of "DEAD" and takes on the Empire in this round. Oh wait, is he a clone, or isn't he? Being disappointed by the first game, I have no surprise if George Lucas delivers another Punji Stick to the liver, but I have to play it because it involves the use of lightsabers, and leveling an entire city with the Force. With the guest starring of Boba Fett and Yoda, however, it seelms like I have to take the H.A.W.X. 2 train of thought and ignore the storyline completely in order to take some measure of enjoyment.
Now something about Medal of Honor. That's about it. Well, that's only part of my shopping list in games for now, but it'll be the final lineup of games for 2010. With the advent of Duke Nukem Forever making a 14-year-late entrance I will not hold my breath on it being a good game, like the rest of the world is saying. Enough of that, we'll take what's given to us, give our opinions, and wait for the next helping, like we always do.
Overall opinion: None. If special editions of games are the Happy Meal of our time, we are all in it for the special toy right now, whereas the meal is something that is easily dismissed and thrown away after completion. The toys are now the new trophies of what we own.
- Random Cynic
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Tekken 6 Review
Tekken 6 in the latest installment in the long-running Tekken franchise. While many characters return, and some new combatants enter the fray, the biggest changes to Tekken this time around are in the gameplay. Tekken's long established fighting mechanics which boast nearly 150 moves per player has been completely overhauled with new moves, blocks, parries, multi-level movements and an all-new juggling system, as well as a rage system which gives characters a last burst of strength when they are near death, much like an adreneline rush as to make it more realistic.
Since this is Tekken's first installment on the Playstation 3, the graphics engine has been redone to be on par with the next generation consoles. Character detail is quite high and environments, for the most parts, look good. There are, however, some low resolution textures and aliasing which get in the way of an otherwise solid looking game. Moves look fluid and sound, while minimal and containing often irritating music, works to increase the impact of each strike.
Feng vs. Hwoarang
The game is feature packed with a bonus Tekken force-like mode which serves as a story mode. This mode alone provides as much gameplay as some full games measuring in at about 6 hours on your first play through.
However, the news is not all good. Many of the new characters feel cheap and overpowered, and alternate key mapping on the 2nd controller cannot be saved. Also, on the Playstation 3 version, loading times can run up to 45 seconds unless the user installs the game to the hard drive.
Lili - new character
Overall, Tekken 6 is a good installment to the franchise with a few technical issues hampering the game from being great.
-Moff06
Since this is Tekken's first installment on the Playstation 3, the graphics engine has been redone to be on par with the next generation consoles. Character detail is quite high and environments, for the most parts, look good. There are, however, some low resolution textures and aliasing which get in the way of an otherwise solid looking game. Moves look fluid and sound, while minimal and containing often irritating music, works to increase the impact of each strike.
Feng vs. Hwoarang
The game is feature packed with a bonus Tekken force-like mode which serves as a story mode. This mode alone provides as much gameplay as some full games measuring in at about 6 hours on your first play through.
However, the news is not all good. Many of the new characters feel cheap and overpowered, and alternate key mapping on the 2nd controller cannot be saved. Also, on the Playstation 3 version, loading times can run up to 45 seconds unless the user installs the game to the hard drive.
Lili - new character
Overall, Tekken 6 is a good installment to the franchise with a few technical issues hampering the game from being great.
-Moff06
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Preview: Crysis 2
The first installment of Crysis is widely regarded by many as on of the best single player games released over the past few years. It has graphics that are arguably the best ever produced and is used in many benchmarks to compare performance of graphics cards and processors.
New features:
- While for the first Crysis was made only for PC Crysis 2 will be coming out for game consoles, namley PS3 and Xbox 360 also
- There is a new 'nanosuit'
- Improved graphics
The new nanosuit is what most people are looking forward to, it will bring new features such as power supplies, and new modes other than the previous strength, invisibility and speed.
The game is set to be released around the 22nd of March 2011 and promises to be an amazing game! Check out some gameplay in the below video
New features:
- While for the first Crysis was made only for PC Crysis 2 will be coming out for game consoles, namley PS3 and Xbox 360 also
- There is a new 'nanosuit'
- Improved graphics
The new nanosuit is what most people are looking forward to, it will bring new features such as power supplies, and new modes other than the previous strength, invisibility and speed.
The game is set to be released around the 22nd of March 2011 and promises to be an amazing game! Check out some gameplay in the below video
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Batman Arkham Asylum Review
I know what your thinking. Oh crap another rushed movie cash-in, which wastes a good license on a game with no style, no substance and a full price tag. Well stuff your cynicism in a sack Mr Pessimist, because the caped crusader's newest romp into game world is not just a great game which utilizes the current fascination on the Joker villain played by Heath Ledger in the Dark Knight. It's a great game period.
The game is a mix of stealth and action with a healthy dose of detective work thrown in. As Batman you will sneak up on your enemies, fight fantastic bosses and immerse yourself into the world of the bat. One of the first things you will notice when playing the game is how awesome the combat looks. It really looks choreographed, each punch, kick and throw is done perfectly and seamlessly and really looks like it hurts. The rest of the gameplay however takes a bit of a learning curve, the majority of the controls while smooth once mastered will feel awkward and imprecise in the beginning.
The voice acting, especially Mark "Luke Skywalker" Hamel's Joker is fantastic and gives a nice touch to a great looking game. It's interesting to see how the developer pulled so much out of an aging unreal 3 engine.
Music is used scarcely but to great effect adding an ominous feel.
The story is interesting and will suck you in for some 15 hours. The only real downside to the game is a lack of multiplayer. Though this would have been hard to integrate one can only dream of bat on bat stealth combat. Oh well, maybe in the sequel.
-Moff06
The game is a mix of stealth and action with a healthy dose of detective work thrown in. As Batman you will sneak up on your enemies, fight fantastic bosses and immerse yourself into the world of the bat. One of the first things you will notice when playing the game is how awesome the combat looks. It really looks choreographed, each punch, kick and throw is done perfectly and seamlessly and really looks like it hurts. The rest of the gameplay however takes a bit of a learning curve, the majority of the controls while smooth once mastered will feel awkward and imprecise in the beginning.
The voice acting, especially Mark "Luke Skywalker" Hamel's Joker is fantastic and gives a nice touch to a great looking game. It's interesting to see how the developer pulled so much out of an aging unreal 3 engine.
Music is used scarcely but to great effect adding an ominous feel.
The story is interesting and will suck you in for some 15 hours. The only real downside to the game is a lack of multiplayer. Though this would have been hard to integrate one can only dream of bat on bat stealth combat. Oh well, maybe in the sequel.
-Moff06
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Need for Speed Most Wanted
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| An Explosive Underground Thriller |
From the very start of the game, you are taken on an adventure that wants to see your career led to completion. With its engaging story line, you start of as a nameless racer and work your way through various events (Sprints, drags, circuit races, speed traps and checkpoint tollbooth racers) known as the blacklist. The blacklist is designed to show when and where you can race. In your efforts to earn a name, for yourself, you are immediately confronted by Razor, who sabotages your ride and leaves you in jail. Left with nothing, you are picked up by Mia a stranger who helps you get back in the race and work your way up the blacklist. You eventually take out Razor and find out where everyone’s allegiances lie.
Working your way up the blacklist is not as easy as it seems. There are races, bounty and milestones to complete before even attempting to defeat a blacklist racer. However winning is not enough, running away from cops is another thing. Remember cops will do anything to take you out and impound your car. They hate street racers and if found cruising they will would be more than happy to give you a chase.
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| Take Down Action |
Getting chased by cops is the best feature in Most Wanted. A chase usually starts with one police vehicle however as the heat increases your being chased by twenty police vehicles and even an overhead helicopter. As your heat increases, the more difficult it becomes to lose the cops. The heats range from one to five, one being a simple standard car chase and five, a hot pursuit involving spike strips, road blocks, corvette police vehicles and helicopters. However to get busted you must be either caught by being stopped by spike strips or simply being boxed in. To evade the cops, you must be out of visual range and remain out of sight. This is probably the most intense section of the game as it quite unpredictable.
Throughout the game you participate in a lot of racing in the career mode. However there is a clear distinction with the computer drivers. Early on in your career, the races against opponents are very easy and after a certain voicemail, it becomes difficult to race against your computer opponents. This is shown by how hard it is to recover from a mistake later on in your career. The sudden jump is very evident and annoying as you are expected to drive like a pro. A more gradual increase in the skill would have enhanced the game greatly. However with its action packed driving adventures it will keep you entertained for the whole game!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Achievements: a discussion of evolution.
Since the XBox 360 was released, the trend of player achievements became phenomental craze, that became an unwritten law throughout all releases of games. Sony followed soon after with the trophy system. The purpose of these awards is to show off your progress in several games online. It seems like a new competition nowadays to become the Alpha Gamer, where those who delve too much into these things can cause them to be ridiculed as a trophy/achievement whore. The real question is: Have we had this system before, and haven't even known it?
The origins of an achievement, you might say, started off taking on a human opponent in Pong down in the cornershop. One would take on the rest of the other Pong fanatics from the surrounding area, where there would be the one person you just had to beat. So what would have happened if you couldn't find an appropriate challenger at the time? With no other excuse than because you were antisocial and spent all your 20 cent pieces on the game when everyone else did all those silly things, like going to school.
Pong wasn't going to go around forever, and new games would be released. Therefore, games worked out a system where gamers would score points. There was a new objective now: beat the high score. Personally, I was one to sink numerous dollars of pocket cash just so I can have the advantage of having my initials engraved on at least one place of the coveted top scores of shooters and racing games. Obviously, this feat never worked out as I lived under a parents-know-best household that frowned upon video games, and I had child-like hands that didn't know the basics of accuracy. This, like all aspirations people have, was something I would aim for, knowing full well it would be a lifetime struggle, amongst all other things such as work, school, relationships and family. Everyone else would feel the same way, in a perfect world.
Publicity was very limited at the time, and even less so on the consoles before the 5th generation, unless you decided to invite friends over, and even then the only time when anyone gave a toss was when a new game was released for the Sega Saturn, or whichever. However, mention that you never passed the last stage in Alex Kidd in Miracle World and be prepared to be ridiculed. during the Nintendo/Sony wars, the competition was tightened with 4-player action, finding out who could become the supreme player. Single player games could also be determined as well, showing who could have the most complete collection of Materia, and who obtained all 23 cheats on GoldenEye. OK, so we talked about the consoles, but even so, we were being ridiculed by the PC elitists who could take on people either worldwide, or within LAN parties.
Achievements were also symbolised by showing how much a game was completed (via percentage), or receiving a particular reward for passing a game on a certain difficulty, such as stealth camo in the Metal Gear Solid Games. But with even more online interaction of games in the 6th generation of consoles, and the implementation of Xbox Live, you could say that the gamers wanted more than just credibility in the chat rooms. Thus, modern day achievement systems were implemented. Nowadays you could tell what the player has done, such as gaining complete information in a codex, or killing a certain amount of chickens in 10 seconds, and the standard level clear, game and difficulty clear. Xbox Live, followed soon by Playstation Network, have surpassed the PC in gaming popularity, but Xbox Live could also support games that were marked "Games for Windows". It wasn't until Steam was released that PC gamers could be able to diversify their achievement gaining. Now we just have to wait for Nintendo.
So we could safely say there have been an existence of achievements of video games throughout our lives. The trials and tribulations of gamers to achieve a specific goal, be it to finish a game, or to gain the world record score. There have just been many different evolutions of the system. Trust me, they will be here to stay, and there will be an aim. Above all else, there are millions of people to gain the high ground as the ultimate gamer.
- Random Cynic
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| An achievement for every player, no matter how ridiculous. |
Pong wasn't going to go around forever, and new games would be released. Therefore, games worked out a system where gamers would score points. There was a new objective now: beat the high score. Personally, I was one to sink numerous dollars of pocket cash just so I can have the advantage of having my initials engraved on at least one place of the coveted top scores of shooters and racing games. Obviously, this feat never worked out as I lived under a parents-know-best household that frowned upon video games, and I had child-like hands that didn't know the basics of accuracy. This, like all aspirations people have, was something I would aim for, knowing full well it would be a lifetime struggle, amongst all other things such as work, school, relationships and family. Everyone else would feel the same way, in a perfect world.
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| One of the prestigious accolades for any gamer before 2000 |
Achievements were also symbolised by showing how much a game was completed (via percentage), or receiving a particular reward for passing a game on a certain difficulty, such as stealth camo in the Metal Gear Solid Games. But with even more online interaction of games in the 6th generation of consoles, and the implementation of Xbox Live, you could say that the gamers wanted more than just credibility in the chat rooms. Thus, modern day achievement systems were implemented. Nowadays you could tell what the player has done, such as gaining complete information in a codex, or killing a certain amount of chickens in 10 seconds, and the standard level clear, game and difficulty clear. Xbox Live, followed soon by Playstation Network, have surpassed the PC in gaming popularity, but Xbox Live could also support games that were marked "Games for Windows". It wasn't until Steam was released that PC gamers could be able to diversify their achievement gaining. Now we just have to wait for Nintendo.
So we could safely say there have been an existence of achievements of video games throughout our lives. The trials and tribulations of gamers to achieve a specific goal, be it to finish a game, or to gain the world record score. There have just been many different evolutions of the system. Trust me, they will be here to stay, and there will be an aim. Above all else, there are millions of people to gain the high ground as the ultimate gamer.
- Random Cynic
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Feature roundup of Fifa 11
The release of Fifa 11 is just around the corner, and with Fifa 10 being one of the most popular sports games of all time its release is highly anticipated.
Fifa 11 has offered to completely reinvent the way in which you pass the ball during the game, with improved passing physics, this is a direct response to the users feedback on the issue of “ping-pong” passing which in previous games has provided an unrealistic passing experience. To counteract this each player will have a certain degree of accuracy and the pass will go roughly towards the receiver depending on the degree of the passer’s given accuracy.
Not being able to watch or replay online is another piece of feedback the users had given to the Fifa developers, you will now be able to watch and replay that stunning goal that you scored against your opponent online.
A new feature to make each player unique is Personality+. Personality+ gives each player unique attributes, looks and a certain feel that should be exclusive to that player. This includes things like injuries, speed, aggression and a whole range of other attributes that come together to describe each player fully.
The goalkeeper until now has been distant from the team, while you can rush the goalkeeper he has operated mostly on his own accord. Now with Fifa 11 you can control ALL 11 players on the pitch. You can embark upon the quest of creating a career as a goalkeeper or play online with 10 other friends.
The last big feature is custom audio and celebrations. This gives the game a certain ‘feel’ in that you can customize the chants of the crowd, the names of certain players and the way your player celebrates a goal can be the way you have chosen.
The last big feature is custom audio and celebrations. This gives the game a certain ‘feel’ in that you can customize the chants of the crowd, the names of certain players and the way your player celebrates a goal can be the way you have chosen.
A 5-hour rundown of H.A.W.X. 2
In the early stages of 2009, where I had good feelings about video games and had no worries in a workplace before the mail server collapsed, I revived my love of flight simulators by playing Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. Despite the story not being written by Clancy, it seems that all the related games Ubisoft have released have created an interactive universe that goes beyond the books. For the first H.A.W.X. it actually turned out quite good. The controls were solid, combat was flowing and edgy, and the story, albeit far-fetched, was somewhat pushing me to go on and find out what happens next.
So, what has changed in H.A.W.X. 2? Well, this time you have a pick and mix of different pilots from the Call of Duty All Stars: Yanks, Poms, and Russkies. Each have their own unique stories, but the story revolves around mostly the Yankee variety, because Tom Clancy would have a hissy fit if he doesn't hear more about America the Beautiful in his little universe. Take off and landings have more of a major involvement in this game, which makes it immersive (as far as playing by controller goes), but for retards who don't know how to give a level landing, there is a friendly path-following system that will gently hold your hand to the airstrip. Even in levels without an airstrip, you can refuel and re-arm with the help of a friendly jumbo jet. Air combat is also extended with the control of a U.A.V. and you can gun down enemies in an auto-controlled combat talon.
The opening sequence lets us play as the main protagonsit ruining enemy equipment after shooting down a chopper. After the brief battle, you return to base. Oh no! you get shot down, and the scene fades to black, letting you play two different non-American characters in the intervening time, before being introduced to a nameless, faceless, speechless Yankee protagonist to take over for the majority of the game, which makes it an old formula of hating player characters. Controls are simple enough as well: Press X to start plane, A to launch missile, B to rain bullets, and the chicken to eject out of a plane, because that's what you are!
Nevertheless, I enjoyed H.A.W.X. 2, the flying is fun, the actions are more immersive, and you can feel like you’re fighting for freedom with a different way of dying – 5000m above sea level. I'll still be playing this one to the very end, and then play it some more just for fun. Different planes control differently, challenges are grand enough, and if you've played the first H.A.W.X. the plane-shearing drift moves are standard throughout the whole game. That's too sugar-coated, now let's hate on it a little bit.
Selecting missions is easy enough, but why the hell can't I choose my plane? I know that there were an excess of planes in the first one, but that's what I liked most. You could choose your method of lightning, your method of quick-time-mass-murder, and away you went. Now it's just gone linear for the purpose of the story, saving the custom battles for multiplayer. It feels like I've been given a restriction of freedom, and I can't help but get irritated by that. I suppose you have to put up and shut up, but it's still all whoosh-flighty-shooty fun.
Next up are the enemies for a story. I think we've run into a bit of a snag when it comes to bad guys in war games. As gamers, we have given a body count of Nazis that have exceeded the original WW2 body count, Russians were the Cold War fantasy, brought back by fantasists for Modern Warfare and Bad Company, Middle Eastern terrorists are still being used (though rarely), PMCs can't be used as a result of the Reykjavik Accord from the first H.A.W.X. (spoiler alert), and developers are edgy when it comes to China and North Korea in fear of being attacked by the secret nukes stockpiled. What I don't understand is how Cold War fantasists and Middle Eastern extremists could get along: The only interest is hating the West. I guess the only theory now is that stamping the Tom Clancy brand on a game means re-enacting past victories for modern times, but this game, I think, should be played just have some flying fun with a storyline being: We are at war, enemies are there, you’re air support, bomb them to hell.
Judgement: Enjoyable, close to realistic flight sim, as long as you don’t let the story get to you that much.
So, what has changed in H.A.W.X. 2? Well, this time you have a pick and mix of different pilots from the Call of Duty All Stars: Yanks, Poms, and Russkies. Each have their own unique stories, but the story revolves around mostly the Yankee variety, because Tom Clancy would have a hissy fit if he doesn't hear more about America the Beautiful in his little universe. Take off and landings have more of a major involvement in this game, which makes it immersive (as far as playing by controller goes), but for retards who don't know how to give a level landing, there is a friendly path-following system that will gently hold your hand to the airstrip. Even in levels without an airstrip, you can refuel and re-arm with the help of a friendly jumbo jet. Air combat is also extended with the control of a U.A.V. and you can gun down enemies in an auto-controlled combat talon.
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| Only fair if you're on the giving end. |
Nevertheless, I enjoyed H.A.W.X. 2, the flying is fun, the actions are more immersive, and you can feel like you’re fighting for freedom with a different way of dying – 5000m above sea level. I'll still be playing this one to the very end, and then play it some more just for fun. Different planes control differently, challenges are grand enough, and if you've played the first H.A.W.X. the plane-shearing drift moves are standard throughout the whole game. That's too sugar-coated, now let's hate on it a little bit.
Selecting missions is easy enough, but why the hell can't I choose my plane? I know that there were an excess of planes in the first one, but that's what I liked most. You could choose your method of lightning, your method of quick-time-mass-murder, and away you went. Now it's just gone linear for the purpose of the story, saving the custom battles for multiplayer. It feels like I've been given a restriction of freedom, and I can't help but get irritated by that. I suppose you have to put up and shut up, but it's still all whoosh-flighty-shooty fun.
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| Too bad the stunts in "Assistance OFF" mode can't be seen in 1st person. |
Judgement: Enjoyable, close to realistic flight sim, as long as you don’t let the story get to you that much.
God of War 3 Review
Kratos is back and angrier than ever. Best of all he’s never been better. While the previous games were stellar on the Playstation 2 the aging consol lacked the hardware to fully realise the potential of the God of War universe. So let’s start with the obvious. Graphically God of War 3 is one of the best looking games ever made. The luscious environment and its inhabitants ooze detail from every facet. Complimenting this is the games grand scope in which towering mountains of fire and behemoths of battle are fully realised in stunning high definition with few instances of frame rate slow down, this is brought to life with a fantastic orchestral score.
From a gameplay perspective God of War 3 is more combat focused that the previous entries into the series. But this is in no way a bad thing. The combat in God of War 3 is top notch not only in animation but also in style. Your moves look like they hurt and really immerse the player into the game. A first for the series, the weapons you gain after the blades of exile are actually valid alternatives and you’ll find yourself using them (particularly the earth shattering cestus) in many of your heated battles.
Boss encounters are simply amazing in God of War 3 with the challenges being both varying and difficult. Boss’s behave in a variety of ways and victory always feels satisfying and never cheap against your intelligent foe. The same is true of all your enemies. While not necessary the brightest AI ever seen they will block and wait for opportunity, gang up on you and attack with relentless violence. Violence has been a hallmark of the series and this entry doesn’t disappoint in any way. Heads will be torn off, the contents of bowels poured out, limbs detached and all round brutality. This is not for the faint hearted. But for anyone else it’s a treat to see what horrible way you can slay your foe.
The story is a slight let down by comparison to that of previous entries in the game. While the two thirds of the game provide enough reason to go through your quest the story doesn’t really pick up till the end of the game, that’s not to say it disappoints though. The fantastic culmination and cliff hanger ending serve as a great testament to the culmination of this amazing saga.
In the end there is no reason not to buy God of War 3. Unless your truly averse to gore then this is the game for you. Lasting for some 10-12 hours it’s a great ride that will leave you in awe long after you drop your controller.
Fusion Gamer intro
Fusion Gamer, the newest interactive blogger created blow your mind away with gaming reviews.
A black background template was selected and altered to a soundwave type background to make it more eye catching. Most of the font is in white, however the heading is larger to capture the audience. A realtime twitter feature is available and links staight to twitter keeping the users updated regularly. There is also a profile of about fusion gamer and how each individual will bring something different to the blogger giving you different perspectives and opening new and exciting ways to review games.
However, the question is are you a Fusion Gamer?
A black background template was selected and altered to a soundwave type background to make it more eye catching. Most of the font is in white, however the heading is larger to capture the audience. A realtime twitter feature is available and links staight to twitter keeping the users updated regularly. There is also a profile of about fusion gamer and how each individual will bring something different to the blogger giving you different perspectives and opening new and exciting ways to review games.
However, the question is are you a Fusion Gamer?
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