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
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