Woah.
Mass Effect 2 can be viewed in one of two ways, a sequel, or a game that hits the right notes. I think if you've played Mass Effect 1, that choice is obvious, thus making this review, pointless. To that regard, know that Mass Effect 2 is meant to be a continuation of Mass Effect 1. If you haven't played the first, there is no point in purchasing this one.
To put it bluntly, if you played the first, 9.3 out of 10. If you didn't: Zero!
That being said...for those who have played the first. This game is amazing. All the issues of the first (Technical glitches, Cumbersome Inventory system, Dull side quests) have been fixed. The story telling is tighter; and the shooter gameplay is enhanced.
Shooting feels enhanced; I can't believe I'm saying this but compared to ME1 I WANT to play with the weapons. Story this time is comparable to The Dirty Dozen, is it a rip off? I'd say it's close to one, but who'll notice?
What makes this game lose .7 of a grade? I'll tell you: the story telling loses .4 points, and the suicide mission loses .3. The story, is dull. There's not much new and exciting; and the main twist is one that never resonates with the player. A lot of this story is about the interactions you make, but a story still needs elements of a traditional narrative, and sadly ME2 falls flat in that department, ultimately it feels like you're playing a bridge between one and two. Also, that suicide mission hyped throughout the whole dev cycle: it's kind of a letdown. You need to choose people for certain roles, the game never lets you confirm that those are the people you want, it assumes you chose something super carefully. This feels bad, I chose someone not loyal to me by accident, and as a result lost two party members.
Overall, good game, better in the gameplay department; more lacking in the story front.
9.3/10
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Game of the Year
Nominees
Assassins Creed 2 " Improved Gameplay, A Great Narrative, and Satisfying Assasinations make this 2009's biggest improvement"
Modern Warfare 2 "Do we really need to tell you why? Addictive Spec-Ops, an Action-Packed Campaign, and Amazing Multiplayer make MW2 worth the call of duty"
Shadow Complex "Metroid-esque adventure all neatly packed with stunning visuals, and great sound design"
Infamous "Super-hero GTA by the creators of the Sly Cooper Series"
Winner:
Assassins Creed 2
I wanted to give this to Modern Warfare 2. Yet, playing Assassins Creed 2 left me amazed. Genuinely shocked, at how I could love a series that 2 years ago, I hated with so much disdain. What changed? They crafted an engaging story with equally engaging gameplay, they streamlined the mission structure and made everything just feel as cool as it should feel. Is it perfect? No. Combat gets repetitive and we're left with yet another cliffhanger. This time, it would seem that we're no longer in the past. Live by the Creed. Assassins Creed 2 is our Game of the Year.
Assassins Creed 2 " Improved Gameplay, A Great Narrative, and Satisfying Assasinations make this 2009's biggest improvement"
Modern Warfare 2 "Do we really need to tell you why? Addictive Spec-Ops, an Action-Packed Campaign, and Amazing Multiplayer make MW2 worth the call of duty"
Shadow Complex "Metroid-esque adventure all neatly packed with stunning visuals, and great sound design"
Infamous "Super-hero GTA by the creators of the Sly Cooper Series"
Winner:
Assassins Creed 2
I wanted to give this to Modern Warfare 2. Yet, playing Assassins Creed 2 left me amazed. Genuinely shocked, at how I could love a series that 2 years ago, I hated with so much disdain. What changed? They crafted an engaging story with equally engaging gameplay, they streamlined the mission structure and made everything just feel as cool as it should feel. Is it perfect? No. Combat gets repetitive and we're left with yet another cliffhanger. This time, it would seem that we're no longer in the past. Live by the Creed. Assassins Creed 2 is our Game of the Year.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Review: Halo 3: ODST
My it's been awhile folks.
Miss me?
Well I'm back, and I have for you; The Offical Electrical Outlet Review of Halo 3: ODST!
Now as many of you might already know, ODST stars a ragtag group of ODST's (Orbital Drop Shock Troopers). This is the fundamental difference between Halo 3 and the side story, ODST. Not only is it a story difference, but a gameplay and tone shift. While change is always welcomed within the Halo series, this change is not only it's highlight but also it's low point.
First off, the game comes with two discs; the first contains the ODST Campaign and Firefight while Disc two contains all things Halo 3 Multiplayer. Keep in mind that the ODST differences don't apply to the Multiplayer; this is simply a bundling of everything that Bungie has offered in terms of maps and content.
First, the campaign. I have never been a die-hard Halo fan. So I'll just say that the idea of ODST interested me. You're a lone soldier who's physically not as strong as Master Chief and yet has to survive in a Covenent filled New Mombassa. Fear is the name of the game. Bungie has rather simply gimped your player. You won't notice it on the easier difficulties, but once you attempt Heroic or Legendary it really becomes apparent. He can't jump as high, can't duel wield, and has half the stamina of the Chief. At first this annoyed and frustrated the hell out of me. It feels at first like you're just fighting with your arm tied behind your back; and while that's relatively true, it's hard not to feel a sense of determination to win the battle. It's desperation on the battlefield to survive basically.
Eventually this becomes less frustrating. I died less in the last act and the game really shined for me. I won't give away spoilers but if anyone was wondering where the new Firefight mode got it's inspiration then you now know.
Which brings me to Firefight, the Horde for Halo. Four player co-op survival modes are all the rage and certainly it'd take only a manner of time for Bungie to implement one into Halo. Overall, it's fun! You really get the sense that this mode was made for Halo. Each round begins with a Skull. After a round, a new Skull is activated. Anyone who knows what Skulls do in Halo will instantly see the challenge in that. As well as the gratifying reward for survival. I had gripes with the fact that only ODST's could join the Firefight. Couldn't they make two maps that you could play on as Spartans? Also, Weapon placement is shotty at best. Sometimes you'll find that Spartan Laser, and other times you're simply going to walk there and find nothing.
There's also the Multiplayer disc. Every single Halo 3 map is on there as well as a few new ones. The new maps are fun, and Heretic (Remake of Halo 2's Midship) is stellar. I have to obviously complain that I'm paying for maps I already have; however it's nice to have them on disc and not hogging room on my hard drive. I would've even like a refund on those maps. I know that won't happen but a boy can wish eh?
Overall, I have to say this is the best Halo yet. I had my gripes. However, the campaign had no sor spots in terms of level design. This is after all Halo folks, a series that's had a dissapointing level in every single one. They've made it terrifying and frustratingly difficult; however I think it grows on you after a while. You have top tier voice acting by a majority of the Firefly cast. Most importantly, it's fresh. It never really get boring; It gets frustrating and you'll want to pull your hair but it's never a dull moment. Bungie is one of those devs who masters huge action set pieces. Once again we get to see a momentus action packed shooter. Much is to be said on the future of Halo. Many see Halo: Reach as a reboot of the franchise; so if this is the last Halo game to utilize this formula, I have to say that even though Spartans are bigger, ODSTs are certainly no whimper.
Miss me?
Well I'm back, and I have for you; The Offical Electrical Outlet Review of Halo 3: ODST!
Now as many of you might already know, ODST stars a ragtag group of ODST's (Orbital Drop Shock Troopers). This is the fundamental difference between Halo 3 and the side story, ODST. Not only is it a story difference, but a gameplay and tone shift. While change is always welcomed within the Halo series, this change is not only it's highlight but also it's low point.
First off, the game comes with two discs; the first contains the ODST Campaign and Firefight while Disc two contains all things Halo 3 Multiplayer. Keep in mind that the ODST differences don't apply to the Multiplayer; this is simply a bundling of everything that Bungie has offered in terms of maps and content.
First, the campaign. I have never been a die-hard Halo fan. So I'll just say that the idea of ODST interested me. You're a lone soldier who's physically not as strong as Master Chief and yet has to survive in a Covenent filled New Mombassa. Fear is the name of the game. Bungie has rather simply gimped your player. You won't notice it on the easier difficulties, but once you attempt Heroic or Legendary it really becomes apparent. He can't jump as high, can't duel wield, and has half the stamina of the Chief. At first this annoyed and frustrated the hell out of me. It feels at first like you're just fighting with your arm tied behind your back; and while that's relatively true, it's hard not to feel a sense of determination to win the battle. It's desperation on the battlefield to survive basically.
Eventually this becomes less frustrating. I died less in the last act and the game really shined for me. I won't give away spoilers but if anyone was wondering where the new Firefight mode got it's inspiration then you now know.
Which brings me to Firefight, the Horde for Halo. Four player co-op survival modes are all the rage and certainly it'd take only a manner of time for Bungie to implement one into Halo. Overall, it's fun! You really get the sense that this mode was made for Halo. Each round begins with a Skull. After a round, a new Skull is activated. Anyone who knows what Skulls do in Halo will instantly see the challenge in that. As well as the gratifying reward for survival. I had gripes with the fact that only ODST's could join the Firefight. Couldn't they make two maps that you could play on as Spartans? Also, Weapon placement is shotty at best. Sometimes you'll find that Spartan Laser, and other times you're simply going to walk there and find nothing.
There's also the Multiplayer disc. Every single Halo 3 map is on there as well as a few new ones. The new maps are fun, and Heretic (Remake of Halo 2's Midship) is stellar. I have to obviously complain that I'm paying for maps I already have; however it's nice to have them on disc and not hogging room on my hard drive. I would've even like a refund on those maps. I know that won't happen but a boy can wish eh?
Overall, I have to say this is the best Halo yet. I had my gripes. However, the campaign had no sor spots in terms of level design. This is after all Halo folks, a series that's had a dissapointing level in every single one. They've made it terrifying and frustratingly difficult; however I think it grows on you after a while. You have top tier voice acting by a majority of the Firefly cast. Most importantly, it's fresh. It never really get boring; It gets frustrating and you'll want to pull your hair but it's never a dull moment. Bungie is one of those devs who masters huge action set pieces. Once again we get to see a momentus action packed shooter. Much is to be said on the future of Halo. Many see Halo: Reach as a reboot of the franchise; so if this is the last Halo game to utilize this formula, I have to say that even though Spartans are bigger, ODSTs are certainly no whimper.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Xbox 360 Update Review
New update is out, how does it fare?
Some of the top features have to be: Avatar Marketplace, Parties improvements, Account changes, and Games on Demand.
First off, Avatar Marketplace. It really is a nice idea, the notion that you can buy clothes and props for your avatar seems exciting. Sadly, I found in my experiences that a lot of these clothes were overpriced. Some of these items are 80 Microsoft points and some were 320 Points. It's a nice feature, and some are definitely going to take advantage of it and suit up their avatar. I just don't see many people buying these things.
Parties are now more streamlined. The most noticable improvement is a reconnect option. So if you suffer from lag, and your party drops out, the system will automatically reconnect you. Great feature!
Accounts have seen some changes too. There's a new number to indicate how long you're a gold subscriber. Account recovery is easier, so if your system crashes it won't take too long to get up and going again. Finally, your 360 will tell you when you're about to run out on your Gold subscription.
Probably one of the biggest additions is the new Games on Demand service. While many will whine and complain over the pricing of these titles, it's a decent service that cuts out your local store. I downloaded Mass Effect for fun. The games download pretty quickly, so anyone worried it'll take 3 days can rest. Only took me half a day to download. Canadians pay more sadly, instead of $20-$30, we pay $30-$40. These are relatively cheaper then the average price of these games, so I don't see why too many people will complain. One thing to add, the Marketplace assumes you'll pay with credit card but if you want to pay with MS Points, simply tap Y to switch it.
That's pretty much it. Some great additions, stil no Facebook or Twitter but that's down the road.
Some of the top features have to be: Avatar Marketplace, Parties improvements, Account changes, and Games on Demand.
First off, Avatar Marketplace. It really is a nice idea, the notion that you can buy clothes and props for your avatar seems exciting. Sadly, I found in my experiences that a lot of these clothes were overpriced. Some of these items are 80 Microsoft points and some were 320 Points. It's a nice feature, and some are definitely going to take advantage of it and suit up their avatar. I just don't see many people buying these things.
Parties are now more streamlined. The most noticable improvement is a reconnect option. So if you suffer from lag, and your party drops out, the system will automatically reconnect you. Great feature!
Accounts have seen some changes too. There's a new number to indicate how long you're a gold subscriber. Account recovery is easier, so if your system crashes it won't take too long to get up and going again. Finally, your 360 will tell you when you're about to run out on your Gold subscription.
Probably one of the biggest additions is the new Games on Demand service. While many will whine and complain over the pricing of these titles, it's a decent service that cuts out your local store. I downloaded Mass Effect for fun. The games download pretty quickly, so anyone worried it'll take 3 days can rest. Only took me half a day to download. Canadians pay more sadly, instead of $20-$30, we pay $30-$40. These are relatively cheaper then the average price of these games, so I don't see why too many people will complain. One thing to add, the Marketplace assumes you'll pay with credit card but if you want to pay with MS Points, simply tap Y to switch it.
That's pretty much it. Some great additions, stil no Facebook or Twitter but that's down the road.
A little PSA
If you're looking for Halo 3 on the new Games on Demand service. Stop looking. A while ago, Bungie stated that Halo 3 was optimized to run on the disc. So I doubt Halo 3 will appear based on that.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Modern Warfare 4 held hostage, Infinity Ward willing to trade Treyarch for a safe release
If you ever think gaming is a casual pastime, you don't know a Call of Duty fanboy.
A group of terrorists, calling themselves ZiiP have taken the Modern Warfare 4 URL hostage. They claim that Infinity Ward can have the URL if ZiiP and it's members all get the game for free!
To view this horrible hostage situation, view the url at modernwarfare4.com
If the clown gets it, we'll let you know
A group of terrorists, calling themselves ZiiP have taken the Modern Warfare 4 URL hostage. They claim that Infinity Ward can have the URL if ZiiP and it's members all get the game for free!
To view this horrible hostage situation, view the url at modernwarfare4.com
If the clown gets it, we'll let you know
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Battlefield 1943 Review
Tanks, Jeeps, Airplanes, and multi-directional flags...Yes, it's a Battlefield game.
Battlefield 1943 is a pseudo-sequel to the Battlefield 1942 game. Same simple gameplay, there isn't much new. Instead of reinventing the wheel, Dice decided to just add to the wheel.
The game is online only, and has you vyeing for control of multiple control points on the map. This gameplay has been used in so many games that you'll be familiar with the gameplay.
The game has some excellent, almost slightly cartoony, graphics. A slick wartime presentation; and the same great gameplay that you've learned to love.
That being said...
The game is filled with network issues. I sometimes couldn't join a game because the servers got stuck on finding a game; and there was even the odd occasion where a game wouldn't load because the games were unavailable or the game told me that there were no games available. It's hard to give this game, despite all that it does right, a decent score when you know the critical part of an online-only game doesn't work.
In addition, at $15, the game seems slightly overpriced. The Multiplayer isn't as robust as Bad Company. The game only has a handful of maps. There really isn't much there to justify spending that extra $5. I would pay $10 for it in an instant. But to me, despite what it does well, it just doesn't stack up to the robust options that a retail multiplayer shooter has.
All in all, give it a try, see if it's for you. But as it stands:
6/10
Battlefield 1943 is a pseudo-sequel to the Battlefield 1942 game. Same simple gameplay, there isn't much new. Instead of reinventing the wheel, Dice decided to just add to the wheel.
The game is online only, and has you vyeing for control of multiple control points on the map. This gameplay has been used in so many games that you'll be familiar with the gameplay.
The game has some excellent, almost slightly cartoony, graphics. A slick wartime presentation; and the same great gameplay that you've learned to love.
That being said...
The game is filled with network issues. I sometimes couldn't join a game because the servers got stuck on finding a game; and there was even the odd occasion where a game wouldn't load because the games were unavailable or the game told me that there were no games available. It's hard to give this game, despite all that it does right, a decent score when you know the critical part of an online-only game doesn't work.
In addition, at $15, the game seems slightly overpriced. The Multiplayer isn't as robust as Bad Company. The game only has a handful of maps. There really isn't much there to justify spending that extra $5. I would pay $10 for it in an instant. But to me, despite what it does well, it just doesn't stack up to the robust options that a retail multiplayer shooter has.
All in all, give it a try, see if it's for you. But as it stands:
6/10
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