More and more you see FPS's putting much greater time and effort into their multiplayer than their singleplayer. In no game is this more apparent than Battlefield 3. The campaign is relatively short, painfully shallow and completely unfocused. It can't decide whether it wants to be an all-out spectacle like Modern Warfare or take a more tactical "realistic" approach. In the end it doesn't succeed at being either. Multiplayer on the other hand is among the best gaming has to offer. It has the perfect combination of addictiveness and depth, boasting a high level of customization, well-balanced classes and excellent maps. Co-op feels more akin to the campaign and pales in comparison to the multiplayer. The only thing I can recommend about Battlefield 3 is its multiplayer and if its wasn't as great as it is, this game would have been one of the biggest letdowns of this generation.
Smart, imaginative and exciting, Snake Eater surpasses MGS2 in almost every way. The game looks great, the environments are a nice change, the survival mechanics are implemented well and the cast of villains is among the best in any video game. The controls are also improved but still feel clunky and stiff. The story is entertaining but not as engaging as previous games in the series. Special appreciation has to go to the spectacular boss fights. Each one is brimming with creativity and will change how you view this old video game staple.
Sons of Liberty is pretty much what you would expect from an MGS game. The story takes so many twists and turns and is more than a bit ridiculous. The writing and voice acting can go from excellent to decent to laughable all in the same scene. The gameplay is inventive and diverse but a little clunky. With MGS, however, its flaws are just as important to its character as its strengths and the overall product is very entertaining and innovative.
Spirit Tracks is an enjoyable and suitable epic Zelda adventure. The world is sprawling and the unique DS features (touch controls, microphone) are used in imaginative ways and get the most of the handheld. The two primary concepts of ST are the trains used to navigate the world and having Zelda as a very useful companion. These are both great but are also responsible for the game's main flaws. As fun as the train mechanics are, they are used to such an extent that it becomes a bit tiresome and feels like padding. As for Zelda, her AI can be downright embarrassing at times. These aren't huge grievances but they do detract from the overall experience. Overall, the good far outweighs the bad in Spirit Tracks and the high quality of the LoZ series is kept intact.
Pokemon Black manages to bring some much needed freshness into the series, although not enough to fully satisfy. The usual journey of catching/training pokemon and battling other trainers is still fun and a world populated solely with new monsters is a nice change. What is disappointing is the reluctance of this series to stray too far from its comfort zone. Also, the region exclusive to Black version is a big letdown. Even so, both newcomers and veterans will lap this up as it manages to recapture part of what made millions fall in love with Pokemon.
Pokemon White manages to bring some much needed freshness into the series, although not enough to fully satisfy. The usual journey of catching/training pokemon and battling other trainers is still fun and a world populated solely with new monsters is a nice change. What is disappointing is the reluctance of this series to stray too far from its comfort zone. Also, the region exclusive to White version is a big letdown. Even so, both newcomers and veterans will lap this up as it manages to recapture part of what made millions fall in love with Pokemon.
Clunky, awkward and not fun to play at all. The bar for skateboarding games was set very high by the THPS series and The Simpsons Skateboarding doesn't even come close.
A beautiful, thrilling and flawed conclusion to the Mass Effect trilogy. ME3 does not disappoint when it comes to intense action set pieces and an epic story. The abundant drama in this game feels earned after playing the previous games in the series and it is nice to see the decisions made in those games impacting on this one. Multiplayer is a surprisingly effective addition, with a great range of character classes, races and unlockables to keep you hooked. The main problem with ME3 is the character interaction. Shepard's team is not as memorable as before, with few new faces onboard. Conversation options with them are fairly shallow and you miss the loyalty missions of ME2. The exclusion of the latter is understandable since Shepard is on a tight schedule to stop the Reapers. But it is still disappointing. Overall, though, I still greatly enjoyed playing this game and hope to play it again soon. Mass Effect has been the greatest video game trilogy of all time and ME3 is a worthy end to the saga.
This expansion is far too short to justify its price and returning to Eden Prime is not as dramatic as I'd have hoped. However it deserves credit for tying in with the existing story so well. Javik is an interesting addition to the team. He provides a nice insight into the Protean civilization but unfortunately no real insight into himself as a character. I guess he decision of whether or not you should buy this rests on how enamored you are with the Mass Effect 3 experience.
Undead Nightmare changes what you come to expect from DLC. In changing the entire game world, UN creates a fully-fledged alternate story that makes great use of existing characters by seeing what effect this strange situation would have on their lives. New side missions are also added along with new multiplayer modes. The value on offer here is incredible and well worth it.
A bold and confident game that perfectly recreates its setting. RDR doesn't feel like it has to keep players in a constant adrenaline rush, instead focusing on realism and authenticity. The story is interesting even if takes a while to truly take off. It looks amazing and the soundtrack is fantastic. The voice acting and writing are some of the best you'll see in a video game. Multiplayer doesn't feel tacked on and gives players a nice change of pace. It also has a nice balance of co-operative and competitive game modes. RDR has a huge amount of excellent content and is genuinely a must-buy.
The greatest of all Final Fantasy games, FF6 is a wondrous experience filled with memorable characters, a thrilling story and some of the best music in video games.
A sprawling and enthralling game that always has a new trick up its sleeve. This game is seen as a classic and deserves the title. Though not quite as brilliant as FF6, this game is still bursting with originality, heart, action and just about anything else you would ever want from a video game.
I grew up with FF8. This was the game that would spark my love of gaming. Of course you probably imagine that you can't trust my review since I'll be blinded by nostalgia. However, I played this game once again recently and while it was still a fantastic experience i can now see that the game definitely stumbles on occasion. For the first two discs the story is thrilling and effectively told. After this, it becomes messy, confusing and more than a bit ridiculous (you know I'm talking about the orphanage twist). Every character except Squall and Laguna are dull and don't develop in any meaningful way. The world feels strangely small and doesn't have the personality of FF7 or FF9. Still, the combat system is excellent and deep, the story is engaging for the most part, the animation is superb for its time and the mini games are addictive. Despite my grievances, FF8 is a worthy entry in the venerable series and I look forward to playing it again.
MvC3 brings the fast, fun action of its predecessor along with cartoonish visuals that really enhance the onscreen combat. Unfortunately, opportunities to evolve the series are lost. The variety of game modes is pitifully small when compared to its competition and the roster is significantly smaller than MvC2. I know that it isn't fair to judge a game based on another but when it feels like a backwards step, it is a serious concern.
The PSP version of SWB2 manages to maintain the huge scope and diverse gameplay of the original PS2 version. The numerous open environments and thrilling space battles are all here as well as a variety of enemies and special characters. The only downsize is the abysmal camera controls. It was clear that the developers were crying out for an extra analog stick to work with. Given time, however, you soon get the hang of them.
Great Tekken gameplay with a large roster and plenty of extra modes online and offline (I'm a big Tekken Bowling fan). Tekken looks surprisingly good on PSP. In fact, no area has been sacrificed in the sizing-down of the game. This is the kind of game that works well on a portable device, with quick and satisfying action on hand whenever you need it.
Playing four instruments with regular buttons simultaneously sounds like a crazy idea but Rock Band Unplugged makes it work. Transitioning between instruments feels natural and as for the rest of the gameplay, its classic Rock Band. If you can't get enough of the series, then you shouldn't pass up the chance to play it on the go.
No more needs to be said about this game. The best game ever? I'm not sure but if any game has to have that title then I don't mind it being this one. Games don't come much better than this.
In Feeding Frenzy, you play as a magic fish. Our silent protagonist has seen both the cruelty that the ocean can offer but also the peril. In his wide, white eyes we see his longing for something more. He was not born to be but a small fish. He was born for greatness, for the wanton pleasures that could never be given to a fish such as he. Then one autumn night, the kind of night where the wind listens to the earth and the earth to it, the fish had a thought: "I'm going to eat my friends. I'm going to eat them all." And he did. Soon he became the biggest fish of all. The rest of the seabed called him Uncle Bigfish McEatsfriends. He was never an uncle. During the day, he commanded small fish, once his comrades, in the war against the Hell Trouts of the Red Sea. By night, he engaged in unspeakable acts of debauchery (bass to mouth) with Hell Trout prisoners. Truly, he had become an instrument of the fish god of evil SatanFish. One crisp morning, he caught sight of the tail of a fish, the largest he had ever seen. "It's bigger even than me" he said with his mouth. Wasting no time, he devoured the tail of the fish along with the rest of it and he was never seen **** ate himself! Come on!
The most atmospheric and wonderfully puzzling game on XBLA. The art direction is superb and adds to the story, gameplay and the world itself. The price is a bit steep for a game with little replay value.
If I have to listen to Paradise City by Guns N' Roses one more time......Burnout Paradise should be a great game. It has a lot of things going for it: addictive gameplay, an open world, different game modes. Unfortunately these aspects don't get to shine because of the clunky way the game was designed. Findings the kind of race you want is difficult and the map isn't much help. Making your own route to the objective is a good idea but is implemented poorly. The sign telling you which way to turn is hard to notice in an adrenaline fueled car-off with more crashes than the annual Crash Bandicoot convention that I just made up. With no running narrative, the only encouragement to keep playing is to upgrade your license. Somehow this does not set my shins alight with excitement. And that DJ is annoying.
Crysis 2 is a fresh take on the stagnating FPS genre. Gameplay is smooth, controls are tight and while firing bullets until an enemy dies is still an effective tactic, abilities like stealth, super speed and super strength can also be used. Though they may appear gimmicky from the outside, they are integrated well into the game and open up new ways of killing things. The graphics are amazing, with my eyes bleeding at irregular intervals. The story in Crysis 2 is better than most of its competitors but that's really not saying much (it gets points for not including Russian baddies). Multiplayer is distracting and sometimes entertaining but it won't replace your regular multiplayer game. This game doesn't reinvent the FPS but it does improve upon it. So if a better-than-average shooter is what you want then buy Crysis 2. But this is coming from a guy whose eyes won't stop bleeding.
Bastion shows yet again the ability of XBLA to produce high quality titles. It is relentlessly imaginative and the ever-present narrator is a terrific and original touch. The most striking thing about Bastion is its presenatation. The ground rises beneath your feet against a backdrop of beautiful, sharp visuals. The story may not be the most riveting you've ever heard but the way that it is told (the narrator) definitely is. Combat is satisfying although a bit simplistic but the upgrade adds a little more depth. New Game + gives the game plenty of replay value which means that you are getting a lot of content for your money.
I must first address a grievance of mine. The most appalling thing in this game is the repetition of the levels and bosses halfway through the game. Players control new character Nero for the first half and Dante for the second half. Their combat styles are only moderately different so it is incredibly tedious to replay the same thing all over again. I find it incredible that a respected development team would decide to deceive players in this way. Okay moving on. The combat in DMC4 is fast and effective but is let down by clunky dodge mechanics. Considering how important dodging is in a game like this, this is a glaring flaw. Graphically, the game is excellent but the plot, characters and writing are much less so.
Bayonetta's combat, presentation and style are all excellent. Battles are frantic but never messy, with an insane amount of combos and special attacks even if you will probably end up button mashing. The boss fights are ridiculous and spectacular and must be seen to be believed. Every enemy is carefully designed and is testament to the amount of work that has been put into making this game. Now for the bad stuff. Bayonetta's story manages to be too simple and overly complex at the same time. Most of the time you don't where you are going or for what reason. Bayonetta as a character is irritating. Her relentless arrogance, the sexualization of pretty much everything she does and the half-hearted attempts at developing her character make her just plain unlikeable. The supporting cast are one-dimensional and the writing can be absurd. If you go into Bayonetta solely for its high-octane action, you won't be disappointed but don't expect much more.
Crisis Core acts as a prequel to FFVII but it can stand alone as a worthy addition to the FF stable. The battle system is very action-oriented but never degrades to mindless button mashing. Finding and combining materia is addictive and surprisingly deep. The plot can be a bit shaky as can the writing and voice acting. However, the game should be commended for its genuine emotion, something which is lacking in many recent games.
A thrilling, large-scale adventure ported onto the PSP, Rise of Apocalypse shows what can be achieved with portable hardware. The variety of characters, abilities and side missions are incredible as is how faithful the game remains to its characters and their world. The story is meaty and well-told and the game has just enough length so that you get your money's worth but not so much that it becomes tedious. The one negative thing I can say about this game is that combat can become repetitive over time. Still, this is a great purchase for any PSP owner.
The biggest problem that RE5 has is its general lack of imagination and blandness. These traits could also be applied to its story which doesn't really engage or involve the player. The AI is flawed so playing with another person is essential. The inventory system can be a pain and swapping items with your partner is harder than it should be. On the positive side, the game looks amazing and mercenaries mode gives it plenty of replay value.
Daxter is a great PSP adventure that nicely compliments the Jak and Daxter series. Exciting gameplay is coupled with a fun campaign and although aspects such as the open world and game length are sized down for a portable device, the heart that characterized the series remains intact.
An imaginative and original game that utilizes unique gameplay and fun visuals. LocoRoco 2 is light and breezy and has that classic easy to learn/hard to master learning curve. The music is lively and the colors jump out at you. This creates a great energy running throughout the game. The game is a joy to play even if its lightness means that it won't be particularly engaging or involving.
Arkham City is the essential Batman game, incorporating perfectly the characters, themes and style of the comics and films. It expands on its predecessor in every way. The story is more exciting and fast paced, with plenty of characters but never feeling overstuffed. Voice acting and great writing bring these characters to life and give them their own unique spin. The combat is similar but improved and more varied. Its greatest achievement is making you feel like you really are Batman. The stealth is excellent and the gadgets lead to creative ways of remaining hidden. The game has an insane amount of replay value thanks to the challenge maps and Riddler trophies. Definitely one of the best games of 2011.
One of the greatest survival horror titles, RE4 offers great gameplay, a decent story and plenty of thrilling moments. Everything from the level design to the variety of enemy types to the intense boss fights tells of how much thought and attention went into this game's creation. Where RE4 succeeds where others fail is in its pacing, with the action, story and bosses steadily growing towards the finale. The extra content available after the game's completion adds to its replay value.
Flawed but entertaining. Cities like Detroit and Shanghai are well realised although this means that small, more limited areas in the game feel very bland by comparison. The world of HR is intriguing, unfortunately the plot and characters are not. The story is passable but none of Adam Jensen's friends, enemies or acquaintances made the kind of impression that one might see from characters in the Mass Effect games. Adam himself is unremarkable. The graphics are excellent even if facial animations can seem a bit off. The different ways to play (combat, stealth, hacking) are all fleshed out and gel together nicely. The latter point makes me wonder all the more why the game would limit players to only using combat in boss fights. This puts those who played the game focusing on stealth/hacking to be at a disadvantage. I enjoyed the conversation system in this game especially in the instances when a character had to be persuaded into being of assistance. HR is an enjoyable game that shows a lot of potential. If the flaws are ironed out, a sequel could be a classic.
Bethesda has created an incredibly immersive and realized fictional world in the fifth game in the Elder Scrolls. NPC's interact realistically, with improved animation and voice acting. Although the total number of skill categories has been reduced, the game does not suffer. In fact, cutting away the excess fat of past games put Skyrim ahead of its predecessors. Combat has been streamlined and improved so that the player can switch between different weapons and magic easily. The menu and inventory systems have been given a similar treatment, with the primary focus being on making it easier for the player. The game is also very well balanced. Wielding swords, bows, magic or taking a more stealthy approach are equally emphasized and all seem like viable ways to play the game.
An entertaining sci-fi adventure with a great story, interesting characters and a cool morality system. Bioware has crafted a beautiful and believable universe filled with history and conflict. Exploring worlds with the Mako is fun even if the vehicle's handling is poor. Combat is a little clunky and the slow loading of the graphics detract from the game.
A solid entry into the Assassin's Creed franchise that thrills in certain areas and disappoints in others. The addition of multiplayer has payed off, with the online modes being the best thing about the game. Matches are tense and fun although a little more customization would have been nice. As for the singlt player, it is inferior to the last game. The world feels smaller, the story isn't as engaging and the player doesn't foster any real emotional attachment to characters. Recruiting a team of assassins is interesting but we never get the impression that they are of any importance. The gameplay is solid and assassinating is still fun. There is tons to do and there are some imaginative levels. A worthy purchase.
A hugely fun game that has plenty of things to see, places to go, items to collect and people to save. Web swinging is exhilarating if a little irritating at times. Combat is frantic and fast, with numerous moves and combos available. The game expands on the movie by adding new storylines and characters (Black Cat, Shocker, Mysterio etc). Spierman 2 is a great take on the open-world formula as the game transforms New York into a playground.
A shallow, horrible looking game that loses its appeal within a half hour. The game is devoid of story and gameplay is a jumbled mess. There is no real reason to buy this game.
An average fighter that doesn't offer much in terms of gameplay depth or replay value. The roster is relatively big and diverse and story mode passes some time even if non-fans may get lost. The game also suffers from a lack of game modes and sub-par graphics.
Both the multiplayer maps and the campaign of Black Ops are weaker than its predecessor, even if its plot is slightly more interesting. Graphics are also slightly worse this time around. However, the inclusion of zombie modes and dead ops arcade mean that this is a game bursting with content. The Call of Duty formula remains enjoyable but this is not a must buy.
A fun and frantic fighting game with a huge roster of memorable characters and a lot of charm and personality. The game is only let down by its small number of game modes.
Smooth gameplay, well implemented stealth action and a good storyline. Co-op adds replay value as does the list of challenges to be completed. The choice to use a more confrontational approach may upset purists but the game is still focused on silent combat. Voice acting is strong and enhances the power of the well told story.Conviction also boasts a visual flare not seen in its predecessors which is a great feature for the most part. Its only failing is the transition of the game to monochrome when Sam can't be seen. This is distracting, annoying and unnecessary. but not enough to stop this from being an essential purchase for stealth fans.
Stealth action and CQC adapt well to a portable console, with gameplay mechanics feeling similar but fresher thanks to the inclusion of teams. These teams add a new depth to planning and strategy, with the enticing ability to recruit more and more followers. The story is absorbing and fittingly complex and the graphic novel cutscenes look great . Voice acting is of a high quality as is the soundtrack.
Duodecim brings new depth to the fighting experience as well as expanding the story and the roster of characters. The new fighters are excellent additions and each are completely distinctive from other characters. Not much else has changed from Dissidia, which is very disappointing and irritating but giving players the story mode to the original was brilliant and adds dozens of hours of gameplay.
The biggest strength of Dissidia is its explosive, breathtaking battles in the sky and on land. Each character has their own unique set of moves and mastering each of them gives the game replay value. Purchasing accessories, weapons and items adds depth and gives you something to work towards. The games' weaknesses stem from an uninteresting plot and painful dialogue that is filled with empty angst and the recycled use of the words dreams, friends and hope. This game will obviously appeal more to FF fans but I think anyone can appreciate the most innovative fight mechanics on the PSP.
A fun and frantic racer that has great visuals and art direction. Controls are smooth, tracks are sufficiently bendy and the soundtrack perfectly suits the action. A larger choice of vehicles and tracks would have made this game even better.
Being new to the series, I was blown away by the large scale conflicts and dynamic battlefields. A huge roster of warriors with their own story gives this game plenty of replay value even if the combat differences between them is less than one might hope. The map of the battlefield and the use of a supply bar give each stage a sense of scope. Gameplay is not too complex and instead allows the player to indulge in epic battles between soldiers, captains and generals. This lack of complexity does, however, become the games biggest weakness, with the player eventually becoming bored and craving more depth. Graphically, the game disappoints, with environments and lower class soldiers looking downright embarrassing at times.
This is a fantastic collection of games but once the nostalgia wears off, you are left wishing that these games were updated with better graphics and new levels. You may end up playing this game a lot less than you thought you would.
Great graphics and art direction with deep turn-based gameplay and a surprisingly good story. An army of charming supporting characters make this a larger scale adventure than most other Mario titles. Vibrant environments range from deserts to forests to the skies, each with its own personality. The game succeeds in adapting classic Mario gameplay, enemies and regions into an RPG without feeling like a thin lick of paint on an RPG template. Dialogue is well written and occasionally funny, with a kind of self aware glee that would never be attempted in a main series Mario game. Paper Mario is an incredible game that manages to be gloriously simple and complex simultaneously.
