Introduction
Launch title for PS3. Bundled with most PS3's in recent times. Is it any good?
Graphics
Quite good graphics. I would put it a little below Call of Duty 4 graphics - but good nonetheless.
The aliens are much and varied. Some look good, some not so good.
Sound
Some good sound - nothing to complain about.
Gameplay
The game plays very well. As expected - you run around, you kill things with more eyes than you, some really weird looking hybrid monsters and zombies.
Some of the AI is not too bright. For example - the first time you meet the fast moving little buggers they are nearly unbeatable. Then you realize they just jump on a predetermined pattern. All you do is find a good point to aim at out of harms way - wait for them to repeat the pattern to land on the spot you have chosen and take them out. Bit of lazy programming there.
In my opinion, the single player is as good as COD4, just bit longer. The weapons are quite lekker... the crazy one that can go though the walls is nice. The multi player is enjoyable enough to hold its own against other FPS titles. But I expect that in this gen we should see a bit more than what is on offer here. It might have been a top of the range previous gen title - but for this generation's life cycle I expect much more.
The jeep driving thing for example. Heck - I am quite sure that by now there is a bit more realistic driving engines that can be used in a game like this. Sony - please man - lend some GT3 A-Spec code so we can have a bit of decent driving in a war game for a change.
Story
Well - quite a new plot. Rewriting history - not from the point if Axis or Allied battles went other way - but if some Alien race the Chimera - entered the fray and started taking control. Well - good excuse to get some old weapons mixed with new ones in a historic setting.
Overall Impressions
Well - it is OK. I would say - compared to previous gen this is great. For this gen I expect Warhawk with bigger environments - mixed modes of play. R:FOM takes a tried and proofed concept, good story - and executes well. There should be many of this title in second hand games stores now - so many came with PS3's, and it sold quite well. If you have a PS3 - get this one. You will not be disappointed.
How much did my kids play this?
They liked the multiplayer. Not as much as Warhawk - but they do love to play as the Chimera. But what do you expect of young boys? To role play as a mean looking alien with some really crazy weapons = dream come true. My wife hated this game. The monsters gives her nightmares. But then - other than Warhawk she hates FPS in general.
My overall impression:
This Gen Score 6/10
Previous Gen Score 8.5/10
Showing posts with label Game Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Game Review. Show all posts
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Call of Duty 4
Introduction
Hyped a lot on all platforms - what do I think of COD4?
Graphics
Split screen - 4 player - smooth. In general the graphics is excellent. The only hiccups was with 4 player split screen when you call in air support - a couple of frame rate hiccups - and then it returns to normal...
Sound
Lots of explosions, what you would expect from a good quality title. Great sound in gene
Gameplay
Actually - the single player is very short. I don't make a point of timing ho long it took me - but this one was over way too soon. The gameplay is varied - many elements that one would think you could have in more than one chapter. Or maybe have a choice on how you would like to go for it.
The weapons are OK, the running and screaming is OK, the way it is presented is great. But - I know many of you will balk at this - but I enjoyed Killzone on PS2 more than this. I actually replayed Killzone on my PS3 not too long ago - and to be honest - I enjoyed it more than COD4. If I had to choose to replay Killzone or COD4 now, I would pick Killzone. Story is deeper, the character development is better, and in general the gameplay is longer, better etc.
From a graphics point of view, this is what the fuss about COD4 is all about. It looks great. It has great moments. The first chapter on the ship has great graphics. But in the end - the gameplay is very linear.
If you have a PS3 - get this game. It is worth it. The multiplayer saves this title. But Warhawk beats it by a mile if you want to play a multi player game.
Story
Some Cold War type nuclear threat come true. You hunt and kill until you get the bad guy in the end. In between you sit in a helicopter, but mostly you run on the ground and kill whatever is not your friend.
Overall Impressions
For a single player - I liked the old Killzone more. For multiplayer - Warhawk is so far ahead that it is embarrassing. But it is still a very good title. Bit on the short side - but it does look good and plays good enough. Rent it - you will finish it over the weekend without losing too much sleep. Expect many of this title on the second hand games stores.
How much did my kids play this?
They liked the multiplayer. But not as much as Warhawk. Very little interest in the single player side - maybe because there was no aliens involved. For single player they play R:FOM - maybe because there is aliens.
My overall impression:
This Gen Score 5.5/10
Previous Gen Score 8/10
Hyped a lot on all platforms - what do I think of COD4?
Graphics
Split screen - 4 player - smooth. In general the graphics is excellent. The only hiccups was with 4 player split screen when you call in air support - a couple of frame rate hiccups - and then it returns to normal...
Sound
Lots of explosions, what you would expect from a good quality title. Great sound in gene
Gameplay
Actually - the single player is very short. I don't make a point of timing ho long it took me - but this one was over way too soon. The gameplay is varied - many elements that one would think you could have in more than one chapter. Or maybe have a choice on how you would like to go for it.
The weapons are OK, the running and screaming is OK, the way it is presented is great. But - I know many of you will balk at this - but I enjoyed Killzone on PS2 more than this. I actually replayed Killzone on my PS3 not too long ago - and to be honest - I enjoyed it more than COD4. If I had to choose to replay Killzone or COD4 now, I would pick Killzone. Story is deeper, the character development is better, and in general the gameplay is longer, better etc.
From a graphics point of view, this is what the fuss about COD4 is all about. It looks great. It has great moments. The first chapter on the ship has great graphics. But in the end - the gameplay is very linear.
If you have a PS3 - get this game. It is worth it. The multiplayer saves this title. But Warhawk beats it by a mile if you want to play a multi player game.
Story
Some Cold War type nuclear threat come true. You hunt and kill until you get the bad guy in the end. In between you sit in a helicopter, but mostly you run on the ground and kill whatever is not your friend.
Overall Impressions
For a single player - I liked the old Killzone more. For multiplayer - Warhawk is so far ahead that it is embarrassing. But it is still a very good title. Bit on the short side - but it does look good and plays good enough. Rent it - you will finish it over the weekend without losing too much sleep. Expect many of this title on the second hand games stores.
How much did my kids play this?
They liked the multiplayer. But not as much as Warhawk. Very little interest in the single player side - maybe because there was no aliens involved. For single player they play R:FOM - maybe because there is aliens.
My overall impression:
This Gen Score 5.5/10
Previous Gen Score 8/10
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Motorstorm
Introduction
Motorstorm - the wild racing game.
Graphics
Graphics is good. The mud and the crashes - really looks fantastic. The vehicles - well - this is not Gran Turismo - that is clear.But the environment is great. The fly over the valley is amazing.
Sound
I keep on finding myself replaying the introduction. "In this ageless valley..."
The sound of the voice actor, just great. The cars and the trucks and bikes are what you would expect. The music was horrible. Please let us choose our own music. I turned the mus
Gameplay
So you race in this valley. When I watched an old episode of MacGyver - there was a fly over this area - and wow - they really got this area right. I could actually see where the races took place.
The gameplay is not vary varied. You race with different vehicles. Bikes, trucks, monster rigs, mud pluggers etc. You chase through huge courses. The cars handle as you would expect. They did seem to get the course just right that you could be competitive with all the vehicles. But that is it. If you like off road racing - you will love it. Otherwise - it will over a bit of fun - but not much replay value like Gran Turismo.
Story
Well - in this Valley, some people thought it good to organize a few races. If you could call them that. So you race. You wreck vehicles ten times in a race if you are lucky. You unlock the next track. Or the next vehicle. And you race again.
Overall Impressions
It is a great game. You will like it for a while. Every now and then you will pick it up again for another race. But you are not racing to an objective. You just race to get to the next race. A bit of a story could have helped. Also the fact that there is not a split screen multi player option sucked. It would have been much more fun.
How much did my kids play this?
Not much. And when they did, they tried to see who could get the most spectacular crashes. Which wears off after a while. Because crashes are spectacular - but only so much. Now and then they wanted to race with a big rig. But overall - this game did not hold their attention for more than a few days. How much did I play it? Well - a hell of a lot less than Gran Turismo 4. The game needs something. Maybe better vehicles. Or a story line. Something. The physics and the gameplay is solid. But something to make you want to come back for more is not there.
My overall impression:
This Gen Score 5/10
Previous Gen Score 8/10
Motorstorm - the wild racing game.
Graphics
Graphics is good. The mud and the crashes - really looks fantastic. The vehicles - well - this is not Gran Turismo - that is clear.But the environment is great. The fly over the valley is amazing.
Sound
I keep on finding myself replaying the introduction. "In this ageless valley..."
The sound of the voice actor, just great. The cars and the trucks and bikes are what you would expect. The music was horrible. Please let us choose our own music. I turned the mus
Gameplay
So you race in this valley. When I watched an old episode of MacGyver - there was a fly over this area - and wow - they really got this area right. I could actually see where the races took place.
The gameplay is not vary varied. You race with different vehicles. Bikes, trucks, monster rigs, mud pluggers etc. You chase through huge courses. The cars handle as you would expect. They did seem to get the course just right that you could be competitive with all the vehicles. But that is it. If you like off road racing - you will love it. Otherwise - it will over a bit of fun - but not much replay value like Gran Turismo.
Story
Well - in this Valley, some people thought it good to organize a few races. If you could call them that. So you race. You wreck vehicles ten times in a race if you are lucky. You unlock the next track. Or the next vehicle. And you race again.
Overall Impressions
It is a great game. You will like it for a while. Every now and then you will pick it up again for another race. But you are not racing to an objective. You just race to get to the next race. A bit of a story could have helped. Also the fact that there is not a split screen multi player option sucked. It would have been much more fun.
How much did my kids play this?
Not much. And when they did, they tried to see who could get the most spectacular crashes. Which wears off after a while. Because crashes are spectacular - but only so much. Now and then they wanted to race with a big rig. But overall - this game did not hold their attention for more than a few days. How much did I play it? Well - a hell of a lot less than Gran Turismo 4. The game needs something. Maybe better vehicles. Or a story line. Something. The physics and the gameplay is solid. But something to make you want to come back for more is not there.
My overall impression:
This Gen Score 5/10
Previous Gen Score 8/10
Warhawk
Introduction
Warhawk - we waited for this game for quite some time. How does it play?
Graphics
Split screen - 4 player - smooth. They seemed to have gotten this one right.
Sound
Lots of explosions, what you would expect from a good quality title.
Gameplay
Well - you spawn on screen - you find weapons, you get into a tank, jeep, Warhawk, and go find someone to kill, or something to protect. You run around, fly around, figure out the controls - and yes - the motion controls works really well.
What I really loved about this game is how balanced the weaponry is. You can take down a Warhawk with a gun or a tank, you can win in a number of ways. Even my wife played this game with us until late at night.
If you have a PS3 - get this game.
Story
Well - you spawn on screen - you find weapons, you get into a tank, jeep, Warhawk, and go find someone to kill, or something to protect.
Other than that - no story
Overall Impressions
Because it has no single player, you can not play alone if you are not online. But for LAN parties, split screen multi player, online multi player - this game is what defines this genre.
I expect that we should see this type of games grow much in future. Bigger environments, bigger teams, more action. But for now - Warhawk is the one to beat.
How much did my kids play this?
This is the most enjoyable multi player game for them. I got COD4 today. Great game. We played the game for a couple of hours. And when I came back - the oldest boy had Warhawk in his hands asking when are we going to play it. This should tell you how good this game is.
My overall impression:
This Gen Score 7/10
Previous Gen Score 9.5/10
Warhawk - we waited for this game for quite some time. How does it play?
Graphics
Split screen - 4 player - smooth. They seemed to have gotten this one right.
Sound
Lots of explosions, what you would expect from a good quality title.
Gameplay
Well - you spawn on screen - you find weapons, you get into a tank, jeep, Warhawk, and go find someone to kill, or something to protect. You run around, fly around, figure out the controls - and yes - the motion controls works really well.
What I really loved about this game is how balanced the weaponry is. You can take down a Warhawk with a gun or a tank, you can win in a number of ways. Even my wife played this game with us until late at night.
If you have a PS3 - get this game.
Story
Well - you spawn on screen - you find weapons, you get into a tank, jeep, Warhawk, and go find someone to kill, or something to protect.
Other than that - no story
Overall Impressions
Because it has no single player, you can not play alone if you are not online. But for LAN parties, split screen multi player, online multi player - this game is what defines this genre.
I expect that we should see this type of games grow much in future. Bigger environments, bigger teams, more action. But for now - Warhawk is the one to beat.
How much did my kids play this?
This is the most enjoyable multi player game for them. I got COD4 today. Great game. We played the game for a couple of hours. And when I came back - the oldest boy had Warhawk in his hands asking when are we going to play it. This should tell you how good this game is.
My overall impression:
This Gen Score 7/10
Previous Gen Score 9.5/10
Heavenly Sword
Introduction
Heavenly Sword was a very much anticipated game for the PS3. Lovely lead female character, some great enemies, large environments... but how playable is it?
Graphics
HS treats you to some lovely cut scenes. The character models are very well done. But there is some screen tearing in the first chapter. It seems to get better later on in the following chapters. The animation during some of the special moves is great, but repetitive.
The graphics lag sometimes as well. In my opinion we are at the start of the current gen's capabilities, and I expect Ninja Theory will improve a lot in their next game.
Sound
Some beautiful music during the game. The sound is what you would expect from a great title. Lots of bashing, yelling screaming, noises of explosions all very well done - but the best is the introduction music.
Gameplay
The gameplay is quite simple. My wife liked the motion control. In fact - this is the only part of the game that she would play. The oldest daughter, loves hack 'em and slash 'em games. So she enjoyed this a lot. But for my wife - all she wanted to do is play Kai with the arrows and the motion controls.
What I did not like is the combos. The combos made the game too linear. For example - some of the scenes you just follow a number of on screen hints. No gameplay - just how fast you can respond to some on screen hints. Spiderman 3 does the same thing - and it irritates the hell out of me.
All in all the game played OK, but the replay value was limited. Some of the boss games was just stupid. You make three hits, on the fourth one you will get hit, so you leave the boss alone to hit and miss you, and you repeat the same sequence. This was for me the one part that irritated me the most of the game. The skill level seemed to come down at how well you can count how many times you hit before moving away and repeat the sequence.
Story
The story was what you expect of some mythical story about a sword that the bad guy really wanted. You play this beautiful girl, fighting thousands of baddies, whose power increases, and then the sword moves become more powerful as the game progresses.
But Kai - the little girl sidekick was just beautiful. Of the whole game she was the character that really got under your skin. Not the bad ass sex bomb heroine - the small girl who eats worms and shoot arrows. Just a cute face, clearly wacky girl, but one that you just want to see running around laughing and playing.
The story becomes weirder and weirder - the bosses become more strange as the game goes on.
Overall Impressions
I liked the game at times. But it is not a game that I will play over and over again. The end level bosses was not that good in terms of enjoying the fight. For great animation and great graphics with a great music score the effort that went into the game is obvious. The cut scenes, the atmosphere and style is evident. But the gameplay really let the game down for me in many places. Being forced to watch the cut scene before playing every time you restart was a bit annoying. But the cut scenes was great to watch.
How much did my kids play this?
This section I add in to let you know in "real life" how enjoyable this game was. My kids loved the game at the start - but guess what - after a few days with it, they went back to playing Lego Star Wars (PS2), Ratchet & Clank (PS2) and Simcity (PC). So for replay value - Lego Star Wars and R&C for PS2 beats this one out. By miles.
My overall impression:
This Gen Score 5/10
Previous Gen Score 7.5/10
Heavenly Sword was a very much anticipated game for the PS3. Lovely lead female character, some great enemies, large environments... but how playable is it?
Graphics
HS treats you to some lovely cut scenes. The character models are very well done. But there is some screen tearing in the first chapter. It seems to get better later on in the following chapters. The animation during some of the special moves is great, but repetitive.
The graphics lag sometimes as well. In my opinion we are at the start of the current gen's capabilities, and I expect Ninja Theory will improve a lot in their next game.
Sound
Some beautiful music during the game. The sound is what you would expect from a great title. Lots of bashing, yelling screaming, noises of explosions all very well done - but the best is the introduction music.
Gameplay
The gameplay is quite simple. My wife liked the motion control. In fact - this is the only part of the game that she would play. The oldest daughter, loves hack 'em and slash 'em games. So she enjoyed this a lot. But for my wife - all she wanted to do is play Kai with the arrows and the motion controls.
What I did not like is the combos. The combos made the game too linear. For example - some of the scenes you just follow a number of on screen hints. No gameplay - just how fast you can respond to some on screen hints. Spiderman 3 does the same thing - and it irritates the hell out of me.
All in all the game played OK, but the replay value was limited. Some of the boss games was just stupid. You make three hits, on the fourth one you will get hit, so you leave the boss alone to hit and miss you, and you repeat the same sequence. This was for me the one part that irritated me the most of the game. The skill level seemed to come down at how well you can count how many times you hit before moving away and repeat the sequence.
Story
The story was what you expect of some mythical story about a sword that the bad guy really wanted. You play this beautiful girl, fighting thousands of baddies, whose power increases, and then the sword moves become more powerful as the game progresses.
But Kai - the little girl sidekick was just beautiful. Of the whole game she was the character that really got under your skin. Not the bad ass sex bomb heroine - the small girl who eats worms and shoot arrows. Just a cute face, clearly wacky girl, but one that you just want to see running around laughing and playing.
The story becomes weirder and weirder - the bosses become more strange as the game goes on.
Overall Impressions
I liked the game at times. But it is not a game that I will play over and over again. The end level bosses was not that good in terms of enjoying the fight. For great animation and great graphics with a great music score the effort that went into the game is obvious. The cut scenes, the atmosphere and style is evident. But the gameplay really let the game down for me in many places. Being forced to watch the cut scene before playing every time you restart was a bit annoying. But the cut scenes was great to watch.
How much did my kids play this?
This section I add in to let you know in "real life" how enjoyable this game was. My kids loved the game at the start - but guess what - after a few days with it, they went back to playing Lego Star Wars (PS2), Ratchet & Clank (PS2) and Simcity (PC). So for replay value - Lego Star Wars and R&C for PS2 beats this one out. By miles.
My overall impression:
This Gen Score 5/10
Previous Gen Score 7.5/10
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